Tony Armstrong recognizes the importance of forging alliances. It’s a core part of his job as the president and CEO of Indiana University’s Research and Technology Corporation—the university’s tech transfer arm—and as the assistant vice president in the Office of the Vice President for Engagement. Armstrong says partnerships are especially key to advancing innovation and … Continue reading “Indiana University Plans Alumni Venture Fund, Taps Partnerships”
Category: Indiana
Gaining an Edge: Understanding Cyber Risk Appetite
Not long ago, companies prepared for cyber risks the way they might for a hurricane, flood, or other disaster situation: Brace for the worst, and hope for the best. Those days are over. Security breaches across industries have put cyber squarely on everybody’s risk agenda. But while they’re taking cyber threats seriously, many companies are … Continue reading “Gaining an Edge: Understanding Cyber Risk Appetite”
The Future of Human-Robot Interaction
How will humans and machines work together in the future? Will social robots be nothing more than robotic digital assistants like those on smartphones, or are there new opportunities and challenges when we put an AI brain into a robotic body? What are the risks and ethics around AI systems? Those were some of the … Continue reading “The Future of Human-Robot Interaction”
Biotech Roundup: Gilead Slump, Celgene Goes Trump, Hemo Data & More
Quarterly biopharma earnings added a little heat to the already high summer temperatures. Amongst several companies to report this week, the biggest news came from Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: [[ticker:GILD]]), whose hepatitis C drugs have become some of the top revenue producers in the industry. But the company said this week that sales of Sovaldi and … Continue reading “Biotech Roundup: Gilead Slump, Celgene Goes Trump, Hemo Data & More”
At Alzheimer’s Meeting, Firms Take Page From Silver Linings Playbook
The big drug news from the annual Alzheimer’s Association meeting this week involved companies that have found silver linings in otherwise gloomy data—a recurrent theme in Alzheimer’s clinical work. The trials are expensive, so companies are loathe to write them off completely, and the social urgency of finding new treatments encourages data analysis that is … Continue reading “At Alzheimer’s Meeting, Firms Take Page From Silver Linings Playbook”
At Big Hemophilia Meeting, More Data, and Promise, For Gene Therapy
This week’s World Federation of Hemophilia World Congress in Orlando, FL, where researchers gathered to present the latest updates in treatments for the chronic bleeding disorder, marked the latest step in a journey that dates back more than two decades for one particular treatment: gene therapy. Gene therapy provides the potential of a long-term treatment … Continue reading “At Big Hemophilia Meeting, More Data, and Promise, For Gene Therapy”
How Richard Branson and Snoop Dogg Use Social Media Vs. Social Unrest
Last month, I spent a week on Necker Island, where Richard Branson and a bunch of entrepreneurs were discussing how we could help address political upheavals, intolerance, violence, social inequality, and other issues. It’s almost like we’re in a war right now. Nations are split in half. On one side you have citizens who want … Continue reading “How Richard Branson and Snoop Dogg Use Social Media Vs. Social Unrest”
Eli Lilly CEO Lechleiter to Retire After Eight-Year Stint
After eight years at the helm of Eli Lilly, a tenure characterized by a steadfast belief in home-grown research, rather than deals, John Lechleiter is retiring from the Indianapolis pharma giant. Lilly (NYSE: [[ticker:LLY]]) said this morning that Lechleiter, its chairman, president, and CEO, will retire at the end of the year. He’ll remain Lilly’s … Continue reading “Eli Lilly CEO Lechleiter to Retire After Eight-Year Stint”
Bolstra Secures $1,500,000 Seed Funding
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=422a1998-1828-4ad4-a503-69f7d9d8d9e7 Date 7/27/2016 Company Name Bolstra Mailing Address Undisclosed Carmel, IN 46032 USA Company Description Bolstra provides a customer success management solution for B2B SaaS companies looking to maximize customer lifetime value and increase retention. Website http://www.bolstra.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $1,500,000 Transaction Round Seed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were … Continue reading “Bolstra Secures $1,500,000 Seed Funding”
Clinton Versus Trump: Who’s Stronger on Innovation?
With the Republican National Convention behind us and the Democratic convention in full swing, it seems like a good moment to ask how a Donald Trump presidency or a Hillary Clinton presidency might affect the prospects for high-tech entrepreneurship and business growth in the United States. At this stage, both candidates have given major economic … Continue reading “Clinton Versus Trump: Who’s Stronger on Innovation?”
AgriSolve Tries for Paydirt with New Soil Amendment Technology
On a farm, nothing goes to waste—not even the waste. But even though manure has value as fertilizer, it’s not valuable enough to transport far, says Roland Kessler. That’s why farmers typically keep it for their own fields. As animal operations get bigger, Kessler says, so much manure is produced that using it all as … Continue reading “AgriSolve Tries for Paydirt with New Soil Amendment Technology”
The Outbreaks Are Here, Where’s Our Response Plan?
The news of the first Zika case in Pierce County—the 14th in Washington State—reminds us that the spread of disease is inevitable. While we don’t have in our region the kind of mosquito that transmits Zika, the latest infected patient returned from a visit to Puerto Rico. Thanks to modern travel, whether by mosquitoes or … Continue reading “The Outbreaks Are Here, Where’s Our Response Plan?”
The Real Cracks in the Foundation of Ransomware
The rise of ransomware has been striking over the past two years, rapidly dominating headlines with its frequency, its wide range of victims, and its profitability. So when news hit that two of the largest and most notorious delivery systems for ransomware — the Necurs botnet and the Angler exploit kit — had gone dark, … Continue reading “The Real Cracks in the Foundation of Ransomware”
Biotech Roundup: Scangos’s Exit, Zafgen’s Shakeup, Jounce, Relypsa & More
The top news in biotech this week centers around one big job opening: the head seat at Biogen, now that George Scangos has announced plans to leave the company. Who takes the gig, and the strategic direction he or she chooses for Biogen will have implications not just for the company and its employees, but … Continue reading “Biotech Roundup: Scangos’s Exit, Zafgen’s Shakeup, Jounce, Relypsa & More”
App Developer Bluebridge Spins Out Emplify for Employee Engagement
As mobile app developer Bluebridge grew from a three-person shop to a staff of three dozen, CEO Santiago Jaramillo discovered there’s more to business success than satisfied customers: employee engagement also matters. So last summer, a group of his best and brightest started brainstorming ways to improve the worker experience at Fishers, IN-based Bluebridge. They … Continue reading “App Developer Bluebridge Spins Out Emplify for Employee Engagement”
Is the Future of Cybersecurity in M&A?
Last month Symantec announced its plans to buy Blue Coat for $4.7 billion. Has the consolidation—and creation of this enterprise security giant—put immense pressure on other industry players? In an ideal world, and from the perspective of a venture investor, this would absolutely be the case. In 2015, Cybersecurity startups saw 332 funding deals with … Continue reading “Is the Future of Cybersecurity in M&A?”
Zimmer Biomet Enters Robotic Surgery Space with Medtech Deal
Zimmer Biomet is staking out territory in the fast-growing robotic surgery market by acquiring Medtech, a France-based company that has already commercialized robotic systems used in brain and spinal procedures. Warsaw, IN-based Zimmer Biomet (NYSE: [[ticker:ZBH]]) paid an estimated $77 million for a majority stake in Medtech (EURONEXT: [[ticker:ROSA]]), marking its third acquisition in as … Continue reading “Zimmer Biomet Enters Robotic Surgery Space with Medtech Deal”
SmarterHQ Secures $2,680,384 New Funding
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=665df6fa-414b-4b66-9c04-b8ec13fc1c97 Date 7/19/2016 Company Name SmarterHQ Mailing Address 9102 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46260 USA Company Description We want to demystify big data for marketers by providing actionable customer intelligence that drives revenue for the marketer and drives more satisfaction and engagement for the customer. SmarterHQ is among the fastest growing … Continue reading “SmarterHQ Secures $2,680,384 New Funding”
The Pan-Cancer Screen: Still Early for Prime Time
Imagine you could go to your doctor once a year for a blood test that would detect nearly every common type of cancer at an early stage. If you had a positive result, some further testing could pinpoint the cancer so you could have it treated before it spread. I would be ecstatic to have … Continue reading “The Pan-Cancer Screen: Still Early for Prime Time”
As Purdue Pushes Life Sciences, Foundation Seeks $10M For New Fund
A foundation affiliated with Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, is raising $10 million for a new venture fund that would help the school’s spinouts. That doesn’t seem like much, but Indiana companies received $53 million in total venture funding last year. Assuming Purdue’s spinouts stay local—according to the school, 75 percent of those founded … Continue reading “As Purdue Pushes Life Sciences, Foundation Seeks $10M For New Fund”
Indiana Life Sciences Summit
From the event organizer, BioCrossroads: “Please join us as we bring together thought-leading speakers from around the world. This year’s Summit includes a scientific track and poster session for our research community. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to network and learn more about the future of Indiana’s life sciences industry which accounts for a $62 … Continue reading “Indiana Life Sciences Summit”
Biotech Roundup: Hellos, Goodbyes, “Cures” Delays And Trial News
The week started on a reflective note. Our San Diego editor Bruce Bigelow penned a personal goodbye to entrepreneur Larry Bock, who died last week of pancreatic cancer at the age of 56. And then the news flowed, from a fast reprieve for Juno Therapeutics to no mercy for Elizabeth Holmes. There were other goodbyes: … Continue reading “Biotech Roundup: Hellos, Goodbyes, “Cures” Delays And Trial News”
‘Megadeals’ Dominate Q2 as VCs Invest $15.3B, and Top 10 Deals
Showing little concern for stock-market volatility or worries over the Brexit, venture capital firms pumped $15.3 billion into 961 deals across the United States during the three months that ended June 30, according to the MoneyTree Report on venture capital activity. It was the 10th consecutive quarter that venture firms put at least $10 billion … Continue reading “‘Megadeals’ Dominate Q2 as VCs Invest $15.3B, and Top 10 Deals”
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence Proposes $1B for Innovation, Entrepreneurship
Indiana Governor Mike Pence on Thursday unveiled plans to invest $1 billion in Hoosier innovation and entrepreneurship over 10 years, in what he calls a “third century” strategy for growth. Indiana is celebrating its bicentennial this year. Pence, who also is considered a leading candidate for Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick, announced the ambitious initiative … Continue reading “Indiana Gov. Mike Pence Proposes $1B for Innovation, Entrepreneurship”
Indy Cybersecurity Firm Pondurance Prepares for Growth at New Office
Indianapolis-based information security firm Pondurance is in growth mode, nearly doubling its staff of 14 in the past six months and expecting to add another 55 jobs in the next several years. The company’s annual revenue likewise is on pace to double to $8 million this year—just two years after founding partners Ron Pelletier and … Continue reading “Indy Cybersecurity Firm Pondurance Prepares for Growth at New Office”
Why Entrepreneurs Should Care About Inequality and Divisiveness
The horrific news of recent weeks has amplified America’s long-simmering tensions and many divisions, and cast a new and disturbing light on the nature of social and economic inequality in this economy. The shootings that targeted police officers at a peaceful protest in Dallas, which followed the officer-involved shooting deaths of Philando Castile near Minneapolis … Continue reading “Why Entrepreneurs Should Care About Inequality and Divisiveness”
How Cyber Visibility Protects Against the Abnormal & the Immoral
Another day, another breach. For many Bostonians, the “privacy incident” recently disclosed by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)—which reportedly involved the personal information of 4,300 dental patients stored by a software vendor—hit close to home in many ways, as most of us have at one time or another been to MGH for ourselves or a loved … Continue reading “How Cyber Visibility Protects Against the Abnormal & the Immoral”
Can Innovation Save Us?
During a summer that’s been marred by political upheaval and horrific violence inside and outside the U.S., it’s natural for startup entrepreneurs and others immersed in the technology world—including us journalists—to wonder about the role of innovation in solving social problems. In the wake of the murder of five police officers in Dallas, which followed … Continue reading “Can Innovation Save Us?”
BioCrossroads Contest Helps Indiana Officials Track Biotech Startups
Calling all Indiana-based, early-stage companies working on biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, ag-biotech, and health IT: The BioCrossroads New Venture Competition is now accepting submissions from startups that want to participate. Since its inception in 2012, the competition has awarded more than $240,000 to 16 companies, which have gone on to secure $21 million in … Continue reading “BioCrossroads Contest Helps Indiana Officials Track Biotech Startups”
From Drones to Sharing Economy, Don’t Disrupt the Disruptors
Napa Valley met the Silicon Valley at the recent Xconomy Retreat on Technology, Jobs, and Growth (aka the Napa Summit). Experts in cutting-edge technology huddled with business leaders and investors in the California wine country to explore what’s on, and just over, the technological horizon. Over the course of the two-day event, drones and the … Continue reading “From Drones to Sharing Economy, Don’t Disrupt the Disruptors”
As Drone Navigation Advances, SlantRange Focuses on Farm Analytics
As the Federal Aviation Administration sets new rules for commercial operations of unmanned aircraft, legions of new startups are using drones to perform all kinds of tasks—from aerial inspections to mapping, imaging, and analysis. Whether these new businesses can succeed will depend on a variety of factors, including restrictions on autonomous flight that government regulators … Continue reading “As Drone Navigation Advances, SlantRange Focuses on Farm Analytics”
The Gap Has Two Sides
About two years ago, I was asked to join a Babson College panel discussing the gender gap in venture capital. At the center of the conversation would be the results from the Diana Project, a research study that examined our industry and the stark lack of representation of women investors and funded entrepreneurs. I accepted … Continue reading “The Gap Has Two Sides”
Biotech Roundup: Fighting Addiction, Obama Precision, Juno Deaths & More
This week started with celebrations of America’s birthday, and it has been dominated—biotech-wise—by America’s government. The Obama administration continued its high-profile involvement in the life sciences by updating its Precision Medicine Initiative, easing limits on doctors who want to fight opioid addiction, and stopping a clinical trial in one of the hottest biomedical fields, cancer … Continue reading “Biotech Roundup: Fighting Addiction, Obama Precision, Juno Deaths & More”
Recruitment Goal In Obama Precision Med Study: 1M in 3 or 4 Years
The Obama administration’s push to sign up one million Americans for a long-term health study will start in New York, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Tucson, AZ, top health officials said today. National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins (pictured) and FDA commissioner Rob Califf spoke on a call this afternoon to update the Precision Medicine Initiative, … Continue reading “Recruitment Goal In Obama Precision Med Study: 1M in 3 or 4 Years”
3 Things You (Probably) Don’t Know about Indiana Innovation
People who live outside of Indiana probably know a few things about it: The Indianapolis 500, a.k.a. “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” is run every Memorial Day weekend; Indiana limestone was used to build the Empire State Building, the National Cathedral, and the Pentagon; and Indiana sugar cream pie is the best dessert ever. But … Continue reading “3 Things You (Probably) Don’t Know about Indiana Innovation”
Xconomy’s Top Innovation Stories of the Half Year
Here we are at the midpoint of 2016 already. Time to look back on the past six months—and some of the top stories of the year so far. The following represent a cross-section of what Xconomy offers on a daily basis: in-depth reporting from the front lines of technology and business innovation; coverage from 11 … Continue reading “Xconomy’s Top Innovation Stories of the Half Year”
Milestones of Innovation 12: Overflight Of Russia’s Ultimate Weapons
Sixty years ago, on the Fourth of July, 1956, the American President gained a capacity that has never been lost: clear pictures from above of Russia’s thermonuclear weapons delivery system. Because the images ended up shrinking the world’s appetite for tools of ultimate destruction, it is hard to think of a more significant innovation. The … Continue reading “Milestones of Innovation 12: Overflight Of Russia’s Ultimate Weapons”
Biotech Roundup: Moonshots, Pink Slips, Gilead, Brexit & More
The word of the week was “moonshot,” as U.S. Vice President Joe Biden’s cancer initiative convened a summit in Washington, DC. At the gathering, Biden took verbal shots at scofflaw cancer researchers and at drug prices, while the FDA said it would take a shot at restructuring the way it evaluates oncology products. Gilead Sciences … Continue reading “Biotech Roundup: Moonshots, Pink Slips, Gilead, Brexit & More”
Why Finance Should Take a Page Out of the Credit Card Industry’s Book
U.S. federal and financial regulators recently advised banks nationwide to assess the strength of their safeguards against cyber fraud. The warning comes after a string of cyber heists and attempted heists against banks around the world, including the $81 million theft from the Bangladesh central bank. These crimes have opened the financial industry’s eyes to … Continue reading “Why Finance Should Take a Page Out of the Credit Card Industry’s Book”
New Bootstrap Fund Pulls Itself Up in World of Health IT Deals
Healthtech entrepreneur Parker Hinshaw and his wife Jean Balgrosky said they intended to take a step back when they founded Bootstrap Incubation near San Diego in the fall of 2012. They wanted to combine Hinshaw’s experience in starting and growing health IT startups with Balgrosky’s expertise in strategic IT planning and overhauling healthcare IT networks—but … Continue reading “New Bootstrap Fund Pulls Itself Up in World of Health IT Deals”
Riding Moonshot, FDA Will Revamp Its Cancer Practice. To What End?
As part of a national cancer “moonshot” initiative led by Vice President Joe Biden, the FDA said Wednesday it would retool the way it evaluates cancer treatments and tests. But to what end? The goals of the FDA’s new Oncology Center of Excellence remain vague, as does its structure. In a speech Wednesday morning at … Continue reading “Riding Moonshot, FDA Will Revamp Its Cancer Practice. To What End?”
No Stairway (Infringement) and the Importance of Shared Design Tools in Innovation
Led Zeppelin just won a major copyright case defending against infringement claims from the estate of Randy California—songwriter for the band Spirit. At first listen, the opening guitar part of Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven does sound a lot like California’s guitar part in the middle of Taurus. But as I explain in a longer blog … Continue reading “No Stairway (Infringement) and the Importance of Shared Design Tools in Innovation”
Scott Dorsey Reflects on ExactTarget & the Rise of Indianapolis Tech
The expertise and guidance of a savvy mentor can change the fortunes of a startup. Bob Compton was that person for ExactTarget, says co-founder and former CEO Scott Dorsey. Compton—an IBM veteran, successful investor, and one of the godfathers of Indianapolis’s burgeoning tech community—was ExactTarget’s lead investor and its chairman in the early 2000s, when … Continue reading “Scott Dorsey Reflects on ExactTarget & the Rise of Indianapolis Tech”
Startup M&A: Why a Letter of Intent Deserves Your Full Attention
You might know it as a letter of intent or a term sheet. Maybe you’ve heard it referred to as an MOU, or memorandum of understanding. Whatever you call it, this document of about five pages is a summary of the terms of a deal the parties hope to close down the line. If buyers … Continue reading “Startup M&A: Why a Letter of Intent Deserves Your Full Attention”
Brexit and the Impact in the London Startup Industry
Editor’s note: Xconomy invited Marcelo Calbucci, a Seattle serial entrepreneur and startup stalwart who just announced plans to move with his family to London, to reflect on the Brexit vote. No, the skies are not falling. The U.K. vote to exit the European Union has passed, and there is an enormous amount of uncertainty right … Continue reading “Brexit and the Impact in the London Startup Industry”
Unusual “Xtern” Experience Aims to Help Indiana Attract Tech Talent
When it comes to attracting high-tech talent, Indiana has some natural challenges. With no mountains or oceans to distinguish the state from others in so-called flyover country, local technology firms have struggled to overcome a perception problem and land skilled workers. “We could not get enough tech talent to keep our pipeline flowing,” said Shelly … Continue reading “Unusual “Xtern” Experience Aims to Help Indiana Attract Tech Talent”
Biotech Roundup: CRISPR’s 1st Trial, IPO Insiders, Zika & More
It’s a week for the history books. The United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union last night, triggering worldwide financial fears and, perhaps, a breakup of the U.K. itself. Closer to home, Cleveland (pictured) celebrated LeBron James & the Cavaliers’ historic comeback that brought the city its first sports title in over 50 years. … Continue reading “Biotech Roundup: CRISPR’s 1st Trial, IPO Insiders, Zika & More”
The Evolution of the App Stores
In many ways, Apple and Google are following similar paths. At their annual developer conferences, Google I/O, held last month, and Apple’s WWDC, last week they both announced updates to their development platforms. Google is making major improvements to Android Studio, while Apple is continuing to invest in Swift and announced Playgrounds, an exciting new … Continue reading “The Evolution of the App Stores”
Radicle Accelerator Fund Launches to Nurture AgTech Innovation
Radicle, a new accelerator fund focused on agricultural ventures, is launching today with plans to seed and nurture the next generation of agtech companies addressing global farming problems. The new accelerator will have locations in multiple states and around the world. Radicle, which takes its name from the botany term for the part of a … Continue reading “Radicle Accelerator Fund Launches to Nurture AgTech Innovation”
EndoCyte’s Ellis Out as CEO, Sherman Appointed to Top Spot
EndoCyte CEO Ron Ellis has resigned from the company he helped found and the cancer drug developer has named chief operating officer Mike Sherman his successor. West Lafayette, IN-based EndoCyte (NASDAQ: [[ticker:ECYT]]) gave no reason for Ellis’ sudden departure. In a securities filing, the company said that Ellis notified the company of his resignation from … Continue reading “EndoCyte’s Ellis Out as CEO, Sherman Appointed to Top Spot”