Friday, July 25, 2008Verve Wireless Raises $3M From APEncinitas-based Verve Wireless has raised $3M in a venture round from the Associated Press, Iron Capital, and other investors, the firm told socalTECH Friday. Verve Wireless develops software that helps publishers make their content wireless-friendly, and which already has a deal with the AP to help takes its content to mobile platforms. Verve Wireless has previously raised $2.5M in a Series A round from angel investors, which closed in July of 2007. The firm's CEO is Art Howe, former owner of t (More info...)
posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 (More)(Full story)
RF Surgical Systems Raises $8.2MRF Surgical Systems, a developer of medical devices for tracking surgical sponges, said Friday morning that it has raised $8.2M in a venture funding round from Menlo Ventures and Stanford University. The firm's R&D operations are based in San Diego, with headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. The company said the funding brings the company's total raised to $20M. The firm's products are used to detect sponges in patients prior to surgical closing procedures.
posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 (More)(Full story)
AutoGenomics Files For IPOCarlsbad-based AutoGenomics has filed for an IPO, saying in a filing with the SEC today that the firm is looking to raise up to $86.3M on the NASDAQ. The firm said that it is looking to list on the NASDAQ Global Market as AGMX. AutoGenomics develops molecular diagnostics systems used that automates the processes of genetic testing performed by clinical laboratories. The firm's IPO is being underwritten by JPMorgan, Deutsche Bank Securities, Pacific Growth Equities, and Robert W. Baird & Co.
posted on Friday, July 25, 2008(Full story)
Gateway Dumps Direct EffortsIrvine-based computer manufacturer Gateway said Friday that the firm is moving to a 100 percent, indirect sales model. The firm said it will discontinue phone and online sales of its desktop PCs and notebooks. The move follows the purchase of Gateway by Acer in August of 2007; Gateway attributed the move to "better align" with Acer's indirect model. Gateway's products will be available from retailers, channel partners, as well as online retailers. The firm's products are sold through Best Buy, (More info...)
posted on Friday, July 25, 2008(Full story)
Aptera Raises $24M In Series CCarlsbad-based Aptera said late Thursday evening that it has raised $24M in a Series C funding. The funding announcement came shortly after Google disclosed it had provided funding through Google.org to the company. Funding in this round came from Idealab, Google, Esenjay Investments, The Simons Family, and The Beall Family Trust. Aptera said the funding will be used to start production of the firm's Aptera Typ-1 vehicle, which is a light weight, composite-based hybrid electric and electric vehi (More info...)
posted on Friday, July 25, 2008 (More)(Full story)
Interview with Warren Hanselman, Tech Coast AngelsThe Tech Coast Angels (www.techcoastangels.com) is the largest, and most active angel group in Southern California, and recently crossed over the $1B mark in terms of attracting third party and venture capital funding for its portfolio companies. To hear a little bit more about its recent investments, and for some color on how angels are reacting to the economy, we spoke with TCA Vice Chairman and database statistician Warren Hanselman.
Tell us a little bit about the $1B mark--is that from da (More info...)
posted on Friday, July 25, 2008(Full story)
Geni.com Conjures Up VideoLos Angeles-based Geni.com, the online genealogy site headed by former PayPal exec David Sacks, said yesterday that it has launched a new video sharing feature and exited its beta. According to Geni, the firm will now offer unlimited, free, and private video sharing for families. Geni also said that it now will allow users to merge their family trees. Geni.com offers a free tools which allow users to create family trees and history, and share those with families. The firm is venture backed by Fo (More info...)
posted on Friday, July 25, 2008(Full story)
Semtech Expands In ChinaCamarillo-based analog and mixed signal semiconductor firm Semtech Corp. announced Thursday that it has opened up a new design and application center in China. According to the firm, the new Shenzhen, China center will provide design and applications support for Semtech's protection, power management, advanced communications, and sensing products. The firm said the center will offer testing capabilities to its customers in the telecom, mobile, set-top box, and other industries. Semtech said the (More info...)
posted on Friday, July 25, 2008(Full story)