Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=a3c97de0-fd9c-4934-9546-fc4784eb115f Date 1/5/2015 Company Name Noom Mailing Address 530 W 25th St. New York, NY 10001 USA Company Description Our mission is to make healthy living a seamless part of everyday life.We believe the best way to attract people to a healthier lifestyle is to develop products that make it enjoyable. Website … Continue reading “Noom Obtains $15,149,992 New Round”
Category: New York
So You Want to Be an Early Stage Investor?
I absolutely love what I do—running a seed-stage venture fund (Founders’ Co-op) and startup accelerator (Techstars Seattle)—but neither is a job with a well-defined career path. Unlike later-stage or public market investing, where finance and quantitative analysis is a big part of the job, effective early-stage investing requires a combination of human, strategic, and operational … Continue reading “So You Want to Be an Early Stage Investor?”
Teach More Business in School
Science, medicine and information technology have become intimately entangled with business on all levels. Whether in academic settings or business settings, success in these areas increasingly requires involvement with basic business concepts and principles that aren’t taught in college. Undergraduates in science and engineering disciplines graduate from universities and enter positions in biotechnology and technology … Continue reading “Teach More Business in School”
Dallas Entrepreneur Center Aims to Bridge Tech’s Diversity Divide
The issue of gender and diversity is not a new challenge but one that has recently come to the forefront in a lot of our communities. There seems to be an awareness of the issues and an inherent need to address, but many are still conflicted how to best move forward. I think the best … Continue reading “Dallas Entrepreneur Center Aims to Bridge Tech’s Diversity Divide”
Hepatitis C Commercial Game Theory
Anyone either celebrating or fearing the start of a Hepatitis C drug price war should take a break from the excitement to consider that a far more nuanced and profound game is at hand, one where the rules of tacit collusion (the legal kind) constrain price erosion—and each new entrant with a “good enough” drug … Continue reading “Hepatitis C Commercial Game Theory”
The Small Business Revolution Will Be Measured
In 2015 I predict we will see a rise in the number of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that collect and analyze data for improving operational efficiencies, reducing risk, and better meeting customer needs. People tend to think of big data and business intelligence as living mostly in the realm of the big enterprise. Large … Continue reading “The Small Business Revolution Will Be Measured”
What Was the Biggest Surprise of 2014?
As we close out the year, we at Xconomy have been asking our network of sources and informal advisors (the Xconomists) a series of questions. An obvious but telling one was to inquire about the biggest surprise of 2014, from their point of view. We’ve been posting their answers on a variety of topics as … Continue reading “What Was the Biggest Surprise of 2014?”
VideoDesk Obtains $4,800,000 New Financing Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=59a432bf-29a2-476d-9550-02208dd835b9 Date 12/31/2014 Company Name VideoDesk Mailing Address 1 Penn Plaza 36th Floor New York, NY 10119 USA Company Description VideoDesk helps you provide the personalized support of a brick-and-mortar store on your website. More than 4 out of 5 shoppers will return to a site with live help – make sure … Continue reading “VideoDesk Obtains $4,800,000 New Financing Round”
Arthena Receives New Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=56fb53cc-c9ea-4e69-b9b2-5a60719224ad Date 12/31/2014 Company Name Arthena Mailing Address 376 Broadway New York, NY 10013 USA Company Description An Arthena Fund allows investors to co-invest with Notable Art Advisors. Investors who back a notable Art Advisors Fund commit to invest in their future deals, and agree to pay them carry. Website http://www.arthena.co Transaction … Continue reading “Arthena Receives New Round”
Improve Education with Great Expectations for All Students
If I could change one thing about our K-12 education system, it would be to end the curse of low expectations in Washington’s public schools. Numerous studies have shown that teacher and principal expectations have a profound effect on school culture and student performance. A student treated as if she or he can accomplish anything … Continue reading “Improve Education with Great Expectations for All Students”
Attracting, Retaining Talent Key to Driving Economy Forward
A major issue continues to be how to attract and train the necessary talent to drive forward both individual businesses and the economy as a whole. This issue is being addressed in pockets (such as some nascent, innovative programs in Michigan), but not nearly at the scope that is needed. Among other things, it involves … Continue reading “Attracting, Retaining Talent Key to Driving Economy Forward”
5 Tips for Students to Get Ahead in Technology and Business
What advice would you give students interested in your field? That’s a question we posed to our network of Xconomists around the country. They range from academic leaders to startup founders to venture capitalists. What we found was that their answers were generally bigger than their particular field of expertise. Taken together, the tips provide … Continue reading “5 Tips for Students to Get Ahead in Technology and Business”
14 for ’14: Xconomy’s Top Innovation Stories of the Year
It has been quite a year for one-word headlines: Ebola, Sony, Uber, WhatsApp, to name a few. Behind those headlines are complex issues in business and technology that came to the fore in 2014. Things like impediments to vaccine development; mounting threats in cybersecurity and privacy; the regulatory and cultural struggles of high-flying startups; and … Continue reading “14 for ’14: Xconomy’s Top Innovation Stories of the Year”
To Diversify the Innovation Community, Jump-Start Female Entrepreneurship
Just about a year ago at this time, I read a report that made me ask myself whether I was doing enough—and the right kind of “enough”—to encourage diversity in our technology startup community and innovation ecosystem here in Boston/Cambridge. Fortunately, when I looked at the startups in my portfolio of seed investments, I found … Continue reading “To Diversify the Innovation Community, Jump-Start Female Entrepreneurship”
Expand Our Notion of Success from Wealth Creation to Value Creation
We have too narrow a view of success in the tech community, fueled by investors wanting big returns, business schools reinforcing these values, and universities trying to maximize financial returns on their research. Young people see this. Many children of immigrants want to help their parents’ homelands. Many young people want to build a more … Continue reading “Expand Our Notion of Success from Wealth Creation to Value Creation”
10 Bits of Advice for Students Interested in Drug Development
Here are my 10 crucial pieces of advice for students who aspire to a career in pharmaceutical labs: 1. You need a solid foundation in science. Master the basics, and learn how to apply that knowledge. 2. But, try to also take classes and build skills in complementary areas like business, legal topics (especially intellectual … Continue reading “10 Bits of Advice for Students Interested in Drug Development”
Kicking the Cyber Attack Can Down the Road
By far the most important issue where the can got “kicked down the road” is any kind of concerted effort to deter or dissuade cross-border cyber-crime, cyber-attacks, cyber-vandalism and other various forms of hacking mischief. As more and more people become reliant of digital devices and networks for their livelihoods and leisure, their vulnerability to … Continue reading “Kicking the Cyber Attack Can Down the Road”
From STEM to C-Suite, Steps to Improve Technology’s Gender Balance
Gender and diversity problems certainly aren’t new for either the technology community or for business in general. Over the past several decades, women and minorities have worked to gain access to higher levels within organizations, and many white males already in senior roles have also worked to address these issues. However, progress has been slow, … Continue reading “From STEM to C-Suite, Steps to Improve Technology’s Gender Balance”
Biggest Surprises in 2014: Apple After Steve Jobs
What was the biggest surprise of the year? The continued success of Apple. It’s been a quiet period after Jobs’s disappearance and it is very difficult to step into those shoes, I had not counted on the success. The iPhone 6 is a marvel even if it’s not a groundbreaking innovation. But the Apple Watch … Continue reading “Biggest Surprises in 2014: Apple After Steve Jobs”
Simple Steps Toward More Inclusive Entrepreneurship
At conferences, meetups, and events, my colleagues and I often lament the lack of diversity in the audience, particularly the lack of women. Organizations like the Doyenne Group here in Madison, WI, are doing great things to cultivate entrepreneurship among women. Some recent changes in my life, however, have given me a new perspective on … Continue reading “Simple Steps Toward More Inclusive Entrepreneurship”
That OnDeck $200M IPO, and Keeping Things Real in the New York Scene
It may be a rosy holiday for OnDeck (NYSE: [[ticker:ONDK]]) after its $200 million IPO, but this city’s tech scene needs to stay grounded as 2015 approaches. New York-based OnDeck, an online service for small business loans, went public last week in one of the largest IPOs in the history of local technology companies. Prior … Continue reading “That OnDeck $200M IPO, and Keeping Things Real in the New York Scene”
What’s Missing From Education? Critical Thinking
There is too little emphasis on teaching critical thinking skills in schools. Many adults have little understanding of important science and technology issues, which leaves them open to poor decision making on matters that will affect both their families as well as society in general. A good example would be a failure to understand and … Continue reading “What’s Missing From Education? Critical Thinking”
What’s the Most Important Issue That Didn’t Get Addressed in 2014?
Immigration. Very sad and shows how deeply dysfunctional our system is. This is really hurting innovation—and other countries, like Canada, U.K., Chile and Spain, have moved way ahead of us. Very frustrating. [Editor’s note: To tap the wisdom of our distinguished group of Xconomists, we asked a few of them to answer this question heading … Continue reading “What’s the Most Important Issue That Didn’t Get Addressed in 2014?”
Eyeview Obtains $1,150,000 New Funding Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=8c5687cd-7a0d-4084-ae5d-736704ae78d4 Date 12/24/2014 Company Name Eyeview Mailing Address 29 East 19th Street 4th Floor New York, NY 10003 USA Company Description Eyeview is transforming online conversion through the use of rich-media content. The company combines compelling rich-media content with a world-first rich-media conversion platform. Website http://www.eyeviewdigital.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount … Continue reading “Eyeview Obtains $1,150,000 New Funding Round”
Everplans Garners $6,000,000 New Financing Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=d61ff123-97fa-4f03-b4a0-ac0ac686e73e Date 12/24/2014 Company Name Everplans Mailing Address 20 West 20th Street New York, NY 10011 USA Company Description We’re on a mission to change the way everyone deals with death. Planning ahead for it, and dealing with it when it happens. Website http://www.everplans.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $6,000,000 Transaction … Continue reading “Everplans Garners $6,000,000 New Financing Round”
What the Grad Students at Cornell Tech Have Been Working On
Last week, graduate students from Cornell Tech demoed a few of the ideas they developed this semester in collaboration with companies. It was a chance to display the early work in data and technology emerging from the applied sciences and engineering graduate school being established by Cornell University. Construction continues on the $2 billion Cornell … Continue reading “What the Grad Students at Cornell Tech Have Been Working On”
The Sony Wake-Up Call
[Corrected, see below] The Sony saga continues. Last week, the FBI said there is enough information to conclude that the North Korean government is responsible for the Sony cyberattack. Now some are beginning to wonder how the U.S. should retaliate. Surely, new developments will continue to unfold, but our focus remains on what this breach … Continue reading “The Sony Wake-Up Call”
ImmusanT Grabs $12M as Celiac Vaccine Hits Critical Proving Ground
[Updated, 12/22/14, 4:02 pm ET] ImmusanT is trying to prove that a vaccine it’s developing can help celiac patients eat gluten without getting sick. Today, the Cambridge, MA-based company got enough dough to test that theory in real patients. ImmusanT has raised a $12 million Series B round from Vatera Healthcare Partners, the New York … Continue reading “ImmusanT Grabs $12M as Celiac Vaccine Hits Critical Proving Ground”
Rethinking Venture Philanthropy After the Kalydeco Windfall
The Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation’s big win in venture philanthropy can fuel constructive competition among companies developing innovative CF drugs, benefiting both patients and the healthcare system by increasing future treatment options and reducing their cost. CF is a fatal genetic disease affecting around 30,000 people in the U.S. that is caused by mutations in … Continue reading “Rethinking Venture Philanthropy After the Kalydeco Windfall”
PuzzleSocial Secures $3,000,000 New Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=ad5c3a36-60d3-4be9-bdfb-3cd71a548e3d Date 12/22/2014 Company Name PuzzleSocial Mailing Address 330 West 38th Street New York, NY 10018 USA Company Description 50 Million Americans solve a crossword puzzle each week in a highly fragmented market (in-flight magazines, local newspapers, etc.). What if there was one fun, relevant, mass-market, cross-platform, digital puzzle that the world … Continue reading “PuzzleSocial Secures $3,000,000 New Round”
Rent the Runway Secures $60,000,000 Series D Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=19848da7-6004-4ef1-8cdf-95a2f916fbba Date 12/22/2014 Company Name Rent the Runway Mailing Address 304 Hudson Street New York, NY 10013 USA Company Description What if you had an entire rack lined with styles that were perfect for any special occasion, another filled with cheeky ’80s redux? And what if you had a team of stylists … Continue reading “Rent the Runway Secures $60,000,000 Series D Round”
East Coast Biotech Roundup: Yumanity, Padlock, CAR-T Fever, & More
One lesson from this week: Regardless how hard biotech is, entrepreneurs will always come back for more. As Tony Coles told me this week after he announced his new company, retirement “never sounded very appealing.” Michael Gilman similarly returned to biotech after selling Stromedix to Biogen Idec, and is moving ahead with his own new … Continue reading “East Coast Biotech Roundup: Yumanity, Padlock, CAR-T Fever, & More”
Inbox Messenger Secures $3,900,000 Seed Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=5c357fa6-6638-4e8e-af26-4fcf33a077e9 Date 12/19/2014 Company Name Inbox Messenger Mailing Address 1204 Broadway 4th Floor New York, NY 10001 USA Company Description Inbox Messenger is a mobile messaging app committed to providing you a space to cultivate meaningful conversations with your friends. Through our unique features, Inbox creates a comfortable environment where you can … Continue reading “Inbox Messenger Secures $3,900,000 Seed Round”
Zeel Networks Obtains $325,000 New Funding Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=0997b8b9-0020-443e-a577-7f66605982be Date 12/19/2014 Company Name Zeel Networks Mailing Address 33 West 17th Street 5th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA Company Description We created this site for health-conscious individuals looking for trusted information on health, wellness and beauty and an easy way to find and book the best practitioners in the business. … Continue reading “Zeel Networks Obtains $325,000 New Funding Round”
Bustle Garners $15,500,000 Series C Funding
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=5422e314-be3d-4f9c-b104-89340ff60e3a Date 12/19/2014 Company Name Bustle Mailing Address 559 Driggs Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11211 USA Company Description Bustle is a news, entertainment, lifestyle, and fashion site driven by a diverse and energetic collection of contributors. We’re looking to redefine what women’s interest looks like. Website http://www.bustle.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount … Continue reading “Bustle Garners $15,500,000 Series C Funding”
Déjà Vu For Gilman as New Immunology Startup, Padlock, Gets $23M
Michael Gilman has been in this position before. About 10 years ago, he left an executive research position at Biogen Idec, hooked up with Atlas Venture, and formed a startup called Stromedix—one that got funded, developed a drug, and incidentally was later sold to the big biotech, bringing Gilman back into the Biogen fold. Now … Continue reading “Déjà Vu For Gilman as New Immunology Startup, Padlock, Gets $23M”
Houston’s Bellicum Pharma Rides T-Cell Therapy Wave to $140M IPO
Bellicum Pharmaceuticals has made a little bit of Houston history. In becoming the latest in a new wave of cancer immunotherapy companies to go public, Bellicum has managed another feat—it’s the first Houston biotech to make it to the Nasdaq in nearly 15 years. Bellicum priced 7.35 million shares Wednesday night at $19 apiece, raising $139.65 million before … Continue reading “Houston’s Bellicum Pharma Rides T-Cell Therapy Wave to $140M IPO”
theSkimm Garners $6,250,000 New Financing
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=e05d3dc8-1abe-4dba-b504-f174cce61e90 Date 12/18/2014 Company Name theSkimm Mailing Address 30 East 20th Street New York, NY 10003 USA Company Description theSkimm is the daily newsletter that simplifies the headlines for the educated professional who knows enough to know she needs more. We do the reading for you and explain it with fresh editorial … Continue reading “theSkimm Garners $6,250,000 New Financing”
Fox Interactive Media Acquires true[X] for Undisclosed Sum
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=04c6a78c-547e-4155-9679-2195bff0314f Date 12/18/2014 Company Name true[X] Mailing Address 6 East 39th Street New York, NY 10018 USA Company Description We partner with top agencies to help them construct the right interactive commercial that meets all of their client’s campaign objectives. We’ve built hundreds, have helped agencies adapt hundreds more, and we never … Continue reading “Fox Interactive Media Acquires true[X] for Undisclosed Sum”
From American Well to Venture Capitalists, Health IT on the Rise
Companies in healthcare IT have been percolating for the past five-plus years. Now, with the regulatory climate evolving and big companies like Apple getting more serious about health and wellness, it looks like 2015 could be when it’s all going to pop. Let’s connect a few dots: —American Well has raised $80 million in Series … Continue reading “From American Well to Venture Capitalists, Health IT on the Rise”
CoInvent Summit Triggers Debate About Passion for Entrepreneurship
At the CoInvent Startup Summit held on Tuesday in New York, differing opinions on some founders’ intentions emerged among the discussions. (The slideshow above offers a taste of the investors and entrepreneurs who spoke at the daylong conference.) During the panel on “Getting Star Investors for Your Startup,” Brian Cohen, chairman of New York Angels, … Continue reading “CoInvent Summit Triggers Debate About Passion for Entrepreneurship”
Dots Lands $10,000,000 Series A Financing
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=4d358dc6-bb3c-4db5-a625-3973a521f9a1 Date 12/17/2014 Company Name Dots Mailing Address 416 W 13th St. New York, NY 10014 USA Company Description The people behind Dots are an eclectic mix of illustrators, musicians, animators, designers and engineers that believe everyone can enjoy a great game. Website http://www.weplaydots.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $10,000,000 Transaction … Continue reading “Dots Lands $10,000,000 Series A Financing”
WeWork Secures $355,000,000 New Funding Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=261ec494-db9f-4528-8c23-6d840f08dcb0 Date 12/17/2014 Company Name WeWork Mailing Address 222 Broadway 22nd Floor New York, NY 10038 USA Company Description WeWork members are incredibly diverse, ranging from the startup, freelancer, and artist to the small business and large multinational. One thing we all share is an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to be part … Continue reading “WeWork Secures $355,000,000 New Funding Round”
Audiam Receives $1,013,611 New Funding Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=7461a082-6a57-4d38-b108-792e92474034 Date 12/17/2014 Company Name Audiam Mailing Address 1650 Broadway New York, NY 10019 USA Company Description Audiam enables users to upload their videos to YouTube and receive royalty payments. Website http://www.audiam.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $1,013,611 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were not disclosed. SEC regulatory filing. … Continue reading “Audiam Receives $1,013,611 New Funding Round”
EcoSense Lighting Lands $10,222,659 New Financing
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=868cbea7-b61f-4c78-8b64-e4428d5b096d Date 12/17/2014 Company Name EcoSense Lighting Mailing Address 80 Broad Street 5th Floor New York, NY 10004 USA Company Description LED illumination continues to gain ground over traditional lighting solutions. See why EcoSense Lighting’s long-serving LED lighting industry veterans, exacting performance and environmental standards, and best-in-class warranty are quickly becoming the … Continue reading “EcoSense Lighting Lands $10,222,659 New Financing”
OnDeck Capital Garners $200,000,000 New Financing
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=b62f9dfc-3679-4da3-ada4-facb872bd43f Date 12/17/2014 Company Name OnDeck Capital Mailing Address 155 E 56th Street 2nd Floor New York, NY 10022 USA Company Description OnDeck (NYSE: ONDK) was founded in 2006 to help businesses get small business loan financing when traditional bank loans are not an option. Our vision is to help small businesses … Continue reading “OnDeck Capital Garners $200,000,000 New Financing”
Coming Soon to a Theater Near You: Magnovision?
When the ads for Mars vacations came on the TV, Doug Quaid couldn’t turn away. He thought about Mars at work, dreamed about it at night, badgered his wife about going there. She reminded him that they couldn’t afford it—and anyway, Saturn is much nicer. But he could not get Mars out of his head. … Continue reading “Coming Soon to a Theater Near You: Magnovision?”
Wagepoint Raises $2M As Competition Mounts in Payroll Software Scene
Cloud-based software for doling out payroll seems to be the flavor of the season with some investors. This month, New York-based Wagepoint raised a $2 million seed round led by Extreme Venture Partners, and with participation from Businesses Development Bank of Canada, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and angel investors. The startup was born from a … Continue reading “Wagepoint Raises $2M As Competition Mounts in Payroll Software Scene”
Accelerate LI’s Latest Startup Aims to Rewire Viruses With Software
Accelerate Long Island seeded its first batch of startups earlier this year, and today it has circled back with its latest investment—a company purporting to use computer tools to whip up synthetic viruses and create new vaccines. Accelerate LI and its strategic funding partner, the Long Island Emerging Technologies Fund, have invested $100,000 total—$50,000 apiece—in … Continue reading “Accelerate LI’s Latest Startup Aims to Rewire Viruses With Software”
Intrigue and Outdated Rules Complicate Big Biotech Patent Fight
How’s this for strange? What’s likely the most important biotech patent battle of the decade is now being fought under outmoded rules that the U.S. Congress, in a rare spasm of common purpose three years ago, agreed roundly were due for a once-in-a-lifetime overhaul. The fight is over CRISPR/Cas9, a potential Nobel-winning biotech discovery, and … Continue reading “Intrigue and Outdated Rules Complicate Big Biotech Patent Fight”