Wednesday, February 1, 2012Report: THQ Cutting 170Calabasas-based videogame developer THQ has reportedly cut 170 of its employees, according to reports Wednesday. According to reports on gaming sites, the cuts are expected to be announced along with THQ's earnings tomorrow. The report of the cuts apparently came via gaming insider Kevin Dent. If true, the layoffs would not be a surprise for the firm, which said just last week that it would be paring its efforts in kids games, completely exiting the area to focus instead on its core gamers.
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Social Rewards Gets $600KLos Angeles-based Social Rewards, which operates an online, loyalty program which rewards users for social media activity for brands, has raised $600,000 in a seed funding round. The round came from the Tech Coast Angels, as well as Jeff Lapin (Starwood Hotels), Stuart Larkins (Performics), Kelly Perdew, Mi Ventures, and K5 Venture Partners. Social Rewards was founded by Joseph Morin and Mike Uesugi. The firm's service gives customers loyalty points for using Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and Y (More info...)
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SpaceX Plans New Engine SystemHawthorne-based Space Exploration Technologies, the commercial rocket firm headed by technology mogul Elon Musk, reported today that it has successfully test fired a new engine, the SuperDraco, which it says is an advanced version of its existing Draco engines. The engines are used by the SpaceX Dragon to maneuver during orbit, and also for reentry and for its launch escape system. The firm said the reusable engines have been undergoing testing at its facility in McGregor, Texas. The spacecraft (More info...)
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M86 Security Raises $13.6MIrvine-based M86 Security, a developer of web security gateways and filtering devices, has raised $13.6M in a funding round, according to a regulatory filing by the firm this week. Details on the funding have not been announced by the company. M86 Security's tools are used by companies, schools, and others to detect malware, prevent data loss, restrict web access, and for other web and email security management.
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TextPower Signs Electric UtilitySan Juan Capistrano-based TextPower, which provides software and text messaging (SMS) gateway services, said today that it has signed on electric utility Blue Grass Energy. TextPower did not disclose the financial impact of the win, but said that Blue Grass Energy is using the firm to provide text messaging alerts to its customers. The utility sends text messages out to users as part of a "Beat the Peak" program to help encourage users to shut off unnecessary lights and equipment during times of (More info...)
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TeleSign Names VPLos Angeles-based TeleSign, the provider of phone authentication services used to reduce fraud and spam with web services, said Tuesday that it has named Max Powers as its Vice President, Client Services. Powers joins the company from Vantage Media, where she was GM of the Education Division. Powers also has served at Microsoft and FrontBridge. Powers served at FrontBridge when TeleSign CEO Steve Jillings was CEO of the firm. TeleSign provides phone-based verification systems, which are used as (More info...)
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Central Desktop Claims Growth In Staff, CustomersLos Angeles-based Central Desktop, the developer of online project and collaboration software which is headed by Isaac Garcia, claimed yesterday that it has seen growth in both its employees and customers last year. The company said it grew its staff by 43 percent in 2011, and increased its enterprise customer base by 41 percent. The company did not disclose any employment numbers or actual finances. Central Desktop offers up a variety of cloud-based, collaboration tools used for managing projec (More info...)
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Shopatron Signs Bosch AppliancesSan Luis Obispo-based Shopatron, the provider of e-commerce software for brands, reported Tuesday that it has signed a partnership with appliance firm Bosch Home Appliances. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Shopatron said it is providing Bosch with a new home appliances website, where shoppers can browse appliances such as ranges, cooktops, hoods, dishwashers, refrigerators and washer/dryer combinations. Shopatron's software then connects consumers with a local retailer for deli (More info...)
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Slacker Expands Latin Music ChannelsSan Diego-based streaming radio service Slacker said yesterday that it has expanded its Spanish language offerings. The company said it has added four Latin stations to the service: Memorias, Puro Norte, Romantica and Salsa. Slacker is tapping a team of radio veterans to help select tracks for the various stations.
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