Wednesday, January 8, 2014Hulu Plans Full Slate Of New Original SeriesLos Angeles-based streaming television site Hulu has a full slate of new original series planned for this year, saying today it has plans to launch a number of new series and has renewed a number of series to bolster its original content. According to Hulu, it is launching "Deadbeat," "East Los High" Season Two and "The Hotwives of Orlando" on the site in 2014, and has also renewed "The Awesomes," "Moone Boy," "Behind the Mask," "Quick Draw" and others on the service. "Deadbeat" is being co-prod (More info...)
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LegalZoom Officially Drops IPO BidGlendale-based LegalZoom has officially dropped its IPO bid, saying in a regulatory filing that it has withdrawn its S-1 filing for an IPO, which had originally been filed in May of 2012. LegalZoom said the move came because it does not intend to pursue the contemplated public offering at this time. The filing was expected, after the announcement this week that it had sold $200M in equity to private equity firm Permira. That secondary stock transaction went to buy out earlier investors in the co (More info...)
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SweetLabs Goes Full Circle, Adds Android Device SupportIn what looks to be a full circle, San Diego-based SweetLabs said it is bringing its app recommendation and discovery platform, Pokki, to Android and other operating systems. The startup, which is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, Google Ventures, Intel Capital, and O’Reilly AlphaTech, said it will provide context-aware app recommendations on both Windows and Android devices. Pokki was originally launched as a way to provide a mobile app-like experience on the desktop. SweetLabs said Pokki' (More info...)
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Auspex Pharmaceuticals Raises $35MLa Jolla-based Auspex Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceuticals firm aiming at treating hyperkinetic movement disorders, announced this morning that it has raised $35M in two separate financings. According to the company, it raised $20M in a Series E equity financing, and also raised $15M in a four year, venture loan. The equity funding was led by Deerfield Management Company, along with its existing investors, which include Thomas, McNerney and Partners, CMEA Capital, Panorama Capital, BioMed Ventu (More info...)
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StockTwits Raises New Funding, Swaps CEOSan Diego-based stock tip messaging service Stocktwits said last week that it has raised a new round of funding, and named a new CEO. The company said the new funding brings its total raised to $10M. As part of the funding, founder and CEO Howard Lindzon said that he has named a replacement, John Melloy, and will become Chairman of the company. Melloy was previously at Bloomberg, and was the Executive Producer of CNBC's Fast Money. Stocktwits operates an online, micro-messaging service focused o (More info...)
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Kite Pharma Names CFOLos Angeles-based biotechnology developer Kite Pharma said today that it has named a new Chief Financial Officer. According to Kite Pharma, it has named Cynthia M. Butitta as its new EVP and CFO. Buttita was most recently at NextWave Pharmaceuticals, where she had been Senior Vice President and CFO, and whe she had been involved in that company's $700M acquisition by Pfizer. She also has served at Telik through its IPO, and Connetics. Kite Pharma is developing treatments for cancer.
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EDF Renewable Energy Sells Wind Project Stake To Japanese InvestorSan Diego-based renewable energy developer EDF Renewable Energy said Tuesday that it has linked up with Japanese company Marubeni Corporation, on its Shiloh IV Wind Project in Texas. According to the two, Marubeni will acquire a 90 percent interest in the 102.5 MW wind project, which will help EDF free up funds for future projects. EDF said it will continue to provide operations and maintenance services for the project, and will retain a 10 percent stake in the project. Financial details of the (More info...)
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Everbridge Wins Florida CountyGlendale-based Everbridge, the provider of emergency notification and communications services, reported a win with Nassau County, Florida yesterday. Everbridge said that Nassau County, which has more than 75,000 residents, is using the company's services for automatic weather alerts and emergency notifications. Financial impact of the win was not disclosed.
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Esri Targets Microsoft Dynamics Users With UpdateRedland-based mapping and GIS software developer Esri has launched a new product, aimed at Microsoft Dynamics CRM users. According to Esri, it has released an enhanced location platform, Esri Maps for Microsoft Dynamics CRM, which helps retailers analyze their stores, supply chain, and more. The company said the improved tools lets users author their own maps, share data via online maps, and more.
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Levine Leichtman Buys Polyform ProductsLos Angeles-based private equity firm Levine Leichtman Capital Partners said this week that it has acquired Polyform Products Company. Polyform is a developer, manufacturer, and marketer of polymer clay products--used by hobbyists and artists, and sold through such retailers as Michaels, Wal-Mart, Jo-Ann Fabrics, and others. Levine Leichtman operates the Levine Leichtman Capital Partners SBIC Fund, L.P., a $225 million private equity fund.
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