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Silicon Valley exit feast – Celebrating eBay’s $945M buy of Bill Me Later
Azure Capital Partners’ dinner becomes a rare victory lap for an investment firm in a rapidly souring economy.
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Semiconductor startup drops interim name for siXis
Formerly known as Beeco, company backed by Intersouth, RTI International rolls out beta product featuring silicon-to-silicon.
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Biolex Therapeutics closes on $60M in financing
Pittsboro-based life science startup lands new investors as part of colossal Series D round. Biolex withdrew $80M IPO earlier this year.
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Entrepreneurs caught in a perfect storm of financial incompetence
Analysis: Angel investors and startups will pay big price for Wall Street meltdown. Angels have less to invest. Entrepreneurs will suffer from lack of funding sources.
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Looking to cash in, more people are linking up
Shaky economy is driving more job seekers, hopefuls to LinkedIn.
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Erroneous CNN citizen journalism report sparks Apple selloff
Poster at iReport claimed Steve Jobs suffered a heart attack. Apple stock shares drop 10% but recover after company denies report.
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SaaS startup Astadia closes on $7 million in second-round financing
North Atlantic Capital, Kodiak Venture Partners lead round in Atlanta firm.
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Council for Entrepreneurial Development backs ‘Internet Summit’
The Council for Entrepreneurial Development is signing on as a co-presenter at Internet Summit 08.
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SAS going ‘green’ with new building, related projects at headquarters in Cary
Construction begins on new 260,000 square foot office structure that integrates energy-saving technology. Solar farm expected to be finished by year’s end.
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RTI wins contracts worth up to $7.1M for nanotech energy project
Triangle researchers, partners to explore how thermoelectric materials could covert wasted heat to electricity.
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Exit ramps are staying closed for emerging companies
Latest statistics show this year’s IPO market weakest since 1977, and M&As are in the gutter.
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Does venture capital spur innovation?
Some research shows that money follows innovation, not the other way around.
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Wall Street fallout to weigh on venture capital firms’ ability to ‘call down’ funds?
One example: As Washington Mutual and other banks fall, aftermath could rock venture firm FTVentures.
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NCSU, Southern Capitol Ventures team up to showcase local companies
In first of two events, top entrepreneurial students match up with some of Triangle region’s leading tech, life science companies.
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Right info, right now – just for you?
New York-based Sociocast launches personalized content delivery platform.
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Searching for a greener environment in Western N.C.
Caldwell County, search engine giant Google team up to reduce carbon footprint at Lenoir data center.
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Microsoft may buy Yahoo and AOL if the latter two merge
If the government rejects an advertising deal between Google and Yahoo, Yahoo could be a takeover target.
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Angels on your shoulders – and in growing share of startup deals
Angel Connection: Veteran investor and Angel Capital Association board member Catherine Mott tells big crowd investment world is growing far beyond limits of venture capital.
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Charlotte-based solar technology firm lands $15.6M in capital
Sencera is building first factory in N.C., plans to employ 75 people by 2011.
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Still hunting for deals, Southern Capitol’s David Jones earns a promotion
Early-stage venture capital firm in Raleigh names Jones, a former U.S. Navy sub-hunter pilot, as partner.
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Looking to keep children safe on web? Check out Glubble
UK-based firm unveils new version of family activity center focused on kids under age 12.
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Clean-tech industry gets $17B energy boost in U.S. Senate bill
Tax incentives for alternative energy programs are kept alive through investment credits. Big utilities also could benefit.
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Angel, venture investing event from LTW is a sellout
Catherine Mott, BlueTree Capital Group CEO and board member of top angel capital group to speak at Angel Connection event in RTP.
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International auction house picks Inlet for live web video delivery
Heritage Auction Galleries, an international auction house in Dallas, Texas, will use video compression tools from Inlet Technologies for live sales over the Web.
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RTI lands $1.2M contract for hydrogen production project
RTI International will explore ways to produce hydrogen on a large scale from coal and coal-biomass mixtures.
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NCSU, Southern Capitol Ventures team up to match students, Triangle tech firms
State’s upcoming entrepreneurs will have first-hand opportunity to learn more about ChannelAdvoisor, Cisco, Cree, Square 1 Bank and numerous other firms.
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Seeing money in instant messaging, Cisco buys IM startup Jabber
Acquisition provides networking giant with means to reach traditional enterprise customers and consumers.
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Takeaways from Inc. 500 conference – Who comes first in your business?
After meeting other execs, reviewing successful companies, here are some points to ponder: Don’t think high-tech is only means to success. Is your company’s name memorable?. Are couples best for running a company? Self-funded vs. outside capital – tumultuous 2008 may affect that equation.
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Matchmakers: RTI, two international groups team up to bolster tech transfer, business
Consortium aims to link researchers developing technology, businesses looking for solutions and products.
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Hollywood + current events = MyHollywood.com
Online entertainment site Hollywood Interactive lands $5M, targets female demographic.
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What’s the Hubdub all about? Prediction website teams with Reuters
Prediction game site will partner with Reuters to help readers make predictions about news events.
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In virtual kingdom, Second Life’s new CEO seeks new worlds to conquer
‘We are focused on making the experience more accessible,’ says Mark Kingdom of virtual 3D world. ‘And we are working to make it stable as it scales to greater numbers.’
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IT needs? Tackling data center power needs, virtualization opportunities
Innovation Exchange: Survey finds that managing data center complexity improves information technology efficiency.
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Cary firm takes iPhone into 3D world
Icaus Studios, a developer of massively multiplayer online games, unveils 3D rendering tool at Austin games conference.
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Looking for investment ideas? Angel capital event may offer ideas
Have you ever wondered what angel investing is about? WRAL Local Tech Wire and the Triangle Accredited Capital Forum invite you to an Angel Connection networking event on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 4:30 p.m., in RTP.
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National Venture Capital Association steps up ‘cleantech’ efforts
Cleantech Group forms partnership with NVCA in effort to boost investment, development in clean industries.
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29 life-science, biotech startups will present at SEBIO investor conference
Eight N.C., three Ga., three S.C. firms make the cut for 10th annual event that’s set for December.
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Looking to build a community? LiveBar could be the answer
Social networking can be added to your website in minutes, says creator LiveWorld
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Medical device startup hires StrikeIron exec as CFO
Tryton Medical, which recently moved its headquarters from Massachusetts, also hires regulatory clinical vice president.
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Video game coup – Big Fish games lands $83M in venture capital
Even in a slowing company, Seattle-based developer of downloadable games shows appeal of interactive entertainment to investors.
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Nanotechnology sensor technology firm moves to Chapel Hill
QualSec has developed ‘e-nose’ device for analysis of airborne particles.
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CBS adds new dimension to social networks – its programs
San Francisco startup iWidgets helps network make money through Facebook, iGoogle – even Fox-owned MySpace.
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RTP commercialization firm to work with UNC Charlotte on tech transfer
Southeast TechInventures will work with UNCC’s tech transfer office to spin out new companies.
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iRobot acquires Durham underwater robot technology firm
Deal for Nekton Research, which has several U.S. military customers, could be worth as much as $15 million. Duke faculty launched Nekton.
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Inlet Technologies closes on $10M in new financing
Series C round includes $3 million disclosed in December. Inlet plans to expand management, sales, engineering and international presence with additional funds.
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UNC spin-off receives $2 million grant for cancer treatment technology
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill spin-off company has been awarded a $2 million grant to commercialize a new technology to improve radiation treatment of prostate cancer.
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Sting and Tool to rock in new Guitar Hero® World Tour
More artists continue to join the music game craze, as Rock and roll legend Sting and progressive metal pioneers Tool are making their video game debuts, contributing more than just music, in Activision Publishing Guitar Hero World Tour.
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ChannelAdvisor announces $20 million in new funding
ChannelAdvisor has received an additional $20 million in funding to accelerate its growth in e-commerce solutions, the RTP company announced this week.
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Rho brings multi-million dollar federal contract to RTP
Rho, Inc., a scientific/medical contract research organization that serves the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has been awarded a six-year, $38.9 million contract through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to provide biostatistical, data management, and safety services to the Immune Tolerance Network (ITN).
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Senator Richard Burr to speak at NCTA’s National Leaders Symposium
The North Carolina Technology Association (NCTA) announced this week that Senator Richard Burr will be a featured speaker at its annual National Leaders Symposium later this month in Washington, D.C.
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Cary-based BrightDoor raises $2 million in first round
BrightDoor Systems, a Cary-based provider of sales lead and customer relationship management software for builders and developers, has raised $2 million in its first round of venture capital, which was led by Comprehensive Financial Management.
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ReputationDefender raises $2.6M to protect your good name
ReputationDefender, a California-based company that helps people manage their reputations and privacy online, has raised around $2.6 million in a first round of institutional funding.
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Microsoft fails to buy Yahoo, so it buys … some European comparison shopping sites?
Analysis: Acquisition seems odd on several fronts – Did Microsoft overpay? Why will it sell off a key asset of Greenfield, the firm it is buying? Why make play for more shopping traffic?
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E-mail marketing firm iContact partners with Palo Alto Software
iContact’s software, services to be made available to Oregon-based firm’s global customer base.
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Looking for resume enhancer? Check out Zapoint
Massachusetts-based startup provides users with a ‘lifechart’ to help bolster job seekers’ qualifications.
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Cisco acquires email startup PostPath for $215M
Deal is part of strategy to develop ‘collaboration platform,’ networking giant says.
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European venture investments hit new low
As in U.S., weak markets slow exit possibilities. However, startup-stage companies receive largest share of funding since 2001.
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AeA Southeast unveils nominees for ‘Endeavor’ awards
List includes variety of companies, individuals in five categories from Georgia, Carolinas.
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Startup wiki TradeVibes rings the bell on its fantasy stock exchange
VentureBeat: Wiki-style website that tracks startups allows players to place ‘bets’ on which ones will hit pay dirt.
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Looking for leads? Adobe-backed startup tracks them in real time
VentureBeat: Demandbase enables users to track website visitors with a live ticker.
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Does California startup offer next wave in desktop video technology?
VentureBeat: Content delivery platform Conviva raises $20M in new funding, but won’t talk about the technology
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CEOs, set this as a goal: Identify top priorities, strategies to make them reality.
The Angel Connection: Being successful is directly proportional to your ability to set goals and make them happen.
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In web battle for real estate, competitors look to local news
VentureBeat: Startup Trulia aims to trump Zillow by adding news feeds.
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China wins VC gold; Investments at highest level since 2003
The second quarter of 2008 saw venture investment in Mainland China surge to its highest level in five years as venture capitalists put nearly $1.37 billion into 71 deals, according to the China Quarterly Venture Capital Report released this week by Dow Jones VentureSource.
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Opera: Mobile web usage rises worldwide, especially in Latin America
Latin America is one of the more promising areas for mobile phone usage. Three of its largest economies — Brazil, Mexico and Venezuela — are also the fastest to adopt the mobile web, according to a new report by browser-maker Opera.
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Visual search engine might be photographer's new best friend
A new visual search engine could help photographers keep track of their photographs whenever and wherever they appear on the internet, PC Pro reported this week.
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N.C. mother, inventor hits QVC with X-Shaped Ball
Patricia Littwin is single mother of three who decided to put everything on the line to follow her dream to help not only her children, but all families.
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Scientists Closer to Developing Invisibility Cloak
Scientists say they are a step closer to developing materials that could render people and objects invisible.
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Longtime CED President Monica Doss to lead program for Kauffman Foundation
Doss, who recently stepped down as head of Council for Entrepreneurial Development, signs on to direct FastTrac Program for entrepreneurs.
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Report: RTP startup InnerPulse pulls plug on CEO, 17 other jobs
Medical device firm had planned to begin selling implantable defibrillator in Europe this year. It has raised $85 million in venture financing.
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Travel guides, iPhones and iPods – Modality’s new venture
Durham-based firm led by Duke neuroscience professor teams up with Frommer’s for series of travel guides to view on-the-go.
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Venture firm EDF moves to silence entrepreneur at TheFunded
In order to prevent this kind of censorship, TheFunded was designed - and takes extensive measures - to protect the anonymity all those who share their opinions on the fundraising experience
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Chapel Hill-based TrueBridge Capital raises $310M fund
Year-old startup raises $60 million more than initial target, plans to invest in venture capital firms and growth equity managers. TrueBridge receives backing from Center for Venture Education.
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Dell and PC design 2.0 - Giant unleashes 10 new laptops targeting ‘digital nomads’
World’s No. 2 PC maker broadens ‘Latitude,’ ‘Precision’ lines boasting battery life can reach 19 hours. More than 4,000 customers help in design through two websites.
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Energy boon(e)? Pickens doubles down with natural gas, new vehicle strategy
Vehicle Production Group secures $160M in funding. Texas billionaire is among investors.
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Remembering ‘War Games’ – and creation of the hacker
David Scott Lewis, the mysterious PC prodigy who inspired the hit movie, reflects on past, present – and an AI future for security.
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Nitronex lands tech transfer grant for aerospace chip technology
Semiconductor to work with Missile Defense Agency on microvwave chips.
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Tuning in online to $ave – Cisco’s Telepresence is hot-seller as fuel costs rise
Two-way video product is company’s fastest-growing product ever, at least according to senior director of emerging tech David Hsieh. Cisco already has about 500 customers which, considering the $300,000 price tag, is no small number.
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New social experience at hand? Conduit Labs emerges from stealth mode
VentureBeat: Charles River Ventures is among investors in new venture for online networking. However, specifics about its offering are kept under wraps.
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Heat-loving bacteria could hold key to hydrogen as power source
UniversityTech: Funded with $1.6M Department of Energy grant, NCSU researcher seeks to expand use of hydrogen energy production.
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Georgia Tech researchers go ‘visual’ to analyze growing mountains of data
UniversityTech: Five-year $3 million grant will underwrite costs of initiative to use visual analytics in data analysis.
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Investing in a company’s future – at employee level
Angel Connection: As a CEO you must build a culture of employee importance to company success. Plus, you must hire quality personnel who fit that culture.
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Olympics someday to go virtual – as in videogames as a sport?
‘Digital Games’ is international, multi-platform competition. Finals will take place in Shanghai.
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Web 2.0: Real value or a false positive?
Only 21 percent of respondents in new survey say they were satisfied overall with Web 2.0 tools, while 22 percent voiced clear dissatisfaction. Some disappointed companies have stopped using certain technologies altogether. What about you?
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Startup focused on nosebleed technology lands $500,000 in financing
RemedEase has developed, patented a device that stops nosebleeds. Funds to be used to see FDA approval.
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What’s your chances of success with new venture? Web site offers insight
VentureBeat: YouNoodle’s startup predictor wants to tell you how much your company is worth.
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Private equity firm to pour up to $60M into S.C. high-tech fertilizer firm
vitag, denham capital, municipal wastes, biosolids, fertilizer
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Nextreme Thermal heats up with another $13 million in financing
Spinout from RTI International secures new investor plus additional support from CIA’s investment arm. Company plans to scale up production in 2009.
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Shape key to drug function? Yes, say UNC researchers in nano-medicine study
UniversityTech: Shape is more important than size in drug’s effectiveness, says Joseph DeSimone-led effort. RTP-based Liquidia technologies could benefit from discovery.
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MoneyBackJobs: A site that thinks job applicants deserve more cash
VentureBeat: Job seekers accepting a position through MoneyBackJobs will receive a bonus of at least 5 percent of their starting salary. Basically, it’s a guaranteed signing bonus.
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New web site offers legal advice and lawyer info – Web 2.0 style
VentureBeat: Avvo – from Italian ‘avvocato’ for lawyer – already is stirring controversy. The site is far from just a Yellow Pages site. Avvo collects disciplinary records and makes them available.
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Apple’s iPhone extension with AT&T – Penny wise, pound foolish?
Analysis: AT&T iPhone deal extended to 2010. Did Apple mortgage its future for a subsidy?
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Social cause web site tool developer raises $1.5M
WeTheCitizens, an Atlanta-based startup, launched in 2005. Firm has raised more than $3 million.
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Google reportedly will launch venture capital vision
Likely focus of new group would be telecommunications. Search giant has made some investments in past.
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Loyalty debate – You can by loyal company and to your own career
Angel Connection: CEOs can foster greater loyalty among employees by helping them further their own individual careers.
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New study highlights N.C. work force demands
Innovation Exchange: Defense/security and engineering/computing services sectors need better educated workers with emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math.
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RTP-based tech transfer advisory firm expands to Triad
Southeast TechInventures to work in partnership with Wake Forest incubator
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Launch pad for bloggers – Streamlining your posts
VentureBeat: Posterous becomes a one-stop-shop for cross platform blogging
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Venture returns remain positive but show weakness in first quarter
Latest statistics show decline in returns in three of five categories compared to 4Q 2007. Venture association warns that lack of ‘exits’ is hurting industry, VC-backed firms.
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Biolex Therapeutics goes loan route to raise $10.5M in financing
Having pulled an IPO in February, Pittsboro-based firm backed by Intersouth secures backing from Silicon Valley Bank, Oxford Finance.
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App Store and Apple – a transformation is at hand
VentureBeat Analysis: The App Store could spread like wildfire through Apple’s product line, topping impact of 3G iPhone.
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Solar manufacturer GT Solar lands $500M in IPO
VentureBeat: Price sets 11 percent, however, on opening day.
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Brainstorming with the best minds – an energizing experience
At Fortune Brainstorm, much energy is focused on going green. Will U.S. respond to technological and cultural challenges posed by dealing with increasing energy costs?
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Brainstorming: iContact’s chairman learns how to Segway
Aaron Houghton, blogging from Fortune Brainstorm Technology conference, likes having another commute option. Plus: Some big ideas and the impressive One Laptop Per Child machine.
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Seeds for success? Athenix raises $10M in new funding
RTP-based startup focused on transgenic plants, other technology receives more backing from Intersouth.
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Exits on hold but IPO window should open in 2010, execs say
Hot investments for 2009? Venture capitalists pick ‘greentech,’ digital entertainment, mobile as top choices followed by life sciences.
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Infomercials 2.0: TiVo and Amazon to launch in-TV product ads
VentureBeat: In near future, four million-plus TiVo users will begin to see options to make these purchases.
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Dow Jones offers more grim view of VC funding - Troubled times ahead?
VentureBeat: This could be the first sign of a downturn in the venture capital sector. If it continues, it will mean venture-backed start-ups may have to turn frugal, shed jobs or take other moves to survive in more leaner times.
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Carousel Capital, management purchase business/financial data firm
Mergent, which was launched in 1900, operates out of Rock Hill, S.C.
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The $ound of dollars – Music is making video games bigger than ever
VentureBeat: As more players tune in to music-related titles, interest in video games broadens. Despite ‘gears of War 2’ and other titles, music games steal the show at E3.
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ChannelAdvisor expands e-commerce suite with acquisition of rich-media firm
Deal for RichFX gives Morrisville-based firm multi-media tools to augment online catalog offerings. RichFX customers range from Brooks Brothers to Wal-Mart. Company had filed for bankruptcy.
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Software-as-a-service firm Brightree plans expansion with new funds
Georgia-based company lands Battery Ventures as investor, looks to make acquisitions.
