Making a return to New York, the Flashpoint accelerator program at the Georgia Institute of Technology will show off 14 startups this afternoon at a demo day hosted at the offices of Union Square Ventures. Back in January, Flashpoint made its first appearance in Manhattan with a demo day that introduced these Atlanta-based startups not … Continue reading “Flashpoint Brings More Atlanta Startups to NY for a Demo Day”
Author: João-Pierre S. Ruth
After more than thirteen years as a business reporter in New Jersey, João-Pierre S. Ruth joined the ranks of Xconomy serving first as a correspondent and then as editor for its New York City branch. Earlier in his career he covered telecom players such as Verizon Wireless, device makers such as Samsung, and developers of organic LED technology such as Universal Display Corp.
João-Pierre earned his bachelor’s in English from Rutgers University.
Flybridge Capital Expands New York Office, Keeps Boston Roots
After investing in New York startups such as social targeting technology company 33Across, database software developer 10gen, and social media management system developer tracx, Boston’s Flybridge Capital Partners quietly set up an office on Broadway in February, led by general partner David Aronoff. On Monday Flybridge said it sent Matt Witheiler, a principal with the … Continue reading “Flybridge Capital Expands New York Office, Keeps Boston Roots”
Tapjoy, at NY Games Conference, Sees More Ads Coming to Mobile Games
Much like other contagious apps, mobile games can spread quickly through the populace with the right buzz. However, turning that attention into dollar signs can be elusive. Developers might try to charge players who want to download mobile games, but let’s be realistic—not every game is going to sell like Angry Birds, even at just … Continue reading “Tapjoy, at NY Games Conference, Sees More Ads Coming to Mobile Games”
EBay Acquires Pinterest-style Curation Platform Svpply
E-commerce giant eBay (Nasdaq: [[ticker:EBAY]]) in San Francisco said in a blog post Thursday it has acquired New York-based startup Svpply for undisclosed terms. Svpply, which once hailed from Boston, uses bookmarklets to daily curate a collection of some 3,000 stylish products such as apparel, accessories, and gadgets from around the Web. It is kind … Continue reading “EBay Acquires Pinterest-style Curation Platform Svpply”
TriPlay Thinks It Can Outmaneuver Apple iCloud in Sharing Across Devices
Everyone seems to want a piece of the cloud storage-action these days, making it a challenge to stand out. Apple iCloud and Google Drive are two of the better-known file sharing services in use today, but New York’s TriPlay says its technology offers access and flexibility its rivals have yet to match. With a recent … Continue reading “TriPlay Thinks It Can Outmaneuver Apple iCloud in Sharing Across Devices”
One Year after Being Acquired, Hipcricket at Core of Augme’s Strategy
There can be a lot of noise in the advertising scene in New York, which overflows with players scrambling for dominance—especially on the mobile front. Mobile marketing and advertising services company Hipcricket, a transplant from the Seattle area, continues to grow in spite of mounting competition. Hipcricket barged into this crowded landscape one year ago … Continue reading “One Year after Being Acquired, Hipcricket at Core of Augme’s Strategy”
Jun Group CTO Fears Salary Bubble Pushing Tech Sector to the Brink
Concerns about a rising shortage of developers and engineers may be driving somewhat unrealistic expectations among entry-level tech hires. And that will make it all that more difficult for small companies to lure in talent. David Wood, chief technology officer for Jun Group in New York, says his company—the developer of an opt-in, social video … Continue reading “Jun Group CTO Fears Salary Bubble Pushing Tech Sector to the Brink”
Hukkster Brings Its Bookmarklets for Finding Discounts to E-commerce
Consumers may shrug these days when e-mails for deals and sales clog their inboxes, seeing as the Web is inundated with such offers. New York startup Hukkster believes it can help shoppers pinpoint the products they really want, with a “bookmarklet” service that alerts its users when prices drop on specific items they want to … Continue reading “Hukkster Brings Its Bookmarklets for Finding Discounts to E-commerce”
New York: First Stop for a Micro-Invasion of British Startups?
Brits obviously are no strangers when it comes to crossing the Atlantic. But the choice of New York may seem a touch counterintuitive as a place for overseas startups to plant their flags. New York is eager to attract more developers, designers, and engineers, whose ranks are deeper in Silicon Valley. However, Manhattan does have … Continue reading “New York: First Stop for a Micro-Invasion of British Startups?”
3-D Vision Brings New Dimensions to 2-D TV, Even The Wizard of Oz
The pitch for 3-D video in the home has yet to be embraced by the majority of consumers, but a Westbury, NY-based innovator believes his technology can jumpstart demand. Gene Dolgoff, CEO of 3-D Vision, developed a way to turn two-dimensional video content into 3-D imagery without the need for new televisions. Though his converter … Continue reading “3-D Vision Brings New Dimensions to 2-D TV, Even The Wizard of Oz”
Chalkable Brings Apps, including Khan Academy Math, to Classrooms
With the fall semester just a bell ring away, educators and students will be faced with an onslaught of apps and software competing for spots in their computer desktops. New York’s Chalkable, a recent grad from the 500 Startups accelerator program, believes it can bring order to the crowded education technology space. Chalkable plans to … Continue reading “Chalkable Brings Apps, including Khan Academy Math, to Classrooms”
Xconomist of the Week: Habib Kairouz Foresees a Valuation Correction
A perhaps overused idiom in technology news is to proclaim that the latest bubble is about to burst. While there have been flashy stories about the rise and stumblings of some high profile startups, Habib Kairouz, a managing partner with venture capital firm Rho Ventures in New York, says he believes the market is entering … Continue reading “Xconomist of the Week: Habib Kairouz Foresees a Valuation Correction”
MeeGenius Leads Crowded Field of Interactive E-book Apps for Kids
Teaching children how to read often calls for a bit of demonstration to help them understand how words should sound and what they look like. A bevy of companies with e-reader apps want their share of the growing market of young readers, and MeeGenius in New York believes it can stand out by combining narration … Continue reading “MeeGenius Leads Crowded Field of Interactive E-book Apps for Kids”
SponsorHub Plays Matchmaker Between Brands and the Events They Fund
Step into most trade shows and it is easy to spot the companies that ponied up lots of cash to plaster their names all over the events. Putting a brand in front of the wrong audience, however, can be a costly waste. SponsorHub in New York has stepped in with an online marketplace to eliminate … Continue reading “SponsorHub Plays Matchmaker Between Brands and the Events They Fund”
Dreamit Ventures Unveils Summer Batch of Startups in New York
Today 15 companies due to graduate from the Dreamit Ventures business accelerator in New York will pitch their ideas to an expected audience of some 400, which includes potential investors and alumni of the program. Dreamit Ventures, a pre-seed stage venture firm based in Bryn Mawr, PA, runs its accelerator programs in Philadelphia in the … Continue reading “Dreamit Ventures Unveils Summer Batch of Startups in New York”
Offerpop Gives Marketers Tools to Leverage Facebook and Twitter
Marketers are eager to know what users of Facebook and Twitter are interested in so they can get an inside track on how to pitch them more effectively. Enter Offerpop. The New York-based company has developed a platform that lets marketers create brand campaigns on those popular social networks, as well as to gather information … Continue reading “Offerpop Gives Marketers Tools to Leverage Facebook and Twitter”
TechStars Grad Lua Technologies Gets $2.5M from IA Ventures, Angels
New York’s Lua Technologies says it closed on a $2.5 million seed round Wednesday, led by Roger Ehrenberg’s IA Ventures. Lua, a graduate of this spring’s NYC TechStars class, developed a communication and collaboration platform geared for teams of workers who are constantly on the go. Angel investors participating in the seed round include Aaron … Continue reading “TechStars Grad Lua Technologies Gets $2.5M from IA Ventures, Angels”
Universal Display Mines for Opportunities in Fujifilm OLED Patents
In a move to beef up its opportunities, Universal Display Corp. (NASDAQ: [[ticker:PANL]]) in Ewing, NJ plunked down $105 million last week to grab more than 1,200 patents and patent applications for organic LED technology from Fujifilm. Organic LED—OLED for short—is a technology used to create new types of light sources as well as ultrathin … Continue reading “Universal Display Mines for Opportunities in Fujifilm OLED Patents”
Fred Wilson and Dave McClure Talk Apple, Google Tablet Battles
When Dave McClure, founding partner of startup incubator 500 Startups, visits New York he typically tries to stir up the innovation community. Last night was no different. At the tail end of the one-day Smash Summit, McClure brought Fred Wilson, managing partner of Union Square Ventures on stage to chat about what gets each of … Continue reading “Fred Wilson and Dave McClure Talk Apple, Google Tablet Battles”
Tout’d Puts $1.4M Seed Round toward Updating Recommendation Platform
A plethora of apps and websites try to help users figure out where to shop and eat but New York-based Tout’d believes it has trumped its rivals by focusing on what friends rather than strangers recommend. This month the company announced it raised $1.4 million in a seed round led by Warner Hill Angels. The … Continue reading “Tout’d Puts $1.4M Seed Round toward Updating Recommendation Platform”
Vook Puts E-Book Publishing Power in More Hands
Just one year after moving from San Francisco to New York, Vook is enhancing its cloud-based e-book publishing platform this week. Vook, which has made its name by enabling non-techie types to publish their work electronically, is now rolling out features such as an HTML5-based reader that will let many tablets and smartphones pull up … Continue reading “Vook Puts E-Book Publishing Power in More Hands”
Have New York Startups Matured Enough to Train Interns for Tech Jobs?
The crop of companies being born in New York and relocating here has revived the city’s entrepreneurial spirit with the potential to transform the economy. Projects such as Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan to establish an engineering campus on Roosevelt Island could help populate the city with more tech-savvy people, but that is still years in … Continue reading “Have New York Startups Matured Enough to Train Interns for Tech Jobs?”
Mark Cuban-backed Condition One Zooms in on New Angles in Video
As much as the camera-loving public enjoys capturing the moment in video, the proverbial “big picture” often gets lost. Sure, there’s a focal point in every scene, but the context of the surroundings may be cut off when played back. Condition One, a graduate of this spring’s TechStars NYC class, developed a platform that can … Continue reading “Mark Cuban-backed Condition One Zooms in on New Angles in Video”
Flash Sale Site Totsy Plans to Use New Funds to Reach More Customers
The crowded field of private flash sale websites makes it hard to stand out, but New York’s Totsy plans to get ahead of the pack by focusing on parents looking for deals on baby products and other wares. The two-and-a-half-year-old company announced today it has raised $18.5 million in Series B funding led by previous … Continue reading “Flash Sale Site Totsy Plans to Use New Funds to Reach More Customers”
PrePlay Pushes Games for Sports Predictions to TV’s “Second Screen”
Sports will always be a huge draw for entertainment dollars, so it is no surprise that a bevy of software and platform developers want their share of this market. Many large media companies and independents crank out apps for fantasy sports leagues. PrePlay, a two-year-old startup based in New York, has adopted a different strategy … Continue reading “PrePlay Pushes Games for Sports Predictions to TV’s “Second Screen””
MyPod Studios is Choosy about Picking Online Videos for Its Platform
With the Web swamped by a morass of puerile videos of cats at play and the like, New York-based startup MyPod Studios has set out to build a digital oasis for viewers who are selective about what they watch. CEO Jay Miletsky says his platform only hosts content that he and the staff decide are … Continue reading “MyPod Studios is Choosy about Picking Online Videos for Its Platform”
E-tailer Inubar, Founded by Lot18 Alums, Debuts in Pet Wares Sector
Pet owners who dote on their four-legged companions have a new e-tailer to peruse, now that New York startup Inubar has come out of stealth mode today. Inubar offers a selection of aesthetically designed products and is initially focusing on toys, bedding, and accessories for dogs. New items will be added each week. Websites that … Continue reading “E-tailer Inubar, Founded by Lot18 Alums, Debuts in Pet Wares Sector”
Hybrid Vs. Native: Viggle, New York Times Talk Mobile App Strategy
A potentially more versatile breed of mobile app is catching the attention of startups and more established companies alike, but the technology has not won over everyone. Hybrid apps seek to blend the flexibility found in HTML5-based Web apps with traditional, native mobile apps into one platform. That serves the needs of Viggle, (OTCBB: [[ticker:FNCX]]), … Continue reading “Hybrid Vs. Native: Viggle, New York Times Talk Mobile App Strategy”
ShopKeep Leverages iPad to Disrupt Point-of-Sale System Incumbents
The way retailers handle purchases is changing rapidly because of electronic payments, New York-based ShopKeep is betting it can help push this evolution even further. The so-called point of sale is no longer limited to traditional cash registers built around PC-based hardware and software. Companies such as startup Own Point of Sale in San Francisco … Continue reading “ShopKeep Leverages iPad to Disrupt Point-of-Sale System Incumbents”
David Tisch and Others See Opportunities, Caveats with Kickstarter
The federal JOBS Act will make it easier for novice investors to use crowdfunding platforms to make actual equity investments in startups, rather than just donating money, as they can now through sites like Kickstarter. But with any crowdfunded project, there are some concerns to watch out for, according to David Tisch, managing director of … Continue reading “David Tisch and Others See Opportunities, Caveats with Kickstarter”
Todacell Helps Brands Curate Mobile Ads, Helps Itself to More Cash
As the advertising industry marches deeper into the wireless frontier, getting the most out of mobile devices becomes more crucial for marketers. New York-based Todacell has developed an ad network platform that can help marketers pick the right mobile ads to catch the attention of individual consumers, no matter what smartphone or tablet they are … Continue reading “Todacell Helps Brands Curate Mobile Ads, Helps Itself to More Cash”
Primus Green Energy Primes Its Pumps to Make High Octane Bio-Gasoline
Weaning the country off its addiction to petroleum is a lofty dream many renewable fuel companies undertake. Last Friday, the folks at Hillsborough, NJ-based Primus Green Energy revealed their plans to ease our reliance on traditional gasoline, as it opened the doors to its demo plant. The eleven-year-old company developed technology that coverts biomass, such … Continue reading “Primus Green Energy Primes Its Pumps to Make High Octane Bio-Gasoline”
First Round Capital’s Chris Fralic Tunes into Digital Music Startups
Picking the right startup in the digital media world to back can be a challenge even for an investor with Chris Fralic’s experience in the technology arena. Fralic, a partner at the New York office of First Round Capital, spoke on Tuesday at the New Music Seminar’s tech summit held near Union Square. While he … Continue reading “First Round Capital’s Chris Fralic Tunes into Digital Music Startups”
Five Questions for Syncapse CEO Michael Scissons On Buying Clickable
The growing demand to provide information to companies about how effectively they are reaching customers on the Web is driving consolidation among tech companies that provide such insight. The latest example of such deal-making happened last week, when Toronto’s Syncapse announced it acquired—for an undisclosed sum—New York-based Clickable, a social and search ad management platform. … Continue reading “Five Questions for Syncapse CEO Michael Scissons On Buying Clickable”
ESPN, PepsiCo, Billboard, and American Express Talk Partnering with Startups
It is no secret that finding a big company to work with can give a startup a boost that lands them more business and credibility. No matter how novel a platform or technology is, when a major client or partner comes onboard the market takes more notice. Startup Weekend brought together a panel of executives … Continue reading “ESPN, PepsiCo, Billboard, and American Express Talk Partnering with Startups”
Mail.ru’s Dmitry Grishin Launches Fund in New York for Robotics
When the head of one of Russia’s largest Internet companies starts investing in technology, the impact can be felt across continents. Today Dmitry Grishin, CEO and chairman of Mail.ru, announced the launch of Grishin Robotics, a New York-based investment fund focused on backing next generation technology in robotics. With Mail.ru—a popular Russian portal for e-mail, … Continue reading “Mail.ru’s Dmitry Grishin Launches Fund in New York for Robotics”
TechStars NYC Spring Class Demos Their Ideas for Investors
A fresh batch of TechStars graduates held their demo day in New York today to show off ideas they believe can change how we shop, watch videos, invest in local businesses, and even move to new homes. The spring class of 13 startups pitched their platforms and technology to a full house at Webster Hall. … Continue reading “TechStars NYC Spring Class Demos Their Ideas for Investors”
Venture for America Unveils First Fellows Bound for Detroit, Other Cities
Venture for America believes that attracting talented college graduates to cities grappling with unemployment may help jumpstart those local economies, and now it’s moving forward with its mission to do just that. Last night the New York-based nonprofit debuted its first class of 41 fellows and the companies they will work for across country. Ten … Continue reading “Venture for America Unveils First Fellows Bound for Detroit, Other Cities”
DramaFever Digs Up $1.5M More to Distribute Global TV Shows
New York’s DramaFever announced today it raised another $1.5 million with backing from AMC Networks, NALA Investments, Bertelsmann Digital Media, and others. This is in addition to the $4.5 million the Internet TV startup raised in March in a round led by MK Capital. Seung Bak, a co-founder of DramaFever, says the latest funding helped … Continue reading “DramaFever Digs Up $1.5M More to Distribute Global TV Shows”
Q&A: Group Commerce Plans Hires, European Growth with $21M Funding
Years ago it might have seemed strange to see publishers and media companies getting into e-commerce, but New York-based Group Commerce is helping them do just that these days. Working with players such as The New York Times, Thrillist, and DailyCandy, Group Commerce offers content publishers a platform to bring in more cash with deals … Continue reading “Q&A: Group Commerce Plans Hires, European Growth with $21M Funding”
GetTaxi Grabs $20M from Access Industries, Catches a Ride to New York
An Israeli startup is bringing its Web and mobile app to the United States to help people who are tired of waving, whistling, and dancing around to hail cabs in busy cities. GetTaxi announced today it raised $20 million, largely a follow-on investment from Access Industries, to help put its app to work in New … Continue reading “GetTaxi Grabs $20M from Access Industries, Catches a Ride to New York”
Salesforce.com Buys Buddy Media for $690M, Plans to Augment Radian6
In an effort to beef up its cloud-based social marketing services, San Francisco’s Salesforce.com (NYSE: [[ticker:CRM]]) announced today it acquired New York’s Buddy Media for nearly $690 million in cash, stock, and options. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said during a conference call the deal is the largest acquisition to date for his company and is expected to … Continue reading “Salesforce.com Buys Buddy Media for $690M, Plans to Augment Radian6”
Merchant Exchange Tries Exclusivity as Hook in Daily Deals
While the luster fades on some daily deals and rewards programs, a New York-based startup is trying to set itself apart from rivals in this market by essentially being less social. Merchant Exchange is a website that connects consumers to deals. But what makes it different is the merchants do not broadcast the same deals … Continue reading “Merchant Exchange Tries Exclusivity as Hook in Daily Deals”
Google+ Local Replaces Google Places, Adds Zagat Rankings
Today Google launched its new Google+ Local service replacing the version of Google Places used by consumers with features that include the rating system developed by its New York-based Zagat subsidiary. The service curates recommendations on places to visit from users’ Google+ friends, as well as reviews drawn from others. Avni Shah, Google’s director of … Continue reading “Google+ Local Replaces Google Places, Adds Zagat Rankings”
Q&A: Deloitte Finds More Ways to Connect with Digital Startups
As the crop of startups continues to grow, particularly in digital media, consulting and financial advisory firm Deloitte is working do more than just introduce innovators to potential investors. So Deloitte has been co-sponsoring the Digital Media Center (DMC) group to bring together New York startups from the digital media arena and venture capitalists. And … Continue reading “Q&A: Deloitte Finds More Ways to Connect with Digital Startups”
Twitter’s Former CTO Talks About Joining CornellNYC Tech
Greg Pass is bringing more technology “street cred” to the team that is establishing the applied science and engineering campus on Roosevelt Island in New York. The former chief technology officer of Twitter on Wednesday was named the founding entrepreneurial officer for CornellNYC Tech, a $2 billion school to be built in the city. The … Continue reading “Twitter’s Former CTO Talks About Joining CornellNYC Tech”
MakeDirect Turns $2M Series A Round from DFJ into a Fresh Start
Taking another crack at building a company, Duy Huynh thinks MakeDirect, his latest New York-based startup, can scale up quickly by breaking old traditions in manufacturing. The company’s e-commerce site lets consumers buy furniture direct from the factory, but moreover, Huynh is shaking up his own strategy to exploit opportunities for growth. MakeDirect’s site launched … Continue reading “MakeDirect Turns $2M Series A Round from DFJ into a Fresh Start”
Google Makes Room for Cornell Engineering Campus at its NY Offices
The $2 billion applied science and engineering college campus planned for New York is still years away from opening its doors, but Google stepped in today to give the project a head start. Google CEO Larry Page hit the city this morning to announce his company would let CornellNYC Tech occupy 22,000 square feet at … Continue reading “Google Makes Room for Cornell Engineering Campus at its NY Offices”
Investors Talk Disruption in Digital Music at Internet Week New York
At a time when companies such as Pandora and Songza are trying to change the way listeners discover music, some hurdles continue to stand in the way of the industry’s evolution. In a relatively short timespan, music has graduated from digital downloads to live streams curated for listeners’ individual tastes. The pace of change may … Continue reading “Investors Talk Disruption in Digital Music at Internet Week New York”
Ensequence Looks to Keep Consumers Glued to TV Shows and Ads
With each new generation of television, broadcasters and marketers look for fresh ways to keep the audience invested in what they are watching. These days it is not unheard of for TV viewers to see discreet messages appear in the margins of their screens during broadcasts. If they click on these messages, marketing material or … Continue reading “Ensequence Looks to Keep Consumers Glued to TV Shows and Ads”