Tag: Duo Security

Auth0 Gets “Unicorn” Status as It Raises $103M for Security Tools

Auth0, a Bellevue, WA-based developer of user identification and login tools for software makers and large businesses, announced Monday it has raised $103 million in new financing. Under the terms of the deal, investors valued Auth0 at more than $1 billion, putting it among the ranks of tech startup “unicorns.” Sapphire Ventures, based in Silicon … Continue reading “Auth0 Gets “Unicorn” Status as It Raises $103M for Security Tools”

Why Investors Are Turning to the Midwest—and How to Keep them Coming

For decades, venture capital investors have targeted the East and West coasts to find and fund their next big startup growth company. The result? Two thirds of VC deals and dollars are currently, as of the first quarter of 2019, held in three states—California, New York, and Massachusetts—in three regions of the U.S. Trailing those … Continue reading “Why Investors Are Turning to the Midwest—and How to Keep them Coming”

Midwest Growth Capital Symposium to Feature VC University Seminar

Later next month, the Midwest Growth Capital Symposium (MGCS) will kick off its 38th annual two-day event dedicated to showcasingthe region’s high-growth companies to a cadre of local and out-of-town investors. During the symposium, 32 companies actively seeking funding will pitch to an audience of more than 500 attendees. There will also be a tech … Continue reading “Midwest Growth Capital Symposium to Feature VC University Seminar”

Global Detroit, U-M Team on Program to Boost Immigrant-Led Startups

The American Dream was once a fairly simple concept: The nation would welcome strivers from across the world and invite them to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, work hard, pay taxes, and become contributing citizens. However, immigration has become a highly charged political issue in the current era, making things more complicated. That’s one … Continue reading “Global Detroit, U-M Team on Program to Boost Immigrant-Led Startups”

So You Want to Start a Cybersecurity Company?

Cybercrime has become a global epidemic. Attacks will cost the world $6 trillion by 2021, research firm Cybersecurity Ventures says-–the greatest transfer of economic wealth in history and more profitable than the trade in all major illegal drugs. As the threat keeps rising, the cybersecurity industry keeps growing. According to data released in January by … Continue reading “So You Want to Start a Cybersecurity Company?”

Detroit Trends in 2018? More Traction, Diversity, and Collaboration

Editor’s note: This is part of a series of posts sharing thoughts from industry and technology leaders about 2018 trends. A few trends come to mind that continue to shape and define the startup ecosystem in Detroit: —Marketplaces continue to evolve and attract funding (initial and follow-on), and gain traction that has to be recognized and respected. … Continue reading “Detroit Trends in 2018? More Traction, Diversity, and Collaboration”

From Alnylam to Zayner: Xconomy’s Top Innovation Stories of 2018

2018 was a year of ups and downs for the business and technology community. It was a year of big exits—both IPOs and acquisitions—for tech and life sciences companies. Venture funding remained strong, but more money went to fewer (and later-stage) companies overall. As the year winds down, we’re reflecting on the big innovation trends … Continue reading “From Alnylam to Zayner: Xconomy’s Top Innovation Stories of 2018”

After $2B+ Cisco Buyout, Dug Song Reflects on Duo Security’s Journey

Successful startup founders who are also humble and down-to-earth are a rare breed in the tech industry. But Duo Security co-founder and former CEO Dug Song is a mensch in every sense of the word. Song is best known as the guy who started and nurtured a cybersecurity company worth billions in Ann Arbor, MI—outside … Continue reading “After $2B+ Cisco Buyout, Dug Song Reflects on Duo Security’s Journey”

Roundup: OptimizeRx, Parabricks, URC, Startup Detroit, ACM and More

The weather is finally starting to cool—I’m a fan of fall —but Michigan’s tech startups and entrepreneurs are still red-hot: they’re raising money, buying competitors and complementary companies, launching new products, and more. Read on for recent news about the state’s innovation community. —Rochester’s OptimizeRx, a digital health company focused on facilitating digital communication between … Continue reading “Roundup: OptimizeRx, Parabricks, URC, Startup Detroit, ACM and More”

AfroTech: Could Detroit Be the Black Tech Capital of the Country?

Take a walk through the downtown core and it’s obvious the Motor City has mounted a comeback. Downtown Detroit is unquestionably benefitting from significant private investment, and witnessing its growth in the past decade has been truly impressive: Tech companies large and small have established offices here, buildings have been carefully renovated, the landscaping has … Continue reading “AfroTech: Could Detroit Be the Black Tech Capital of the Country?”

Cisco Plans to Buy Michigan Unicorn Duo Security for $2.35 Billion

Duo Security is set to be acquired by Cisco in a blockbuster deal worth about $2.35 billion. The purchase will bring San Jose, CA-based Cisco (NASDAQ: [[ticker:CSCO]])—which sells a variety of IT hardware, digital products, and services—a software-as-a-service security tool used to authenticate a user’s access to things like software, networks, and devices. The company … Continue reading “Cisco Plans to Buy Michigan Unicorn Duo Security for $2.35 Billion”

Roundup: Startup Week Detroit, Grand Circus, MWCT, Duo Security, More

Summer is here, and with it, plenty of tech news from across Michigan. Startup Week Detroit kicks off on Monday, while other programs have fast-approaching application deadlines; grants have been awarded; milestones have been achieved; and new hires have been announced. Read on for details. —Techstars Startup Week Detroit, described by organizers as a weeklong … Continue reading “Roundup: Startup Week Detroit, Grand Circus, MWCT, Duo Security, More”

Duo CEO Says New Detroit Office is Chance to Learn, Grow & Engage

Duo Security, the cybersecurity startup valued at just over $1 billion, has offices in Michigan, Texas, California, and the United Kingdom. It could have chosen anywhere on Earth to locate its newest outpost, announced last month, but the company chose Detroit. In a city hungry for opportunities with loads of innovation in its DNA, it … Continue reading “Duo CEO Says New Detroit Office is Chance to Learn, Grow & Engage”

After a Year of Growth Milestones, Duo Security Opens Detroit Office

Duo Security, a cybersecurity startup based in Ann Arbor, MI, announced today that it is opening a new office in Detroit to accommodate the company’s rapidly growing business. Duo plans to immediately relocate 30 employees from the company’s engineering, information services, and product teams to work downtown in Bamboo Detroit’s co-working space. By the end … Continue reading “After a Year of Growth Milestones, Duo Security Opens Detroit Office”

U.P.’s Orbion Space Technology Wins $500K Accelerate Michigan Prize

Midtown Detroit hosted two events this week that are among the biggest in the Southeast Michigan startup community: the Michigan Venture Capital Association’s annual awards gala, and the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition, where 36 early-stage tech companies competed for nearly $1 million in cash and prizes, including a $500,000 grand prize. Although both events have … Continue reading “U.P.’s Orbion Space Technology Wins $500K Accelerate Michigan Prize”

Ann Arbor Unicorn: After $70M Series D, Duo Security Valued at $1.1B

[Updated at 1:05 p.m. on 10/17/2017 to add comments from Duo CEO Dug Song; see below.] Ann Arbor, MI-based cybersecurity startup Duo Security today announced that it has closed on a Series D financing round valued at $70 million, bringing the company’s total valuation to $1.17 billion just seven years after its inception. According to … Continue reading “Ann Arbor Unicorn: After $70M Series D, Duo Security Valued at $1.1B”

Case’s Advice to Entrepreneurs? Persevere, Support Local Networks

Michigan’s tech startup ecosystem has come a very long way in the past decade—a recent report in Engadget took a fair, comprehensive look—but still lacks a few key ingredients, like a culture that embraces failure and entrepreneurial leaders who aggressively work to create a welcoming, collaborative community. Those were some of the takeaways from yesterday’s … Continue reading “Case’s Advice to Entrepreneurs? Persevere, Support Local Networks”

Roundup: Grand Circus, STEM Initiatives, and a Lot of Cybersecurity

—Grand Circus, the coding school with campuses in downtown Detroit and Grand Rapids, is partnering with Facebook to offer a front-end developer bootcamp in October. The training course will combine Grand Circus’ front-end curriculum with React, an open-source JavaScript platform. Successful applicants will receive full scholarships and training in HTML5/CSS3, JavaSript, jQuery, React, Node.js, NPM, AJAX, … Continue reading “Roundup: Grand Circus, STEM Initiatives, and a Lot of Cybersecurity”

Founders of Grand Ventures Double Down on Michigan Startup Growth

Early-stage tech entrepreneurs in Michigan now have a new source of investment capital to chase. Grand Rapids, MI-based Grand Ventures, established earlier this month by McKeel Hagerty of Hagerty Insurance and Huron River Ventures’ Tim Streit, will provide support to high-growth tech startups focused on agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and other industries with strong Midwest presence, … Continue reading “Founders of Grand Ventures Double Down on Michigan Startup Growth”

Grab Your Ticket for The State of Cybersecurity on Dec. 8th

Join Xconomy for its first-ever public cybersecurity event on December 8 at WGBH. With the growing number of cyber attacks, we decided to bring this issue front and center to discuss what business leaders and consumers can do to help secure their data and IT systems, what opportunities are out there for investors and executives, … Continue reading “Grab Your Ticket for The State of Cybersecurity on Dec. 8th”

Hack This: Xconomy to Host the State of Cybersecurity on Dec. 8

The end may be near. No, I’m not talking about the U.S. presidential election. I’m talking about the chances of a catastrophic cyber attack on our companies and infrastructure (though the two may be related). With the mounting number of vulnerabilities out there—see last month’s massive Internet attack—what can we all do to help secure … Continue reading “Hack This: Xconomy to Host the State of Cybersecurity on Dec. 8”

Four Ways to Stay Safe While Using Public Wi-Fi

No matter how hard we try to unplug on vacation, most of us simply don’t—or can’t—disconnect. The availability of free Wi-Fi is sometimes too hard to resist. While we’re in a carefree state of mind, it’s especially easy to bend the rules. Even when using Wi-Fi at a familiar business, you could be putting your … Continue reading “Four Ways to Stay Safe While Using Public Wi-Fi”

Roundup: Duo Insight, Digital Undivided, Bug Bounty & More

Here’s a look at innovation news from around Michigan: —Duo Security, the Ann Arbor-based cybersecurity startup that is also one of the state’s fastest growing companies, has released a free tool that lets IT teams run internal phishing simulations within five minutes. Duo Insight allows administrators to identify potential security weaknesses and share them with … Continue reading “Roundup: Duo Insight, Digital Undivided, Bug Bounty & More”

FICO Buys QuadMetrics to Help Measure Corporate Cybersecurity Risk

FICO, the San Jose, CA, software analytics company, announced Tuesday it has acquired Ann Arbor, MI-based QuadMetrics, a University of Michigan cybersecurity spinout. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. FICO—known as an industry leader in measuring and understanding consumer credit risk—will soon offer “enterprise security scores” that assess a corporation’s exposure to hackers … Continue reading “FICO Buys QuadMetrics to Help Measure Corporate Cybersecurity Risk”

Duo Security Snags $2.5M Grant, Will Hire Up to 300

Ann Arbor, MI-based startup Duo Security announced that it has received a $2.5 million grant from the state’s Michigan Strategic Fund and, as a condition of the grant, plans to hire up to 300 new employees over the coming months. Economic development group Ann Arbor SPARK has pledged to assist Duo in its employee recruitment … Continue reading “Duo Security Snags $2.5M Grant, Will Hire Up to 300”

CyberArk-Led Alliance Unites Security Around Privileged Accounts

A new nationwide cybersecurity industry partnership led by CyberArk Software underscores the sector’s increased emphasis on collaboration and unifying software security measures as threats mount around the world. CyberArk (NASDAQ: [[ticker:CYBR]]) today announced the launch of the C3 Alliance, a group of cybersecurity, enterprise software, and other service providers who will integrate into their offerings … Continue reading “CyberArk-Led Alliance Unites Security Around Privileged Accounts”

Duo Security and GTRI Partner on International STEM Talent Event

Dozens of international students finishing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields were on hand at Duo Security’s Ann Arbor, MI, office last week for a tech talent matchmaking event sponsored by the Michigan Global Talent Retention Initiative (GTRI) and Global Detroit. The event was the first in a series designed to connect … Continue reading “Duo Security and GTRI Partner on International STEM Talent Event”

In 2016, Time for Michigan Companies to Play for Long-Term Success

I believe that the most pressing issue for Michigan’s innovation community in 2016 is to think big. When the final numbers come in for 2015, we’ll find that it was a watershed year for fast-growth companies in the state. More venture capital came in than ever before, and more large investments than ever came into … Continue reading “In 2016, Time for Michigan Companies to Play for Long-Term Success”

Xconomy Unconference Fosters Honest Discussion Despite Divisive Era

Last Thursday, Xconomy hosted an unconference-style gathering at TechTown Detroit, and we invited folks from the Motor City and Ann Arbor to join us for a discussion about how we might break down the barriers between the two cities to further the region as a whole. It was the second event we held this year … Continue reading “Xconomy Unconference Fosters Honest Discussion Despite Divisive Era”

Arboretum Ventures, Duo Security Among MVCA’s 2015 Awardees

The Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) held its annual awards ceremony on Monday to recognize the state’s top entrepreneurs, investors, and deals. The event drew a record crowd, the organization said in a blog post, and “focused on the tremendous growth of the entrepreneurial and investment community” in Michigan and across the region. Incoming MVCA board … Continue reading “Arboretum Ventures, Duo Security Among MVCA’s 2015 Awardees”

Is the Hit TV Series “Mr. Robot” an Accurate Portrayal of Hackers?

This summer, USA Network premiered the series Mr. Robot, a drama/thriller that uses computer security and hacking as plot devices. Elliot Alderson, the protagonist, is a reclusive computer security professional who suffers from social anxiety disorder and delusions. When someone triggers his curiosity, he hacks their online accounts, from social media to bank accounts, in … Continue reading “Is the Hit TV Series “Mr. Robot” an Accurate Portrayal of Hackers?”

Breaking Down Barriers: A Detroit-Ann Arbor Dinner Conversation

Growing up in East Lansing, MI, I wasn’t aware of the “invisible forcefield on US-23,” as TechTown Detroit’s executive-in-residence Gerry Roston eloquently phrases it, that acts as a barrier between Detroit and Ann Arbor. It seemed inconceivable to me that I, someone who grew up about 80 miles from Detroit, had visited the city more … Continue reading “Breaking Down Barriers: A Detroit-Ann Arbor Dinner Conversation”

Xconomy Detroit/Ann Arbor Aims to Capture Spirit of Collaboration

As we approach the end of our fifth year in Michigan, Xconomy Detroit is rebranding. We’re calling it Xconomy Detroit/Ann Arbor in recognition of the ongoing collaboration between the two communities so crucial to the state’s efforts to innovate and diversify—collaboration we hope to help foster. First, some history: When Xconomy decided to expand its … Continue reading “Xconomy Detroit/Ann Arbor Aims to Capture Spirit of Collaboration”

Duo Security: (Big) New Money, New Platform, New Offices

Duo Security, the Ann Arbor, MI-based startup developing two-factor authentication tools to protect businesses from hackers, announced this week that it has raised $30 million in a Series C round led by Redpoint Ventures. Duo co-founder and CTO Jon Oberheide said the round included follow-on participation from previous investors such as Google Ventures, Resonant Venture … Continue reading “Duo Security: (Big) New Money, New Platform, New Offices”

Duo Security Obtains $30,000,000 Series C Financing

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=6088d1d0-b2db-42e7-b64f-b5074cdec111 Date 4/14/2015 Company Name Duo Security Mailing Address 123 N. Ashley St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 USA Company Description Duo Security provides strong two-factor authentication as a service built to prevent account takeover and data theft. Duo uses a mobile phone as the second factor to make authenticating easy and convenient. … Continue reading “Duo Security Obtains $30,000,000 Series C Financing”

MI Roundup: U-M, Duo Security, MGCS, NVCA, Grand Circus

Here’s a look at news from around Michigan’s innovation hubs: — After repeatedly hearing from business owners who need more employees with .NET expertise, software guru Bill Wagner is teaming with Grand Circus to offer a .NET bootcamp this spring. Having .NET skills is critical for developers working in the corporate world, Wagner says, and … Continue reading “MI Roundup: U-M, Duo Security, MGCS, NVCA, Grand Circus”

Duo Security Rides Growing Interest in Two-Factor Authentication

Hardly a day goes by without a big headline announcing yet another consumer security breach; today’s version trumpets the possible theft of Staples customers’ credit card information. Keeping payment information safe from criminals is a priority for both businesses and consumers, and since Ann Arbor, MI-based Duo Security is at the forefront of a promising … Continue reading “Duo Security Rides Growing Interest in Two-Factor Authentication”

Duo Security Obtains $12,000,000 Series B Funding Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=827ed4a5-87a9-420c-9a49-9a5bf754c840 Date 9/22/2014 Company Name Duo Security Mailing Address 617 Detroit St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 USA Company Description Duo Security provides strong two-factor authentication as a service built to prevent account takeover and data theft. Duo uses a mobile phone as the second factor to make authenticating easy and convenient. At … Continue reading “Duo Security Obtains $12,000,000 Series B Funding Round”

Who Knew? Fun Facts About Southeast Michigan’s Innovators

When people ask me for a “fun fact” about my life, I usually tell them some version of the story of how a friend and I stalked Canadian film director Guy Maddin all the way to Winnipeg, an incident that wound up as a chapter in Maddin’s book. I’m not the only one with amusing … Continue reading “Who Knew? Fun Facts About Southeast Michigan’s Innovators”

Mobile Madness Motor City: WiTricity to Demo a Future Without Wires

Mobile Madness Motor City, Xconomy’s first mobile event in Detroit, will be packed with innovators, business leaders, technologists, and app developers. It will also have something you don’t often see: A live demo of how our mobile devices, from cell phones to laptops to cars, might be powered in the future—without wires. Eric Giler, CEO of … Continue reading “Mobile Madness Motor City: WiTricity to Demo a Future Without Wires”

Mobile Madness Motor City: Ford’s Connelly Will Talk Trends

We’re less than a week away from Xconomy’s first major event in Detroit, Mobile Madness Motor City. The half-day forum is packed with some of southeast Michigan’s top technology innovators tackling Michigan’s growing mobile scene and the many ways mobile is revolutionizing the way we live, work, and play. You can still get tickets for this special … Continue reading “Mobile Madness Motor City: Ford’s Connelly Will Talk Trends”

Mobile Madness Motor City: Check Out the Agenda for our Jan. 17 Forum

Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over, we’re getting pretty excited for Mobile Madness Motor City, Xconomy’s inaugural mobile event in Detroit. The half-day forum is packed with some of southeast Michigan’s top technology innovators tackling Michigan’s growing mobile scene and the many ways mobile is revolutionizing the way we live, … Continue reading “Mobile Madness Motor City: Check Out the Agenda for our Jan. 17 Forum”

Mobile Madness Motor City: Linkner, Song, & More at Jan. 17 Forum

All of you smartphone-toting innovators know it’s true: Five short years since the first iPhones sparked lines around Apple stores, mobile computing has completely transformed our lives. Whether revolutionizing the way we communicate or how we run our companies, there’s hardly a business in operation that hasn’t been affected by the power of mobile. In … Continue reading “Mobile Madness Motor City: Linkner, Song, & More at Jan. 17 Forum”

Duo Security Obtains $999,997 New Funding Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=c4ae2ccf-54c1-411f-8ca1-a86f9fb1f9d0&Preview=1 Date 8/14/2012 Company Name Duo Security Mailing Address 1327 Jones Dr Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Company Description Duo Security provides strong two-factor authentication as a service built to prevent account takeover and data theft. Duo uses a mobile phone as the second factor to make authenticating easy and convenient. At Duo, … Continue reading “Duo Security Obtains $999,997 New Funding Round”

Duo Security Secures $5,000,000 Series A Financing Round

Feed Type Link http://www.venturedeal.com/Search/SearchResultTransactionDetail.aspx?TransactionId=202f3555-b432-4999-900f-5d79dd2908b5&Preview=1 Date 2/28/2012 Company Name Duo Security Mailing Address 1327 Jones Dr Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Company Description Duo Security provides strong two-factor authentication as a service built to prevent account takeover and data theft. Duo uses a mobile phone as the second factor to make authenticating easy and convenient. At Duo, … Continue reading “Duo Security Secures $5,000,000 Series A Financing Round”

Countdown to Michigan 2031: Release The Hackers!

Something is brewing in Southeastern Michigan, and it smells more like innovation than beer. Inside a former brewery in Ann Arbor, MI just northeast of Kerrytown, a group of techies and recent college graduates stare at computer screens, sustained by a copious supply of Diet Coke and fruit juice boxes. There are no leases or … Continue reading “Countdown to Michigan 2031: Release The Hackers!”

Get Set for Michigan 2031: Xconomy’s First Detroit Event to Examine State’s Innovation Landscape 20 Years Ahead

Michigan may be many things, but lazy isn’t one of them. A prominent investor told me the other week that the state boasts an incredible work ethic, one that rivals the frenetic pace of Silicon Valley. Given the automobile industry’s long decline, the state has made several bets on its economic future: clean energy and … Continue reading “Get Set for Michigan 2031: Xconomy’s First Detroit Event to Examine State’s Innovation Landscape 20 Years Ahead”

Startup Lessons from Pixability, FashionPlaytes, and More: Check Out 5×5 Videos from Turnstone

As we come down the home stretch of 2010, I wanted to take another look back at our most recent Boston event—“5×5: Five Cities, Five Big Tech Ideas.” Not at the program or the public discussion, which I already summarized briefly here, but at some of the side discussions that were caught on camera. One … Continue reading “Startup Lessons from Pixability, FashionPlaytes, and More: Check Out 5×5 Videos from Turnstone”