Tuesday, September 11, 2012FixUp Launches To Help Users Consult Experts Via iPhoneHow do you get help with that plumbing project you're working, or some minor assistance with that auto repair? A new, iPhone app--FixUp--debuted today to try to help users with those kinds of questions, saying it will connect users to a network of skilled, service professionals via iPhone video. The app--the brainchild of Los Angeles-based StartupMinds--lets users connect with local professionals, such as plumbers, electricians, and others--to get expert answers to simple issues for a negotiated (More info...)
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MOGL Hits $1M In Cash Back To UsersSan Diego-based MOGL said today that its members have now earned more than $1M in cash back for using the firm's loyalty program. MOGL offers up cash back payments for users who register their credit cards and visit participating restaurants. The startup, headed by Jon Carder, provides a 10% cash back to members who register their credit or debit cards with the company, and visit participating restaurants. The startup has a significant number of participating restaurants in Southern California, (More info...)
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Exagen Diagnostics Finds $5.3MExagen Diagnostics, a venture-backed developer of molecular diagnostics testing which operates its main laboratory in Vista, California, said it has raised $5.3M. The funding was led by Tullis Health Invesotrs, and also included Sun Mountain Capital, Cottonwood Technology Fund, Mesa Verde Venture Partners and Epic Ventures. Exagen develops diagnostic testing services for rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions; the firm's CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited lab is located in Vista, with its head (More info...)
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Boingo Offers Free, Nationwide Wi-Fi With Google PlayIn what looks to be one of the biggest free Wi-Fi deals so far from Boingo Wireless, the operator of a network of Wi-Fi hotspots said this morning that it will be offering up free, Wi-Fi at more than 4,000 of its hotspots thanks to a deal with Google Play. Boingo Wireless said that the sponsored Wi-Fi location will include 15 airports, and thousands of hotels, shopping malls, cafes, and recreational areas. Google Play is the online store for Android applications and content run by Google. Financ (More info...)
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Inktank Gets $1M For Storage SoftwareLos Angeles-based Inktank, the open source software firm developing the distributed storage system Ceph, said this morning that it has raised $1M in a convertible note financing. The financing came from Mark Shuttleworth, who founded Canonical, the open source services firm which supports Ubuntu. Inktank is a spinout of hosting provider Dreamhost, which is also based in Los Angeles, and develops distributed storage system software which it tied into the Linux kernel. The firm said the funding wi (More info...)
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Hulu Upgrades Plus On PlayStation 3Los Angeles-based Hulu upgraded the firm's Hulu plus app on the PlayStation 3 Monday, adding new features such as highlighting shows that users watch; larger and more vivid artwork; better ways to find content; and more. Hulu, which offers streaming of television shows and movies, has been offering up Hulu Plus on the PlayStation 3 for the last two years; the service costs $7.99 a month. Hulu said that the PlayStation 3 is the first living room platform it will be rolling out the new Hulu Plus e (More info...)
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Citrix Buys Beetil To Bolster Citrix GoToAssistCitrix said Monday afternoon that it has acquired Beetil, a developer of cloud-based, service desk technology, to help bolster its Citrix GoToAssist capabilities. Financial terms of the buy were not disclosed. Citrix GoToAssist is developed out of the Santa Barbara operations of Citrix, Citrix Online Services, which is run by Brett Caine. Beetil is based in New Zealand.
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Clearlake Capital Group Buys NetMotion WirelessSanta Monica-based investor Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. announced this morning that it has acquired NetMotion Wireless, a developer of mobile virtual private network (VPN) and network performance management software. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. NetMotion Wireless was based in Seattle. Clearlake said that Behdad Eghbali and Prashant Mehrotra have both joined the NetMotion Wireless board as part of the buy.
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NetPlenish Launches Automated Replenishment ServiceVentura-based NetPlenish, the automated replenishment service headed by Dave Compton, has launched its services, launching its service to to the audience at TechCrunch Disrupt yesterday. NetPlenish allows users to comparison shop for common household items such as soap, toothpaste, diapers, and more, and then automatically help users get the best pricing on the products they use. NetPlenish announced a venture funding round from 500 Startups, BHV Capital, Gold Hill Capital, Ludlow Ventures, and (More info...)
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Planana Ties Brands With Local EventsPlanana, a new online event service, is announcing today that it has launched a service which will connect sponsors to local events. The startup--previously known as trueRSVP--said its service lets sponsors rewards local event attendees for their social actions, geared around spreading words of events and sponsors to their social networks. Planana said that users will gain such perks as discounted tickets, products, or VIP benefits for their actions. Planana was founded by Fei Xiao and Anna Serg (More info...)
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CitizenHawk Hires Sales DirectorAliso Viejo-based CitizenHawk said today that it has hired a new Regional Sales Director. The firm--which provides online brand protection services to companies--said Brian Conchuratt has been named to the position. Conchuratt has previously served at such companies as Fairbreeze LLC, Channel Intelligence, Commission Junction, as well as AltaVista, Engage Media and Softbank Interactive Marketing. Venture-backed CitizenHawk develops software and services to help find domain squatters, brand and t (More info...)
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Amgen Names VP Corporate AffairsThousand Oaks biotech giant Amgen said Monday that it has named Ray Jordan as its new Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs. Jordan joins the firm from Johnson & Johnson, where he has been since 2003; he also served at Pfizer for 17 years. The company said that Jordan will manage its internal and external communications and strategic communications.
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