Thursday, October 28, 2010SpaceX Expands In AlabamaHawthorne-based SpaceX, the commercial rocket firm founded by Elon Musk, is extending its reach into Huntsville, Alabama, according to local jobs group Huntsville Space Professionals. No details on the new office have been announced, however, Huntsville Space Professionals said the rocket company was breaking ground on the new office today, in the Cummings Research Park in Huntsville.
posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010(Full story)
California's Weak Jobs Picture to Continue, Says CFO SurveyA survey released today by accounting firm Grant Thornton LLP finds that California CFOs and senior comptrollers still have a hesitant outlook on the state's job market. According to the survey--conducted by the firm nationally with 516 U.S. CFOs and senior comptrollers, and in California with 47 private and public companies--about 28 percent of California companies plan to increase hiring in the next six months, with 20 percent planning to decrease hiring. More than half--52 percent--said their (More info...)
posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010(Full story)
Four of Southern California's Cloud Computing StartupsOne of the most active areas of interest and growth in the technology industry today is cloud computing--the use of computing resources on the Internet, to accomplish tasks that normally would have taken a server farm or local systems. Among the more successful firms here have in the cloud computing space been Irvine-based 3Tera, which was recently acquired by CA.
Here are a number of Southern California startups who are making waves in the cloud computing, as mined from our subscription ventur (More info...)
posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010(Full story)
Verizon Wireless iPad Bundle Hits StoresVerizon Wireless said that Apple's iPad device--bundled with the Verizon MiFi mobile hotspot--is hitting its stores today, at more than 2,000 of its Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide. The firm had announced the bundle on October 14th. The availability of the iPad through Verizon promises to benefit at least one Southern California firm--San Diego-based Novatel Wireless--which is the supplier of Verizon's MiFi device. The MiFi turns Verizon's cell phone connection into a Wi-Fi hot (More info...)
posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010(Full story)
Buy.com Ramps Halloween SalesAliso Viejo-based Buy.com said that it has seen steep growth in its Halloween related sales this year, with more than 162 percent increases in orders over lsat year. The company said it is now offering up more than 40,000 costumes and accessories on its site, in a major expansion of its catalog this year. Buy.com also said that sales have been boosted this year by the addition of costumes from BuyCostumes, along with marketplace partners like Costume Craze Toynk. Buy.com is owned by Japanese fir (More info...)
posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010(Full story)
Evolution Robotics At Bed Bath & BeyondPasadena-based Evolution Robotics, the developer of robotic technology backed by Idealab, is now distributing its Mint automatic floor clear through Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Evolution Robotics--which made its move into the direct to consumer market in April--said the robot is available both at Bed Bath & Beyond stores, as well as online at Bed Bath & Beyond's web site. The robot is the first consumer directed item created by Evolution Robotics, which initially had provided robotic technology, visi (More info...)
posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010(Full story)
Endologix Buys Nellix, Gets $15M InvestmentIrvine-based Endologix, a developer of minimally invasive treatments for aortic disorders, said this morning that it has agreed to acquire Nellix, a developer of medical devices for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Endologix said it will pay $15M in stock, plus up to $39M in milestone payments, for Nellix. As part of the funding, Endologix said it has received a $15M investment commitment from Essex Woodlands Health Ventures, which is the majority owner of Nellix. Endologix said the n (More info...)
posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010 (More)(Full story)
Interview with Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin, Lynda.com
How do you take a business you started as your own personal web site, and turn it into an online powerhouse, completely bootstrapped, from the little town of Ojai, California--not exactly known as a technology town? Not too many people are aware of the success and story of Lynda.com (www.lynda.com), started by Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin, and how the firm's now grown to a double-digit, multimillion dollar business which is known as THE source for online training on such things as web desig (More info...)
posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010(Full story)
Regulus Therapeutics Gets $10M From Sanofi-AventisLa Jolla-based Regulus Therapeutics reports today that it has received $10M in an equity investment from drug maker Sanofi-Aventis. The firm said the investment came as part of its strategic alliance with Sanofi-Aventis, which was signed June 21st. Regulus Therapeutics' other investors include Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Isis Pharmaceuticals. Regulus Therapeutics said its alliance with Sanofi-Aventis is potentially valued at over $750M, and includes the discovery, development and commercializati (More info...)
posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010 (More)(Full story)
SimLab Acquired By Michigan FirmRancho Santa Margarita-based SimLab Corporation, a developer of software used for finite element modeling, has been acquired by Troy, Michigan-based Altair Engineering. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. SimLab's finite element modeling software is used for computer aided engineering and design of powertrain systems in the automotive and heavy equipment industries. According to Altair, it will acquire SimLab's technology and development staff, adding them to its computer-aide (More info...)
posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010(Full story)