Thursday, March 15, 2007


Idealab Takes On Hybrid Cars
Pasadena-based Idealab has added a new company to its portfolio, in the area of electric and hybrid cars. Aptera Motors is developing what it describes as "lightweight, low cost composite electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles". The firm showed its first car, the Aptera typ-1, at the invite-only TED conference this week, saying that the automobile will be available for around $20,000.
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ReferNow Launches Referral Marketing System
Santa Monica-based ReferNow announced Wednesday that it has launched a new, web-based tool to manage and measure referral marketing campaigns. The firm is targeting business owners and sales professionals who use referral and word-of-mouth marketing. The new service includes a web-based dashboard, coupons, point management, and reporting.
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NBC Develops Online Series For Break.com
NBC Universal Digital Studios announced today that it is creating an original broadband series that will run on Los Angeles-based Break.com's online video and entertainment site for men. The NBC program, "Breakers" will center on women breaking objects, and will be ad-supported. According to NBC, the series will launch in the second quarter of 2007. The programming agreement follows two other NBC Universal moves this week, including the addition of the studios content on VMIX, and a primetime pr (More info...)
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Transcepta Targets Distributors
Angel-backed firm Transcepta, a provider of electronic invoice and payment software, said today that it has launched its new electornic invoicing and payment service for distributors. The version of the firm's invoicing system is targeted at distribution companies. Aliso Viejo-based Transcepta is backed by the Tech Coast Angels.
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Broadcom Names CFO
Irvine-based Broadcom said last night that it has appointed a new CFO. Broadcom has named Eric K. Brandt as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the firm. Brandt is the former CFO of Allergan, and most recently CEO of Avanir Pharmaceuticals. Brandt replaces acting CFO Bruce E. Kiddoo, who remains VP and Corporate Controller. Kiddoo has served as acting CFO since the retirement of Broadcom's CFO last September.
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Verizon, Novatel Ship EV-DO Rev A Card
San Diego-based Novatel Wireless and Verizon Wireless announced this morning that they are shipping a network card which operates on Verizon's EV-DO Rev A wireless broadband newtork. Novatel's v740 ExpressCard connects laptops into Verizon's BroadbandAccess service and allows business customers with broadband access. According to the firms the combined hardware and network provides upload speeds that are eight to nine times faster than Verizon's existing network.
posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007(Full story)