If it wasn’t clear that the Trump administration disdained most types of scientific inquiry and practice, the White House’s proposed budget drove the point home. The top-line figures: a nearly 20 percent cut in the National Institutes of Health, and a 30 percent cut in the Environmental Protection Agency. These and other cuts to programs … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Trump Budget, FDA Chief, CAR-T Qs, CRISPR Cash, & More”
Category: Boston
Machine Learning 201: Exploring the Market for New Business
2016 will be remembered for many things, not least as the year that AI and machine learning stepped into the technological and cultural spotlight. Advances in applied machine learning fueled our enthusiasm for smarter, more talkative devices. It impacted how we learned about and processed the news—and fake news—of the national elections. Automation grew in … Continue reading “Machine Learning 201: Exploring the Market for New Business”
Proteon Therapeutics Plans Path Forward for Blood Vessel Drug
Three months ago, Proteon Therapeutics’ experimental blood vessel drug for people with failing kidneys flunked a Phase 3 clinical trial. The company now hopes that a larger study with a modified goal can produce different results. The Proteon (NASDAQ: [[ticker:PRTO]]) drug, vonapanitase, treats people whose chronic kidney disease has progressed to the point that they … Continue reading “Proteon Therapeutics Plans Path Forward for Blood Vessel Drug”
Insurify Gets $4.6M, Adds Insurance Search Bot on Facebook Messenger
[Updated 3/16/17, 9:44 a.m. See below.] Facebook Messenger is no longer just an app for messaging friends. The latest capability? It’s now a personal assistant for car insurance shopping. Thanks to a new product launched today by Insurify, a Cambridge, MA-based software startup, consumers can quickly compare car insurance quotes from dozens of carriers within … Continue reading “Insurify Gets $4.6M, Adds Insurance Search Bot on Facebook Messenger”
With FDA’s Blessing, Seres Preps New “Pivotal” Microbiome Drug Trial
Seres Therapeutics wants to become the first company to bring to market a drug that targets the microbiome, the delicate balance of microbes colonizing the human body. The failure of its lead drug in a clinical trial last year put those aspirations in doubt. Now the Cambridge, MA, drug developer is getting another shot. Seres … Continue reading “With FDA’s Blessing, Seres Preps New “Pivotal” Microbiome Drug Trial”
CRISPR Organs? eGenesis Raises $38M For Pig-To-Human Transplants
One of the companies trying to revive the once-failed notion of xenotransplantation—transplanting animal organs or tissues into humans—has raised a significant round of cash. The $38 million Series A round announced by Cambridge, MA-based firm eGenesis comes as the field of human-compatible organs grown in animals, while still years from real products, is back in … Continue reading “CRISPR Organs? eGenesis Raises $38M For Pig-To-Human Transplants”
Myomo, a Robotic Arm Brace Maker, Aims to Raise $15M in “Mini-IPO”
Myomo, a privately held medical device company spun out of MIT, has launched an unusually structured public offering of stock aimed at raising up to $15 million and getting the company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Cambridge, MA-based Myomo is taking advantage of a change in federal securities law enacted through the Jumpstart … Continue reading “Myomo, a Robotic Arm Brace Maker, Aims to Raise $15M in “Mini-IPO””
Tax Reform and Choice of Business Entity
Choice of entity—how an entrepreneur decides to conduct the business—is a key decision with critical tax and non-tax implications. In the coming months, the White House is expected to release a detailed tax reform plan which, among other things, may include a significant reduction in corporate tax rates. If the anticipated changes are adopted, should … Continue reading “Tax Reform and Choice of Business Entity”
Former Gates Investor, Advisor Unveil $200M Biomatics Health Fund
After years of investing Bill Gates’s money and giving him scientific advice, two of the software billionaire’s associates have launched their own $200 million healthcare fund. Some of biotech’s highest-profile bets are already in their portfolio. Based in Seattle, Biomatics Capital Partners has been an open secret for some time thanks to its own regulatory … Continue reading “Former Gates Investor, Advisor Unveil $200M Biomatics Health Fund”
Human Longevity Offers Genome Sequencing Through MassMutual
Human Longevity Inc., founded in 2014 by the gene pioneer J. Craig Venter to create a database for interpreting the human genome (and to make healthcare more proactive instead of reactive) said it has signed a partnership deal with MassMutual. Beginning today, San Diego-based Human Longevity plans to offer its whole genome sequencing service to … Continue reading “Human Longevity Offers Genome Sequencing Through MassMutual”
Visit the Titanic in OceanGate’s Carbon Fiber Sub: Only $105,129
OceanGate’s deep-diving carbon fiber submersible, now under construction, is designed to carry the company’s intrepid, well-heeled clientele to a one-of-a-kind destination beginning next spring: the Titanic. Stockton Rush, CEO of Everett, WA-based OceanGate, announced the expedition Tuesday, and said the 2018 dives—which would be the first manned expedition to the Titanic since 2005—have already sold … Continue reading “Visit the Titanic in OceanGate’s Carbon Fiber Sub: Only $105,129”
Airlines Must Improve IT Infrastructure Now or Pay Later
At the tail end of this past holiday season—on one of the busiest travel days of the year—thousands of arriving international passengers found themselves stuck for hours in the line at customs, waiting to be processed. It wasn’t a terror alert, mechanical failure, or nefarious cyberattack that caused long lines and huge delays for travelers … Continue reading “Airlines Must Improve IT Infrastructure Now or Pay Later “
Robo Madness 2017— A.I. Gets Real: Early Bot Rate Ends Today!
Grab your ticket to attend Xconomy’s third annual robotics event at Google, which was a total sellout last year. Leaders in robotics and artificial intelligence will discuss the opportunities and challenges, emerging technologies, and new business models in the industry. Join us on March 28 at Google’s office in Cambridge, MA, to take a look … Continue reading “Robo Madness 2017— A.I. Gets Real: Early Bot Rate Ends Today!”
First Trial in Sight, Editas Cuts $90M Eye Drug Deal With Allergan
Slowly but surely, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing treatments are working their way towards human clinical testing, spurring more large pharmaceutical companies to get in on their future. The latest today is Allergan, which has just aligned itself with Editas Medicine on treatments for a group of genetic eye diseases. Allergan (NYSE: [[ticker:AGN]]) will pay Cambridge, MA-based … Continue reading “First Trial in Sight, Editas Cuts $90M Eye Drug Deal With Allergan”
Boston Tech Watch: Harmonix, Whoop, Brand Networks, VentureApp & More
[Updated 3/14/17, 4:09 p.m. See below.] Since you might be snowed in today, it seems like a good time to hunker down with some recent Boston-area tech news. Here is the latest: —Evolv Technology, a Waltham, MA-based security technology startup, has closed an $18 million Series B funding round from Lux Capital, Bill Gates, General … Continue reading “Boston Tech Watch: Harmonix, Whoop, Brand Networks, VentureApp & More”
Visible Measures Sold to AcuityAds for $10M in Video Adtech
One of Boston’s biggest bets in advertising tech has been acquired for a fraction of what investors pumped into it. Visible Measures, a video analytics company, is getting scooped up by Toronto, Canada-based AcuityAds for $10 million in cash. The deal is expected to close around the end of March. Visible Measures was founded in … Continue reading “Visible Measures Sold to AcuityAds for $10M in Video Adtech”
Possible Cures. Mystery Deaths. Daunting Costs. Can CAR-T Be Tamed?
It’s a struggle that comic-book fans know well. Ordinary people, bestowed with super powers from a spider bite or gamma rays, struggle to harness their own abilities. T cells, key soldiers of the immune system, are wrestling with new-found super powers, too. Certain T cells hunt down invasive viruses, bacteria, and the body’s own bad … Continue reading “Possible Cures. Mystery Deaths. Daunting Costs. Can CAR-T Be Tamed?”
Scott Gottlieb On Tap to Lead FDA, and Biopharma Exhales
[Updated 3/12/17 with more comments, see below] The Trump administration has nominated Scott Gottlieb to be the new commissioner of the FDA, a selection that had the life sciences industry breathing a sigh of relief Friday afternoon. The 44-year-old Gottlieb is a physician, a venture partner at New Enterprise Associates, and was also the deputy … Continue reading “Scott Gottlieb On Tap to Lead FDA, and Biopharma Exhales”
Emile Nuwaysir Joins BlueRock Therapeutics as CEO
Emile Nuwaysir last month joined Cambridge, MA-based BlueRock Therapeutics as chief executive, according to his LinkedIn profile. BlueRock is developing stem cell therapies to repair heart muscle in patients who have had a heart attack. The startup raised $225 million from investors in December. Previously, Nuwaysir was president and chief operating officer of Madison, WI-based Cellular … Continue reading “Emile Nuwaysir Joins BlueRock Therapeutics as CEO”
Biotech Roundup: Obamacare Lite, DePinho Out, Dunsire In & More
We’ll start the roundup in Washington DC. The repeal of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, began on the first day of the Trump administration. This week, the “replace” phase began with a Republican plan championed by House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI). President Trump backed it, too, but a lot of Republicans have … Continue reading “Biotech Roundup: Obamacare Lite, DePinho Out, Dunsire In & More”
Veering Off Topic With General Catalyst’s Larry Bohn
Larry Bohn is victim number 10 in my ongoing series of offbeat chats with Boston-area tech leaders. Bohn is a managing director of venture capital firm General Catalyst Partners, which he joined almost 15 years ago after running two software companies that he took public. Bohn invests in business software startups, mainly in e-commerce and … Continue reading “Veering Off Topic With General Catalyst’s Larry Bohn”
DraftKings Nabs $100M While Awaiting FanDuel Merger Approval: Report
[Updated 3/17/17, 9:26 a.m. See below.] DraftKings has raised more than $100 million in a new funding round, according to a report from Bloomberg. The Boston-based online fantasy sports company confirmed to Xconomy that it closed a Series E1 funding round led by Eldridge Industries, but the e-mailed statement from DraftKings didn’t specify the size … Continue reading “DraftKings Nabs $100M While Awaiting FanDuel Merger Approval: Report”
Biotech With Drug Developed by San Antonio Researcher Explores Sale
San Antonio — Galena Biopharma, a San Ramon, CA-based biotech that is developing a cancer vaccine created by a San Antonio researcher, has hired Canaccord Genuity to see if it can sell or merge the company, license its assets to another business, or make some other move to keep the drug research going. The news comes … Continue reading “Biotech With Drug Developed by San Antonio Researcher Explores Sale”
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Save on Robo Madness 2017— A.I. Gets Real
You’re already planning on attending Xconomy’s Robo Madness 2017— A.I. Gets Real, so why wait any longer to buy your tickets? We’re lining up some of the most forward-thinking entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators in the robotics and artificial intelligence industry. Join us for an afternoon of spotlight talks, demos, and panel discussions on topics such … Continue reading “Don’t Miss Your Chance to Save on Robo Madness 2017— A.I. Gets Real”
Epizyme Research Chief, Copeland, to Retire
Epizyme (NASDAQ: [[ticker:EPZM]]) said that its longtime president of research and chief scientific officer, Robert Copeland, will retire in the second quarter to “pursue advisory and other opportunities within the industry,” the company said in a statement. Copeland has been at Epizyme since 2008 and will remain a “key advisor” to the company after he … Continue reading “Epizyme Research Chief, Copeland, to Retire”
Report: Biogen Tech Exec Karaboutis Leaves After Two-Plus Years
Adriana Karaboutis, Biogen’s (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]) executive vice president of technology, business solutions, and corporate affairs, has left the company, according to the Wall Street Journal. Karaboutis, a former Dell and General Motors executive, was hired by Biogen in late 2014.
Will Driverless Cars Ever Yield Profits for Uber and Lyft?
Uber has suffered a series of troubles early this year, from sexual harassment claims by a former staff engineer to an intellectual property theft lawsuit by Google unit Waymo. But Uber’s most longstanding, recurrent, and core problem stems from its relationship with its contract drivers. It’s not surprising that Uber is seeking an escape from … Continue reading “Will Driverless Cars Ever Yield Profits for Uber and Lyft?”
Toyota and Others Enabling Self-Driving Cars to Talk to Each Other
Drivers have plenty of ways to communicate with their fellow drivers, beyond the basic turn signal. Some methods are nice, like a friendly wave to beckon a merging car into your lane. Others, not so much. We’ve all probably cursed or honked at another driver, or been given the finger. But if driverless cars become … Continue reading “Toyota and Others Enabling Self-Driving Cars to Talk to Each Other”
Immigrants Are the Best of Humanity and the Strength of Our Nation
[Editor’s note: This post was adapted from Mohamad Ali’s speech at a naturalization ceremony at the JFK Library in Boston on March 8, 2017.] My fellow immigrants, buenas tardes, masa-al-khayr, and good afternoon! I am deeply moved by the opportunity to be here today, to share this momentous occasion with you, and to personally return … Continue reading “Immigrants Are the Best of Humanity and the Strength of Our Nation”
Google’s Venture Arm Leads $51.7M Investment in Spero Therapeutics
Despite the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria, few new antibiotics have been developed in recent decades. Spero Therapeutics is trying to fill that gap by assembling a pipeline of antibiotic candidates, and it now has $51.7 million in new capital to finance clinical trials on some of them. GV, the venture arm of Google, led … Continue reading “Google’s Venture Arm Leads $51.7M Investment in Spero Therapeutics”
NVBots Spinout Digital Alloys Raises $5M for Metal 3D Printer
There’s a new 3D printing company in town, but it’ll feel familiar to those who follow the Boston-area 3D printing sector. New Valence Robotics, which goes by NVBots, has spun out the metal-making 3D printer technology it was developing into a new company called Digital Alloys. The new firm was formed in January, and today … Continue reading “NVBots Spinout Digital Alloys Raises $5M for Metal 3D Printer”
Biotech Vet Dunsire’s New Challenge: Grow Tiny Startup, XTuit
Boston biotech veteran Deborah Dunsire is back running another life sciences company—but for the first time, a fledgling startup. The former head of Millennium Pharmaceuticals is now president and CEO of a two-year-old company called XTuit Pharmaceuticals. XTuit is a very different animal from the companies Dunsire (pictured) has helped lead in the past. She … Continue reading “Biotech Vet Dunsire’s New Challenge: Grow Tiny Startup, XTuit”
Three Ways to Bolster The Innovation Ecosystem for Women
When the topic of encouraging more female leadership in the startup economy arises, discussions usually center on what women entrepreneurs should do differently. How they should present with greater authority, or how they should “dress the part” for their next investor pitch. Put frankly, how they should adopt any manner of different behaviors. I would … Continue reading “Three Ways to Bolster The Innovation Ecosystem for Women”
With Sale to CA Technologies, Veracode Will “Cast Longer Shadow”
The shortlist of Boston-area tech companies on deck for an initial public offering got shorter after Monday’s announcement that Veracode has agreed to be sold to CA Technologies for $614 million in cash. The 11-year-old Veracode, which helps businesses secure and test their software applications, had raised around $150 million in venture capital, according to … Continue reading “With Sale to CA Technologies, Veracode Will “Cast Longer Shadow””
Cyber Buyout: Veracode Acquired by CA Technologies for $614M
In one of the biggest tech acquisitions of the year to date, Veracode is getting bought by CA Technologies for $614 million in cash. The deal is expected to close next month. Veracode had raised more than $100 million in venture funding from investors that include .406 Ventures, Atlas Venture (which became Accomplice), StarVest Partners, … Continue reading “Cyber Buyout: Veracode Acquired by CA Technologies for $614M”
Sports Execs Trade VR for Augmented Reality at MIT Sloan Conference
[Corrected, 3/7/17, 9:56am. See below] At the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference in Boston last Friday, the NBA’s senior vice president of digital media, Melissa Brenner, got bullish on the potential for augmented reality inside NBA arenas. She was decidedly cooler on virtual reality: the clunky equipment, the lack of content people will pay for, … Continue reading “Sports Execs Trade VR for Augmented Reality at MIT Sloan Conference”
Boston Tech Watch: Bose, LearnLaunch, Fuze, Boston Dynamics, & More
It’s time to catch up on some recent happenings in the Boston tech scene. This week, we’re tracking a lawsuit against headphone giant Bose, a new robot from Boston Dynamics, local edtech startup funding, and more. Read on for details. —Six portfolio companies of the LearnLaunch edtech startup accelerator recently raised funding rounds totaling almost … Continue reading “Boston Tech Watch: Bose, LearnLaunch, Fuze, Boston Dynamics, & More”
Vertex Bags Concert’s Rival CF Drug For $160M, Plans Combo Studies
Concert Pharmaceuticals has been plugging away with an experimental cystic fibrosis drug that, if successful, might someday pose a threat to Vertex Pharmaceuticals. So rather than wait to find out, Vertex today paid $160 million in cash, up front, to bring the drug in house. Boston-based Vertex (NASDAQ: [[tickerVRTX]]) has acquired CTP-656, a CF drug … Continue reading “Vertex Bags Concert’s Rival CF Drug For $160M, Plans Combo Studies”
Here’s the Agenda for Robo Madness 2017 at Google on March 28
Heard enough about A.I. lately? Yeah, me too. Now it’s time to sort the facts from the hype. On March 28, we’re gathering technology and business leaders to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and robotics. It’s all happening at Robo Madness 2017: A.I. Gets Real on March 28 at Google in Kendall Square, Cambridge, … Continue reading “Here’s the Agenda for Robo Madness 2017 at Google on March 28”
Bio Roundup: Healthcare Is Hard, “Slow” FDA, Drugging RNA & More
In an address to Congress this week, President Donald Trump outlined many of his near-term goals, including an overhaul of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, even as public opinion has begun to shift in favor of the law. Trump toned down his typical blunderbuss rhetoric, but he had choice words for the … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Healthcare Is Hard, “Slow” FDA, Drugging RNA & More”
Capital Stockpile Grows as Venture Fund-Raising Hits Recent High
In the venture capital business, a rising tide lifts all boats. That’s the idea, at least. A new report released today by Seattle-based PitchBook shows that U.S. venture firms have plenty of capital to invest in new companies, after 328 venture funds raised a total of $51.6 billion in 2016. That’s a high-water mark for … Continue reading “Capital Stockpile Grows as Venture Fund-Raising Hits Recent High”
Snap Raises $3.4B in IPO, Soaring Trades Set Value Past $20B
Snap, which rose to unicorn status based on a social media app that creates quickly vanishing photos, attracted solid investor interest in an IPO that raised $3.4 billion and sent shares up more than 50 percent above the initial offering price during the first day of trading today. Snap (NYSE: [[ticker:SNAP]]) priced its IPO shares … Continue reading “Snap Raises $3.4B in IPO, Soaring Trades Set Value Past $20B”
Trump and Kalanick: Twin Chief Executives Face Similar Problems
In the rinse-repeat rhythm of Uber’s PR crises, it’s easy to miss that this particular cycle has been a long one. Uber’s latest wave of negative press began in January with a backlash against CEO Travis Kalanick’s role on President Donald Trump’s White House business advisory panel. There’s some irony here, because Trump and Kalanick … Continue reading “Trump and Kalanick: Twin Chief Executives Face Similar Problems”
The Right Tune: Marketing Startup Music Audience Exchange Raises $6M
Dallas—If you think about it, executing a successful marketing campaign is similar to a match-making exercise done well. But to try to ensure that a mutually beneficial relationship is formed, entrepreneur Nathan Hanks has added some data analytics to the match-making mix with his music-focused startup. “The brands we are working with are in need … Continue reading “The Right Tune: Marketing Startup Music Audience Exchange Raises $6M”
Examity Grabs $21M for Online Test Proctoring Services
Examity, which offers remote proctoring services for tests that students take online, has received a $21 million investment. The money comes from two New York-based investment firms, University Ventures and Inherent Group, according to a press release e-mailed to Xconomy. The news was first reported by the Boston Business Journal. Based in Natick, MA, Examity … Continue reading “Examity Grabs $21M for Online Test Proctoring Services”
Amazon’s Alexa Opens New Path for Earplay’s Interactive Audio Stories
The woman has been anxious since the moment she sat down at my table in the restaurant. I’ve never seen her before in my life, but she just handed me a small vial of some unknown, green liquid. It’s slightly warm to the touch. “She begins to move away, and you figure you’ve only got … Continue reading “Amazon’s Alexa Opens New Path for Earplay’s Interactive Audio Stories”
Wall Street Bets $50M on Kensho’s A.I. Investing Tools
As artificial intelligence begins creeping into virtually every industry, it makes sense that Wall Street would be one of the first places where it makes an impact—there’s a ton of data to crunch, and money to be made if software can help make better decisions more quickly. Kensho Technologies is one of the startups gaining … Continue reading “Wall Street Bets $50M on Kensho’s A.I. Investing Tools”
Celect Grabs $10M for Retail Inventory Software Based on MIT Tech
Celect has raised $10 million to help retailers manage their inventory using machine learning tools originally developed at MIT. The Series B round was led by Activant Capital, with contributions from Fung Capital and August Capital. Celect previously raised at least $5.2 million from investors, according to SEC filings. Celect’s cloud-based software uses predictive analytics … Continue reading “Celect Grabs $10M for Retail Inventory Software Based on MIT Tech”
Medisafe Takes In $14.5M to Help Patients Manage Medications
[Updated 3/1/17, 9:35 a.m. See below.] Prescriptions can be complicated and confusing, especially for patients taking more than one set of pills. But when people don’t properly follow their prescription plans, it can lead to deteriorating health, additional hospital visits, and potentially life-threatening episodes. The costs are high for the healthcare industry, too. Studies have … Continue reading “Medisafe Takes In $14.5M to Help Patients Manage Medications”
Former FDA Commissioners Califf, McClellan Talk Healthcare’s Future
The top spot at the FDA remains vacant, and the change in presidential power has some healthcare observers wondering about possible changes for the regulator. One month removed from serving as FDA commissioner, Robert Califf says the agency can be improved through a combination of precedent, experience, and evidence. Califf, who served less than one … Continue reading “Former FDA Commissioners Califf, McClellan Talk Healthcare’s Future”