Category: Texas

To ‘Lean In’ or Not to ‘Lean In:’ Is That the Real Question?

Steve Jobs famously said that you cannot “connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” For me, one of those moments of clarity in connecting the dots—looking back and seeing a logic and pattern in my life … Continue reading “To ‘Lean In’ or Not to ‘Lean In:’ Is That the Real Question?”

The VC Will See You Now at the “World’s Largest Office Hours”

The three laws of getting a meeting with a VC: 1) If you don’t know somebody who can provide a referral, don’t even try. 2) Start about four months in advance. 3) Once the meeting is on the books, assume that it will be rescheduled at least twice, and probably again on the day of … Continue reading “The VC Will See You Now at the “World’s Largest Office Hours””

Slow Start for 2013 VC Investments, Despite Genband’s $343.5M Round

Although a Texas-based company posted the nation’s biggest VC deal of 2013, Texas companies have not been immune to the year’s slow start in venture capital investment. Companies based in Texas raised $533.65 million in the first three months of the year, according to the latest MoneyTree Report, which was released in April. PricewaterhouseCoopers and … Continue reading “Slow Start for 2013 VC Investments, Despite Genband’s $343.5M Round”

BMC Software Agrees to $6.9B Sale to Group Led by Bain, Golden Gate

BMC Software, an IT services and cloud computing provider, announced Monday it has signed a definitive agreement with four private equity investors who will pay $6.9 billion in cash to take the Houston-based company private. Bain Capital and Golden Gate Capital lead the investor group, which includes GIC Special Investments and Insight Venture Partners. The … Continue reading “BMC Software Agrees to $6.9B Sale to Group Led by Bain, Golden Gate”

Johnson Space Center Campus Looks to Support NASA Entrepreneurs

The shuttering of NASA’s space shuttle program two years ago was felt most acutely in the Houston suburbs, home to the Johnson Space Center. In the aftermath, corporate boosters scrambled to keep talent in the area in order to preserve some of the economic engine that the space program brought to the city. The result … Continue reading “Johnson Space Center Campus Looks to Support NASA Entrepreneurs”

Lessons For Drug Development From The Aveo Buzzsaw

Drug development is a tough business. Small companies that dare to try often end up in public train wrecks when they head to Washington to meet the FDA. It’s a shame, a colossal waste, every time a company gets that far and stumbles. And it doesn’t have to be that way. The folks at Cambridge, … Continue reading “Lessons For Drug Development From The Aveo Buzzsaw”

Solar Needs Market Changes To Bring Benefits To ‘Untapped’ Texas

Solar power advocates hope this will be the summer that drought-stricken Texas sees the potential of this abundant natural energy source, and changes electricity market structures to take advantage of it. “Texas is one of the largest untapped solar markets in the U.S.,” says Maura Yates of SunEdison, an integrated supplier of solar equipment and … Continue reading “Solar Needs Market Changes To Bring Benefits To ‘Untapped’ Texas”

Do You Need an Extended Warranty? Do the Math, Says SquareTrade

Consumer Reports, the nation’s most respected source of product reviews and buying advice, does not mince words about extended warranties. It calls them a bad idea and money down the drain. The website Consumerist agrees, calling extended warranties useless and usually a bad deal. So why on earth would you consider shelling out an extra … Continue reading “Do You Need an Extended Warranty? Do the Math, Says SquareTrade”

Houston-Based Healthcare Investor Capital Royalty Closes $805M Fund

Capital Royalty, a private equity investment firm that specializes in investing in healthcare technologies, has closed an $805 million investment fund, the firm announced today. Capital Royalty is headquartered in Houston and has offices in Boulder, CO, and New York City. The fund, Capital Royalty Partners II L.P, is the firm’s second, according to a … Continue reading “Houston-Based Healthcare Investor Capital Royalty Closes $805M Fund”

Opexa Tries a Personalized Cell Therapy Against Last, Worst Stage of MS

Pharmaceutical companies have been fielding a slate of new drugs for multiple sclerosis in the past few years—most recently the new oral pill diethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) that analysts see as a potential multibillion-dollar revenue source for Weston, MA-based Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]). For the most part, however, the new MS drugs treat the progressive disease … Continue reading “Opexa Tries a Personalized Cell Therapy Against Last, Worst Stage of MS”

Automotive Cleantech Fallbrook Technologies Relocates Near Austin

Fallbrook Technologies was founded in San Diego, and it spent 15 years working to commercialize its design for a new type of continuously variable transmission, with the potential to increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and improve vehicle performance. The company bills its innovative “NuVinci” transmission as a greener and more fuel-efficient technology for cars, trucks, … Continue reading “Automotive Cleantech Fallbrook Technologies Relocates Near Austin”

Vivify Health Lands New Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=404a3f19-cb72-479e-bfd4-3e22bac19f48&Preview=1 Date 5/2/2013 Company Name Vivify Health Mailing Address Undisclosed Dallas, TX 75001 Company Description Vivify Health™ was founded by a team with over 150 years of experience in healthcare IT innovation, including the first touchscreen EMR, deployed in over 400 hospitals and serving nearly 50,000,000 patient visits. Website http://www.vivifyhealth.com Transaction Type … Continue reading “Vivify Health Lands New Financing”

Savara Enters the Proving Ground With Inhalable Antibiotic for CF

Patients with cystic fibrosis can expect to live until their late 30s or early 40s. It’s a big improvement over the life expectancy they had a decade or two ago. But now a biotech startup in Austin, TX, has put itself into position to find out, in the next year, if it has another way … Continue reading “Savara Enters the Proving Ground With Inhalable Antibiotic for CF”

Surge Energy Software Accelerator Gearing Up for Second Demo Day

Houston’s energy sector is an economic powerhouse, but not one usually associated with startup culture. “Energy is extremely global but it’s also extremely myopic,” says Kirk Coburn, founder and managing director of Surge Accelerator in Houston. “It doesn’t look outside the industry for solutions.” Industry giants have venture arms, but Houston lacked a fully formed … Continue reading “Surge Energy Software Accelerator Gearing Up for Second Demo Day”

Texas, and Its Maverick Entrepreneurs, Propel Innovation

Texas has always had a larger-than-life reputation. Big business, big politics—even big hair—the state’s outsized persona often takes center stage in our national story. No matter where I’ve traveled, be it in a village in Nepal or the glitzy hotels of Hong Kong, when I say “Texas,” I receive a smile and a flash of … Continue reading “Texas, and Its Maverick Entrepreneurs, Propel Innovation”

Google Fiber Spurs Telcos to Action, but Monopoly Fears Linger

Google’s foray into offering super-fast Internet and TV service sure looks like the kind of thing that could grow into a vertical monopoly. But the reactions of established service providers are proving the company’s point—that there’s not enough competition in the telecommunications industry. This week, we saw evidence that Google Fiber—which offers TV service and … Continue reading “Google Fiber Spurs Telcos to Action, but Monopoly Fears Linger”

OraMetrix Garners $4,000,000 New Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=e97dd09b-b541-4d32-b87a-fb2528a22b94&Preview=1 Date 5/1/2013 Company Name OraMetrix Mailing Address 2350 Campbell Creek Blvd. Richardson, TX 75082 Company Description Our proprietary technology system, the SureSmile system, represents a significant leap forward in orthodontics because it allows the use of precision digital tools throughout all phases of the orthodontic treatment process – diagnosis, treatment planning … Continue reading “OraMetrix Garners $4,000,000 New Financing”

Siri Co-Creator Questions Texas A&M Texting-and-Driving Study

The co-inventor of Siri has a bone to pick with the media. A rash of stories last week—reporting on a study released by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) in College Station, TX—implied that using voice-to-text mobile applications such as Siri and Vlingo while you drive is no safer than texting while driving. But Adam … Continue reading “Siri Co-Creator Questions Texas A&M Texting-and-Driving Study”

Searching for Talent, Houston Startup Datafiniti Moves to Austin

Datafiniti’s mission is to harness the infinite data of the Web into useable intelligence for its customers. The Houston-based company has built a catalog of structured data available on the Internet and allows customers to generate custom reports based on various search categories. Consider it a Google-like search engine that gives you more than links … Continue reading “Searching for Talent, Houston Startup Datafiniti Moves to Austin”

Xconomy Opens in Texas, Expanding Roundup of Innovation Across U.S.

I’ve been coming to Texas regularly for more than 20 years—first to meet my future in-laws, and ever since to visit a growing extended family network around the state. I didn’t envision opening a Texas business arm on that initial visit (I didn’t have a business), but ever since launching Xconomy in mid-2007, I’ve been … Continue reading “Xconomy Opens in Texas, Expanding Roundup of Innovation Across U.S.”

Xconomy, Welcome to Texas, Where Energy Will Be Solved!

It’s great that Xconomy is finally getting to Texas. Which is not to say that I’m rooting for Austin over “Baustin.” Innovation is not a zero-sum game. Or, as they say around these parts, we know you’re not from Texas, but we’re glad you’re here. On the other hand, I spent 10 years trying to … Continue reading “Xconomy, Welcome to Texas, Where Energy Will Be Solved!”

Supply Chains Are Orderly. Biotech Innovation Is Messy

I was intrigued by the concept of an “innovation supply chain” for biotech raised in last week’s Xconomy discussion with Noubar Afeyan of Flagship Ventures. The basic idea is that if there’s agreement about certain experiments, results, and value with a pharma company, then a biotech company can focus on delivering those results, the pharma … Continue reading “Supply Chains Are Orderly. Biotech Innovation Is Messy”

Epic Office Hours

This event gives entrepreneurs the chance to spend 20 minutes with a mentor who will listen to their pitch and provide feedback. Previous mentors have hailed from Austin Ventures, Central Texas Angel Network, TechStars Cloud, and more. More information and registration.

Man vs. Machine: Can Software Trump Editors in the Newsfeed Wars?

Suddenly, digital newsfeeds are the hottest thing in consumer tech. Big tech companies have been frantically opening their wallets in recent weeks to buy out small startups making mobile-friendly applications that use software to pull together news from innumerable sources around the Web. Last week, it was Google paying a reported $30 million or more … Continue reading “Man vs. Machine: Can Software Trump Editors in the Newsfeed Wars?”

The Napa Summit 2013: New Rules for Growth

How can entrepreneurs today build big new global companies—what ideas are paying off, and what previously successful strategies no longer work? Which fields or geographies likely hold the keys to future success? This year’s Napa Summit will bring together leading high-tech innovators, executives, and investors with unique perspectives on the U.S. and global innovation landscapes … Continue reading “The Napa Summit 2013: New Rules for Growth”

Six Reasons Why Illumina Has Nothing to Fear from Thermo/Life

Illumina doesn’t need luck. But the San Diego-based company just caught a break this month, which will make it easier to continue crushing all who dare challenge its supremacy in genomics. The gift I’m referring to was the mega-merger a couple weeks ago between Waltham, MA-based Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: [[ticker:TMO]]) and Carlsbad, CA-based Life … Continue reading “Six Reasons Why Illumina Has Nothing to Fear from Thermo/Life”

Automatic’s App Puts Your Smartphone in Charge of Your Car

My car is probably the dumbest machine I own. It’s a 2000 Honda Accord, meaning it’s got none of the cool in-dash electronics found in today’s latest models, like the MyFord Touch entertainment system from Ford, the OnStar safety and navigation system from GM, or the iDrive computer system from BMW. But what I do … Continue reading “Automatic’s App Puts Your Smartphone in Charge of Your Car”

Can Biotech Learn From the TV Production Market?

The recent Xconomy piece on Noubar Afeyan’s ideas for a biotech ”innovation supply chain” got me thinking about how other industries strike a reasonable balance between their big distributors and smaller creative types. I don’t work in the biotech sector but, as a 37-year-old with cystic fibrosis, I am interested in the end-products. I live … Continue reading “Can Biotech Learn From the TV Production Market?”

BookShout! Obtains $6,000,000 Series B Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=7ff6ce41-dd9e-4dcc-8292-8b6d9ab503c5&Preview=1 Date 4/26/2013 Company Name BookShout! Mailing Address Undisclosed Dallas, TX 75001 Company Description Reading, Only Better. Discover books, connect with friends, and share content with authors. Website http://www.bookshout.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $6,000,000 Transaction Round Series B Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were not disclosed. M&A Terms Venture Investor Ambassador … Continue reading “BookShout! Obtains $6,000,000 Series B Round”

The Devil is in the Details: What BioPharma Press Releases Don’t Say

While my primary focus is on the research side of the business, I have to admit that for many biotechs, their survival may be tied to the art of the deal. Kevin Kinsella of Avalon Ventures shared his thoughts with Xconomy readers awhile back on the increasingly hard bargains that Big Pharma is extracting from … Continue reading “The Devil is in the Details: What BioPharma Press Releases Don’t Say”

Online Resources Will Upend the Textbook Industry

Can a free tablet app render traditional textbooks and publishers obsolete? Will new software for grading papers and short essays replace teachers? Education has experienced a wave of progress in recent times thanks to open education resources, online colleges and mobile computing. Not only have students and teachers benefited from access to resources, but even … Continue reading “Online Resources Will Upend the Textbook Industry”

Dropcam’s Beef with Brogramming, Late Nights, and Free Dinners

Dropcam, a four-year-old startup in San Francisco, has never lost an employee. I’ll say that again so that you won’t think it’s a typo: no one who has taken a job at Dropcam has ever left. It’s not that they’re being monitored everywhere they go. (The company makes Wi-Fi-enabled cameras for home video surveillance.) Rather, … Continue reading “Dropcam’s Beef with Brogramming, Late Nights, and Free Dinners”

Biotech Execs Aren’t Ready to Prove Drugs Have Value, E&Y Says

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act last year as constitutional. President Obama won re-election. After years of runaway spending on healthcare, the well established policy on healthcare in this country is that access needs to go up, and costs need to come down. While many other groups are coming to terms with … Continue reading “Biotech Execs Aren’t Ready to Prove Drugs Have Value, E&Y Says”

From Assets to Zen: Building Successful Drug Hunting Relationships

[Editor’s Note: This post was co-authored by Jessica Yingling, founder of Little Dog Communications.] A wise person once said, “Select your partner wisely. Because that person will be either 90 percent of your happiness or 90 percent of your misery.” While she presumably was referring to partners in love, this could also easily apply to … Continue reading “From Assets to Zen: Building Successful Drug Hunting Relationships”

A Biotech Innovation Supply Chain: Reality or Fantasy?

Biotech has always been a bit like an open-air market bazaar. Now the industry needs to become a little more stable, more predictable. It ought to be part of something you could call an “innovation supply chain.” At least, that’s the view of Noubar Afeyan, the managing partner of Cambridge, MA-based Flagship Ventures. Biotech is … Continue reading “A Biotech Innovation Supply Chain: Reality or Fantasy?”

Postmaster Garners $118,000 Seed Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=3cdef057-982b-4a2e-b9be-1c6a26893956&Preview=1 Date 4/20/2013 Company Name Postmaster Mailing Address 701 Brazos St Austin, TX 78701 Company Description Postmaster is an Austin, TX based technology company that specializes in small-package logistics optimization. Website http://www.postmaster.io Transaction Type Accelerator Transaction Amount $118,000 Transaction Round Seed Proceeds Purposes The company will use the proceeds to accelerate its … Continue reading “Postmaster Garners $118,000 Seed Financing”

DataRobot Secures $118,000 Seed Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=2ed3d75b-8371-4dfa-b85d-1ff1979d3f42&Preview=1 Date 4/20/2013 Company Name DataRobot Mailing Address Undisclosed San Antonio, TX 78201 Company Description We’re creating a cloud platform to help teams of data scientists create the most accurate predictive models the world has ever seen. We have a vision of how Data Science will be done 15 years from now, … Continue reading “DataRobot Secures $118,000 Seed Financing”

SKIT Lands $118,000 Seed Financing Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=39e80941-1b9f-4b47-a6a6-6ef00d49ca0d&Preview=1 Date 4/20/2013 Company Name SKIT Mailing Address Undisclosed San Antonio, TX 78201 Company Description Skit! features dozens of artists in our app, just like you! Want to join in the creative revolution? Website http://www.skitapp.com Transaction Type Accelerator Transaction Amount $118,000 Transaction Round Seed Proceeds Purposes The company will use the proceeds … Continue reading “SKIT Lands $118,000 Seed Financing Round”

TrueAbility Obtains $118,000 Seed Funding Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=cb8505b3-063a-4e3f-9fd4-7ce89582331b&Preview=1 Date 4/20/2013 Company Name TrueAbility Mailing Address 112 E Pecan St San Antonio, TX 78205 Company Description Today, TrueAbility is helping companies improve their technical capabilities while reducing recruiting costs. Website http://www.trueability.com Transaction Type Accelerator Transaction Amount $118,000 Transaction Round Seed Proceeds Purposes The company will use the proceeds to accelerate … Continue reading “TrueAbility Obtains $118,000 Seed Funding Round”

Threat Stack Lands $118,000 Seed Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=e04b4bb9-d55c-4285-bbfa-dc0483c621f6&Preview=1 Date 4/20/2013 Company Name Threat Stack Mailing Address Undisclosed San Antonio, TX 78201 Company Description An instantly deployable, usable, and hassle free cyber security platform for serious companies. Website http://www.threatstack.com Transaction Type Accelerator Transaction Amount $118,000 Transaction Round Seed Proceeds Purposes The company will use the proceeds to accelerate its initial … Continue reading “Threat Stack Lands $118,000 Seed Round”

When iMovie Isn’t Enough, Amateur Video Producers Can Go Pro

When you hear people in the tech world talking about “consumerization,” they’re usually referring to complex business software that’s been overhauled to look and feel more like personal technology. But consumerization is washing over other parts of the software market too. One of them is professional media creation and editing. Photoshop is a great example. … Continue reading “When iMovie Isn’t Enough, Amateur Video Producers Can Go Pro”

Venture Funding Slows as VC Industry Contracts, & Top 10 Deals List

Overall venture capital activity slowed in the U.S. during the first three months of 2013, with venture capitalists investing $5.9 billion in 863 deals nationwide, according to the MoneyTree Report released today. Compared with the previous quarter, VC funding was off nearly 12 percent and the deal count was down almost 15 percent. Venture firms … Continue reading “Venture Funding Slows as VC Industry Contracts, & Top 10 Deals List”

Omni Water Solutions Secures $4,000,000 New Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=67bfaad7-2559-459a-b968-1baab333130c&Preview=1 Date 4/19/2013 Company Name Omni Water Solutions Mailing Address 4007 Commercial Center Drive Austin, TX 78744 Company Description Omni Water Solutions is an emerging technology company, which specializes in developing and deploying mobile water treatment platforms for water re-use. Through its patent-pending Octozone automation technology, Omni’s platforms are able to treat … Continue reading “Omni Water Solutions Secures $4,000,000 New Financing”