30Ventures, one of the newest additions to Wisconsin’s venture capital scene, quietly revealed plans this week to raise up to $15 million for its debut fund, which will back healthcare and water and chemistry-related technologies in the Midwest. The Madison, WI-based firm disclosed fundraising details in a document filed with federal securities regulators on Thursday. … Continue reading “30Ventures Seeks $15M to Fund Startups in Healthcare, Water Tech”
Category: National
Bio Roundup: Not-BIO Party Foul, CRISPR Drama, Sickle Cell Updates
This week brought a sobering reminder of how far away we are from true gender equality in the life sciences. An industry party held during BIO’s annual meeting in Boston last week featured scantily clad women with company logos painted on their bodies—two years after the infamous party at the J.P. Morgan party in San … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Not-BIO Party Foul, CRISPR Drama, Sickle Cell Updates”
For Sickle Cell, a Complex Disease, New Drugs Could Bring Complex Costs
Cassandra Trimnell has sickle cell disease. She also loves to travel. For her 30th birthday last year, she and her husband planned a trip to Indonesia, and she figured she would be fine. Growing up in Iowa, she was sick all the time, in and out of hospitals with severe pain episodes, or “crises,” and … Continue reading “For Sickle Cell, a Complex Disease, New Drugs Could Bring Complex Costs”
Bluebird’s Upgraded Gene Therapy Shows Promise For Sickle Cell Patients
Bluebird Bio has new clinical data this morning that, while early and only from a handful of patients, are the most significant evidence to date that gene therapy might help people with sickle cell disease, a genetic disorder without an effective treatment that afflicts millions around the world. The data, presented at the European Hematology … Continue reading “Bluebird’s Upgraded Gene Therapy Shows Promise For Sickle Cell Patients”
Boston Tech Watch: Airbnb, Tableau, Pillo, Orbita, Validity & More
Here are some of the latest headlines from the Boston-area tech community: —Seattle-based Tableau Software (NYSE: [[ticker:DATA]]) said it acquired Empirical Systems, an automated statistical analysis startup that spun out of MIT’s Probabilistic Computing Project. The price wasn’t disclosed in a press release announcing the deal. Empirical employees will join Tableau, which is establishing a … Continue reading “Boston Tech Watch: Airbnb, Tableau, Pillo, Orbita, Validity & More”
Austin’s Ambiq Micro Adds $11M for Energy-Efficient Microcontrollers
Austin—Ambiq Micro, which makes energy-efficient chips and sells them internationally, has raised $11.4 million in an equity funding round, according to a securities filing. The company may raise up to $20 million, the filing says. Austin, TX-based Ambiq sells low-powered microcontrollers to companies such as Huawei Technologies and Fossil Group (NASDAQ: [[ticker:FOSL]]) for Internet of … Continue reading “Austin’s Ambiq Micro Adds $11M for Energy-Efficient Microcontrollers”
Fasetto Eclipses Crowdfunding Goal on First Day of Campaign
[Updated 6/14/18 5:58 p.m. See below.] Fasetto, a Superior, WI-based company that develops solid-state storage drives and cloud-based software for instantly sharing files, on Thursday announced a new product aimed at helping users store and broadcast digital presentations. In addition to unveiling its latest device, which it calls Forum, Fasetto launched a crowdfunding campaign on the … Continue reading “Fasetto Eclipses Crowdfunding Goal on First Day of Campaign”
After Departing CyPhy, Helen Greiner to Help U.S. Army in Robotics
Helen Greiner, the robotics expert and entrepreneur who co-founded iRobot, quietly left her most recent startup, the drone venture CyPhy Works, a few months ago, and she is now working with the U.S. Army on robotics and artificial intelligence initiatives. Greiner (pictured) left CyPhy in late 2017 and relinquished her board seat, a company spokesperson … Continue reading “After Departing CyPhy, Helen Greiner to Help U.S. Army in Robotics”
GE Plans a Sale as San Diego Smart City Project Nears Completion
In another month or two, a General Electric (NYSE: [[ticker:GE]]) subsidiary is expected to complete the installation of an intelligent lighting system in San Diego that’s been billed as “the world’s largest municipal Internet of Things.” The Boston-based subsidiary, Current by GE, began work earlier this year for the city of San Diego on a … Continue reading “GE Plans a Sale as San Diego Smart City Project Nears Completion”
Benchling Scores $14.5M to Grow Online Lab Notebook for Bio-Researchers
New immunotherapy approaches to cancer treatment, and the CRISPR technology for editing genetic material in cells, are among the most sophisticated research strategies scientists are using in their quest to defeat disease. But as researchers develop these techniques based on manipulating biological molecules, they may still be recording their experimental results by a method untouched … Continue reading “Benchling Scores $14.5M to Grow Online Lab Notebook for Bio-Researchers”
Mindstrong Adds $15M for Tech That Predicts Mental Health Changes
Mindstrong Health, a technology company that wants to help treat neurological conditions by tracking a person’s smartphone use, announced this morning it has closed a $15 million Series B round of funding. The Palo Alto, CA-based company is using the new money to move its product forward commercially on two paths. First, Mindstrong is partnering … Continue reading “Mindstrong Adds $15M for Tech That Predicts Mental Health Changes”
San Antonio Considers $750K Package to Woo E-Commerce Firm THG
San Antonio—Cities across the country are offering Amazon billions of dollars in incentives to locate its second headquarters there, from Maryland’s $8.5 billion in tax breaks and credits to Atlanta’s reported offer of $1 billion and the title of mayor for Jeff Bezos for a nearby town. As for San Antonio? City leaders didn’t even … Continue reading “San Antonio Considers $750K Package to Woo E-Commerce Firm THG”
Roundup: Startup Week Detroit, Grand Circus, MWCT, Duo Security, More
Summer is here, and with it, plenty of tech news from across Michigan. Startup Week Detroit kicks off on Monday, while other programs have fast-approaching application deadlines; grants have been awarded; milestones have been achieved; and new hires have been announced. Read on for details. —Techstars Startup Week Detroit, described by organizers as a weeklong … Continue reading “Roundup: Startup Week Detroit, Grand Circus, MWCT, Duo Security, More”
Strangeworks, TMCx, SeriesX, Unchained Capital, ALTR, & More TX Tech
Let’s get caught up with the latest innovation news from Xconomy Texas. —Strangeworks, an Austin, TX-based quantum computing startup, announced it has raised $4 million in a seed round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, according to a press release. Ecliptic Capital, GreatPoint Ventures, Lux Capital, BoxGroup, and Amplify Partners contributed to the funding. Strangeworks, which was … Continue reading “Strangeworks, TMCx, SeriesX, Unchained Capital, ALTR, & More TX Tech”
Take Two: Biotech Party with Nearly Nude Women Condemned by Industry Leaders
Biotech party organizers don’t seem to have learned the lesson from two years ago, when an infamous life science party in San Francisco with hired models in short dresses sparked outrage. This time, a biotech industry party held last week in Boston during the BIO annual meeting reportedly featured topless female dancers sporting logos of … Continue reading “Take Two: Biotech Party with Nearly Nude Women Condemned by Industry Leaders”
NIH Outlines $500M Plan to Develop New Pain Drugs and Fight Opioid Crisis
In an article published yesterday, National Institutes of Health leaders detailed how the NIH will spend the $500 million it got from Congress earlier this year to fight the opioid addiction epidemic. The plan, called HEAL (Helping to End Addiction Long-term), includes new grants for 2018 and 2019 for academic groups and companies to fund … Continue reading “NIH Outlines $500M Plan to Develop New Pain Drugs and Fight Opioid Crisis”
Westphal’s Flex Pharma To Cut Jobs and Seek Sale After Clinical Flop
Flex Pharma, a company formed four years ago by serial biotech executive Christoph Westphal to develop treatments for muscle cramps, will layoff more than half of its staff and look to sell itself after suffering another setback in clinical testing. Boston-based Flex (NASDAQ: [[ticker:FLKS]]) said it will halt two Phase 2 trials of experimental FLX-787 … Continue reading “Westphal’s Flex Pharma To Cut Jobs and Seek Sale After Clinical Flop”
Last Chance to Save on June 21’s ‘New York Biotech: Bringing Back the Expats’
Summer is quickly approaching, and Xconomy has one last biotech event lined up to kick it off. On Thursday, June 21, we’re presenting “New York Biotech: Bringing Back the Expats.” Register today with our procrastinator’s special and save $75! The New York life sciences sector faces myriad challenges catching up to places such as Boston … Continue reading “Last Chance to Save on June 21’s ‘New York Biotech: Bringing Back the Expats’”
16 Tech’s 60-Acre Innovation Community Coming Soon to Downtown Indy
In case you’ve missed it, the Indianapolis tech community is booming. Indy is one of 20 finalists for Amazon’s second American headquarters, Salesforce’s 2015 acquisition of homegrown startup ExactTarget continues to have ripple effects as former execs seed new startups, talent is flocking to the Midwest after being priced out of the coasts, and out-of-state … Continue reading “16 Tech’s 60-Acre Innovation Community Coming Soon to Downtown Indy”
BuildGroup Raises $330M to Fund Startups for the Long Haul
Austin—BuildGroup, a firm dedicated to investing in young software startups, announced Tuesday that it has raised $330 million. The investors are individuals from Texas, Colorado, and Utah, said Lanham Napier, BuildGroup’s co-founder and CEO. Napier, former CEO of Rackspace Hosting in San Antonio, TX, said he contributed about $30 million of that total. When BuildGroup … Continue reading “BuildGroup Raises $330M to Fund Startups for the Long Haul”
No Price Cuts Yet, But Azar Urges Congress to Target Drug Rebates & Transparency
Since President Trump announced his plan last month to lower prescription drug prices, a lot of rumors have been flying around that cuts are coming from certain companies, such as those that make insulin for diabetes patients. Those rumors haven’t materialized into anything real yet, but they did heighten the anticipation for today’s testimony from … Continue reading “No Price Cuts Yet, But Azar Urges Congress to Target Drug Rebates & Transparency”
Zurex Pharma Raises $9M to Fight Hospital-Acquired Infections
Zurex Pharma, a Middleton, WI-based company developing antimicrobial products for preventing infections acquired in hospitals, clinics, and home care settings, says it has raised $9 million in new funding. Zurex says it plans to use some of the proceeds from the investment to support the development of its lead product candidate, a pre-surgical skin preparation … Continue reading “Zurex Pharma Raises $9M to Fight Hospital-Acquired Infections”
Jibo Lays Off Staff Several Months After Launch of “Social Robot”
Less than a year after Jibo began shipping its long-awaited “social robot” to consumers, the startup has reportedly laid off almost all of its employees. A Jibo spokesperson told BostInno that the company recently carried out a “significant reduction” in its workforce and cut other costs to give the startup “additional time to secure additional … Continue reading “Jibo Lays Off Staff Several Months After Launch of “Social Robot””
Lola Brings E-Commerce Subscription Boxes to Women’s Sexual Health
Lola, an e-commerce startup that focuses on women’s reproductive health, has raised $24 million. The Series B round of funding was led by ACG with participation from earlier investors Spark Capital, Lerer Hippeau, and Brand Foundry Ventures. Among the startup’s initial investors are tennis player Serena Williams, model Karlie Kloss, television producer Lena Dunham, and … Continue reading “Lola Brings E-Commerce Subscription Boxes to Women’s Sexual Health”
Sage Speeds Ahead With Plans For a Short-Course Depression Drug
Sage Therapeutics has announced a potential fast path to approval for an experimental depression drug—as well as plans to treat patients with it for just two weeks until they feel relief, not chronically as with other treatments for the disease. After meeting with the FDA, Cambridge, MA-based Sage (NASDAQ: [[ticker:SAGE]]) said it will only have … Continue reading “Sage Speeds Ahead With Plans For a Short-Course Depression Drug”
In Digital Device Boom, Tear Film Sees Window for Dry Eye Treatment
The source of your eye discomfort might be cradled in your hands. If you’re like many people, your eyes spend much of the day fixed on digital displays. Before reading this, maybe you watched videos on a tablet or scanned social media on your phone. Try to remember the last time you blinked. Come to … Continue reading “In Digital Device Boom, Tear Film Sees Window for Dry Eye Treatment”
New York Fashion Tech Lab Connects Retail to Crucial Innovations
Amazon is fundamentally disrupting how and where we shop, but in-store retail still has life in it. The Seattle e-commerce giant is “a hefty competitor, but that doesn’t mean brands and retailers don’t have the ability to fight back,” says Kay Koplovitz, co-founder and managing partner of Springboard Growth Capital in New York. In fact, … Continue reading “New York Fashion Tech Lab Connects Retail to Crucial Innovations”
Cellular Dynamics, Rockwell, WARF & More: This Week’s WI Watchlist
Stay current on news from Wisconsin’s innovation community with these recent headlines: —Madison-based Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics said it struck an agreement with the University of California, Irvine, under which the Wisconsin company will license technology from the school in order to develop stem cell-based therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and other degenerative neurological conditions. The company, … Continue reading “Cellular Dynamics, Rockwell, WARF & More: This Week’s WI Watchlist”
Allergan’s Migraine-Reducing Pill Hits Study Goals, Heads to Phase 3
An experimental Allergan pill meant to help reduce the frequency of migraines met the main goals of a key study, bolstering its chances of eventually being in the mix with a new wave of injectable migraine-preventing therapies. The results announced Monday for the Allergan (NYSE: [[ticker:AGN]]) drug, atogepant, come a month after Amgen (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AMGN]]) … Continue reading “Allergan’s Migraine-Reducing Pill Hits Study Goals, Heads to Phase 3”
Rockwell Automation Pouring $1B into PTC to Push Connected Factories
Rockwell Automation is investing $1 billion in PTC, as the two companies team up to advance their vision of software-driven factories and industrial operations. The companies said Monday they expect their “strategic partnership” to boost both businesses by strengthening their pitch to customers around the world who are interested in enhancing their physical operations with … Continue reading “Rockwell Automation Pouring $1B into PTC to Push Connected Factories”
CRISPR Risks? Researchers Stoke Fears of Cancer in Gene-Edited Cells
Two papers published today in Nature Medicine are raising a new potential red flag with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing: Human cells that are successfully edited in the lab may have a genetic malfunction known to drive many types of cancer. That genetic defect occurs in the gene is p53, nicknamed the “guardian of the genome” for … Continue reading “CRISPR Risks? Researchers Stoke Fears of Cancer in Gene-Edited Cells”
Halozyme, Edico CEOs Among San Diego’s Entrepreneurs of the Year
Helen Torley, who was highlighted in 2016 as the only female CEO of a public life sciences company in San Diego, was recognized last week for her operational excellence at Halozyme Therapeutics (NASDAQ: [[ticker:HALO]]). Torley, who joined San Diego-based Halozyme as CEO in 2014, was among five local business leaders to win the 2018 San … Continue reading “Halozyme, Edico CEOs Among San Diego’s Entrepreneurs of the Year”
TraceLink Tracks Down $60M to Fight Counterfeit Drugs Worldwide
A global proliferation of subpar and fake prescription drugs is driving more investment into businesses combating the problem with new software-based systems for tracking the supply chain of pharmaceuticals. TraceLink is one of those companies on the rise, and the North Reading, MA-based firm recently raised $60 million in a new venture capital round, according … Continue reading “TraceLink Tracks Down $60M to Fight Counterfeit Drugs Worldwide”
With $45M Translate Bio Deal, Sanofi Bets Again on mRNA Vaccines
It hasn’t been proven yet that synthetic messenger RNA molecules (mRNA) can be effective medicines. But their promise as a source for new vaccines, primarily for cancer, has enticed multiple pharmaceutical companies. The latest evidence comes from Sanofi, which just cut its second mRNA vaccine deal to date, this time with Translate Bio. Sanofi Pasteur, … Continue reading “With $45M Translate Bio Deal, Sanofi Bets Again on mRNA Vaccines”
Toyota Sees Opportunity to Lead Industry on Safe Mobility Innovations
When a self-driving Uber car killed a pedestrian in Tempe, AZ, a few months ago, it shook up the mobility industry. The accident served as a gut check, and it sent already tenuous rates of consumer acceptance plummeting. One of the main benefits associated with driverless cars is safety, but it’s hard for riders to … Continue reading “Toyota Sees Opportunity to Lead Industry on Safe Mobility Innovations”
Data Centers on Wheels: How Intel Plans to Capitalize on Mobility
Intel sealed its commitment to become a player in the burgeoning autonomous vehicle industry when it bought computer vision company Mobileye for more than $15 billion in 2017. The venerable Santa Clara, CA-based chipmaker is betting that its data analytics and connectivity chops—as well as its semiconductors—combined with Mobileye’s computer vision and mapping functions, will … Continue reading “Data Centers on Wheels: How Intel Plans to Capitalize on Mobility”
Startup CureMatch Wins $35,000 Grand Prize in Global Trade Pitchfest
CureMatch, a San Diego startup with technology to help doctors choose the best combination of anti-cancer treatments based on an analysis of each patient’s tumor, took home a $35,000 grant intended to help companies expand overseas. The cash, awarded last Thursday, was the grand prize in the annual MetroConnect contest organized by the World Trade … Continue reading “Startup CureMatch Wins $35,000 Grand Prize in Global Trade Pitchfest”
Teradata Moving Headquarters to San Diego as Part of Consolidation
Teradata (NYSE: [[ticker:TDC]]), a specialist in data warehousing, business analytics, and consulting services, disclosed this week that it plans to move its corporate headquarters from Dayton, OH, to San Diego by the end of the year. The move is part of a broader corporate consolidation, according to a June 6 regulatory filing. Teradata has maintained … Continue reading “Teradata Moving Headquarters to San Diego as Part of Consolidation”
Exact Sciences Seeks Up to $190M in Latest Stock Offering
Exact Sciences said Friday that it plans to raise up to $190 million through the sale of notes that can be converted into cash or shares of the company’s stock, starting in 2025. Madison, WI-based Exact (NASDAQ: [[ticker:EXAS]]) is developing several screening tests for cancer patients. Its flagship product is Cologuard, a non-invasive, stool-based DNA … Continue reading “Exact Sciences Seeks Up to $190M in Latest Stock Offering”
Bio Roundup: Wrapping ASCO, Dreaming IPO, Rebooting Axovant & More
Most of the cancer news this week happened at the massive ASCO meeting in Chicago. But not all, as we’ll see in a moment. Also this week, Biogen and Eisai reported good news about an Alzheimer’s drug, but with plenty of caveats. Axovant Sciences, which hit the skids last year because of a massive Alzheimer’s … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Wrapping ASCO, Dreaming IPO, Rebooting Axovant & More”
Boston Tech Watch: Devo, Circle, IBM, 10% Happier, Cuseum & More
Time to catch up on recent Boston tech news, including several venture capital investments, an acquisition in cybersecurity, and a White House tour app developed by a Boston startup in partnership with Amazon. Read on for details. —Devo (no, not that Devo) said it raised $25 million in a Series C funding round led by … Continue reading “Boston Tech Watch: Devo, Circle, IBM, 10% Happier, Cuseum & More”
As Lockheed Ups Its VC Fund to $200M, San Antonio Has an Opportunity
San Antonio—The venture capital arm of Bethesda, MD-based security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin is doubling the size of its venture capital arm to $200 million for investments in sensor technologies, autonomy, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity—news that is sure to attract pitches from cities and companies nationwide. It has certainly piqued interest in San Antonio, … Continue reading “As Lockheed Ups Its VC Fund to $200M, San Antonio Has an Opportunity”
Futures Command, HeatGenie, Techstars Impact, UH & More TX Tech
Let’s get caught up with the latest innovation news from Xconomy Texas. —Techstars Impact, an Austin-based accelerator focused on startups using technology to solve social and environmental problems, has announced its first class of startups. The companies come from around the United States, South Asia, Nigeria, and Mexico. Among the problems the startups are working … Continue reading “Futures Command, HeatGenie, Techstars Impact, UH & More TX Tech”
Ahead of June 21 Xconomy Event, NY ‘Expats’ Talk Big Apple’s Biotech Future
Momentum has been building for New York biotech for several years now. But the life sciences sector still remains more of an afterthought in a city better known for its financial might. While several ingredients are already in place in New York—a dense, mixed population; several high-profile research and academic centers; and plenty of cash—it … Continue reading “Ahead of June 21 Xconomy Event, NY ‘Expats’ Talk Big Apple’s Biotech Future”
Solar Electricity Startup NovoMoto Wins WI Business Plan Contest
NovoMoto, a clean energy startup that sells packages of solar panels, lamps, batteries, and other equipment to rural households in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was crowned the top winner of the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest on Wednesday. One hundred households in the western provinces of Congo currently pay to use equipment provided … Continue reading “Solar Electricity Startup NovoMoto Wins WI Business Plan Contest”
Langer, Yancopoulos & Hockfield to Headline Xcelerate at Biotech Week Boston
The life science industry is undergoing unprecedented change, with the recent commercialization of groundbreaking new treatments like gene therapy, the growing adoption of digital technologies, and increasing backlash against high drug prices. How should drug makers, researchers, and the healthcare system adapt? We have invited an all-star lineup of keynote speakers to share their thoughts … Continue reading “Langer, Yancopoulos & Hockfield to Headline Xcelerate at Biotech Week Boston”
Biogen Makes Another Small Bet With Option Deal for TMS Stroke Drug
Biogen has yet to make the big, transformative buyout Wall Street investors have hoped for. But it continues to place small bets to build up its neurology pipeline. The latest is a deal to pick up a compound now in mid-stage testing in stroke victims. Cambridge, MA-based Biogen (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]) said Thursday that it will … Continue reading “Biogen Makes Another Small Bet With Option Deal for TMS Stroke Drug”
Vertex CF Competitor Proteostasis Falters, Galapagos Up Next
Data released Wednesday afternoon looks to have eased a potential threat to Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ burgeoning cystic fibrosis franchise, though news from another challenger looms later this month. Proteostasis Therapeutics (NASDAQ: [[ticker:PTI]]) released data from a 49-patient Phase 1 study testing its experimental cystic fibrosis drug, PTI-801, in combination with Vertex’s (NASDAQ: [[ticker:VRTX]]) FDA-approved CF drug … Continue reading “Vertex CF Competitor Proteostasis Falters, Galapagos Up Next”
Waze for the Sky: GE Drone Venture AiRXOS Takes Flight
Despite all the hype and business investment, drones are mostly flown by hobbyists and the military these days, says Ken Stewart. But if he and other drone supporters have their way, the sky will eventually be dotted with unmanned aircraft delivering packages to consumers, transporting organs between hospitals, conducting search missions in remote areas, inspecting … Continue reading “Waze for the Sky: GE Drone Venture AiRXOS Takes Flight”
Therapy.Live’s PrepareU Offers Proactive Tools to Halt Teen Suicide
Americans are living through interesting times. Our politics have rarely been more polarized, income inequality continues to grow, gun violence is rampant, life expectancy has been in decline for several years, and deaths of despair—those resulting from things like suicide or drug overdose—continue to rise. What’s a thinking, feeling person to do? If you’re Ryan … Continue reading “Therapy.Live’s PrepareU Offers Proactive Tools to Halt Teen Suicide”