Category: Wisconsin

Electric-Car Battery Maker A123 Sues Apple for Poaching Employees

A123 Systems, an electric-car battery maker, is suing Apple because it believes the computing giant “poached” A123’s employees to help develop a competing large-scale battery business. The complaint (see below) names five of A123’s former employees as defendants in the suit, which was filed Wednesday in Massachusetts federal court, for allegedly breaking noncompete and nonsolicit … Continue reading “Electric-Car Battery Maker A123 Sues Apple for Poaching Employees”

Fears Percolate as Billion-Dollar Private Company Valuations Climb

There are 73 private companies in the world with valuations of more than $1 billion, up from 40 just one year ago, according to a report published by The Wall Street Journal yesterday. Some of those 40 companies are no longer on the list. Beats, valued in February 2014 at $1.1 billion, was sold to … Continue reading “Fears Percolate as Billion-Dollar Private Company Valuations Climb”

Renaissance Learning’s UClass Purchase Spells Golden Angels Windfall

Renaissance Learning today acquired UClass in a deal that expands the Wisconsin education software company’s capabilities and means a windfall for UClass’s Milwaukee-area investors. Wisconsin Rapids-based Renaissance provides K-12 assessment software and analytics tools to educators in 60 countries, including more than a third of U.S. schools, it says. Founded in 1986, it has grown … Continue reading “Renaissance Learning’s UClass Purchase Spells Golden Angels Windfall”

Wisconsin Roundup: Epic Systems, WeMontage, Kiva, & More

Here are some of the latest headlines in Wisconsin technology: —Epic Systems plans to open an app store that would allow outside developers and healthtech companies to create apps that integrate with Epic’s health records software, the Wisconsin State Journal reported. The move is notable both because Verona, WI-based Epic is the largest health records … Continue reading “Wisconsin Roundup: Epic Systems, WeMontage, Kiva, & More”

For Life Science Industry, Social Media Takes on New Significance

It seemed like a question out of left field at the time: “How many of you maintain and monitor Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr accounts?” The question was posed by Jeremy Levin, former president and CEO of Teva Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: [[ticker:TEVA]]), and just a few hands went up at the 2014 CED Life Science conference … Continue reading “For Life Science Industry, Social Media Takes on New Significance”

EatStreet Eyes Exit Amid More Online Food-Ordering Consolidation

The market for food-ordering and delivery apps has advanced this month, as big companies gobble up smaller players to grab a piece of the pie or grow their share of it. The latest examples come from GrubHub (NYSE: [[ticker:GRUB]]) and Yelp (NYSE: [[ticker:YELP]]). GrubHub, already a leader in online food-ordering, announced on Feb. 5 it’s … Continue reading “EatStreet Eyes Exit Amid More Online Food-Ordering Consolidation”

Biotech M&A by Slow Simmer: An Inside Look at the Build to Buy Deal

Here’s a question for consideration: What does it mean to acquire a virtual, single asset biotech that was ‘built’ for the sole purpose of being bought? The answer is much more complex than you might think. In this post I’ll explain by peeking under the hood at The Medicines Co.’s recent acquisition of Annovation Biopharma, … Continue reading “Biotech M&A by Slow Simmer: An Inside Look at the Build to Buy Deal”

YWeb Career Academy Tackles Tech Diversity, Madison Racial Disparity

It’s one thing to lament the tech industry’s lack of diversity, as many have done in recent months. It’s another thing to actually go out and do something about it. One group attempting to do its part to boost the number of women and minorities in software companies, at least on a local level, is … Continue reading “YWeb Career Academy Tackles Tech Diversity, Madison Racial Disparity”

Ready, Aim, CRISPR: Will Gene-Editing Tools Hit Their Targets?

Gene therapy is finally upon us. After more than two decades of work, one product is approved in Europe. Others are steadily advancing through clinical trials, and gene therapy companies are doing big deals and raising big sums of cash. Now here comes a more precise version of gene therapy—gene editing. Instead of trying to … Continue reading “Ready, Aim, CRISPR: Will Gene-Editing Tools Hit Their Targets?”

Bet the Jockey…and the Horse…and the Track

Earlier this month we announced a new investment in Iora Health, a fascinating company run by an extraordinary entrepreneur transforming an enormous sector of the healthcare economy: primary care. Rushika Fernandopulle (CEO and co-founder) is fundamentally re-architecting how many of us will buy and consume primary care—and in so doing, he has created a passionate, … Continue reading “Bet the Jockey…and the Horse…and the Track”

Innovation Hub: The Data Behind Online Dating

Online dating is big business. As of last year, it’s worth over 2 billion dollars, having grown at a steady 3.5 percent rate since 2008. And that big business has transformed the way we find love. If you’re getting married this year, there’s a one in three chance that you’ve met your spouse online. That’s … Continue reading “Innovation Hub: The Data Behind Online Dating”

What’s On Tap? PerBlue

It’s time for the second installment of our ongoing series exploring the beers on tap at the headquarters of Wisconsin startups. Next up is Madison-based PerBlue, a mobile game developer that has 25 full-time employees. Chief operating officer Forrest Woolworth (pictured above, right, with MobCraft Beer’s Henry Schwartz and Andrew Gierczak) describes playtime at the … Continue reading “What’s On Tap? PerBlue”

Startup Grind Madison: Adrian Fortino, Mercury Fund

From the event organizer: “Startup Grind Madison is a monthly fireside chat series located in 100State on the Capital Square. Our goal is to bring together Madisonians who share an interest in startups, small business and innovation and want to build Madison’s startup community. On February 19, we will be holding a fireside chat with … Continue reading “Startup Grind Madison: Adrian Fortino, Mercury Fund”

Promentis Turns to Montana Researchers to Boost Neuro Drug Tech

When Promentis Pharmaceuticals recently sought to beef up its intellectual property portfolio, the Milwaukee startup didn’t turn to a coastal research university, as one might expect. It looked to Montana. Promentis, which is developing drugs that modify brain chemistry to treat central nervous system (CNS) disorders, inked an exclusive licensing deal this month with the … Continue reading “Promentis Turns to Montana Researchers to Boost Neuro Drug Tech”

NIH Opens Discussion: How to Build a U.S. Health Research Database?

National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins kicked off a two-day meeting in Bethesda, MD, this morning to discuss how to turn President Obama’s call for a national health research database into reality. The database, which NIH officials are calling the National Research Cohort, is one of two main thrusts of the administration’s precision medicine … Continue reading “NIH Opens Discussion: How to Build a U.S. Health Research Database?”

Align Snags $2M to Grow Senior Care Software Business in Central WI

Align, a healthcare software company based in Wausau, WI, has raised $2 million from investors, a new SEC filing shows. The news is significant because it’s a relatively large sum for a Wisconsin tech company to raise in its first major equity funding round, particularly one located in central Wisconsin, where there aren’t many software … Continue reading “Align Snags $2M to Grow Senior Care Software Business in Central WI”

Hatch Pitch Unveils Tech Startup Lineup for Upcoming SXSW Demo Day

The buzz over this year’s South By Southwest’s Interactive festival is gathering momentum. A few weeks ago, we wrote that Mark Cuban would be making his debut at the annual tech mega-conference, emcee-ing a pitch day for startups specializing in pediatric health innovations. On Tuesday evening, the organizers of the Hatch pitch competition, which focuses … Continue reading “Hatch Pitch Unveils Tech Startup Lineup for Upcoming SXSW Demo Day”

Wisconsin Roundup: CDI, Exact, Centrose, ConjuGon, ConsortiEX, & More

Here are the latest headlines in Wisconsin’s tech and innovation community: —Madison-based Centrose raised $1 million in convertible debt that will help fund the salary of CEO James Prudent through 2019, according to a new SEC filing. The company is also raising equity investments through this funding round, which could eventually reach $21 million. Centrose … Continue reading “Wisconsin Roundup: CDI, Exact, Centrose, ConjuGon, ConsortiEX, & More”

Wisconsin Far From the Crowd in Top-Funded Kickstarter Tech Projects

Wisconsin inventors, like many of their brethren around the country, have turned to crowdfunding site Kickstarter in recent years to help make their ideas a reality. Mixed among Wisconsin Kickstarter projects raising money for small-town theater renovations, board game creations, and indie films and music albums, are inventions ranging from advanced insulation materials for outdoor … Continue reading “Wisconsin Far From the Crowd in Top-Funded Kickstarter Tech Projects”

Atterx BioTherapeutics Obtains $700,000 New Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=239b4c59-e7ed-4083-b5f1-27a1008cd2fc Date 2/10/2015 Company Name Atterx BioTherapeutics Mailing Address 505 South Rosa Road Madison, WI 53719 USA Company Description Atterx has developed two products to fight multi-drug resistant, Gram negative bacteria. Our first product, C-1205 utilizes bacterial interference technology to prevent catheter associated urinary tract infections. Atterx has an IND on file … Continue reading “Atterx BioTherapeutics Obtains $700,000 New Round”

“21st Century Cures” By Year’s End? Its Backers Want More Ideas

If you have an idea to include in the bipartisan initiative known as 21st Century Cures, Fred Upton (R-MI) and Diana DeGette (D-CO) say they are all ears. But speak up quickly: They want to present a bill to the House of Representatives by Memorial Day. That was the message the two members of Congress … Continue reading ““21st Century Cures” By Year’s End? Its Backers Want More Ideas”

Wicab’s Wearable Vision Device Nears U.S. Market, Thanks to Google

[Updated 2/10/15, 8:07 a.m. See below.] Paul Bach-y-Rita believed technology could help blind people to, in a way, “see” the world around them by substituting touch for sight. After 17 years and nearly $26 million in total funding, the late scientist’s company, Wicab, is closer than ever to turning his idea into reality. Wicab has … Continue reading “Wicab’s Wearable Vision Device Nears U.S. Market, Thanks to Google”

Metasurvey Says: Fewer Biopharmas Capturing More Venture Dollars

In biotech, young companies have been raising money from public and private investors alike at an astounding rate. But all the rain isn’t letting a thousand flowers bloom. In other words, there’s more money going into new biopharma companies, but the cash is not being spread widely. That’s according to a new survey released today … Continue reading “Metasurvey Says: Fewer Biopharmas Capturing More Venture Dollars”

Resistance Is Futile: Why That’s A Good Thing In Biomedicine

Fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation are very familiar with the Borg, a society of cybernetic individuals linked together in a collective mindset. The Borg navigate the universe in cube-shaped spacecraft actively seeking members of other races to absorb into their collective. Whenever others oppose their efforts, the Borg let them know, in no … Continue reading “Resistance Is Futile: Why That’s A Good Thing In Biomedicine”

Innovation on Kickstarter: The 10 Top-Funded Tech Ideas of 2014

A lot of ink has been spilled about the Coolest Cooler, a re-imagined picnic cooler equipped with a built-in blender, waterproof Bluetooth speaker, and UBS charger (among other things). To fund the project, inventor Ryan Grepper of Portland, OR, raised a record $13.3 million from 62,642 backers last summer on Kickstarter. The $13.3 million Grepper … Continue reading “Innovation on Kickstarter: The 10 Top-Funded Tech Ideas of 2014”

Milestones of Innovation 2: Gregor Mendel on Heredity, 1865

Today, as 150 years ago, for an innovation to happen, the idea it rests on must be understood by the people who hear it. On the 8th of February and the 8th of March 1865, the Augustinian monk Gregor Mendel told his local natural science society about a decade of results from thousands of cross-breeding … Continue reading “Milestones of Innovation 2: Gregor Mendel on Heredity, 1865”

Gener8tor’s Winter Program Draws Startups From Miami, Boston, Detroit

Gener8tor co-founder Troy Vosseller describes the Wisconsin startup accelerator’s latest group of companies as its most diverse class to date. When Gener8tor launched its program three years ago, the first couple of sessions featured only Wisconsin-based software and device companies. But its next few sessions attracted startups from around the Midwest and as far away … Continue reading “Gener8tor’s Winter Program Draws Startups From Miami, Boston, Detroit”

Innovation Hub: Meet Amy, Your AI Assistant

Amy Ingram is the most well-liked personal assistant in New York City. She was created by Dennis Mortensen to do a real job: schedule business meetings. And, given the fact that she’s artificially intelligent, she’s very good at it. But Mortensen, CEO and founder of x.ai, envisions more. His AI trainers are researching ways to … Continue reading “Innovation Hub: Meet Amy, Your AI Assistant”

The Clean Energy Promise of Student Entrepreneurs

[This article was co-authored by MBA candidates Molly Bales and Eric Kirchblum at the MIT Sloan School of Management.] Cleantech investing has taken quite a hit in recent years. Last year, CBS News highlighted the “cleantech crash” on U.S. primetime television, and Bloomberg New Energy Finance, a Bloomberg-owned energy data firm, has tracked the multi-year … Continue reading “The Clean Energy Promise of Student Entrepreneurs”

FDA’s Hamburg Stepping Down With Biopharma Turnaround as Her Legacy

[Corrected 2/6/15, 2:40 pm. See below.] FDA Commissioner Margaret “Peggy” Hamburg will step down in March after nearly six eventful years, transforming the agency from one of the life science industry’s biggest bete noirs into, arguably, a fairly reliable arbiter for innovators. She announced her decision this morning in an open letter to FDA employees. … Continue reading “FDA’s Hamburg Stepping Down With Biopharma Turnaround as Her Legacy”

Milwaukee Institute Plugs Into National Supercomputer to Boost Resources

[Updated 2/5/15, 10:24 a.m., with additional comments.] The Milwaukee Institute, a nonprofit that offers high-performance computing services to Wisconsin academics and companies, has struck a partnership with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, located at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The move allows the Milwaukee Institute and its clients to tap into the resources … Continue reading “Milwaukee Institute Plugs Into National Supercomputer to Boost Resources”

Madison Startups Sound Off on Exposure, Integration, Diversity

The Madison Startup Fair on University of Wisconsin-Madison’s campus brings together a cross-section of local startups each year, from software to 3D printing technology to alternative insulation material for outdoor gear. The event, now in its third year, aims to help university students connect with startups and learn more about possible careers, while companies get … Continue reading “Madison Startups Sound Off on Exposure, Integration, Diversity”

Wisconsin Roundup: Exact Sciences, Walker Budget, WARF, & More

Here’s a recap of the latest headlines in Wisconsin technology and innovation: —Madison-based Exact Sciences (NASDAQ: [[ticker:EXAS]]) has gone on a hiring spree in the wake of securing approval in the U.S. and Europe for Cologuard, its stool-based DNA test for detecting colorectal cancer. The company has grown from 110 employees a year ago to … Continue reading “Wisconsin Roundup: Exact Sciences, Walker Budget, WARF, & More”

Stratasys Takes Write-Down on MakerBot; Is 3D Printing Due a Reckoning?

[Updated 2/3/15 5:30 pm. See below.] Last evening, 3D printing company Stratasys lowered its expectations for its 2014 financial results, putting its subsidiary MakerBot Industries, based in Brooklyn, in a different kind of spotlight. In its preliminary 2014 financials, Stratasys (NASDAQ: [[ticker:SSYS]]) said it would take a write-down, which is a reduction in the book value … Continue reading “Stratasys Takes Write-Down on MakerBot; Is 3D Printing Due a Reckoning?”

Now Playing: California’s $1 Billion Stem-Cell Renovation Show

Home remodeling shows are a reality TV staple. But no Park Avenue mansion or country estate can top the nearly $1 billion price tag of the house C. Randal Mills is trying to renovate on the fly in California. Mills, who goes by Randy, is the president of the State of California’s stem cell agency, … Continue reading “Now Playing: California’s $1 Billion Stem-Cell Renovation Show”

No Oil Change, No Problem For New Briggs & Stratton Lawnmower Engine

It’s a dirty task that most homeowners probably wish they could avoid (and some skip altogether): changing the oil in their lawnmower engine. Now they won’t have to, thanks to a new product from Briggs & Stratton (NYSE: [[ticker:BGG]]). The Wauwatosa, WI-based small engine and power equipment manufacturer says it has developed a new engine … Continue reading “No Oil Change, No Problem For New Briggs & Stratton Lawnmower Engine”

Innovation Hub: 10 Years After the Larry Summers Controversy

Ten years ago, Harvard’s then-president, Larry Summers, wondered why women are so scarce in elite math and science departments. Is it because they’re less ambitious than men? Or, perhaps, they’re less inclined to be extremely smart? His comments caused a national furor, and Summers stepped down as president the following year. Now, Professor Eileen Pollack, … Continue reading “Innovation Hub: 10 Years After the Larry Summers Controversy”

Obama Wants You (And 1 Million Others) For ‘Precision’ Health Data

[Updated 1/30/15 1:15 pm. See below.] President Obama’s precision medicine plan just got a bit more precise, and it has a $215 million price tag. Starting with that cash, his administration wants to build a massive national database to study long-term public health trends, gathering head-to-toe health data from a million or more volunteers over … Continue reading “Obama Wants You (And 1 Million Others) For ‘Precision’ Health Data”

Capital Midwest Eyes $150M for 3rd WI VC Fund

Capital Midwest Fund is courting investors as it tries to raise between $100 million and $150 million for its third fund, the Wisconsin venture capital firm told Xconomy. Capital Midwest, based in Mequon, WI, is one of a handful of venture capital funds with offices in the state. It’s currently investing from its second fund, … Continue reading “Capital Midwest Eyes $150M for 3rd WI VC Fund”

MobCraft Sold on Virtues of Equity Crowdfunding Despite Missed Goal

The results are in for one of the first equity crowdfunding campaigns in Wisconsin—and likely the nation—and the entrepreneurs behind it are pretty happy with the results, despite coming up shy of their goal. MobCraft Beer, a craft beer startup based in Madison, WI, recently closed the fundraising campaign it was running through CraftFund. The … Continue reading “MobCraft Sold on Virtues of Equity Crowdfunding Despite Missed Goal”

Wisconsin Roundup: TermSync, Mpirik, Epic, Kiva, VictorySpark, & More

Here are a few of the latest headlines from Wisconsin’s innovation and technology community: —France-based Esker has acquired Fitchburg startup TermSync for an undisclosed amount. TermSync makes cloud-based accounts receivable software and previously raised $2.2 million from investors, SEC documents show. Esker’s U.S. headquarters are in Madison. —Milwaukee-based Mpirik snagged $1.75 million from investors to … Continue reading “Wisconsin Roundup: TermSync, Mpirik, Epic, Kiva, VictorySpark, & More”

Invenra Advancing Its Cell-Free Antibody Tech With $2M in New Cash

Invenra has raised just over $2 million from investors that it will use to further develop its cell-free protein expression technology, a new SEC filing shows. The Madison, WI-based biotech startup has now raised $6.2 million total from investors since 2012, according to SEC documents. Invenra plans to put the new money toward research and … Continue reading “Invenra Advancing Its Cell-Free Antibody Tech With $2M in New Cash”

Xconomy Is Seeking Great Sales People in Boston and San Francisco

When it comes to writing in-depth, daily stories about the business of high technology—in tech, life sciences, and beyond—we at Xconomy believe there are few news organizations that can match our editorial team. We feature many of these stories—and the people behind them—at our events as well. Now, right here in Boston and also in … Continue reading “Xconomy Is Seeking Great Sales People in Boston and San Francisco”

Couleecap Continues Spread of Startup Accelerators to Small Towns

The startup accelerator programs that have become ubiquitous in big tech hubs around the country are beginning to spread to small cities. The latest example in Wisconsin is a newly announced program in La Crosse, a city of about 51,000 people that is located on the state’s western border. Organizers say the business accelerator, which … Continue reading “Couleecap Continues Spread of Startup Accelerators to Small Towns”

The Venture Funding Gap is Widening; What Does it Mean?

The National Venture Capital Association has just released the latest MoneyTree data on venture industry fund-raising, which always makes me sit up straight and take notice—it’s kind of an industry scorecard. In addition to being baffled by the fact that the amount the U.S. venture industry invests outstrips how much we raise (see below), I … Continue reading “The Venture Funding Gap is Widening; What Does it Mean?”

Xolve Adds $1.8M to Buttress Nanomaterials Business

Xolve, a Middleton, WI-based nanotechnology startup, has raised $1.8 million in an equity funding round that could reach nearly $2.8 million when it closes, according to a new SEC filing. Xolve CEO Joe Beatty didn’t respond to messages seeking comment today. At least some of the new money appears to come from returning investors, as … Continue reading “Xolve Adds $1.8M to Buttress Nanomaterials Business”

Genius@Work Joins Crowded Milwaukee Co-working Space Market

Add Genius@Work to the growing list of Milwaukee co-working offices. An increased focus on startup formation and the broader shift toward more mobile workforces has given rise to these open, often collaborative office environments in cities across the country. That’s been the case in Wisconsin, too, as Xconomy chronicled last year. In Milwaukee, the options … Continue reading “Genius@Work Joins Crowded Milwaukee Co-working Space Market”

Xolve Obtains $1,820,302 New Funding

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=95f1f824-b519-47b2-a09a-55951b27b111 Date 1/27/2015 Company Name Xolve Mailing Address 1600 Aspen Commons Middleton, WI 53562 USA Company Description Xolve is an early stage company commercializing IP that enables effective, simple, room temperature processing of graphene and other nanoparticle composites, solutions and coatings. Website http://www.xolve.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $1,820,302 Transaction Round … Continue reading “Xolve Obtains $1,820,302 New Funding”

$75M in Real Cash Helps Coinbase Launch First U.S. Bitcoin Exchange

Bitcoin took a potentially big step toward legitimacy in the U.S. today with the launch of the nation’s first licensed exchange for the virtual currency. Now, it’s up to San Francisco startup Coinbase to convince would-be traders that its platform is a safe and preferable place to put their money. Founded in 2012, Coinbase has … Continue reading “$75M in Real Cash Helps Coinbase Launch First U.S. Bitcoin Exchange”