This event will feature Josh Linkner, founder of the newly formed Detroit Venture Partners, as a guest speaker. There will also be a handful of area tech startups demoing what they’re working on. Sign up here for the event (and to get information on other events held by this group).
Entrega Emerges From Enlight
Enlight Biosciences, a Boston-based maker of drug discovery and development technologies, said today it has formed a new company called Entrega, which focuses on oral drug-delivery techniques. Entrega is working on developing orally-available versions of several types of biologic drugs (a class that includes insulin and antibodies) that are made by Enlight’s pharmaceutical partners and … Continue reading “Entrega Emerges From Enlight”
2010 Startup Moves from Boston to San Francisco Offer Insights to the Perennial Coast vs. Coast Debate
The debate over the merits of Boston and the San Francisco Bay Area as startup hubs isn’t a new one, but looking back over 2010 has given us new food for thought on the subject. At least four Boston-area startups packed their bags for Silicon Valley, working on technology related to errand exchanging, used clothing … Continue reading “2010 Startup Moves from Boston to San Francisco Offer Insights to the Perennial Coast vs. Coast Debate”
Surprises of 2010 and What to Look for in 2011
Biggest Surprises: How risk adverse most VC’s are. I was expecting “bigger thinking” and more insight into energy and energy efficiency issues. How little debate there is in the media regarding global warming and the cause/effects: many automatically believe that the earth is getting warmer and humans are the cause, even though measured data strongly … Continue reading “Surprises of 2010 and What to Look for in 2011”
Epizyme Nabs $650M Deal With Glaxo To Hunt for Epigenetic Drugs
Cambridge, MA-based Epizyme has found its first big partner to help support its work in hunting for new drugs based on the emerging science around epigenetics. Epizyme said today it has formed a new alliance with pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline. The deal calls for the big company to pay a $20 million upfront fee, plus research … Continue reading “Epizyme Nabs $650M Deal With Glaxo To Hunt for Epigenetic Drugs”
Alkermes Finds New Home For Inhaled Drug-Delivery Tech with Civitas Spinout
Alkermes’s leased facility in Chelsea, MA has come back to life. Civitas Therapeutics, a spinout of Waltham, MA-based Alkermes (NASDAQ:[[ticker:ALKS]]), has taken up residency there and renewed efforts to commercialize inhaled drug-delivery technology from Alkermes. The facility in Chelsea was set up years ago to develop and produce inhaled insulin under a pact with Eli … Continue reading “Alkermes Finds New Home For Inhaled Drug-Delivery Tech with Civitas Spinout”
Allozyne Passes First Clinical Trial, Dreams Big About a Once-Monthly Multiple Sclerosis Drug
Allozyne can’t be accused of thinking too small. The Seattle-based startup, after taking a hard look at its first clinical trial, is daring to push ahead with a frontal attack on the world’s largest maker of multiple sclerosis drugs, Weston, MA-based Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: [[ticker:BIIB]]). The challenger’s experimental treatment, a long-lasting injection for multiple sclerosis, … Continue reading “Allozyne Passes First Clinical Trial, Dreams Big About a Once-Monthly Multiple Sclerosis Drug”
On-Q-ity Strikes Deal With LabCorp To Help Researchers Spot Rare Tumor Cells
On-Q-ity is betting that it can help improve cancer research and treatment by spotting the rarest of tumor cells circulating in the blood. Now the startup’s technology has found an important new benefactor in Laboratory Corporation of America (NYSE: [[ticker:LH]]). Waltham, MA-based On-Q-ity is announcing today it has formed a strategic alliance with LabCorp in … Continue reading “On-Q-ity Strikes Deal With LabCorp To Help Researchers Spot Rare Tumor Cells”
Top 4 Cleantech Headlines to Watch for in 2011
1. Cap and Trade Discarded by Congress in National Energy Policy Cascadia believes that Congress will implement a national energy policy in the coming year that focuses primarily on incenting new production of natural gas, renewable energies and nuclear; however, it will not include economic penalties for not achieving a reduction in carbon emissions. 2. … Continue reading “Top 4 Cleantech Headlines to Watch for in 2011”
See You at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference
Techies gathered last week for the annual show-and-tell/schmoozefest known as the Consumer Electronics Show. Now it’s the biotechies turn to have their big conference of the year. The madhouse known as the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference officially starts today, for the 29th year, at San Francisco’s Union Square. I’m here as always, looking forward to … Continue reading “See You at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference”
Luma Resources Finds Innovative Road Ahead, Through Solar-Power Shingles
When I hear roofing and sheet metal, I don’t think about technological innovation. But Luma Resources, a Rochester Hills, MI-based startup that sprung out of the now 60-year-old roofing company Allen Brothers, is using its expertise in that business to put solar energy into more homes. Rather than finding ways of affixing solar panels to … Continue reading “Luma Resources Finds Innovative Road Ahead, Through Solar-Power Shingles”
San Diego’s Avalon Ventures Closes Ninth Fund, Raises $200 M
When Avalon Ventures began fund-raising for its ninth venture fund back in May, the San Diego VC firm said it was targeting $150 million. Today Avalon plans to announce that it has closed capital commitments of $200 million for its ninth and largest fund. Founder Kevin Kinsella says Avalon Ventures IX was more than 33 … Continue reading “San Diego’s Avalon Ventures Closes Ninth Fund, Raises $200 M”
Sustainability Roundtable Secures $1,200,000 Series A Financing
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=94fdca02-4fce-4d05-ac6d-505168e5b78b&Preview=1 Date 1/10/2011 Company Name Sustainability Roundtable Mailing Address One Broadway, 14th Floor Cambridge, MA 02142 Company Description SR Inc’s mission is to accelerate the development and adoption of best practices in more sustainable business. Website http://www.sustainround.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $1,200,000 Transaction Round Series A Proceeds Purposes The funding … Continue reading “Sustainability Roundtable Secures $1,200,000 Series A Financing”
Civitas Therapeutics Obtains $20,000,000 Series A Funding
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=ef17d034-98ac-4785-bd29-5c55545dcc39&Preview=1 Date 1/10/2011 Company Name Civitas Therapeutics Mailing Address 190 Everett Ave. Chelsea, MA 02150 Company Description Civitas is a privately held pharmaceutical company focused on developing products with a clinically proven dry powder pulmonary delivery platform. The proprietary dry powder and device combination is unique in its ability to deliver a … Continue reading “Civitas Therapeutics Obtains $20,000,000 Series A Funding”
Dekkun Receives $9,930,400 New Funding Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=05b5912d-454f-488a-afc4-825030b7fcf3&Preview=1 Date 1/10/2011 Company Name Dekkun Mailing Address 55 Cambridge Pkwy. Cambridge, MA 02142 Company Description The company is developing as yet unspecified pharmaceutical technologies. Website Undisclosed Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $9,930,400 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were not disclosed. SEC regulatory filing. M&A Terms Venture Investor HealthCare … Continue reading “Dekkun Receives $9,930,400 New Funding Round”
Klout Receives $8,500,000 New Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=d9215056-be24-438c-aabf-86c16faceaf9&Preview=1 Date 1/10/2011 Company Name Klout Mailing Address 2900 22nd Street San Francisco, CA 94110 Company Description Klout measures influence across the social web. We believe that every individual who creates content online has influence. Our goal is to measure that influence and make it even more effective. Website http://www.klout.com Transaction Type … Continue reading “Klout Receives $8,500,000 New Round”
Qwiki Receives $4,999,996 New Financing
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=53dca084-472c-42c4-8a70-9aa88606a4ff&Preview=1 Date 1/10/2011 Company Name Qwiki Mailing Address Undisclosed Palo Alto, CA 94301 Company Description The company provides a question and answer service using multimedia sources. Website http://www.qwiki.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $4,999,996 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were not disclosed. SEC regulatory filing. M&A Terms Venture Investor … Continue reading “Qwiki Receives $4,999,996 New Financing”
VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Secures $31,000,000 Series E Financing
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=ba1220c6-2d80-47f3-b4be-b58616dd8e14&Preview=1 Date 1/10/2011 Company Name VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Mailing Address 14395 Saratoga Ave Saratoga, CA 95070 Company Description VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies (VisionCare) is a privately-held development stage company engaged in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of proprietary implantable ophthalmic devices and technologies that are intended to significantly improve vision and quality … Continue reading “VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Secures $31,000,000 Series E Financing”
Groupon Secures $450,000,000 New Funding Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=49a314a2-e524-4245-940a-2711cdb96157&Preview=1 Date 1/10/2011 Company Name Groupon Mailing Address 600 W Chicago Ave Chicago, IL 60654 Company Description Launched in November 2008, Groupon features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in a variety of cities across the United States. We have about 40 wonderful people working … Continue reading “Groupon Secures $450,000,000 New Funding Round”
Foodspotting Lands $3,000,000 Series A Funding Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=a8b69139-b043-44cc-906d-2ab81b9abe22&Preview=1 Date 1/10/2011 Company Name Foodspotting Mailing Address 3108 16th St. San Francisco, CA 94101 Company Description Foodspotters earn recognition for sharing foods they love enabling foodseekers to find whatever they’re craving and see what’s good wherever they go. Website http://www.foodspotting.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $3,000,000 Transaction Round Series A … Continue reading “Foodspotting Lands $3,000,000 Series A Funding Round”
Square Secures $27,500,000 New Financing Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=fa98d4bc-413c-4233-bd70-6c88b4e508ff&Preview=1 Date 1/10/2011 Company Name Square Mailing Address 901 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94101 Company Description The company operates as a mobile payment service company. Website http://www.squareup.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $27,500,000 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes Proceeds purposes were not disclosed. M&A Terms Venture Investor Sequoia Capital Venture … Continue reading “Square Secures $27,500,000 New Financing Round”
Next Jump Acquires Flightcaster for Undisclosed Sum
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=fe691733-a101-47a8-a8b2-8ad2c90d50e1&Preview=1 Date 1/10/2011 Company Name Flightcaster Mailing Address Undisclosed San Francisco, CA 94105 Company Description FlightCaster predicts flight delays. We use an advanced algorithm that scours data on every domestic flight for the past 10-years and matches it to real-time conditions. Website http://www.flightcaster.com Transaction Type M&A Transaction Amount Undisclosed Transaction Round Proceeds … Continue reading “Next Jump Acquires Flightcaster for Undisclosed Sum”
VillageVines Lands $3,000,000 New Financing Round
Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=b8dedc5e-6c9a-40f6-a207-b9765dd94d12&Preview=1 Date 1/10/2011 Company Name VillageVines Mailing Address 99 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10016 Company Description The company offers member discounts at upscale restaurants. Website http://www.villagevines.com Transaction Type Venture Equity Transaction Amount $3,000,000 Transaction Round Undisclosed Proceeds Purposes The company says it will use the investment to scale its operations across … Continue reading “VillageVines Lands $3,000,000 New Financing Round”
The ABCs of SBA Loans
Financing your small business in today’s economy can be challenging to say the least. However, understanding the various financing options available to businesses, and what you need to know to position your business to be “bankable” before you meet with a lender, can make all of the difference. In this workshop, you will learn about … Continue reading “The ABCs of SBA Loans”
Frontiers in Science: Pharmaceuticals from the Sea
Pharmacological research reveals that marine cyanobacteria, single-celled organisms often referred to as blue-green algae, are an effective cancer treatment. Combining cyanobacteria with new screening processes and technology is openingh a new frontier in in anticancer and anti-inflammatory research that is rich with opportunities. Cyanobacteria and algae are especially rich in lipids that are being studied … Continue reading “Frontiers in Science: Pharmaceuticals from the Sea”
Healthcare Reimbursement and Regulations: Practical Approaches to Innovations in Wireless Health
The debate over healthcare reform was one of the driving forces behind the changes the November elections brought to Washington. As the new Congressional session begins this month, healthcare reform will continue to be a major policy focus. One area of debate that was noticeably absent during Congress’ healthcare reform deliberations was the developing wireless … Continue reading “Healthcare Reimbursement and Regulations: Practical Approaches to Innovations in Wireless Health”
Desalination and Related Water Technologies
Since General Atomics developed the first reverse osmosis membrane in 1967, San Diego has been one of the leading desalination R&D centers in the world. Topics to be covered at this all-day symposium include the increasingly attractive economics of desalination, San Diego as a leader center of desalination technology, and opportunities in the San Diego-Baja … Continue reading “Desalination and Related Water Technologies”
Economic Leadership Summit
Unemployment remains at record high levels, access to capital is severely constrained, and economic recovery is moving in fits and starts on an uncertain path. The solution to these overlapping dilemmas lies in applying innovation to enhance community competitiveness in the global marketplace. The International Economic Development Council’s 2011 Leadership Summit will provide economic development … Continue reading “Economic Leadership Summit”
Isilon Moving to Pioneer Square
Isilon Systems, the Seattle data storage company that was recently acquired by Hopkinton, MA-based EMC for $2.25 billion, is moving into a much bigger office in Pioneer Square. Isilon has leased about 140,000 square feet at Starbucks’ recently completed 505 First Avenue South building, according to a report in The Seattle Times. The building was … Continue reading “Isilon Moving to Pioneer Square”
Doctors Research Digs Up $7.7M
Southbury, CT-based med devices firm Doctors Research Group has brought in $7.7 million of a potential $15 million equity-based funding round, an SEC filing shows. The money comes from 53 investors, the document reveals. Doctors Research makes devices for bone substitutes, bone screws, and dental stabilization, and has developed a bone filler and repair product … Continue reading “Doctors Research Digs Up $7.7M”
Ten Thoughts from MIT Sloan’s Silicon Valley Tech Trek
Each year, we at the MIT Entrepreneurship Center at the Sloan School of Management travel to Silicon Valley for a three-day immersion program with our MBA students who have a very entrepreneurial spirit and interest. While we make visits during other parts of the year, this is different in that it is a 24×7 analysis … Continue reading “Ten Thoughts from MIT Sloan’s Silicon Valley Tech Trek”
23andMe Adds $9M to VC Round
23andMe, the Mountain View, CA-based maker of consumer-oriented genetic tests, said today it has raised another $9 million to top off its Series C venture round at a total of $31 million. MPM Capital joined the investment round, and MPM’s Ashley Ledbetter Dombkowski is joining the company’s board in connection with the financing. 23andMe said … Continue reading “23andMe Adds $9M to VC Round”
MIT Museum Opens 150th Anniversary Exhibition: A Few Items of Entrepreneurial Note
The MIT Museum in Cambridge, MA, is running a special exhibition, starting this weekend, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of MIT’s charter. The “MIT 150” exhibit showcases a collection of stories and artifacts that represent the institute’s contributions to science, technology, business, education, and society—things like Marvin Minsky’s robot arm, Claude Shannon’s maze-solving machine, J.C.R. … Continue reading “MIT Museum Opens 150th Anniversary Exhibition: A Few Items of Entrepreneurial Note”
Sutro Strikes Deal With Pfizer
Sutro Biopharma, the South San Francisco-based developer of biotech drugs, said today it has formed a multi-year partnership with Pfizer to develop peptide-based treatments. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, although it involves an upfront cash payment, ongoing research support, milestone payments for success in development, and royalties on future product sales. We wrote … Continue reading “Sutro Strikes Deal With Pfizer”
Emerald Expands UCB Alliance
Emerald BioStructures, a biotech research firm on Bainbridge Island, WA, said today it has achieved the second milestone in a collaboration with Belgium-based UCB. The milestone, in which Emerald and UCB were able to identify new drug candidates to interact with some undisclosed protein structures, prompted the two sides to expand their collaboration, Emerald said. … Continue reading “Emerald Expands UCB Alliance”
Infinity Says Cash Stretches to 2014
Infinity Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: [[ticker:INFI]]) said today in its financial forecast that the company has enough cash on hand, and committed research funding, to run its R&D operation into 2014. The Cambridge, MA-based developer of cancer drugs said it enters this year with $345 million in committed capital, which includes slightly more than $100 million of … Continue reading “Infinity Says Cash Stretches to 2014”
Zynga Buys Flock Browser
Flock, the six-year-old Redwood City, CA, startup behind the Flock social Web browser, has been acquired by San Francisco-based social gaming juggernaut Zynga. Flock CEO Shawn Hardin announced the deal in a blog post Wednesday. Funded by Bessemer Venture Partners, Shasta Ventures, Catamount Ventures, Fidelity Ventures, and individual investors, Flock attempted to popularize the concept … Continue reading “Zynga Buys Flock Browser”
Massachusetts, Evolved: What you need to know about the local game industry and the legislation that could change it all
The New England Games SIG is holding this event to spotlight proposed legislation that could give a big boost to the state’s games industry, through tax credits and incentives for early-stage companies. Register here for the free panel and networking event.
Babson Healthcare & Life Sciences 8th Annual Industry Forum: Our Health, Our Business
This forum invites business experts and healthcare thought leaders to discuss innovative ways to encourage healthier lifestyles and keep healthcare costs down. It will even hold a competition for attendees to design products encouraging individual responsibility in healthcare. Register here.
XL Hybrids Raises $2M More, Signs Key Partnership to Retrofit Vehicles
[Updated 1:15 pm. See below] It’s been a busy week for Boston-area company financings, but it’s particularly interesting to zero in on some progress in cleantech. Somerville, MA-based XL Hybrids, a startup that converts commercial fleet vehicles into hybrids, said it has raised an additional $2 million from undisclosed investors. The company also has formed … Continue reading “XL Hybrids Raises $2M More, Signs Key Partnership to Retrofit Vehicles”
Lean Startup Circle Boston Monthly Meetup
Eric Ries, the man behind the lean startup methodology, will be at this edition of the group’s monthly meetings. He’ll preview some material from his upcoming book, including startup management styles and measuring milestones. Event information is here.
DynaTrace Drums Up $4M
DynaTrace Software, a Waltham, MA-based maker of diagnostic, monitoring, and user experience management software, has brought in $4 million in equity-based funding, an SEC filing revealed. The startup, which was founded in Austria in 2005, raised $12.9 million from Bay Partners and Bain Capital Ventures in 2008.
GM Ventures Invests $5M in Powermat, Gets Exclusive Right to Wireless Chargers for Year
General Motors is not only an investor in wireless charging startup Powermat, it will also be its exclusive automotive customer for a year. GM Ventures, the Detroit automaker’s venture capital arm, has invested $5 million in Powermat to help push the Commerce Township, MI-based company’s products into GM cars, including the gas-electric hybrid Chevy Volt. … Continue reading “GM Ventures Invests $5M in Powermat, Gets Exclusive Right to Wireless Chargers for Year”
Dendreon Plans to Go It Alone in Europe, Build Provenge Factory in Germany
Dendreon took a big leap ahead last year when its new immune-boosting therapy for prostate cancer hit the U.S. market. Now in 2011, it is mapping out plans to take this new mode of treatment into the European Union for the first time. The Seattle-based biotech company (NASDAQ: [[ticker:DNDN]]) said today that it plans to … Continue reading “Dendreon Plans to Go It Alone in Europe, Build Provenge Factory in Germany”
Hologic Buys Interlace for $125M
Bedford, MA-based Hologic, a provider of diagnostics, medical imaging, and surgical products for women, announced today that it has bought Interlace Medical of Framingham, MA, for $125 million in cash. Interlace, which makes a hysteroscopic tissue removal system, will be integrated into Hologic’s (NASDAQ: [[ticker:HOLX]]) gynecological surgical products business. The deal also includes two annual … Continue reading “Hologic Buys Interlace for $125M”
Neuroptix Raises $4.6M
Neuroptix, an Acton, MA-based developer of a diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s disease, has raised $4.6 million of a mixed offering of equity and rights that could total $9.1 million, according to an SEC filing. The company brought in $18.5 million in a Series B round of funding in 2008, led by Inventages.
Here Are Six Features Apple Should Include in the iPad 2 (And They’re Not the Ones You Think)
Unlike most of my tech-journalism brethren, I’m not at the circus in Las Vegas this week. Neither is Apple—the hardware giant has traditionally skipped the International Consumer Electronics Show, rightly figuring that it can generate all the hype it needs just by inviting a few hundred people to the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco … Continue reading “Here Are Six Features Apple Should Include in the iPad 2 (And They’re Not the Ones You Think)”
E-Commerce Pioneer Sets Up Cancer Commons, Affymax Hires New Boss, Plexxikon Opts In, & More Bay Area Life Sciences News
The biotech year doesn’t really start until the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference gets underway in San Francisco next week, but there were a few small news items that hit this week. See you next week in Union Square. —Affymax (NASDAQ: [[ticker:AFFY]]), the Palo Alto, CA-based developer of an experimental anemia drug, said it has hired … Continue reading “E-Commerce Pioneer Sets Up Cancer Commons, Affymax Hires New Boss, Plexxikon Opts In, & More Bay Area Life Sciences News”
Salesforce.com Scoops Up Dimdim’s Web Conferencing Technology for $31M
Salesforce.com’s acquisitions binge continues. The San Francisco-based maker of cloud-based customer relationship management tools has added WebEx-like conferencing and collaboration capabilities to its arsenal through the purchase of Lowell, MA-based startup Dimdim. Announced late Thursday, the acquisition cost Salesforce.com $31 million, net of Dimdim’s cash. Dimdim had raised venture funding from Nexus Venture Partners, Index … Continue reading “Salesforce.com Scoops Up Dimdim’s Web Conferencing Technology for $31M”
Longwood Raises First Fund, Biogen Adds Executives, Boston Scientific Acquires Intellect, & More Boston-Area Life Sciences News
New England’s life sciences companies and investors are wasting no time this new year. We saw headlines of financings, clinical trial results, acquisitions, and executive moves at biotech and pharma companies this week. —Genocea Biosciences of Cambridge, MA, wrapped up $35 million in Series B financing from new investors Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation, MP … Continue reading “Longwood Raises First Fund, Biogen Adds Executives, Boston Scientific Acquires Intellect, & More Boston-Area Life Sciences News”