Aquaculture company AquaBounty Technologies has scrapped plans to use a broad equity offering to raise the money it needs to bring its genetically engineered salmon to consumers. Instead, it has inked a deal to raise funds by selling securities to synthetic biology company Intrexon, its largest shareholder. The deal with Intrexon (NYSE: [[ticker:XON]]), announced Monday, … Continue reading “AquaBounty Charts Course to Market with $25M Intrexon Deal”
Category: National
GetHuman Arms Itself With $3M to Fight Customer Service Battles
[Updated 11/7/16, 2:51 pm, with CEO comments at end of story.] GetHuman has raised $3 million from investors to boost its new service that fights people’s customer service battles for them. The funding round was led by NextView Ventures and Founder Collective, along with contributions from Operator.VC, Companyon, Correlation Ventures, O’Reilly AlphaTech Ventures (OATV), and … Continue reading “GetHuman Arms Itself With $3M to Fight Customer Service Battles”
Texas Innovators in Health, Space, Energy, A.I. & More: The Disruptors Photos
Texas innovation is as varied as the state is large. At Disruptors, a daylong forum held recently in Houston, Xconomy brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and other innovators to speak of their advances in investing, medical devices, virtual reality, and other sectors. The event was held at the Texas Medical Center’s accelerator, TMCx, and attracted about … Continue reading “Texas Innovators in Health, Space, Energy, A.I. & More: The Disruptors Photos”
Simplifide Raises $1M for User Authentication Software
Simplifide, a Madison, WI-based startup that’s developing technology to verify identities based on physical characteristics, says it has raised $1 million from investors. The company, launched earlier this year, is on the verge of signing its first customer and is discussing conducting pilot projects with a handful of organizations in the U.S. and Europe, says … Continue reading “Simplifide Raises $1M for User Authentication Software”
The Five Major Tech Trends of 2016
As we draw closer to the end of 2016, it is important that we take a moment to look back and reflect on all of the ways technology has inspired us, and transformed the way we live and do work. As technology becomes more pervasive in our lives, we increasingly look for simple but secure, … Continue reading “The Five Major Tech Trends of 2016”
New Data Show Biogen, Ionis Drug Might Help More With Rare Spine Disease
Up until this point, studies of an experimental drug from Biogen and Ionis Pharmaceuticals had focused on patients with the most severe form of a rare, potentially deadly genetic disorder called spinal muscular atrophy. But new data released this morning show that the therapy, known as nusinersen (Spinraza), could have a much broader reach. Biogen … Continue reading “New Data Show Biogen, Ionis Drug Might Help More With Rare Spine Disease”
What Should Be on the Next President’s Cybersecurity Agenda?
From a hack of Democratic National Committee e-mails to fears that cyber attackers will attempt to interfere with tomorrow’s election, cybersecurity emerged as a crucial theme in this grueling presidential campaign. Neither candidate has said a lot about how he or she would address cybersecurity issues as president, although Hillary Clinton has offered more details … Continue reading “What Should Be on the Next President’s Cybersecurity Agenda?”
Roundup: IBRI, BioCrossroads, The Speak Easy, Indy’s Tech Boom & More
Here’s a look at innovation news from around Indiana: —The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) continues to build its core team as it ramps up operations. Earlier this month, the IBRI announced it has hired University of Notre Dame professor Nitesh Chawla to serve as the interim director of applied data sciences. Chawla, a professor … Continue reading “Roundup: IBRI, BioCrossroads, The Speak Easy, Indy’s Tech Boom & More”
Seattle Week in Review: Bottom of the Ninth, World’s Climate at Stake
For a moment this week—or for several hours, depending on how much of it you took in—America was transfixed by something historic, suspenseful, and with no modern precedent. Game 7 of the World Series, which delivered the pinnacle of drama in the sports world, was a needed break from the election, and perhaps a chance … Continue reading “Seattle Week in Review: Bottom of the Ninth, World’s Climate at Stake”
Nonprofit LifeNet Acquires Biotech With San Antonio Presence
San Antonio — Virginia nonprofit LifeNet Health has acquired the assets of a biotech company that has a top executive based in San Antonio. In acquiring Birmingham, AL-based Vivo Biosciences, LifeNet gets a cell-based technology used to test and analyze the safety and effectiveness of experimental drugs. The nonprofit, which claimed $217.9 million in assets at … Continue reading “Nonprofit LifeNet Acquires Biotech With San Antonio Presence”
Boston Tech Watch: MassChallenge Awards, Startup Funding, & Layoffs
Hard to believe it’s already November. As we get ready to turn the clocks back an hour on Sunday, let’s take a look back at some recent tech news in the Boston area: —At a swanky gala event on Wednesday night, MassChallenge and its partners awarded $1.5 million in grants and prizes to 16 of … Continue reading “Boston Tech Watch: MassChallenge Awards, Startup Funding, & Layoffs”
Cortica, Clarifai Show AI Isn’t Just for Big Companies Like Google
Deep learning just may be the buzziest, most misunderstood term in the tech world. And October was a banner month for the enigmatic subject. The term “deep learning” is, essentially, a synonym for a type of neural network approach. And though voguish at the moment, the goal of the field has long been to create … Continue reading “Cortica, Clarifai Show AI Isn’t Just for Big Companies Like Google”
Sanofi’s Experience With Dengvaxia May Speed Development of Zika Vaccine
Dengvaxia, the first licensed vaccine for dengue virus, has now been approved in 11 countries where dengue is endemic. But sales of the vaccine, which were initially projected to reach €200 million this year, barely reached €20 million in the first half of the year, with little sign of picking up. Sanofi Pasteur, the group … Continue reading “Sanofi’s Experience With Dengvaxia May Speed Development of Zika Vaccine”
MIT’s Venture Fund Gains Support, But Raises Questions from VCs
[Updated 11/6/16, 8:37 pm. See below.] Krishna Gupta was still an undergraduate student at MIT when he started his early-stage venture capital firm Romulus Capital in 2008. Seeking mentorship, he says he sent e-mails to professors around campus with the subject line “MIT venture fund.” MIT administrators weren’t thrilled. Gupta says he was contacted by … Continue reading “MIT’s Venture Fund Gains Support, But Raises Questions from VCs”
Bio Roundup: Clinical Shirkers, AMD Worriers, ASH Fallers & More
Our previous roundup came out last week before news broke that Susan Lindquist, a highly decorated and thoughtful researcher into the inner workings of proteins, passed away. She was 67. First at the University of Chicago and then MIT’s Whitehead Institute, Lindquist helped biologists see that all kinds of organisms—including ourselves—share errors of protein folding … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Clinical Shirkers, AMD Worriers, ASH Fallers & More”
Californians Still Hate Trump, But More Uncertain About Drug Companies
The polls are tightening. Millions of people are still making up their minds. National figures are making last-minute pitches. The decision could have huge implications for people across the U.S. We’re talking of course about next week’s vote on Proposition 61 in California, an attempt to control drug prices in the nation’s most populous state. … Continue reading “Californians Still Hate Trump, But More Uncertain About Drug Companies”
The Necessity of Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of wealth creation. Innovation is at the heart of job creation. Innovation is at the heart of building better lives for everyone. And innovation can be increased by conscious support. Innovation is enhanced by a culture of innovation, encouragement of talented inventors and entrepreneurs, collaboration between academics and business people, … Continue reading “The Necessity of Innovation”
Midwestern BioAg Raises $21M to Ramp Up Fertilizer Production
Midwestern BioAg, a Madison, WI-based manufacturer and distributor of fertilizers, seed, and other products designed to improve soil health and increase crop yields, says it has raised $21.3 million from investors. Midwestern BioAg says that the money will be used in part to expand its fertilizer manufacturing capacity. The company also plans to start working … Continue reading “Midwestern BioAg Raises $21M to Ramp Up Fertilizer Production”
San Antonio’s Fountainhead Raising Money to Back Up Biomed Incubator
San Antonio—A San Antonio venture capital firm that recently created a biotech and medical device incubator is raising additional funding and may make investments in the coming months, according to managing partner Brian Kieser. Fountainhead Investment Partners has about $3 million committed to its FIP Venture Fund and plans to invest in biotech and medical … Continue reading “San Antonio’s Fountainhead Raising Money to Back Up Biomed Incubator”
Flatiron, Foundation Med Link Records of 20,000 Cancer Patients
[Updated, 11/3/16, 11:43 a.m. See below.] Some of the world’s largest non-profit cancer treatment centers are pooling patient information to gain new insights into the disease and potentially find new treatments. Now two for-profit companies that trade in cancer data are trying the same thing. Flatiron Health and Foundation Medicine have begun combining the health … Continue reading “Flatiron, Foundation Med Link Records of 20,000 Cancer Patients”
New Data Show Power, Limits of Bluebird’s Gene Therapy For Blood Diseases
Bluebird Bio is releasing new data this morning that speak to both the potential and the limitations of a gene therapy it’s been developing for two deadly blood diseases, sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. The data, from abstracts for presentations that will be given at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in … Continue reading “New Data Show Power, Limits of Bluebird’s Gene Therapy For Blood Diseases”
Resilient Coders Tackles Tech Diversity Issues, One Person at a Time
Growing up in Boston, Steven Julien-Stewart witnessed the gentrification of the city’s neighborhoods, although at the time he didn’t fully understand what was happening—he just knew his neighbors were moving away. “When you’re younger, you’re not thinking about things like rent increases,” the 23-year-old says. “You just see friends disappear.” Julien-Stewart has moved between different … Continue reading “Resilient Coders Tackles Tech Diversity Issues, One Person at a Time”
Join Us at the Broad in 2 Weeks for What’s Hot in Boston Healthtech
How can we bring down skyrocketing healthcare costs? What will doctor visits look like in the future? And how are advances in technology—from software to devices to engineered microorganisms—impacting human health? Join Xconomy in two weeks to explore the answers to these questions and more at What’s Hot in Boston Healthtech, a special afternoon conference … Continue reading “Join Us at the Broad in 2 Weeks for What’s Hot in Boston Healthtech”
Local Orbit Out to Boost Food Supply Chain for Farmers, Institutions
When Ann Arbor, MI’s Local Orbit first took root in 2010, founder and CEO Erika Block wanted a better way to connect local growers and food producers with restaurants and other commercial customers. Six years later, the company has both expanded and refined its focus to keep up with growing customer demand and challenges in … Continue reading “Local Orbit Out to Boost Food Supply Chain for Farmers, Institutions”
Austin’s Phunware Raises $22M for App Development Platform
Austin—Phunware, which makes mobile apps for multinational corporations, announced Wednesday that it has raised $22 million. The funding brings the company $10 million shy of its goal of $50 million for its Series F round. The investment was led by Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the strategic investment fund of the government of Malaysia; Wavemaker Partners; and … Continue reading “Austin’s Phunware Raises $22M for App Development Platform”
Breg Partners With Redox to Improve Tracking of Orthotic Devices
For more than two decades, Breg has built and sold braces, splints, walking boots, and other devices designed to help rehabilitate injured patients. The Carlsbad, CA-based company has also developed software that it says can help healthcare providers and other organizations keep track of orthotic devices and bill patients for their use. On Tuesday, Breg … Continue reading “Breg Partners With Redox to Improve Tracking of Orthotic Devices”
Xconomy Announces Channel Focused on the Future of Education
Since its inception more than nine years ago, Xconomy has focused its coverage on the business of high technology—across information technology, life sciences, healthcare, energy, robotics, and much more. But underlying all that, in a sense, is education. We have long run stories about STEM education, educational technology, and more—and even put out a special … Continue reading “Xconomy Announces Channel Focused on the Future of Education”
Massachusetts Builds Diverse Edtech Sector, Still Seeks Big Wins
Massachusetts has long been known as a hub for both software and education. Now, a growing cluster of companies has emerged at the intersection of those two industries—but the local education technology sector seems to be searching for an identity. A recent study of Massachusetts businesses found more than 400 education-related companies that employ at … Continue reading “Massachusetts Builds Diverse Edtech Sector, Still Seeks Big Wins”
Verastem Takes a Low-Cost Flier on Infinity’s Blood Cancer Drug
It wasn’t too long ago that a blood cancer drug from Infinity Pharmaceuticals was worth an up front, $275 million from AbbVie. But two years and some disappointing trial results later, Verastem has scooped it up at a fraction of the cost. Verastem (NASDAQ: [[ticker:VSTM]]), a Boston company developing stem cell drugs for cancer, has … Continue reading “Verastem Takes a Low-Cost Flier on Infinity’s Blood Cancer Drug”
Clinton and Trump Platform Analysis: Which Is Best for Education Companies?
With election day less than a week away, voters are trying to imagine what turns the country might take under each of the presidential hopefuls. Tech entrepreneurs are likely considering how hospitable the new leadership might be to their specific industry sectors. Educational technology is one field worth examining, even though education hasn’t been a … Continue reading “Clinton and Trump Platform Analysis: Which Is Best for Education Companies?”
Lessonly’s Automated Learning Tool Helps Optimize Business Processes
In 2012, three Indianapolis entrepreneurs with IT backgrounds and ties to ExactTarget had the idea to create “an easy learning platform,” says Zach McFarlen, Lessonly’s director of brand and messaging. Co-founder Mike Fitzgerald, who was an ExactTarget executive before the company’s 2013 acquisition by Salesforce (NYSE: [[ticker:CRM]]), had been looking for a tool to create … Continue reading “Lessonly’s Automated Learning Tool Helps Optimize Business Processes”
Elanco Leads $8.5M Investment in RTP’s AgTech Accelerator
It’s fall harvest now, and AgTech Accelerator has something new to show from the summer growing season: $8.5 million in additional funding that positions the accelerator to start planting investments in promising agriculture technologies from around the country. The new funding brings the total financial backing for the Research Triangle Park, NC-based accelerator to $20 … Continue reading “Elanco Leads $8.5M Investment in RTP’s AgTech Accelerator”
Celldex, Aiming For More Cancer Drug Combos, Pays $62.5M For Kolltan
Celldex Therapeutics has been trying to bounce back ever since its lead drug, a cancer vaccine, fell short in clinical trials earlier this year. Today it has acquired privately held Kolltan Pharmaceuticals to help with that plan. Hampton, NJ, and Needham, MA-based Celldex is paying Kolltan shareholders with $62.5 million worth of Celldex stock. The … Continue reading “Celldex, Aiming For More Cancer Drug Combos, Pays $62.5M For Kolltan”
San Antonio Cancer Foundation Donates $17M To Cancer Center
San Antonio—[Updated 5:07 p.m. See below.] The nonprofit San Antonio Cancer Foundation announced this morning that it is giving $17 million for improvements to the Cancer Therapy & Research Center, according to a spokeswoman for the center. The cash will help build a renovated welcome center for patients, a diagnostic suite, an expanded pharmacy, and … Continue reading “San Antonio Cancer Foundation Donates $17M To Cancer Center”
Hack This: Xconomy to Host the State of Cybersecurity on Dec. 8
The end may be near. No, I’m not talking about the U.S. presidential election. I’m talking about the chances of a catastrophic cyber attack on our companies and infrastructure (though the two may be related). With the mounting number of vulnerabilities out there—see last month’s massive Internet attack—what can we all do to help secure … Continue reading “Hack This: Xconomy to Host the State of Cybersecurity on Dec. 8”
Xconomy Intersect: New Speakers Added as Discount Rate Ends
Here are three big things to know about Xconomy Intersect, our next Seattle event coming up Dec. 8: Microsoft’s chief speech researcher, Xuedong Huang, whose team just set a new record for accuracy in machine transcription, is one of the new speakers joining our outstanding lineup of entrepreneurs, investors, and thinkers. Kirk Washington, a longtime … Continue reading “Xconomy Intersect: New Speakers Added as Discount Rate Ends”
Chiron Health Adds $1M in Seed Funds for Physician Video Chat System
Austin—Chiron Health, a telemedicine company with a system developed to let doctors and meet and chat with patients over video, has added about $1 million in equity funding to its seed round, according to CEO Andrew O’Hara. The company added the funding in early October, and it brings Chiron’s total seed round to $4.7 million, … Continue reading “Chiron Health Adds $1M in Seed Funds for Physician Video Chat System”
CounterTack Grabs $10M to Expand Endpoint Security Business in Asia
Cybersecurity firm CounterTack announced a fresh $10 million funding round on Tuesday to help it compete in the increasingly crowded sector of security aimed at protecting organizations’ servers, computers, and other so-called “endpoint” devices. Waltham, MA-based CounterTack says it will use the money to expand its business on two fronts: increasing its sales in the … Continue reading “CounterTack Grabs $10M to Expand Endpoint Security Business in Asia”
Grace Hopper Conference Shines Light on Coding School for Afghan Girls
Houston— The tech industry can be difficult for women and under-represented minorities. For Fereshteh Forough, the degree of difficulty in recruiting women to the field is greater still. And so are the stakes. “There are general challenges, and there are Afghanistan challenges,” she said. Forough is the founder of Code to Inspire, a coding academy … Continue reading “Grace Hopper Conference Shines Light on Coding School for Afghan Girls”
With Reverse Merger, Miragen to Go Public, Get $40M Boost From Investors
For privately held biotechs, IPOs are the most common road to the public markets, but they’re not the only way. Reverse merging with a shell company is an alternate path, and that’s how Miragen Therapeutics is headed to the Nasdaq. Boulder, CO-based Miragen, a developer of drugs that utilize microRNA—small molecular regulators of gene expression—has … Continue reading “With Reverse Merger, Miragen to Go Public, Get $40M Boost From Investors”
On Front Lines Of Price Dispute, Eye Doctors Wary of New Drug Data
Drugs that treat a form of vision loss known as age related macular degeneration aren’t just big business. They’re also a controversial part of the national debate over high drug prices, and their increased use has put ophthalmologists in the crosshairs of insurers, the federal government, and the press. “Retina practices are under significantly increased … Continue reading “On Front Lines Of Price Dispute, Eye Doctors Wary of New Drug Data”
You May Have Helped Crash the Internet. But How Would You Know?
Cyberattackers this month brought down Internet access to Twitter, Netflix, Airbnb, the New York Times, and many other companies by hijacking thousands of poorly protected devices and forcing them to overwhelm a key Web traffic hub with a barrage of messages. You—in the form of your camera, printer, router, or other device—may have been one … Continue reading “You May Have Helped Crash the Internet. But How Would You Know?”
Isomark, gBETA, Gregor, & More: This Week’s Wisconsin Watchlist
Keep up with the latest news from Wisconsin’s innovation community with these recent headlines: —Members of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s football team are using a device developed by the startup Isomark that gives them feedback on how they’re metabolizing food, the Wisconsin State Journal reported. The device, called Energy Balance, reportedly tells users what and … Continue reading “Isomark, gBETA, Gregor, & More: This Week’s Wisconsin Watchlist”
New York Institutions, VCs Team up to Build Drug Discovery “Bridge”
[Updated, 11:10 a.m. ET, see below] New York biotech has historically lagged behind more established life sciences hubs like Boston and San Francisco, but collaborations between its research institutions have helped the city start to move forward. Another step in that direction was taken this morning, with the launch of what’s being called Bridge Medicines. … Continue reading “New York Institutions, VCs Team up to Build Drug Discovery “Bridge””
Third Rock Gets $616M to Grow New Crop of Biotech Startups
Third Rock Ventures is known for making big bets on risky science, and over the past decade a number of those gambles have paid off for its shareholders. That success has helped the Boston firm close on a new $616 million fund, its largest ever. Third Rock is announcing that it’s wrapped up its fourth … Continue reading “Third Rock Gets $616M to Grow New Crop of Biotech Startups”
Plug and Play San Diego Finds Home in New Downtown Works Space
Plug and Play San Diego has formed a partnership with Downtown Works, a new co-working space in downtown San Diego, which will give the local Plug and Play program a place to call home. Plug and Play San Diego, established in 2013 as a satellite of the Sunnyvale, CA-based incubator, has funneled 15 local startups … Continue reading “Plug and Play San Diego Finds Home in New Downtown Works Space”
CUNA Mutual Group Venture Arm Exits Stealth, Reveals Investments
CMFG Ventures, an arm of CUNA Mutual Group that supports fintech and insurance technology startups, says it led a $10 million Series A investment in Chicago-based ForeverCar, which helps users purchase extended vehicle warranties. Madison, WI-based CUNA Mutual provides insurance and financial services to its member organizations, many of which are credit unions. According to … Continue reading “CUNA Mutual Group Venture Arm Exits Stealth, Reveals Investments”
Seattle Week in Review: Tech Money in Politics, Metamaterials & More
If there’s any doubt about the enduring impact that home-grown tech company billionaires can have on a region, refer back to this week. Bill Gates, Paul Allen, and Steve Ballmer made moves big and small to encourage and influence the course of affairs in the state. Read on for details on their latest philanthropic and … Continue reading “Seattle Week in Review: Tech Money in Politics, Metamaterials & More”
Roundup: Naturalicious, Ford STEAM Lab, MedHealth Summit & More
Here’s a look at recent tech and innovation news from around Michigan: —Gwen Jimmere, founder of Detroit-based beauty startup Naturalicious, has been named one of the 100 most influential African Americans in the country by The Root. Jimmere started the company in 2013 out of her home in Canton. A single mother who had recently … Continue reading “Roundup: Naturalicious, Ford STEAM Lab, MedHealth Summit & More”
Bio Roundup: Drug Pricing, Cystic Fibrosis Showdown, Myovant & More
The 2016 election is (thankfully) almost here, and as one biotech analyst noted this week, a possible Democratic victory is to blame for a big October sell-off in biotech stocks. Since Donald Trump’s infamous “Access Hollywood” tape was released on October 7, Leerink Partners analyst Geoffrey Porges wrote, biotech investors have lost $50 billion. The … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Drug Pricing, Cystic Fibrosis Showdown, Myovant & More”