Category: New York

Touch Press, the iPad, and the New Golden Age of Multimedia

Back in 2008 (exactly 180 columns ago, in fact) I wrote an elegy for the CD-ROM. If you’re under the age of 30, you probably won’t know what I’m talking about, but there was a brief span of time in the mid-1990s—after the emergence of personal computers powerful enough to handle multimedia content, but before … Continue reading “Touch Press, the iPad, and the New Golden Age of Multimedia”

New Tech City: Has NYC Passed Boston in Mobile and Web Innovation?

On Wednesday, New York-based Center for an Urban Future, a policy think tank, released a report surveying the city’s digital startup scene, and its conclusion was rather dramatic: New York has surpassed Boston in tech leadership, the center says. “In 2006, I wouldn’t have put New York anywhere on the map [of leading tech hubs],” … Continue reading “New Tech City: Has NYC Passed Boston in Mobile and Web Innovation?”

BetterCloud Obtains $2,200,000 Seed Funding Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=e3b77e8c-37ae-4461-986d-1ff72893bd77&Preview=1 Date 5/11/2012 Company Name BetterCloud Mailing Address 86 Chambers St New York, NY 10007 Company Description BetterCloud is a leading provider of Software-as-a-Service solutions for organizations of all sizes operating on the Google Apps platform. Website http://www.bettercloud.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $2,200,000 Transaction Round Seed Proceeds Purposes BetterCloud will … Continue reading “BetterCloud Obtains $2,200,000 Seed Funding Round”

Fancy Hands Secures $1,000,000 New Funding

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=23feba44-97c8-49f0-9084-926cb38a40de&Preview=1 Date 5/11/2012 Company Name Fancy Hands Mailing Address 200 East 10th Street New York, NY 10003 Company Description Fancy Hands is personal assistant service. For a flat fee, Fancy Hands provides an assistant to work on various projects. Website http://www.fancyhands.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $1,000,000 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds … Continue reading “Fancy Hands Secures $1,000,000 New Funding”

Ensequence Lands $25,994,279 New Financing Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=cc6815ef-02b7-4ee1-965d-ae864529ec28&Preview=1 Date 5/11/2012 Company Name Ensequence Mailing Address 420 Lexington Ave. New York, NY 10170 Company Description Ensequence offers industry-leading software and services that enable advertisers, programmers and operators to quickly take interactive TV from concept to reality, and engage today’s elusive viewers. Website http://www.ensequence.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $25,994,279 … Continue reading “Ensequence Lands $25,994,279 New Financing Round”

The Age of Big Data in Bioscience is Here: But Are We Prepared For It?

This panel discussion, presented by MIT Enterprise Forum of New York City, will examine the ramifications of the bioscience research community producing more sets of data in its quest to understand biology and manage disease. Panelists include Louis C. Cullman, partner at K&L Gates, Brett Davis, senior director of Oracle Health Sciences, and David Greenwald, co-founder and … Continue reading “The Age of Big Data in Bioscience is Here: But Are We Prepared For It?”

Xconomist of the Week: Len Schlesinger on Learning by Doing

Are successful entrepreneurs born with an innate sense that tells them which risky business bets will pay off? Or is this a skill that that can be learned over time? To Babson College President and Xconomist Leonard “Len” Schlesinger, the answer to both questions is yes. There are occasional business prodigies like Steve Jobs who … Continue reading “Xconomist of the Week: Len Schlesinger on Learning by Doing”

BetterCloud Raises $2.2M, Gets Bullish on Google Apps for Enterprise

Six-month-old New York-based BetterCloud announced today it raised $2.2 million in a seed round with angel investors and backing from its own CEO David Politis. Software-as-a-service provider BetterCloud focuses on developing security and management software for businesses that use the Google Apps platform. BetterCloud, founded last November, plans to use the funding towards development of … Continue reading “BetterCloud Raises $2.2M, Gets Bullish on Google Apps for Enterprise”

Jumptap, Mobext, and Razorfish Talk Ad Strategy at Mobile Media Upfront

The rabbit-like spread of smartphones and tablets offers marketers a personal way to reach consumers, but the industry is still sorting out how best to harness this platform. Much like the rise of online advertising, caution and curiosity framed the early days of mobile advertising. Brands might push ads or apps on to smartphones, but … Continue reading “Jumptap, Mobext, and Razorfish Talk Ad Strategy at Mobile Media Upfront”

BA-Insight Lands $4,000,000 New Financing Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=a171472a-a0ff-4d59-9025-789a05dcb537&Preview=1 Date 5/10/2012 Company Name BA-Insight Mailing Address 60 East 42nd Street New York, NY 10165 Company Description BA-Insight provides information access solutions that helps Fortune 1000 companies and government organizations improve operations by making better use of their data. Website http://www.ba-insight.net Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $4,000,000 Transaction Round Undisclosed … Continue reading “BA-Insight Lands $4,000,000 New Financing Round”

A 10-Point Plan to Stimulate Biotech & the Economy as a Whole

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA Dear President Obama: As you and the rest of our nation’s leadership grapple with the momentous questions of restoring our collective financial stability and eminence, I am hopeful that some lessons from my background as an immigrant—now naturalized citizen—might prove instructive. The undeniable fact that runs throughout all the … Continue reading “A 10-Point Plan to Stimulate Biotech & the Economy as a Whole”

NY’s Cancer Research Institute Looks to Boost Cancer Immunotherapy

When the Cancer Research Institute was founded in 1953 in New York, it set out to pursue an idea that was radical at the time—the notion that mobilizing the body’s innate immune mechanisms could be the key to fighting cancer. Since then, the organization has supported students studying cancer immunology, funded academic research, and even … Continue reading “NY’s Cancer Research Institute Looks to Boost Cancer Immunotherapy”

Facebook and the Opportunity for eCommerce Entrepreneurs

The pieces are in place for Facebook’s IPO next week—not only has the company set its stock price range and updated its Q1 numbers, it has also attempted to de-risk the biggest perceived risk in the first draft of its S-1: exposure to mobile competition. Facebook bought Instagram for $1 billion, which ostensibly will help it approach … Continue reading “Facebook and the Opportunity for eCommerce Entrepreneurs”

Etsy Obtains $40,000,000 New Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=4f057030-296a-47fe-9167-34834842ca2e&Preview=1 Date 5/9/2012 Company Name Etsy Mailing Address 55 Washington Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 Company Description The company operates an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. Website http://www.etsy.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $40,000,000 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes What do we plan to do with the money … Continue reading “Etsy Obtains $40,000,000 New Round”

adapt.ly Secures $10,500,000 Series B Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=d878ccc1-946f-418b-bceb-692e12547996&Preview=1 Date 5/9/2012 Company Name adapt.ly Mailing Address 301 W. 53rd St. New York, NY 10019 Company Description Adapt.ly constantly monitors advertising data and provides actionable intelligence to constantly improve your ad campaigns. Website http://www.adapt.ly Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $10,500,000 Transaction Round Series B Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes will be … Continue reading “adapt.ly Secures $10,500,000 Series B Round”

Q&A: Alan McGlade on His New Digital Media Fund

Former MTV executive Alan McGlade and venture capitalist Michael Yang launched Digital Entertainment Ventures (DEV) in New York recently to make early-stage investments in digital media companies. DEV’s total value has not been disclosed, but the fund has already backed Stagit, a Web-based live music platform, and Mad Humans, a mobile gaming company. McGlade, managing … Continue reading “Q&A: Alan McGlade on His New Digital Media Fund”

First Comes The $1,000 genome, Then Comes The $10,000 Analysis

While everyone in the in the world of sequencing has heard this cynical joke, as an industry, the joke is about to be on us. We have focused our time, energy and investment on the ability to sequence the genome in a day, and have largely ignored the computational power required to extract and analyze … Continue reading “First Comes The $1,000 genome, Then Comes The $10,000 Analysis”

Mojo Motors Receives $3,000,000 Series A Funding

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=b2e86bb7-241c-4a69-80d8-9f4811639fa2&Preview=1 Date 5/8/2012 Company Name Mojo Motors Mailing Address 230 W 41st New York, NY 10036 Company Description Mojo Motors was founded in 2010 by Internet and auto industry veterans to offer consumers more power and control over the used car buying experience. Using their experience working at eBay Motors and Ford … Continue reading “Mojo Motors Receives $3,000,000 Series A Funding”

Paperless Post Receives $6,000,000 Series A Funding Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=52c74218-7eec-431c-b4b1-a2f92a9af535&Preview=1 Date 5/8/2012 Company Name Paperless Post Mailing Address Undisclosed New York, NY 10022 Company Description At Paperless Post, we seek to redefine the tradition of paper stationery so that people can send custom, personalized invitations and announcements with the same thought and care as previous generations, but the way we communicate … Continue reading “Paperless Post Receives $6,000,000 Series A Funding Round”

Retrophin Secures $4,000,000 Series A Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=91f31f28-a005-4d67-b042-d8ce82c31d8e&Preview=1 Date 5/8/2012 Company Name Retrophin Mailing Address 330 Madison Avenue 6th Floor New York, NY 10017 Company Description Retrophin, LLC is a privately-held New York-based, biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing treatments for rare and life-threatening diseases. Website http://www.retrophin.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $4,000,000 Transaction Round Series A … Continue reading “Retrophin Secures $4,000,000 Series A Financing”

Gaming and Music Take Center Stage at Startup Weekend NYC

With the likes of Zynga championing social games, it is no surprise that startups are in a rush to capture their share of this sector. But what is surprising is the rise of New York innovators who are diving into this market. Gaming played a major part of this past weekend’s first ever gaming- and … Continue reading “Gaming and Music Take Center Stage at Startup Weekend NYC”

Retrophin, Headed by Controversial Hedge Fund Chief, Raises $4M

New York-based biotech company Retrophin announced this morning that it has completed a $4 million Series A round led by MSMB Capital, a life sciences hedge fund based in New York. Both MSMB and Retrophin are managed by Martin Shkreli (pictured at right), a 29-year-old finance whiz and biology fanatic who spent several years investing … Continue reading “Retrophin, Headed by Controversial Hedge Fund Chief, Raises $4M”

Style Mavens on Fashion 2.0: It’s About Great Products, Not Tech

“I’m not a big believer in just technology for the sake of technology.” At an event covering the intersection of fashion and technology, you may expect this quote to come from a designer. But this was said by venture investor Lawrence Lenihan of FirstMark Capital, a New York firm that’s invested in companies such as … Continue reading “Style Mavens on Fashion 2.0: It’s About Great Products, Not Tech”

Antibiotic R&D is in Trouble: Here’s One Way to Fix It

Bacteria have been on Earth for more than a billion years, evolving in crafty ways to stay alive amid all kinds of threats. Only about 70 years ago, antibiotics came along and became one of the great triumphs of medicine, giving us the upper hand against infectious bugs. But the combination of government-funded research and … Continue reading “Antibiotic R&D is in Trouble: Here’s One Way to Fix It”

Xconomist of the Week: Rebecca Lynn on the Financial Services Boom

Morgenthaler Ventures partner Rebecca Lynn shows up at just about every Health 2.0 event in Silicon Valley—heck, she organizes some of them, like Morgenthaler’s annual DC to VC health IT showcase. So if you only went to those events, you might think that was Lynn’s whole investing focus. But in fact, the Xconomist’s portfolio at Morgenthaler … Continue reading “Xconomist of the Week: Rebecca Lynn on the Financial Services Boom”

NIH’s Collins Lauds “Unprecedented” Partnership at NY Bio Confab

Yesterday at the New York Biotechnology Association’s 21st annual meeting, National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins was beamed in by videoconference to a keynote lunch at the Times Square Marriott Marquis. Collins, who was the featured speaker, apologized for his virtual appearance at the event, but he had a good excuse: Just two hours … Continue reading “NIH’s Collins Lauds “Unprecedented” Partnership at NY Bio Confab”

Microsoft Adds NYC Research Site Targeting Social Science Questions

Microsoft Research announced today that it’s adding a 13th site to its fold, with the creation of Microsoft Research New York City. Jennifer Chayes, managing director of Cambridge, MA-based Microsoft Research New England, will lead both campuses, which will function as “sister labs,” she says. A month or so into baseball season, it’s a bit … Continue reading “Microsoft Adds NYC Research Site Targeting Social Science Questions”

New York City Emerging Technologies Summit

During this afternoon event, 11 of New York City’s leading universities and medical centers will come together to present their most promising investor-ready innovations to industry and capital investors. Participants include Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and Weill Cornell Medical College. Register here.

Crazy or Brilliant: Betting on High-Risk, High-Reward Science

This panel discussion at the New York Academy of Sciences will focus on what it takes to pursue unorthodox ideas and what can be done to cultivate creative leaps in science and technology. Panelists include Corey Powell, editor-in-chief of Discover Magazine, Jon Gertner, author of The Idea Factory, theoretical physicist Brian Greene,technology investment expert Shelley Harrison, and … Continue reading “Crazy or Brilliant: Betting on High-Risk, High-Reward Science”

Geeks on a Train Coming to NY, Boston on May 24 to Foster Intercity Innovation

While a good chunk of the startup community is celebrating TechStars Boston demo day with various pre- and post-parties, I thought I’d take the opportunity to think outside the local box for a moment. I’m talking about Geeks on a Train, and it’s headed our way on May 24. If you’ve heard of Geeks on … Continue reading “Geeks on a Train Coming to NY, Boston on May 24 to Foster Intercity Innovation”

Startup Roundtable 12: How to Attract Smart Money

New York Entrepreneurs Business Network presents a panel discussion on fundraising tips, followed by cocktails and networking for startup execs. Panelists include Michael Silverstein, co-founder of Liquidnet’s Private Shares Group, Geoff Schneider, managing partner and founder of Cava Capital, Nilene Evans, partner at Morrison Foerster, and Mark Peter Davis, venture partner at High Peaks Venture Partners … Continue reading “Startup Roundtable 12: How to Attract Smart Money”

Healthcare Kickstarter

Health 2.0 presents a half-day conference on the future of healthcare technology. The agenda includes a panel discussion on funding innovation in health IT and an exhibit hall featuring local companies. Speakers include David Whitlinger, executive director of NYeC Health Collaborative, Steven Krein, co-founder/CEO of StartUp Health, and Tom Olenzak, partner and director at Robin Hood Ventures. … Continue reading “Healthcare Kickstarter”

Box Looks to New York, Boston, and Seattle for Innovation

At a time when new rivals are emerging in the file-sharing industry, Box in Palo Alto, CA, is looking to New York and other markets as potential destinations for opening new offices and finding talent. Box is a venture-backed startup that has made name for itself in Silicon Valley. In recent weeks, however, the company … Continue reading “Box Looks to New York, Boston, and Seattle for Innovation”

Virtual Biotech Companies: Built on Solid Bedrock or Unstable Landfill?

A recent meeting focused on “Reinventing Biotech’s Business Model” provided an interesting window into the spectrum of approaches being used to create new biotech companies. Unfortunately, it did little to relieve the concerns I recently voiced regarding the expanding numbers of “virtual” biotechs. This model is becoming a popular archetype for the creation of new … Continue reading “Virtual Biotech Companies: Built on Solid Bedrock or Unstable Landfill?”

bMobilized Secures $1,500,000 Series A Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=b05fdc55-d565-445d-89b9-bf3e19ae9ec9&Preview=1 Date 5/3/2012 Company Name bMobilized Mailing Address 670 Broadway New York, NY 10012 Company Description bMobilized pioneered automatic website mobilization. The global company offers businesses the ability to instantly and inexpensively convert their desktop website into an HTML5-enabled mobile experience optimized for every device, OS or browser. And at bMobilized, simplicity … Continue reading “bMobilized Secures $1,500,000 Series A Round”

Ruby Ribbon Secures $3,000,000 Seed Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=6c34e6c5-3e50-444f-9381-ceec93201436&Preview=1 Date 5/3/2012 Company Name Ruby Ribbon Mailing Address 230 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10003 Company Description Ruby Ribbon is a privately owned direct sales company selling apparel based on its own designs. Website http://www.rubyribbon.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $3,000,000 Transaction Round Seed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were … Continue reading “Ruby Ribbon Secures $3,000,000 Seed Round”

Fluidinfo Receives $328,735 New Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=f7f91631-f54a-4d05-8523-d7f61ab42c26&Preview=1 Date 5/3/2012 Company Name Fluidinfo Mailing Address 416 W. 13th St. New York, NY 10014 Company Description FluidDB is a single web of things providing a no-questions-asked writable social object to represent each and every thing. Using a flexible underlying representation of information and a new model of control, it allows … Continue reading “Fluidinfo Receives $328,735 New Financing”

Pfizer Takes on Genzyme With New Gaucher Drug

Last night, just hours after New York drug giant Pfizer (NYSE: [[ticker:PFE]]) reported first-quarter profits that suffered from generic competition on its blockbuster cholesterol drug atorvastatin (Lipitor), the company announced that the FDA approved its new drug to treat Gaucher Disease. It was easy to overlook the news. Pfizer’s net income in the quarter announced … Continue reading “Pfizer Takes on Genzyme With New Gaucher Drug”

Giffen Solutions, Created by Fed-Up Doc, Connects MDs and Patients

Michael Nusbaum rarely thought twice about giving his personal cell phone number to patients after he operated on them. Nusbaum is a bariatric surgeon at New Jersey’s Morristown Medical Center, and he wanted patients to be able to reach him easily by phone or text. But then he found out that sending text messages to … Continue reading “Giffen Solutions, Created by Fed-Up Doc, Connects MDs and Patients”

5 Things to Do Before the New Patent Law Takes Full Effect

On September 16, 2011, President Obama signed into law the America Invents Act, the most important modification to U.S. patent law in 60 years—and some even argue, since 1836. Some changes went into effect immediately, such as fee penalties for submitting paper applications and strict rules on when multiple defendants can be joined together in … Continue reading “5 Things to Do Before the New Patent Law Takes Full Effect”

ScrollMotion Receives $5,000,000 New Funding Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=9c754c8d-e76f-44d8-9f34-b0ed75e98dcd&Preview=1 Date 5/2/2012 Company Name ScrollMotion Mailing Address 7 Penn Plaza New York, NY 10001 Company Description The company develops mobile application technology for Apple platform devices. Website http://www.scrollmotion.com Transaction Type Debt Transaction Amount $5,000,000 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were not disclosed. SEC regulatory filing. M&A Terms Venture Investor … Continue reading “ScrollMotion Receives $5,000,000 New Funding Round”

Signpost Grabs $3.75M in Funding, Hires from AOL, and Moves into New Office

New York–startup Signpost says today it closed a $3.75 million Series A funding round led by Spark Capital. Signpost, an advertising platform that helps small merchants get their deals published online, previously raised more than $1 million. Its backers include Google Ventures and angel investors. Signpost isn’t just another Groupon. The company serves as a … Continue reading “Signpost Grabs $3.75M in Funding, Hires from AOL, and Moves into New Office”

Signpost Receives $3,750,000 Series A Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=3eec686d-9cea-49e0-b6fd-3e2200918187&Preview=1 Date 5/1/2012 Company Name Signpost Mailing Address 333 Hudson Street New York, NY 10013 Company Description We make it easy (and free!) for anyone to post, rate and discover great deals: everything from the weekend-only sample sale and the too-good-to-be-true happy hour, to those hidden finds you only hear about when … Continue reading “Signpost Receives $3,750,000 Series A Financing”

Pontiflex Lands $3,000,000 New Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=f3dc647a-2312-42b5-82f9-d09475a00e20&Preview=1 Date 5/1/2012 Company Name Pontiflex Mailing Address 45 Main Street Suite 1101, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Company Description Pontiflex powers a new kind of mobile advertising platform: Signup Ads. Signup Ads are a simple and 100% opt-in way for people to hear more from brands they like. People can sign up without … Continue reading “Pontiflex Lands $3,000,000 New Financing”

Berwick’s Advice: Cost-Effectiveness Is Here to Stay

Dr. Donald Berwick, the former administrator of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, held his post from July 2010 until December 2011 (about 18 months if you’re counting), before resigning in the face of sustained Senate opposition to confirmation. He has kept a fairly low profile since his departure from the agency, but he … Continue reading “Berwick’s Advice: Cost-Effectiveness Is Here to Stay”

Biotech IPOs Start to Show Some Modest Signs of Life

[Updated: 2:10 pm ET, 5/2/12] Something feels wrong about putting the words “biotech” and “IPO” together in a headline. This market has been lifeless for so long that few investors even play the game anymore. Biotech entrepreneurs I talk to seem to feel a bit sheepish about saying they are considering an IPO, probably because … Continue reading “Biotech IPOs Start to Show Some Modest Signs of Life”

Simulmedia Secures $6,000,000 Series C Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=12d2a1c5-06dc-442f-b85b-8dae257f8184&Preview=1 Date 4/30/2012 Company Name Simulmedia Mailing Address 670 Broadway, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10012 Company Description Simulmedia is a company aimed at helping television companies improve ratings by lifting the effectiveness of tune-in programming spots. Website http://www.simulmedia.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $6,000,000 Transaction Round Series C Proceeds Purposes … Continue reading “Simulmedia Secures $6,000,000 Series C Round”

Taking Open Biology to the Next Level: Notes from the Sage Congress

Last week, attendees of Sage Bionetworks’ 3rd Annual Congress came to San Francisco with the bold charge to speed up drug discovery and ready to stand on the shoulders of the previous two Congresses to take the nascent open source biology movement from a thinking to a doing stage. Pitched as “Building Better Models of … Continue reading “Taking Open Biology to the Next Level: Notes from the Sage Congress”

New NYC Accelerator Boosts Health IT Startups

The New York eHealth Collaborative announced yesterday that it has created a new incubator, called the New York Digital Health Accelerator. The program, which is now accepting applications for its first class of 12 startups, will be run by the collaborative, in cooperation with the New York City Investment Fund. The impetus for the new … Continue reading “New NYC Accelerator Boosts Health IT Startups”