Olivier Danos is joining Regenxbio (NASDAQ: [[ticker:RGNX]]) to become the company’s chief scientific officer. Danos comes to the Rockville, MD, gene therapy biotech from Cambridge, MA-based Biogen (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]), where he was the senior vice president of cell and gene therapy. Before joining Biogen, Danos was the senior vice president of molecular medicine, synthetic biology, … Continue reading “Biogen’s Olivier Danos Joins Regenxbio as Chief Scientific Officer”
Boston Biomedical Promotes Patricia Andrews to CEO
Patricia Andrews has been appointed CEO of Boston Biomedical. Andrews will succeed Chiang Li, who has led the company since he founded the Cambridge, MA-based cancer drug developer in 2007. Andrews came to Boston Biomedical in 2013 from Wilmington, DE-based Incyte (NASDAQ: [[ticker:INCY]]), where she was chief commercial officer. Boston Biomedical promoted her to chief … Continue reading “Boston Biomedical Promotes Patricia Andrews to CEO”
IRobot CEO Rolls Out Nonprofit, RISE, Focused on Eco-Robots
Colin Angle was diving off the coast of Bermuda with his wife, Erika, when he saw some unusual fish: bright stripes, big spines, slow-moving. The captain of their boat said they were lionfish, an invasive species that has been wreaking havoc on fish stocks and reef ecosystems in the western Atlantic. Lionfish populations are hard … Continue reading “IRobot CEO Rolls Out Nonprofit, RISE, Focused on Eco-Robots”
RightHand Robotics Picks Up $8M to Automate Next-Gen Warehouses
A funny thing happened in the five years since Amazon acquired warehouse automation firm Kiva Systems for $775 million. The logistics robot market has taken off, with different competing systems shuttling inventory around to try to speed up order fulfillment. But tasks requiring manual dexterity are still hard to automate. Now, several companies and research … Continue reading “RightHand Robotics Picks Up $8M to Automate Next-Gen Warehouses”
Inside the Growing Political Awakening of Austin’s Tech Community
Austin—Texas Rep. Lamar Smith has long said he doesn’t believe in man-made climate change. But it was only in this last year of “fake news” and “alternative facts” that that sentiment moved Joseph Kopser to take action. “He doesn’t believe in facts, and he doesn’t want them reported,” Kopser says of the Republican Congressman. That sort … Continue reading “Inside the Growing Political Awakening of Austin’s Tech Community”
IBRI, Dow Agrosciences, Lilly Partner on Molecular Safety Database
The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI), a nonprofit, industry-led life sciences research institute focused on targeting cardio-metabolic diseases, diabetes and poor nutrition, has a new collaborative project underway. The IBRI is teaming up with Eli Lilly and Dow AgroSciences to create a shared data platform that assesses the potential effects different molecules have on human … Continue reading “IBRI, Dow Agrosciences, Lilly Partner on Molecular Safety Database “
Boston Tech Watch: Google, Visible Measures, Smack, PlacePass & More
[Updated 3/28/17, 9:02 a.m. See below.] This week in Boston tech, we’re tracking new venture funds, the latest startup investments, the end of the road for some local companies, and more. Read on for details. —Southern New Hampshire University and Rethink Education—a White Plains, NY-based firm that invests in education technology companies—have launched a $15 … Continue reading “Boston Tech Watch: Google, Visible Measures, Smack, PlacePass & More”
Exact Sciences Shares Higher After Aetna Expands Cologuard Coverage
Another large insurer has said it will cover Cologuard, a stool-based DNA screening test for colorectal cancer developed by Madison, WI-based Exact Sciences. The announcement sent the company’s stock price higher during trading Monday. Hartford, CT-based Aetna (NYSE: [[ticker:AET]]) updated its policy to include Cologuard in its list of covered colorectal cancer screening tests on … Continue reading “Exact Sciences Shares Higher After Aetna Expands Cologuard Coverage”
Tesaro’s Ovarian Cancer Drug Gets FDA Nod, No Diagnostic Needed
An ovarian cancer drug from Tesaro has won FDA approval ahead of schedule, adding a third treatment to a new group of therapies that work by blocking a process that tumors use to repair themselves. Waltham, MA-based Tesaro (NASDAQ: [[ticker:TSRO]]) says the FDA approved its drug niraparib (Zejula) drug as a maintenance therapy for women … Continue reading “Tesaro’s Ovarian Cancer Drug Gets FDA Nod, No Diagnostic Needed”
After $1M NEI Grant, ONL Therapeutics Closer to Clinical Trials
ONL Therapeutics, the Ann Arbor, MI-based biotech startup working on sight-preserving therapies for patients with retinal diseases, is one step closer to clinical trials, thanks to a cash infusion from the National Eye Institute (NEI). Last week, the NEI awarded ONL a $1 million Commercialization Readiness Pilot grant to continue advancing ONL1204, the company’s lead … Continue reading “After $1M NEI Grant, ONL Therapeutics Closer to Clinical Trials”
From Cow Chips to Fake Drugs, Panel Explores Blockchain’s Potential
If you keep hearing your tech-savvy colleagues and friends using the term “blockchain,” but still feel like you don’t quite understand what they’re referring to, you’re not the only one. Even top executives at large financial services firms are still getting a handle on the emerging technology and its potential impact. Blaise Beaulier is vice … Continue reading “From Cow Chips to Fake Drugs, Panel Explores Blockchain’s Potential”
Ionis Pharma Spins Out Lipid Disorder Unit Akcea with Plans for IPO
Akcea Therapeutics, an Ionis Pharmaceuticals subsidiary focused on rare lipid disorders, is spinning out of its parent with plans for an initial public stock offering as it prepares to file for FDA approval for its lead drug. The Akcea stock offering could reach as much as $100 million, according to paperwork filed with securities regulators. … Continue reading “Ionis Pharma Spins Out Lipid Disorder Unit Akcea with Plans for IPO”
Robo Madness on Tuesday: Demos From Boston Dynamics, Soft Robotics, Piaggio
Hard to believe, but we’re just a day away from Robo Madness 2017, our third annual Boston conference on robotics and artificial intelligence. It’s all happening at Google’s offices in Kendall Square tomorrow afternoon. The full agenda is here. In addition to talks and discussions, there will be three live demos in the program, each … Continue reading “Robo Madness on Tuesday: Demos From Boston Dynamics, Soft Robotics, Piaggio”
With $60M Fund, “Anti-VC” Scaleworks Looks to Buy Software Startups
San Antonio—[Corrected 4/10/17, 1:27 p.m. See Below.] For many entrepreneurs who leave their business, investing is an easy next step. That’s what Lew Moorman did after he left Rackspace in 2013. But he didn’t like it. “I found myself not enjoying my day. I was spending all my time hearing pitches, and then doing very high-level … Continue reading “With $60M Fund, “Anti-VC” Scaleworks Looks to Buy Software Startups”
Bullhorn CEO Talks Tech Unicorns, Voice Interfaces, & A.I. Hype
Last week, Xconomy published a story about how I jammed with Bullhorn CEO Art Papas in the music room at his software company’s downtown Boston headquarters. Hard-hitting journalism, I know. But our meeting wasn’t just about rocking out to a Foo Fighters song. We also chatted about his 18-year-old company’s ups and downs, why it … Continue reading “Bullhorn CEO Talks Tech Unicorns, Voice Interfaces, & A.I. Hype”
Former NASA Chief Sees Coming “Tidal Wave” in Machine Intelligence
Dan Goldin founded KnuEdge (initially known as Intellisis) in 2005 to realize his vision for neural-based computing—and to fundamentally transform the way humans interact with machines. As he puts it, “a tidal wave is coming. It’s going to be bigger than the Internet. It looks and feels like the early ‘90s—but better.” To get a … Continue reading “Former NASA Chief Sees Coming “Tidal Wave” in Machine Intelligence”
Intel Combines Global AI Work Under Former Nervana Systems CEO
Roughly seven months after Intel (NASDAQ: [[ticker:INTC]]) acquired San Diego-based Nervana Systems, the chipmaker is consolidating its portfolio of artificial intelligence businesses in one group, headed by former Nervana CEO Naveen Rao. Rao (pictured above right) will report directly to Intel CEO Brian Krzanich, spokesman Daniel Francisco said today. Rao plans to remain in San … Continue reading “Intel Combines Global AI Work Under Former Nervana Systems CEO”
Arrowhead, Research Cuts, JCI, & More: This Week’s WI Watchlist
Catch up on news from Wisconsin’s innovation community with these recent headlines: —Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, which is based in Pasadena, CA, but houses its research and development operations in Madison, entered into a stockholder rights agreement. This type of agreement, known colloquially as a “poison pill,” is typically aimed at protecting a company’s shareholders in the … Continue reading “Arrowhead, Research Cuts, JCI, & More: This Week’s WI Watchlist”
Cibo Technologies Grabs $30M for Agricultural Data Analytics
Cibo Technologies, an agricultural technology startup incubated by Flagship Pioneering’s VentureLabs unit, has raised $30.25 million in equity funding from investors, according to a new SEC filing. The Cambridge, MA-based firm makes data analytics software that aims to improve decision-making in agriculture. Some of the uses include helping farmers maximize their crop yields while reducing … Continue reading “Cibo Technologies Grabs $30M for Agricultural Data Analytics”
Eli Lilly Reveals $850M Capital Spending Plan for Indiana and Beyond
Eli Lilly plans to pour more than more than $850 million into its research laboratories and manufacturing facilities across the country—a capital investment spree that includes a multi-million dollar expansion of a site that makes the delivery device for a top-selling diabetes drug. Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly (NYSE: [[ticker:LLY]]) unveiled the plans with government officials this … Continue reading “Eli Lilly Reveals $850M Capital Spending Plan for Indiana and Beyond”
Placester Gets $50M from NEA to Expand Real Estate Software Tools
Investors are doubling down on Placester. On Friday, the fast-growing real estate software company announced a $50 million equity funding round from previous investor New Enterprise Associates (NEA). The Series D round brings Boston-based Placester’s total venture capital haul to $100 million. That makes the company one of the biggest venture-backed technology bets in New … Continue reading “Placester Gets $50M from NEA to Expand Real Estate Software Tools”
Seattle Week in Review: Mech Bezos, Bay Area Capital, Family Leave
Spring will get here eventually, and it will be more glorious for the wait. In the meantime, we’re looking back on a relatively quiet week in local tech, including: Amazon’s Jeff Bezos in the pilot seat of a giant robot; PitchBook data on investments in Seattle by Bay Area-based venture capitalists; a new Seattle proposal … Continue reading “Seattle Week in Review: Mech Bezos, Bay Area Capital, Family Leave”
Michigan Might Hold Lessons for Improving Wisconsin’s VC Climate
Wisconsin and Michigan share a border, but there’s a significant gap between the two states in the amount of money investors are putting into startups based there each year. Following the recent decision to reboot the Wisconsin Venture Capital Association, which happened in part because a Madison, WI-based VC firm has a satellite office in … Continue reading “Michigan Might Hold Lessons for Improving Wisconsin’s VC Climate”
Rebooted and Refocused, Startup Cool Planet Eyes the Soil Market
When Cool Planet found a lukewarm market for its renewable fuel, the startup needed to change course. Now focused on agriculture, Greenwood, CO-based Cool Planet is aiming for the market again—this time with a soils supplement backed by $19.3 million in new capital. The Series A round was led by Agustín Coppel, a member of … Continue reading “Rebooted and Refocused, Startup Cool Planet Eyes the Soil Market”
Five Questions For … Seremedi CEO, Ex-Microsoft Executive Kim Bond Evans
Houston—When Kim Bond Evans was 15, her father was dying. One particular piece of advice that he gave her stood out: Focus on what can be done, he advised, not on the naysayers, who may stand in the way. “When the front door closes, go through the back door,” Evans says he told her. “If … Continue reading “Five Questions For … Seremedi CEO, Ex-Microsoft Executive Kim Bond Evans”
Bio Roundup: Trumpcare Wavers, Amgen Courts Payers, Critics Circle PTC
Who knew healthcare could be so complicated? This week, President Trump and the GOP saw first hand, as a feverish rally to get their healthcare bill through the House of Representatives on Thursday stalled before a vote. Elsewhere in Washington DC, drug pricing continued to be a political football. Two well known congressional drug pricing … Continue reading “Bio Roundup: Trumpcare Wavers, Amgen Courts Payers, Critics Circle PTC”
Kayak Expands to New Platforms as A.I. Assistants Proliferate
[Corrected, 3/24/17, 2:37 p.m. See below.] As Kayak attempts to build a better virtual travel agent, the tech firm is expanding beyond its core website and mobile app, and establishing a presence on additional types of technology platforms. Since mid-2015, Stamford, CT-based Kayak has made its travel-search service available to consumers on Apple Watch, Slack, … Continue reading “Kayak Expands to New Platforms as A.I. Assistants Proliferate”
VC Blumberg Betting On Automation in Data Security
David Blumberg helped pioneering firewall company Check Point Software Technologies during its early days as a business in the 1990’s, and he has been observing the development of the cybersecurity industry as an investor since that time. His take on data security today, after more than 25 years? “The state of security is abysmal,” Blumberg … Continue reading “VC Blumberg Betting On Automation in Data Security”
As Travel Ban Looms, Remitly Helps Immigrants Send Money, Share Stories
In the face of stepped-up immigration enforcement and ongoing legal battles over the Trump administration’s attempts to ban travelers from several majority Muslim nations, many businesses are taking stronger public positions in support of immigrants. The tech industry, with many immigrants in its ranks, has been among the most vocal, providing both rhetorical and legal … Continue reading “As Travel Ban Looms, Remitly Helps Immigrants Send Money, Share Stories”
Regenerative Med Firm Biostage Promotes La Francesca to President
Saveiro La Francesca, chief medical officer of biotech company Biostage (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BSTG]]), has been promoted to president. La Francesca had served as chief medical officer of the Holliston, MA-based company since 2014. The cardiothoracic surgeon oversaw Biostage’s development and preclinical testing of a technology that uses stem cells to bioengineer organ implants. In his new … Continue reading “Regenerative Med Firm Biostage Promotes La Francesca to President”
IRX Therapeutics Names Mark Leuchtenberger President and CEO
Cancer immunotherapy developer IRX Therapeutics has appointed Mark Leuchtenberger president and CEO. John Hadden, founder and prior CEO of New York-based IRX, will remain a director of the company. Leuchtenberger’s experience includes executive and senior management positions at Chiasma (NASDAQ: [[ticker:CHMA]]), Acusphere, Rib-X Pharmaceuticals, Therion Biologics, and Biogen (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]). IRX also named Monil Shah … Continue reading “IRX Therapeutics Names Mark Leuchtenberger President and CEO”
Ripcord Raises $9.5M To Digitize Paper Records With Robots
Alex Fielding says he started his records management software company, Ripcord, because he was astonished. It all began when the initial public offering of a friend’s tech company hit a snag over the retrieval of information for the IPO filing from paper records stored and managed by an outside company. “I had heard my whole … Continue reading “Ripcord Raises $9.5M To Digitize Paper Records With Robots”
Today Only: Save $70 for Human Impact of Innovation on April 19th
Xconomy is convening life sciences and technology founders, executives, investors, and entrepreneurs for an afternoon of fireside chats and solo talks at Human Impact of Innovation. A few topics we’ll cover include: quantified health and scientific wellness, fighting cancer, self-driving vehicles, cybersecurity, precision medicine, and so much more. What are the emerging opportunities for investors … Continue reading “Today Only: Save $70 for Human Impact of Innovation on April 19th”
Amid Gender Gap Talk, Mentor Network Emerges For Women In Health, Bio
It’s been more than a year since an infamous party with hired models in cocktail dresses captured the biotech community’s attention at the 2016 J.P. Morgan conference. There has been plenty of talk since about closing biotech’s notable gender gap. At this year’s J.P Morgan conference, for example, a group of 100 life science executives … Continue reading “Amid Gender Gap Talk, Mentor Network Emerges For Women In Health, Bio”
DataRobot Downloads $54M Led by NEA to Automate Data Science Tasks
Jeremy Achin is embarrassed to admit it, but his decision to quit his job and start a company was inspired in part by seeing the movie “The Social Network,” the Hollywood take on Facebook’s origin story. It was several years ago, and the then-31-year-old was a director of research and modeling at Travelers Insurance in … Continue reading “DataRobot Downloads $54M Led by NEA to Automate Data Science Tasks”
Investors Reboot Wisconsin Venture Capital Association
The Wisconsin Venture Capital Association, a nonprofit trade group that was formed in 2002 but has been dormant since 2008, is springing back to life, according to key figures in the state’s venture industry. The revival, first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, was confirmed Wednesday by two Madison-based investors. Scott Button, managing director at Madison, … Continue reading “Investors Reboot Wisconsin Venture Capital Association”
Building a Local Innovation Ecosystem
Co-authored with Rudy Gadre, general partner at Founders’ Co-op. Western Washington is already home to some of the most innovative people, companies, and academic programs in the world. And yet we should be doing much more to connect and support our local innovators, to attract more agents of change to the region, and to help them … Continue reading “Building a Local Innovation Ecosystem”
Sanders, Cummings to PTC: Price Duchenne Steroid at Import Cost
[Updated, 5:30 pm E.T., see below] PTC Therapeutics inherited a drug pricing controversy last week when it paid $140 million for deflazacort (Emflaza), a steroid used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy. So it’s no surprise that just six days after the deal, congressional drug price hawks Bernie Sanders and Elijah Cummings have come calling. Sen. … Continue reading “Sanders, Cummings to PTC: Price Duchenne Steroid at Import Cost”
Detroit Fintech Startup Autobooks Closes $5.5M Series A Round
Autobooks, the Detroit-based startup spun out of Billhighway in 2015, has closed on a $5.5 million Series A funding round. The investment was led by Pittsburgh-based Draper Triangle, with participation from CU Solutions Group, Baird Capital, Detroit Venture Partners, and Invest Michigan. Autobooks’s software is designed to be integrated with online banking platforms to serve … Continue reading “Detroit Fintech Startup Autobooks Closes $5.5M Series A Round”
Texas Roundup: SXSW Odds & Ends, Dosh, Mythic, Peloton, & More
[David Holley contributed to this report.] We’re not through with South By Southwest yet. (And, also, yes, there has been some other innovation news at Xconomy Texas.) Read on: —FBI Director James Comey is part of an intelligence symposium Thursday at the University of Texas at Austin. This engagement comes about a week after Comey … Continue reading “Texas Roundup: SXSW Odds & Ends, Dosh, Mythic, Peloton, & More”
Coffee Meets Bagel Starts Premium Model to Push In-App Currency
Dating app Coffee Meets Bagel is launching a premium service that gives subscribers information about their potential suitors’ activities and makes it easier for them to access and spend the in-app currency that makes the company money. The premium subscription costs $34.99. Coffee Meets Bagel doesn’t charge for its basic services, but it does let … Continue reading “Coffee Meets Bagel Starts Premium Model to Push In-App Currency”
Promising Cash for Consumers, Startup Dosh Plans Break Out of Beta
Austin—A new startup that claims it can get consumers cash back on their purchases—and bring its customers more business in the process—has raised $2 million in new seed funding and is preparing to launch out of beta testing. Called Dosh, the company has raised $6 million in total seed funding but isn’t yet naming its … Continue reading “Promising Cash for Consumers, Startup Dosh Plans Break Out of Beta”
BioClin Gets $30M to Back More Bladder Cancer Drug Trials
BioClin Therapeutics has raised $30 million in funding to move forward with more tests of its experimental treatment for bladder cancer. New investors Sofinnova Ventures and Ysios Capital led the Series B round of financing for San Ramon, CA-based BioClin. Earlier investors HealthCap, Life Sciences Partners, and Tekla Capital Management also participated in the investment. … Continue reading “BioClin Gets $30M to Back More Bladder Cancer Drug Trials”
After a Clinical Trial Death, FDA OKs New Tests of Akashi’s Duchenne Drug
Akashi Therapeutics has been cleared by the FDA to resume testing an experimental Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug roughly a year after a patient taking the treatment died in a clinical trial. Now the question is whether the Cambridge, MA, company can get the funding to support a new study. Akashi plans to start a new … Continue reading “After a Clinical Trial Death, FDA OKs New Tests of Akashi’s Duchenne Drug”
Early Bird Rate Ending for What’s Hot in Cancer Immunotherapy 2017 on 6/14
Three years ago, Xconomy gathered some of the field’s experts to talk about the promises of harnessing the immune system to fight cancer. Now, it’s time to gather again in Seattle to look back at the last three years and look ahead to the future. Join us on June 14 at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer … Continue reading “Early Bird Rate Ending for What’s Hot in Cancer Immunotherapy 2017 on 6/14”
Join David Baltimore, Nicole Glaros, Nathan Myhrvold, & More at Our Napa Summit
Year after year, Xconomy has gathered exemplary business leaders, investors, and far-seeing technologists to our most prestigious event—The Napa Summit. This year is no different. Come join us in the heart of wine country on June 8 and 9 to listen to visionary speakers and connect with fellow innovators. The Napa Summit is by invitation-only, … Continue reading “Join David Baltimore, Nicole Glaros, Nathan Myhrvold, & More at Our Napa Summit”
The Time I Jammed to Foo Fighters With Bullhorn CEO Art Papas
After a frustrating day at work, we’ve all probably felt the urge to blow off steam by belting out our favorite song or banging on the drums. Employees at Bullhorn can do that without leaving the office. The business software company’s downtown Boston headquarters has a sound-proof music room (see above) tricked out with several … Continue reading “The Time I Jammed to Foo Fighters With Bullhorn CEO Art Papas”
Mythic Reveals Novel Chip to Empower Devices With AI, Raises $9M
With ever-smaller smartphones now flaunting the computing powers of yesteryear’s hefty business machines, it might look like Moore’s Law has yet to be repealed. In 1965, Intel co-founder Gordon Moore saw computer chips doubling in processing power every year, and predicted the exponential rise of smaller, cheaper, and faster devices. But Michael Henry, co-founder of … Continue reading “Mythic Reveals Novel Chip to Empower Devices With AI, Raises $9M”
Human Longevity Hires Data Scientist Away from Microsoft
David Heckerman, a computational biologist who led the genomics team at Microsoft over the last several years, has joined Human Longevity Inc. (HLI), the San Diego startup with the ambitious goal of creating the world’s most comprehensive database of human genomic information. Heckerman, a medical doctor with multiple degrees in computer science, physics, and mathematics, … Continue reading “Human Longevity Hires Data Scientist Away from Microsoft”
Amid Focus On Value, Forward Health Group’s Software Gets Qualified
With the healthcare industry navigating the transition from fee-for-service payment models to value-based care, startups and mature healthcare IT companies are building tools to enable this massive business change. In many cases, the federal agency driving this transition must certify those tools, ensuring that they hew to new reporting requirements designed to link the quality … Continue reading “Amid Focus On Value, Forward Health Group’s Software Gets Qualified”