In Search of Capital, San Diego Taking Startups on Roadshows to VCs

Venture capital and rainfall have always been in relatively short supply in San Diego. Yet somehow this semi-arid region has managed to grow and even thrive as a center of life sciences, technology, and cleantech innovation. Now, as part of a broader strategic initiative, some of the nonprofit organizations that helped establish San Diego as … Continue reading “In Search of Capital, San Diego Taking Startups on Roadshows to VCs”

Akili Interactive Seeks to Make Video Games That Heal, Not Harm

I’m no expert on video games, having only recently discovered the time-wasting phenomenon Angry Birds on my iPad. Like a lot of people, my general impression is that excessive use of video games is probably at least partly to blame for a bunch of neurological and behavioral problems, starting with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in kids. But … Continue reading “Akili Interactive Seeks to Make Video Games That Heal, Not Harm”

5 Things to Watch at Mobile Madness: Mobile Mafia, Facebook’s Future, & More

Mobile Madness is here at last. Xconomy’s fourth annual mobile conference is set for today at 1 pm, at Microsoft NERD in Kendall Square, Cambridge. The event is sold out with a sizable waiting list that we are trying to manage as you read this. We are looking forward to an unprecedented crowd and a … Continue reading “5 Things to Watch at Mobile Madness: Mobile Mafia, Facebook’s Future, & More”

MedMinder Systems Lands $850,000 New Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=2a62b7aa-9e80-47b1-bc36-389cc3269597&Preview=1 Date 3/14/2012 Company Name MedMinder Systems Mailing Address 716 Beacon St Newton, MA 02459 Company Description MedMinder Systems Inc. provides services that simplify medication management and improve medication adherence. Website http://www.medminder.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $850,000 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were not disclosed. SEC regulatory filing. … Continue reading “MedMinder Systems Lands $850,000 New Round”

Kala Pharmaceuticals Lands $6,200,000 Seed Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=9a49e76e-bef0-40e6-b293-66c7312b8ccd&Preview=1 Date 3/14/2012 Company Name Kala Pharmaceuticals Mailing Address 135 Beaver St. Waltham, MA 02452 Company Description Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company founded upon a proprietary drug delivery technology. By utilizing this unique technology, Kala aims to address unmet therapeutic needs of various diseases and conditions in a fundamentally novel … Continue reading “Kala Pharmaceuticals Lands $6,200,000 Seed Round”

Adelphic Mobile Secures $2,000,000 Seed Financing Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=2fd22731-f772-41ba-866b-7cdab4c74029&Preview=1 Date 3/14/2012 Company Name Adelphic Mobile Mailing Address 36 Fairbanks Road Lexington, MA 02421 Company Description Adelphic Mobile enables efficient buying and selling of targeted mobile media at scale through our powerful and intelligent Predictive Data Platform™. Website http://www.adelphic.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $2,000,000 Transaction Round Seed Proceeds Purposes … Continue reading “Adelphic Mobile Secures $2,000,000 Seed Financing Round”

Ecochlor Obtains $4,105,989 New Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=74041083-8546-42f8-9050-9a541af5dad1&Preview=1 Date 3/14/2012 Company Name Ecochlor Mailing Address 14 Nason Street Maynard, MA 01754 Company Description Ecochlor, Inc. has developed proprietary ballast water treatment systems that have been specifically designed to safely and economically eliminate the worldwide transfer of aquatic invasive species. Website http://www.ecochlor.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $4,105,989 Transaction … Continue reading “Ecochlor Obtains $4,105,989 New Round”

Apperian, Exinda, Adelphic, & More Boston-Area Dealmakers

Here’s a mix of New England tech and life sciences fundings we’ve tracked down over the last week. —Apperian, a Boston-based company focused on enterprise mobile app management, has added $12.4 million in financing to its pot. The money comes from return investors North Bridge Venture Partners, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers’ iFund, Bessemer Venture … Continue reading “Apperian, Exinda, Adelphic, & More Boston-Area Dealmakers”

LoseIt, With 10M+ Users, Looks to Turn Weight Loss App Into Big Business

Want to lose weight fast? Try eating a little less, and exercising a little more. But if that fails, go mobile. As in, try LoseIt, a mobile app that helps you keep track of your diet and exercise so you can shed those extra pounds. You won’t be alone: the free app has more than … Continue reading “LoseIt, With 10M+ Users, Looks to Turn Weight Loss App Into Big Business”

A Seussian Guide to BioPharma

Years ago, pharma’s rep was grand, Selling drugs throughout the land. Many different problems mended, Diseases treated, lives extended. Sulfa drugs, antibiotics, Pain-relieving strong narcotics. A high point before the age of genes, Were Salk and Sabin’s new vaccines. Profit margins super high, Income more than “getting by”. As a group, they were admired, Nowadays, … Continue reading “A Seussian Guide to BioPharma”

Itaconix Garners $1,150,000 New Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=65187108-38fe-4e48-b4c0-419a306d15e1&Preview=1 Date 3/13/2012 Company Name Itaconix Mailing Address 36 Littleworth Dover, NH 03820 Company Description Itaconix is a green technology company developing, manufacturing and marketing environmentally friendly polymers derived from renewable resources. Website http://www.itaconix.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $1,150,000 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were not disclosed. SEC … Continue reading “Itaconix Garners $1,150,000 New Round”

Apperian Garners $12,400,000 New Financing Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=49b48912-0e32-4720-b31f-9d1080cbc35f&Preview=1 Date 3/13/2012 Company Name Apperian Mailing Address 321 Summer Street First Floor Boston, MA 02210 Company Description Apperian currently makes enterprise-class iPhone applications for large companies seeking to engage consumers in new, innovative ways and enhance productivity among their employees and partners. Website http://www.apperian.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $12,400,000 … Continue reading “Apperian Garners $12,400,000 New Financing Round”

How to Mentor So That It Means Something

There’s something magical happening in Boston right now, and it’s going to make history. Like many startup scenes, Boston’s is truly exploding, vibrant with passionate founders and bold teams, backed by a fresh crop of seed funds and experienced venture capitalists. But this isn’t merely a rehash of the late ’90s or early 2000s. This … Continue reading “How to Mentor So That It Means Something”

Report from RSA 2012: Mobility, Big Data, and Chinese Handbag Extortion

It’s the time of year for some of the tech industry’s biggest conferences—South by Southwest Interactive, Mobile World Congress, Launch, to name a few—but one notable expo didn’t stir up as much of a tweet storm as the others. That probably means it’s more important, in the grand scheme of things. The RSA Conference in … Continue reading “Report from RSA 2012: Mobility, Big Data, and Chinese Handbag Extortion”

Korrio, Led by Former Isilon CEO, Seeks Fortune in Youth Sports

Are you sick of platforms yet? I know I am. But I’m not sick of sports. Hence, let’s talk about Korrio, a sports-automation software company that has an interesting bicoastal story. Korrio is based in Seattle, but one of its biggest markets is Massachusetts. Specifically, Massachusetts youth soccer clubs. The Bay State is “sports crazy,” … Continue reading “Korrio, Led by Former Isilon CEO, Seeks Fortune in Youth Sports”

AIDS Drugs Were the Start. Let’s See More FDA Accelerated Approvals

There’s been a lot of talk in biotech lately about the need for reforms at the FDA, to make it run faster and more predictably. One idea is taking shape in a bill starting to move through Congress. And at least at first glance, it looks like it’s based on good common sense. The idea … Continue reading “AIDS Drugs Were the Start. Let’s See More FDA Accelerated Approvals”

Crowdfunding: The Train to the Future Is Leaving—Get on Board

It has been a whirlwind last few days in the crowd-funding world. For those of you who have not yet tuned in to this, there is legislation afoot, backed by the President and (so far) the House, that would enable, in effect, mini- IPOs as a way to fund startups. Forget everything you know about … Continue reading “Crowdfunding: The Train to the Future Is Leaving—Get on Board”

Ping4 Receives $1,140,020 New Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=f301761e-7404-46b8-828f-aa86adf8f84e&Preview=1 Date 3/10/2012 Company Name Ping4 Mailing Address 20 Cotton Road Nashua, NH 03063 Company Description Ping4 is the revolutionary new mobile messaging platform that pushes real-time alerts and rich content to your smartphone based on your location, preferences, or proximity to your favorite stores. Best of all, it’s free. Website http://www.ping4.com … Continue reading “Ping4 Receives $1,140,020 New Round”

The Lytro Camera Is Revolutionary, But It’s No iPhone

The inventors and investors behind the Lytro, the hot new “light field” camera that creates refocusable digital photos, are trying to have it both ways. They’re arguing that their new camera, which sells for $399-$499, will revolutionize consumer photography in the near term by freeing people from shutter delays and the need to focus their … Continue reading “The Lytro Camera Is Revolutionary, But It’s No iPhone”

Cerahelix Lands $255,000 New Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=36669fb8-ffba-45fc-93d2-24499b7db0d4&Preview=1 Date 3/9/2012 Company Name Cerahelix Mailing Address 20 Godfrey Drive Orono, ME 04473 Company Description Cerahelix is developing the helix-NFM nanofiltration membrane to meet the world’s growing need for increased access to clean, fresh drinking water. Website http://www.cerahelix.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $255,000 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds … Continue reading “Cerahelix Lands $255,000 New Financing”

NeuroPhage Pharmaceuticals Obtains $9,000,000 Series B Funding

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=3f9b4d97-9e7b-4607-9d71-a58eccc9a0c2&Preview=1 Date 3/9/2012 Company Name NeuroPhage Pharmaceuticals Mailing Address 222 3rd St. Cambridge, MA 02142 Company Description NeuroPhage is developing a breakthrough protein dissaggregation platform for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Our lead Alzheimer’s disease (AD) drug candidate, NPT001, safely and effectively dissaggregates existing Aß plaque in preclinical animal models, which is unique … Continue reading “NeuroPhage Pharmaceuticals Obtains $9,000,000 Series B Funding”

New England’s Emerging Biotech Stars: The Agenda

We’re just a month away from our next big biotech event in Boston, New England’s Emerging Biotech Stars. We have a stellar lineup planned for this afternoon event, which will be held April 4 at Biogen Idec in Cambridge, MA. Today we’re rolling out the official agenda for this exciting half-day conference. We’ll hear from … Continue reading “New England’s Emerging Biotech Stars: The Agenda”

SavingStar, Exinda, & NeuroPhage: A Trio of Boston Startup Deals

Things have been pretty quiet around Boston in terms of financing deals. Until today. Here are three decent-size funding rounds just announced, across the very disparate sectors of digital coupons, networking tech, and brain diseases (yeah, I do some neuro too): —SavingStar, a digital grocery coupon service based in Waltham, MA, has raised $9 million … Continue reading “SavingStar, Exinda, & NeuroPhage: A Trio of Boston Startup Deals”

Angels Favored Healthcare & Internet, With Bigger Rounds in 2011

Each time new private investing data comes out, it seems like it’s another chance for California to show its dominance. That’s the case with the Halo Report, but this particular report also reveals some interesting trends in angel investing. Put together by the Angel Resource Institute, Silicon Valley Bank, and the data services firm CB Insights, … Continue reading “Angels Favored Healthcare & Internet, With Bigger Rounds in 2011”

An Opportunity for Congress to Vote for Job Creation

Congressional leaders of both parties have a short-term opportunity to come together in rare bipartisan fashion and get on the right side of American economic growth and job creation. With the House expected to pass a bill this week that would temporarily ease regulatory requirements related to young, high growth companies filing for an initial … Continue reading “An Opportunity for Congress to Vote for Job Creation”

Sramana Mitra Combats Infant Entrepreneur Mortality

Investor Stewart Alsop has called San Francisco Xconomist Sramana Mitra “a symbol of everything that is great about America: a geek, an entrepreneur, an immigrant, a leader.” He could have added “prolific writer”: Mitra is the author of a blog and five books, as well as three years’ worth of Forbes columns. Throughout these writings, … Continue reading “Sramana Mitra Combats Infant Entrepreneur Mortality”

4s3, With $20M in Tow, Pursues Route for Delivering Drugs to Muscle

If you ask 4s3 Bioscience CEO Timothy Harris what the name of his Medford, MA startup signifies, you won’t get much of an enthusiastic response. It’s not a play on words or reference to the company’s scientific platform, but rather “it’s just the name we ended up with,” Harris admits. But ask him about the … Continue reading “4s3, With $20M in Tow, Pursues Route for Delivering Drugs to Muscle”

Exinda Networks Receives $12,000,000 Series B Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=5f125f88-ee94-4d00-b724-e197940ddc79&Preview=1 Date 3/8/2012 Company Name Exinda Networks Mailing Address 300 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 Company Description Exinda Networks is a leading global supplier of high quality network performance optimization and monitoring systems. Exinda’s products offer network data optimization, traffic reporting and application acceleration that allow enterprises to ensure its network operation … Continue reading “Exinda Networks Receives $12,000,000 Series B Round”

GE Healthcare Acquires Xcellerex for Undisclosed Sum

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=350e55eb-ebf3-4715-a986-b3d7914986fc&Preview=1 Date 3/8/2012 Company Name Xcellerex Mailing Address 170 Locke Drive Marlborough, MA 01752 Company Description Xcellerex is revolutionizing the way biomolecules are developed, manufactured and commercialized. Xcellerex is built around a unique biomanufacturing platform that features the innovative application of single-use component technology. Website http://www.xcellerex.com Transaction Type M&A Transaction Amount Undisclosed … Continue reading “GE Healthcare Acquires Xcellerex for Undisclosed Sum”

Kolltan Pharmaceuticals Obtains $25,000,000 New Financing Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=e055984e-af6f-49ee-b118-3835787cd2b4&Preview=1 Date 3/8/2012 Company Name Kolltan Pharmaceuticals Mailing Address 300 George St New Haven, CT 06511 Company Description Kolltan is a development-stage company advancing therapeutics that target well-defined and validated molecular mechanisms of disease in areas of critical clinical need. Website http://www.kolltan.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $25,000,000 Transaction Round Undisclosed … Continue reading “Kolltan Pharmaceuticals Obtains $25,000,000 New Financing Round”

SavingStar Lands $9,000,000 Series C Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=662b5ef5-4b31-408e-8247-7fb1664072b7&Preview=1 Date 3/8/2012 Company Name SavingStar Mailing Address 400-1 Totten Pond Road Waltham, MA 02451 Company Description SavingStar enables consumer packaged goods brands and retailers to promote their products and services to all consumers through fully digital promotion, distribution, and rewards fulfillment. In addition to providing Upromise Grocery, a program through which … Continue reading “SavingStar Lands $9,000,000 Series C Round”

Don’t Read Tech Blogs: 10 Ideas from Backupify’s Rob May

You might know him as the founder and CEO of Backupify, one of the fast-growing technology startups around Boston. I know him as a guy who speaks his mind about many a tech topic. And that makes him a fine happy hour companion. Rob May is a Kentucky transplant and a recent example of fresh … Continue reading “Don’t Read Tech Blogs: 10 Ideas from Backupify’s Rob May”

How Biogen Idec Overhauled R&D Under Doug Williams

Biogen Idec took heat for years from shareholders who accused it of bumbling in the R&D department. But a little over a year ago, the Weston, MA-based biotech company (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]) brought in a new guy to run research and development, and—presto!—a few months later the new product engine was perceived as world-class once again. … Continue reading “How Biogen Idec Overhauled R&D Under Doug Williams”

BG Medicine, Bottomline, 4s3 Bioscience Among the Week’s Dealmakers

Partnership news, funding announcements, and an acquisition made up the New England deals news in the past week. —Concert Pharmaceuticals sold a worldwide license of its psychiatric drug to California-based Avanir Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AVNR]]). The Lexington, MA-based biotech received an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible for more than $200 million in additional sales and … Continue reading “BG Medicine, Bottomline, 4s3 Bioscience Among the Week’s Dealmakers”

Aponia Laboratories Receives $460,000 New Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=1142c181-5243-4355-b93f-18c660c2112c&Preview=1 Date 3/7/2012 Company Name Aponia Laboratories Mailing Address 67 Orchard Place Greenwich, CT 06830 Company Description Aponia Laboratories, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company that produces a series of clinically proven prescription pain relief products. Website Undisclosed Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $460,000 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were … Continue reading “Aponia Laboratories Receives $460,000 New Round”

Wentworth Technology Garners $1,000,089 New Funding

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=311dfe38-099f-4be8-80fa-bf310a4d0961&Preview=1 Date 3/7/2012 Company Name Wentworth Technology Mailing Address 77 Industrial Park Road Saco, ME 04072 Company Description Our team of wireless communications professionals have over 60 years of combined experience providing full-featured wireless communications solutions to the most demanding industries. Our company is built on the principles of making quality products … Continue reading “Wentworth Technology Garners $1,000,089 New Funding”

BioScale Lands $5,261,050 New Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=e1937b25-aaaf-4a65-ad4e-d4bbe72ac009&Preview=1 Date 3/7/2012 Company Name BioScale Mailing Address 4 Maguire Road Lexington, MA 02421 Company Description The company develops nanotechnology-focused biological technologies. Website http://www.bioscale.com Transaction Type Debt Transaction Amount $5,261,050 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were not disclosed. SEC regulatory filing. M&A Terms Venture Investor Undisclosed

Wavemark Garners $2,822,072 New Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=4ab98887-33de-49d1-87f5-e716d67bafcd&Preview=1 Date 3/7/2012 Company Name Wavemark Mailing Address One Monarch Drive Littleton, MA 01460 Company Description WaveMark, Inc. is a leader in providing intelligent inventory management solutions to hospitals and surgery centers. Headquartered in Boxborough, Massachusetts, WaveMark is focused on providing clinical environments with an intelligent solution to managing the flow of … Continue reading “Wavemark Garners $2,822,072 New Financing”

SessionM, Led by GameLogic and Quattro Vets, Unveils Mobile Ad Platform

If there’s a new angle to mobile advertising, Lars Albright has seen it. That’s why his latest company, Boston-based SessionM, is so interesting. Albright previously co-founded Quattro Wireless, the Boston-area ad-tech firm that Apple picked up for about $275 million in 2010. Before that, he was a vice president at m-Qube, the mobile marketing startup … Continue reading “SessionM, Led by GameLogic and Quattro Vets, Unveils Mobile Ad Platform”

How to Build a Business on Facebook: Brand Networks, Nanigans, & More

Facebook may not have an office in the Boston area, but it certainly has friends here. Take, for instance, the startups that are building their businesses on top of the social-networking giant—and have some thoughts on where the company is headed. Last week, those startups (among many others) watched the first-ever Facebook Marketing Conference in … Continue reading “How to Build a Business on Facebook: Brand Networks, Nanigans, & More”

MIT Business in Gaming Conference

MIT’s Business in Gaming conference is back for a fourth year, and nicely precedes the PAX East pre-party and conference. MIT’s event isn’t just for gamers, but will cover the more business-minded gaming subjects like corporate finance, managing startups, avoiding creative burnout, and marketing and branding strategies. Register here.

From MIT’s Media Lab to Time Warner’s: Innerscope’s Biometric Tech

It doesn’t take a neuroscientist to know that the past two New England Patriots vs. New York Giants Super Bowl games have been emotionally charged for fans. But it might take one to measure the more under-the-surface emotional responses to advertising throughout the games. That’s where Boston-based Innerscope Research comes in. Founded in 2006, Innerscope … Continue reading “From MIT’s Media Lab to Time Warner’s: Innerscope’s Biometric Tech”

Five Reasons Illumina Should Fight Roche’s Insulting Low-Ball Bid

Illumina is like the Apple of the genomics business. Tools made by the San Diego company (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ILMN]]) are revered by genomics researchers around the world just like millions of consumers love their iPhones and iPads. And Illumina holds its dominant position at an enviable moment in history, as we’re heading into a scientific golden … Continue reading “Five Reasons Illumina Should Fight Roche’s Insulting Low-Ball Bid”

ITADSecurity Secures $75,000 New Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=a7e9ac40-ddcc-4301-9bbc-e0c9ec7f62ea&Preview=1 Date 3/3/2012 Company Name ITADSecurity Mailing Address 30 Wilsondale St Dover, MA 02030 Company Description ITADSecurity, Inc. is focused on the concept of mitigating the risk of an organizational data breach with an application called “The Watchdog”. This cutting-edge application reduces the number of data breaches associated with physical data-bearing devices. … Continue reading “ITADSecurity Secures $75,000 New Financing”