[Updated, 3/5/15, 3:56 pm ET] Gregory Verdine left a tenured position at Harvard University last year to lead a Cambridge, MA, startup trying to derive new drugs from the microbes in plants and dirt. Today Verdine is handing the reins of Warp Drive Bio over to Laurence Reid, the former chief business officer at nearby … Continue reading “Ex-Alnylam Exec to Steer Warp Drive Bio; Verdine Shifts Roles”
Category: National
North Carolina Tech Investments Outpaced Life Science Deals in 2014
At a North Carolina conference full of life science professionals, technology companies made the loudest investment noise. Investments in tech companies last year outpaced life science dealflow, both in total dollars raised and the number of deals—the first time in a long time that tech deals overshadowed life science deals. A total of 83 tech … Continue reading “North Carolina Tech Investments Outpaced Life Science Deals in 2014”
Just Eight Days Left—Get Your Seat for “New York’s Life Science Disruptors”
We’re just over a week away from bringing the Big Apple biotech community together for a taste of what it takes to make it here—and what big stories are changing the face of biomedical research in and around Manhattan. Tickets are going fast, but there are still seats available for our March 12 bash at … Continue reading “Just Eight Days Left—Get Your Seat for “New York’s Life Science Disruptors””
Top 3 Personal Health Tips From the Founders of Elysium
First of all, it’s not really an anti-aging startup. That’s one takeaway after sitting down with the founders of Elysium Health last week. The newly launched company is headquartered in New York City, with a network of advisors worldwide. It’s out to sell nutritional supplements to consumers online to improve their personal health, not necessarily … Continue reading “Top 3 Personal Health Tips From the Founders of Elysium”
Grid2Home Changes Name to Kitu Systems, Raises $2.3M from Investors
San Diego-based Grid2Home, founded in 2009 to develop software for the emerging market in smart meter data communications, has changed its name to Kitu Systems, apparently to position the company for the broader market in the “Internet of Things.” The company explains on its website that “Kitu” means “thing” in Swahili. Kitu Systems also has … Continue reading “Grid2Home Changes Name to Kitu Systems, Raises $2.3M from Investors”
WI’s Badger Fund of Funds Unlocks State Money, Eyes First Recipients
Nearly two years ago, Wisconsin passed a law creating a government-backed “fund-of-funds” that would invest in venture capital funds in the state, in the hopes of boosting the meager amounts of local cash available to local startups. Now, after months of gathering additional commitments from private sources, the Badger Fund of Funds is poised to … Continue reading “WI’s Badger Fund of Funds Unlocks State Money, Eyes First Recipients”
Booker to Expand with $35M Series C Round from Medina, First Data
Scheduling and management service Booker landed a $35 million Series C funding round led by Medina Capital, along with an investment from international payment processor First Data. Booker, based in New York, plans to use the money to expand the number of products it offers and the number of businesses it serves. The company sells … Continue reading “Booker to Expand with $35M Series C Round from Medina, First Data”
Vascular Pharmaceuticals Lands $9M For Diabetes Drug Trials
Patients whose diabetes has progressed to a type of kidney damage called diabetic nephropathy have few treatment options available to them. Some doctors treat the condition with blood pressure medication. But there are no FDA-approved drugs to specifically treat diabetic nephropathy, which can lead to end-stage renal failure. At that stage, patients will likely need … Continue reading “Vascular Pharmaceuticals Lands $9M For Diabetes Drug Trials”
Under New Initiative, Biocom Scouts for Strategic Partners in Japan
After working for years to make inroads in China, San Diego’s Biocom industry group has refocused its global partnering efforts on a new initiative intended to connect emerging life sciences companies in San Diego with big pharmas in Japan. Biocom and the Japan Bioindustry Association signed a formal partnership agreement last summer, according to Biocom … Continue reading “Under New Initiative, Biocom Scouts for Strategic Partners in Japan”
Ann Arbor’s Stratos Launches “Industry First” Connected Payment Card
At long last, Ann Arbor-based Stratos, formerly known as Protean Payment, today launched its Bluetooth Connected Card, which it describes as an industry first in the realm of financial technology and mobile wallets. “It’s exciting to finally be able to show people,” says Stratos CEO Thiago Olson. “Inside the Stratos card, we’ve packed an entire … Continue reading “Ann Arbor’s Stratos Launches “Industry First” Connected Payment Card”
Dallas’s Tech Wildcatters Brings on Latest Class of B-to-B Startups
[Updated 3/05/15 11:36 am. See below.] Dallas’ Tech Wildcatters accelerator announced today its latest batch of tech startups, whose focus includes fashion, sports, and financial services. The 15 companies hail from as far away as Germany and Moscow as well as closer to home in Fort Worth and Denver. “The truth is, we don’t really care … Continue reading “Dallas’s Tech Wildcatters Brings on Latest Class of B-to-B Startups”
Blueprint Cuts $265M Alexion Deal With IPO in Sight
It’s been a year of transition for Blueprint Medicines. Since early 2014, the Cambridge, MA-based company moved on from its founding CEO, named two lead programs, added a whole bunch of new investors, and raised a total of $75 million. Now it’s getting its first stamp of approval from a large drugmaker—Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Blueprint and … Continue reading “Blueprint Cuts $265M Alexion Deal With IPO in Sight”
Focused on Glaucoma, Aerie Looks Toward Unblinding Critical Data
Glaucoma is a ripe opportunity for drug developers. Generics litter the field, yet it’s a roughly $5 billion market that will only grow with an aging population. What’s more, nothing out there cures the disease. Patients typically take eye drops, chronically, for the rest of their lives. In other words, there’s room for innovation. That’s … Continue reading “Focused on Glaucoma, Aerie Looks Toward Unblinding Critical Data”
Tiger Teams, Dropping Subs, and Biotech’s Elusive Second Strikes
Onesie-twosie? Double dipping? The old razzle dazzle? Whatever you call it, it’s a rare feat to sell a biotech company, hold something back to start a new company, then ride that second horse to success. The team behind Flexus Biosciences is halfway there, as I wrote about last week. They sold a preclinical cancer immunotherapy … Continue reading “Tiger Teams, Dropping Subs, and Biotech’s Elusive Second Strikes”
Tempered Networks Raises $15M For Industrial Network Security
Tempered Networks, which aims to improve network security at manufacturing and industrial facilities, said it raised $15 million from Ignition Partners and IDG Ventures. The Seattle company’s Series A funding round, led by Ignition, builds on what it described as a $5 million bridge funding round in December, and $2 million in seed funding raised … Continue reading “Tempered Networks Raises $15M For Industrial Network Security”
Linkable Networks Grabs $11.7M Series C for New Hires
Linkable Networks, a company whose software lets consumers link coupons and other rewards to their credit and debit cards, has received $11.7 million in a Series C funding that it will use to further develop its product and double the size of its staff. The money came from existing investors Kepha Partners, CommonAngels, and BlueChip … Continue reading “Linkable Networks Grabs $11.7M Series C for New Hires”
PayPal Buys Paydiant Amid Mobile Payments Shakeout
[Updated at 3 pm with comment from investor] After years of fits and starts, the mobile payments technology sector is finally getting serious about sifting through the winners and losers. One more startup in the win column: Paydiant, a Newton, MA-based provider of mobile-app technology for other companies, which is being acquired by PayPal. The companies … Continue reading “PayPal Buys Paydiant Amid Mobile Payments Shakeout”
Roundup: Comcast Business, Start Garden, JEMS, Delphinius & More
Here’s a look at news from around Michigan’s innovation hubs: —Are you an entrepreneur in need of a cash infusion? Comcast Business is giving away up to $30,000 to a startup in need in each of its 16 regional districts through its Innovations 4 Entrepreneurs contest. Applicants have until March 15 to submit a 250-word … Continue reading “Roundup: Comcast Business, Start Garden, JEMS, Delphinius & More”
Therapeutic Video Game Startup Akili Takes Aim at Autism
For decades, experts have debated whether video games positively or negatively affect your brain. Boston-based startup Akili Interactive thinks it’s a settled question, and that games on mobile devices can be beneficial both for players and doctors. Now it’s all about proving it. Akili announced Monday it has formed a clinical research collaboration agreement with … Continue reading “Therapeutic Video Game Startup Akili Takes Aim at Autism”
Finistere Raises $150M for New Fund Focused on Agricultural Biotech
Finistere Ventures, a San Diego investment firm focused on agricultural biotechnology, said it has closed on $150 million for its second fund. In a regulatory filing, the firm indicates plans to raise as much as $200 million for the fund, Finistere Ventures II. In a separate filing, Finistere disclosed plans to raise $20 million for … Continue reading “Finistere Raises $150M for New Fund Focused on Agricultural Biotech”
Inaugural Dallas Startup Week Puts Focus On Region’s Innovators
The first-ever Dallas Startup Week begins today, aiming to introduce the region’s different entrepreneurial ecosystems to each other. “Now, there is collaboration happening,” says Michael Sitarzewski, one of the startup week’s organizers. “We’re bringing the Greater Dallas-Fort Worth startup communities together to share their experiences and network. Next year, it’s about bringing other people in … Continue reading “Inaugural Dallas Startup Week Puts Focus On Region’s Innovators”
SOLS Puts $11.1M from Carmelo Anthony, Others to Work in 3D-Printed Footwear
Is there a real mainstream play finally in the making for 3D printing? Creating custom wearables has been one of the hyped proposed uses for 3D printing. New York-based SOLS is putting the technology to work in footwear. The startup recently closed on a Series B round of $11.1 million from investors that include Lux Capital … Continue reading “SOLS Puts $11.1M from Carmelo Anthony, Others to Work in 3D-Printed Footwear”
Health IT Marketer eRelevance Plans Fundraising for Expansion
Before the end of this year, healthcare software maker eRelevance hopes to add another 700 medical-clinic customers to the more than 100 it already has, while also tripling its staff to about 30, according to founder and CEO Bob Fabbio. A $1.4 million seed round in January is helping the Austin, TX, company get there, though eRelevance … Continue reading “Health IT Marketer eRelevance Plans Fundraising for Expansion”
Chimerix Drug Shows Promise As Virus Fighter for Transplant Patients
The commonly found adenovirus poses little problem for healthy people, whose immune systems can fight the respiratory and gastrointestinal infections the virus can cause. But in bone marrow and organ transplant patients, adenovirus often becomes deadly. Their weakened immune systems can’t fight off the virus, which studies show can be fatal in up to 80 … Continue reading “Chimerix Drug Shows Promise As Virus Fighter for Transplant Patients”
With Celiac Deal, Celimmune Aims to Give New Life to Old Amgen Drug
Sometimes a drug gathering dust at a big company finds new life at a startup. And sometimes the two companies cut a deal, in case that startup is on to something. That’s exactly what biotech giant Amgen is doing with brand-new startup Celimmune, in a deal announced today. Celimmune, based in Lebanon, NJ, and Bethesda, … Continue reading “With Celiac Deal, Celimmune Aims to Give New Life to Old Amgen Drug”
WeMontage’s James Oliver On Being An Entrepreneur/Husband/Father
Building a company from scratch is a grueling endeavor that, if done right, can bring great rewards and a feeling of fulfillment. The same goes for being a husband and a father. Balancing all three roles simultaneously is not for the faint of heart, and can seem damn near impossible at times. Just ask James … Continue reading “WeMontage’s James Oliver On Being An Entrepreneur/Husband/Father”
Cancer Immunotherapy Companies: Looking Forward and Looking Back
[Updated, 4/7/15, see below] I’ve been researching one of our local immunotherapy developers here in Seattle, trying to round up the views of industry experts regarding the future prospects of a drug at the front of its pipeline. Do they think it’s a good investment? Here’s what I found out: Analysts predict that sales of … Continue reading “Cancer Immunotherapy Companies: Looking Forward and Looking Back”
Innovation Hub: Advertising’s New Age
A product, a camera phone, and a sensor. Those may be the essential tools of advertising in the 21st century. Increasingly, we’re witnessing the disappearance of the classic, 30-second ad. Now products are looking to lure us with humor (I’m looking at you, Old Spice Guy) or whiz-bang theatrics (think Jean-Claude Van Damme straddling Volvos). … Continue reading “Innovation Hub: Advertising’s New Age”
Seattle Roundup: Live Long and Prosper Edition
Our hearts are heavy today with news of the death of Leonard Nimoy at age 83, who was Star Trek’s Mr. Spock and so much more. He exemplified his most famous character’s most famous line: Live long and prosper. On to this week’s Seattle tech news. There was new funding announced this week for Unify … Continue reading “Seattle Roundup: Live Long and Prosper Edition”
Pixel Velocity Expands in IoT With $10M From Draper Triangle
Earlier this month, venture capital firm Draper Triangle announced an investment of $10 million in Ann Arbor’s Pixel Velocity, with plans to quickly grow the company to take advantage of the rise of cloud technologies and Internet of Things applications. Jonathan Murray, Draper Triangle’s Michigan-based managing director, has taken a seat on Pixel Velocity’s board … Continue reading “Pixel Velocity Expands in IoT With $10M From Draper Triangle”
Cancer Agency Leaders in Houston, $111M in Grants Awarded
Leaders of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas stopped by the Texas Medical Center in Houston yesterday at a “Meet CPRIT” event to update the city’s biotech community on the agency’s efforts. CPRIT recently announced its latest slate of awards, a total of $111.4 million in research and commercialization grants, which come at … Continue reading “Cancer Agency Leaders in Houston, $111M in Grants Awarded”
With FDA Nod, Nonprofit Drug Firm Launches New IUD—And New Model
An unusual women’s health biopharma with a very unusual strategy has passed its first big test. The FDA said today that Medicines360 can bring a contraceptive to market. That’s not the unusual part, and neither is the product. It’s an intrauterine device, and IUDs have been around for a century in one form or another. … Continue reading “With FDA Nod, Nonprofit Drug Firm Launches New IUD—And New Model”
RIP Leaf: Heartland Halts Payment-Tech Provider in Consolidation
Restaurant checkout-tech provider Leaf, which has been a unit of payments processing company Heartland Payment Systems since 2014, is being shuttered as Heartland looks for a new direction in the fast-changing world of retail payments. Heartland announced the shift as part of its quarterly earnings earlier this month. The Princeton, NJ-based company said it was acquiring two more point-of-sale … Continue reading “RIP Leaf: Heartland Halts Payment-Tech Provider in Consolidation”
Quietyme Seeks Success with Sensors that Shush Sounds in Hospitals
Noisy neighbors can be a problem, whether you’re in an apartment building or a hotel room. But if you’re in a hospital, they’re more than a nuisance—they can be a health risk. Quietyme, a Madison, WI, startup, is looking to fix that. The startup makes sensors that can monitor noise levels, along with temperature, light, … Continue reading “Quietyme Seeks Success with Sensors that Shush Sounds in Hospitals”
Milestones of Innovation 3: ‘Modern Pioneers’ at the Waldorf–1940
When people made lists of leading innovators 75 years ago, they saw a landscape very different from today’s for putting discoveries, techniques, money, workers, and customers together to get something new and useful onto the market. In the brief interval between the Depression and World War II, the dominant factor was the large, vertically integrated … Continue reading “Milestones of Innovation 3: ‘Modern Pioneers’ at the Waldorf–1940”
3D Robotics Raises $50M To Develop Mobile-Enhanced Drones
Berkeley, CA-based 3D Robotics has raised $50 million in a Series C funding round led by Qualcomm, the San Diego wireless industry giant. The two companies plan to work together to combine 3D Robotics’ drones with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, which power sensors, wireless communication, and cameras. “By working with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., we can bring … Continue reading “3D Robotics Raises $50M To Develop Mobile-Enhanced Drones”
Bellicum CEO Reflects on Rise From Baylor to Houston Biotech Darling
The Houston biotech community welcomed Bellicum Pharmaceuticals at a BioHouston breakfast Wednesday, one of the first public events for its executives since the life sciences company went public in a $140 million offering late last year. More than 100 people crowded an events room at Rice University’s BioScience Research Collaborative building to hear Bellicum CEO … Continue reading “Bellicum CEO Reflects on Rise From Baylor to Houston Biotech Darling”
Paul Maritz Brings Cloud Expertise to Nanobiosym With Investment
Paul Maritz, the cloud-computing expert who has run companies including Pivotal and VMware, is investing in and joining the board of Nanobiosym Diagnostics, the company said today. Nanobiosym’s CEO Anita Goel (pictured) plans to work with Maritz to develop a way to make data from the company’s’s core diagnostic product available on a secure, customizable … Continue reading “Paul Maritz Brings Cloud Expertise to Nanobiosym With Investment”
West Coast Biotech Roundup: Flexus, NGM, Illumina, Bob Klein & More
A few West Coast companies made news back east this week at the Advances in Genome Biology and Technology conference in Florida, while others (Flexus Biosciences, NGM Biotherapeutics) stayed home to count hundreds of millions of dollars rolling in from huge deals. But the biggest number of the week—$100 billion—came from the mouth of California … Continue reading “West Coast Biotech Roundup: Flexus, NGM, Illumina, Bob Klein & More”
UW Medicine Taps Telemedicine Provider Carena for New Virtual Clinic
In a bid to provide quick, convenient access to care for common, easy-to-diagnose ailments, UW Medicine—the University of Washington’s healthcare organization—began an online virtual clinic in January using telemedicine services from Seattle-based Carena. People in Washington can schedule a face-to-face visit with a doctor or nurse anytime of the day or night for help with … Continue reading “UW Medicine Taps Telemedicine Provider Carena for New Virtual Clinic”
SF Startups From App-Searching Tool to Mobile Defense Get VC Funding
A half-dozen Bay Area startups announced early stage funding during the last 24 hours. They include a business specializing in anti-hacking technology for mobile devices, a gastrointestinal-focused pharmaceutical company, and an app that brings a valet to you. The details are here: —Mobile-defense company Zimperium took in $12 million of Series B funding to build … Continue reading “SF Startups From App-Searching Tool to Mobile Defense Get VC Funding”
Shoutlet Snags $5M More to Help Big Brands Boost Social Marketing
Shoutlet has raised $5 million to continue growing its social media analytics and marketing business, a new SEC filing shows. Including the new financing, which is a combination of debt and stock options, Madison, WI-based Shoutlet appears to have raised a total of at least $31.2 million, according to SEC documents and past press releases. … Continue reading “Shoutlet Snags $5M More to Help Big Brands Boost Social Marketing”
New Harvard i-lab Head Talks Global Expansion, Startup Initiatives
The Harvard Innovation Lab’s incoming managing director isn’t wasting any time getting started. Jodi Goldstein, announced Wednesday as the lab’s successor to current head Gordon Jones as of June 1, is already working on expansion plans, including a possible new fund for supporting startups. Goldstein has been at the i-lab since its launch in 2011, … Continue reading “New Harvard i-lab Head Talks Global Expansion, Startup Initiatives”
Jesse Jackson and Anil Dash Call Out Tech to Embrace More Diversity
In a fireside chat on Wednesday, the founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the CEO of ThinkUp voiced their wishes to see the technology scene be more inclusive. Civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson sat down with entrepreneur Anil Dash for the session at the Social Media Week conference in New York. Each has … Continue reading “Jesse Jackson and Anil Dash Call Out Tech to Embrace More Diversity”
Yes to Flexus: The Science And Strategy Behind A Huge Biotech Return
It was hard to miss the numbers. On Monday, Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: [[ticker:BMY]]) bought Flexus Biosciences—or a large chunk of it—and still provided one of the best returns in recent biotech memory: $800 million guaranteed and potentially $450 million more, all from a $38 million investment over less than two years. It was also hard … Continue reading “Yes to Flexus: The Science And Strategy Behind A Huge Biotech Return”
Exact Sciences’ Stock Stumbles on Early Cologuard Launch Data
Exact Sciences’ stock dipped on Tuesday after Wall Street got spooked by the company’s early sales results from the launch of Cologuard, its stool-based DNA test for colorectal cancer. Madison, WI-based Exact (NASDAQ: [[ticker:EXAS]]) saw its stock drop as much as 18 percent from its opening bell price yesterday of $24.86 per share, before closing … Continue reading “Exact Sciences’ Stock Stumbles on Early Cologuard Launch Data”
Colorado Lawmakers Set Stage for Equity Crowdfunding
Colorado stands poised to become the latest state to allow residents who do not meet the stringent SEC standards for accredited investors to invest small amounts in companies located within its borders. State lawmakers on Tuesday introduced “the Colorado Crowdfunding Act.” The bill, officially HB15-1246, would allow businesses to use websites to attract investors and … Continue reading “Colorado Lawmakers Set Stage for Equity Crowdfunding”
Martha Stewart Talks Maker Movement and Desire for 3D Printed Roses
It might seem strange to see an icon of the do-it-yourself homewares and culinary scene chat about drones and 3D printers, but Martha Stewart calls herself an early adopter of technology. She took the stage Tuesday as part of the Social Media Week conference here in New York, sharing a few thoughts on the maker … Continue reading “Martha Stewart Talks Maker Movement and Desire for 3D Printed Roses”
Jodi Goldstein Named New Head of Harvard Innovation Lab
Harvard University has named a new managing director for its Innovation Lab to succeed outgoing head Gordon Jones, who is leaving in June. She is Jodi Goldstein, and her appointment is no surprise to the i-lab—or the innovation community. Goldstein has been with the Harvard Innovation Lab since its start in 2011. She has served … Continue reading “Jodi Goldstein Named New Head of Harvard Innovation Lab”
Bridj’s Data-Driven Private Bus Fleet Heading to DC
Commuters in Washington, DC, could soon be testing one young company’s vision for a data-driven, private bus fleet with high-end flourishes. Bridj, a Boston-based startup, says it is targeting the nation’s capital for its first expansion. Although there are plenty of details to work out, Bridj says that it “will be available in Washington D.C. … Continue reading “Bridj’s Data-Driven Private Bus Fleet Heading to DC”