What Company is About:
iXiGO is a travel search engine for Indian consumers.To aggregate travel information and make it searchable and useful and their technology that brings speed, usability and transparency to the travel world.
How It Works:
They let you search directly across multiple airlines and online travel agencies in real-time so that you don't need to search a zillion travel websites. They thus aim to make your travel search easier for you, the same way Google does for information on websites.
They do not advertise any 0 Rs. fares, 1 Rs. fares, 99 Rs. fares on our site, for one simple reason - they let you cut through the crap and give you the raw deal - inclusive of all taxes and fees. We believe that travelers want all-inclusive price comparison, even for roundtrip fares, where selecting an onward and return flight separately is not only tedious but unnecessary. They show you all combinations with the actual price that hits your pock.
Why It is In News Again:]
Red Herring Magazine announced today that iXiGO.com has been short listed for the Red Herring 100 Global 2007 Awards.
XiGO is a finalist at Red Herring Asia 100, 2007(Red Herring is a global media company uniting the world’s best high technology innovators, venture investors and business decision makers in a variety of forums), the prestigious list of hot companies in Asia.
More at:http://www.ixigo.com/
Friday, November 16, 2007
MegaPhone is a phone-controlled multi-player collaborative gaming platform for big screens in public spaces
What Company is Offering:
MegaPhone is a phone-controlled, real-time, multi-player collaborative gaming platform for big screens in public spaces. Megaphone can join in a simple video game by calling in with their cell phones, with their phones serving as makeshift game controllers. As a video on Megaphone’s website demonstrates, those linked into the game can fire weapons at space-alien attackers while seeing their own avatar along with those of other players.
How It Works:
Anyone can use ANY phone from ANY service provider in ANY country as a game controller.
Players join the game by making a regular phone call, and they can see their input (either voice or keypad) immediately.
MegaPhone turns pedestrians into players.
What's Different:
The essential strength is audience participation on a massive scale. Participants get a sense they’re contributing to a larger effort, in the same way stadium goers continue to enjoy creating the wave during sporting events. With multitudes of users participating, everyone also retains some needed anonymity. If you play poorly, no one will know. ;-) And Megaphone is yet another example of harnessing cell phones to enhance a marketing effort.
More at: www.playmegaphone.com
MegaPhone is a phone-controlled, real-time, multi-player collaborative gaming platform for big screens in public spaces. Megaphone can join in a simple video game by calling in with their cell phones, with their phones serving as makeshift game controllers. As a video on Megaphone’s website demonstrates, those linked into the game can fire weapons at space-alien attackers while seeing their own avatar along with those of other players.
How It Works:
Anyone can use ANY phone from ANY service provider in ANY country as a game controller.
Players join the game by making a regular phone call, and they can see their input (either voice or keypad) immediately.
MegaPhone turns pedestrians into players.
What's Different:
The essential strength is audience participation on a massive scale. Participants get a sense they’re contributing to a larger effort, in the same way stadium goers continue to enjoy creating the wave during sporting events. With multitudes of users participating, everyone also retains some needed anonymity. If you play poorly, no one will know. ;-) And Megaphone is yet another example of harnessing cell phones to enhance a marketing effort.
More at: www.playmegaphone.com
Claseo is the world's first closed shopping community " Shopping But Only By Invitation"
What Company Is Offering:
Claseo is the world's first closed shopping community. You can only buy items from their label if you are invited by a member. Claseo also offers its members a lifestyle oriented online portal where you can connect with your fellow friends.
Claseo is making the most of that trend with an invitation-only line of clothing. Each member of Claseo is given a limited number of invitations to share with friends, who must enter an invitation code and make a purchase in order to become members themselves. Once they've done that, they gain access to Claseo's fashion label and an online lifestyle portal; the inviting member, meanwhile, is credited with a EUR 10 discount on their next purchase.
How It Works:
All Claseo items are emblazoned with a unique, visible identification code. Not only does that code allow members to recognize one another in a crowd, but it also enables them to learn more about each other. By entering the code seen on another member's shirt on Claseo’s website (or mobile site), a user can learn that person's name. Members can connect through Claseo's online portal, which features profiles, messaging and photo galleries, as well as exchange information and tips on a variety of fashion and lifestyle topics.
Claseo also picks up on the customer-made trend by inviting members to submit design suggestions and vote on new collection ideas, thereby helping to shape the brand and its products; those whose design ideas are adopted get a share in the profits. The site's product line so far includes just its summer collection of polo shirts, but dress shirts, rugby shirts and dinner jackets are on the way. Claseo is currently also forging partnership arrangements with leading clubs and fashion stores around the world for extended member benefits, beginning with Munich's P1 Lounge & Club.
How To Buy:
Everyone can browse our online store but only some people are allowed to actually buy Claseo fashion. See how the process works:
1. Receive an invitation, either...
* ...by a current member through our invitation cards,
* ...by email from a current member or
* ...by applying for a membership here.
2. Choose your Claseo items from our online store.
3. Pay by Credit Card, Bank Transfer or Paypal.
4. Receive your products and your login details for our exclusive online portal.
5. Now you have invitation privileges yourself and you can invite other interesting people to join Claseo.
More at: www.claseo.com
Claseo is the world's first closed shopping community. You can only buy items from their label if you are invited by a member. Claseo also offers its members a lifestyle oriented online portal where you can connect with your fellow friends.
Claseo is making the most of that trend with an invitation-only line of clothing. Each member of Claseo is given a limited number of invitations to share with friends, who must enter an invitation code and make a purchase in order to become members themselves. Once they've done that, they gain access to Claseo's fashion label and an online lifestyle portal; the inviting member, meanwhile, is credited with a EUR 10 discount on their next purchase.
How It Works:
All Claseo items are emblazoned with a unique, visible identification code. Not only does that code allow members to recognize one another in a crowd, but it also enables them to learn more about each other. By entering the code seen on another member's shirt on Claseo’s website (or mobile site), a user can learn that person's name. Members can connect through Claseo's online portal, which features profiles, messaging and photo galleries, as well as exchange information and tips on a variety of fashion and lifestyle topics.
Claseo also picks up on the customer-made trend by inviting members to submit design suggestions and vote on new collection ideas, thereby helping to shape the brand and its products; those whose design ideas are adopted get a share in the profits. The site's product line so far includes just its summer collection of polo shirts, but dress shirts, rugby shirts and dinner jackets are on the way. Claseo is currently also forging partnership arrangements with leading clubs and fashion stores around the world for extended member benefits, beginning with Munich's P1 Lounge & Club.
How To Buy:
Everyone can browse our online store but only some people are allowed to actually buy Claseo fashion. See how the process works:
1. Receive an invitation, either...
* ...by a current member through our invitation cards,
* ...by email from a current member or
* ...by applying for a membership here.
2. Choose your Claseo items from our online store.
3. Pay by Credit Card, Bank Transfer or Paypal.
4. Receive your products and your login details for our exclusive online portal.
5. Now you have invitation privileges yourself and you can invite other interesting people to join Claseo.
More at: www.claseo.com
TheStreet.com Raised $55 million from Technology Crossover Ventures
What Company Is About:
Founded by Jim Cramer, the financial news website is looking to grow both organically and through strategic acquisitions, in its effort to become a dominate destination site for information regarding money.
How Much They Got FRom VCs:
Technology Crossover Ventures has purchased a minority stake in TheStreet.com, in a move to help the company continue its growth. For the minority stake, TCV paid $55 million, which includes the purchase of preferred stock and warrants to purchase shared of common stock. TCV’s founding general partner has also joined TheStreet’s board.
How They Are Progressing And What's Further Plan:
Towards the end of organic growth, TheStreet will be launching a new site called Mainstreet.com, which looks to be a lifestyle-oriented online publication for resources regarding money news and money management.
TheStreet will also be re-launching TheStreet and Stockpickr, which is one of the companies it has already acquired. As Stockpickr has a bit of social networking capabilities involved in its site, it’s pretty clear that TheStreet is moving towards a diverse repertoire of money-related online resources and tools. Promotions.com is the other acquisition that’s already been made by TheStreet.
More at:http://www.thestreet.com/
www.stockpickr.com
www.Mainstreet.com
Founded by Jim Cramer, the financial news website is looking to grow both organically and through strategic acquisitions, in its effort to become a dominate destination site for information regarding money.
How Much They Got FRom VCs:
Technology Crossover Ventures has purchased a minority stake in TheStreet.com, in a move to help the company continue its growth. For the minority stake, TCV paid $55 million, which includes the purchase of preferred stock and warrants to purchase shared of common stock. TCV’s founding general partner has also joined TheStreet’s board.
How They Are Progressing And What's Further Plan:
Towards the end of organic growth, TheStreet will be launching a new site called Mainstreet.com, which looks to be a lifestyle-oriented online publication for resources regarding money news and money management.
TheStreet will also be re-launching TheStreet and Stockpickr, which is one of the companies it has already acquired. As Stockpickr has a bit of social networking capabilities involved in its site, it’s pretty clear that TheStreet is moving towards a diverse repertoire of money-related online resources and tools. Promotions.com is the other acquisition that’s already been made by TheStreet.
More at:http://www.thestreet.com/
www.stockpickr.com
www.Mainstreet.com
Freedom-2 Holdings, Inc. Got $5.4 Million in Series B Funding
What Company is Offering:
Freedom-2™'s technology combines materials known to be safe. Using well-characterized biocompatible materials, Freedom-2™ is successfully engineering ink products designed to address two of the greatest challenges in the tattooing industry: high quality art and effective, less painful, lower cost removability.
Freedom-2™ inks are designed to be permanent and durable. However, we also recognize that life circumstances change and your desire for new body art may cause you to want to remove all or a part of an existing tattoo. Freedom-2™ inks are engineered, independent of color, for efficient and effective laser therapy removal leaving your skin clear and ready for new body art.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $5.4 million in Series B Convertible Preferred financing led by new and current independent investors.
What's Different:
Recently recognized as one of “The Best Inventions of the Year” by Time Magazine, Freedom-2’s Infinitink technology is the first permanent tattoo ink engineered specifically for improved removability. F2 uses bioabsorbable pigments and dyes that are encapsulated in a biocompatible polymer forming a microencapsulated colored bead. These beads are used to make the ink. Tattoo artists use traditional delivery methods to provide a Freedom-2 Infinitink tattoo – the only difference is the ink. An Infinitink tattoo is easily removed using traditional laser therapy that breaks the polymer beads allowing the body to naturally absorb the pigments trapped inside.
More at:http://www.freedom2ink.com/
Freedom-2™'s technology combines materials known to be safe. Using well-characterized biocompatible materials, Freedom-2™ is successfully engineering ink products designed to address two of the greatest challenges in the tattooing industry: high quality art and effective, less painful, lower cost removability.
Freedom-2™ inks are designed to be permanent and durable. However, we also recognize that life circumstances change and your desire for new body art may cause you to want to remove all or a part of an existing tattoo. Freedom-2™ inks are engineered, independent of color, for efficient and effective laser therapy removal leaving your skin clear and ready for new body art.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $5.4 million in Series B Convertible Preferred financing led by new and current independent investors.
What's Different:
Recently recognized as one of “The Best Inventions of the Year” by Time Magazine, Freedom-2’s Infinitink technology is the first permanent tattoo ink engineered specifically for improved removability. F2 uses bioabsorbable pigments and dyes that are encapsulated in a biocompatible polymer forming a microencapsulated colored bead. These beads are used to make the ink. Tattoo artists use traditional delivery methods to provide a Freedom-2 Infinitink tattoo – the only difference is the ink. An Infinitink tattoo is easily removed using traditional laser therapy that breaks the polymer beads allowing the body to naturally absorb the pigments trapped inside.
More at:http://www.freedom2ink.com/
Mugr Offers face recognition and search services for the masses
What Company is Offering:
Mugr's development is to provide face recognition and detection as a service over the web. Searching photos for friends is pretty cool, and they'd like to share it with their existing Mugrs. To that end, they're releasing a Ruby interface for Mugr services, affectionately named, Rmugr .
How It Works:
Sign up for Mugr. Access to the API service is currently available for existing users only. Since they're doing a limited beta, you'll have to either find an invitation code, or put your name on the waiting list.
You submit a photo over their REST interface. You can do this via the Ruby interface, or you can roll your own.
Once we've authenticated you, their army of lolcats search the photo for faces and match them up to people.
More at:http://mugr.com/
Mugr's development is to provide face recognition and detection as a service over the web. Searching photos for friends is pretty cool, and they'd like to share it with their existing Mugrs. To that end, they're releasing a Ruby interface for Mugr services, affectionately named, Rmugr .
How It Works:
Sign up for Mugr. Access to the API service is currently available for existing users only. Since they're doing a limited beta, you'll have to either find an invitation code, or put your name on the waiting list.
You submit a photo over their REST interface. You can do this via the Ruby interface, or you can roll your own.
Once we've authenticated you, their army of lolcats search the photo for faces and match them up to people.
More at:http://mugr.com/
Zelixy--A socially responsible green social network where the users have ownership in the company
What Company Is Offering:
Zelixy is the socially responsible social network site owned by us.
Zelixy is whatever you make it! They are a user friendly balance of your most popular social network sites.A socially responsible green social network where the users have ownership in the company.
How It Works:
Their community will be distinctly different for multiple reasons. First, their users will have ownership in the company. Second, their site is a philanthropic driven site where their users truly have the ability to make a difference in the world with the content they create.
Cash Contest-their cash contest system is a content development platform that has leveraged the amazing potential of net communities with an easy to use prize based program. This gives them an added revenue stream and better content.
Philanthropy-You will raise money with your entries that Zelixy will donate to the charity of your choice. You will help change the world in your spare internet time!
More at:http://zelixy.com/
Zelixy is the socially responsible social network site owned by us.
Zelixy is whatever you make it! They are a user friendly balance of your most popular social network sites.A socially responsible green social network where the users have ownership in the company.
How It Works:
Their community will be distinctly different for multiple reasons. First, their users will have ownership in the company. Second, their site is a philanthropic driven site where their users truly have the ability to make a difference in the world with the content they create.
Cash Contest-their cash contest system is a content development platform that has leveraged the amazing potential of net communities with an easy to use prize based program. This gives them an added revenue stream and better content.
Philanthropy-You will raise money with your entries that Zelixy will donate to the charity of your choice. You will help change the world in your spare internet time!
More at:http://zelixy.com/
YesOptions.com offers you your company’s space on the webwithout any investment
What Company is offering:
YesOptions.com offers you your company’s space on the web, so you can discover your success on internet without any investment.
How It Works:
Users first create an account ,choose template,input contents.Your products or services will be ordered by categories with images, institutional sections with galeries and more. Open your ONLINE store for FREE in a few minutes
Generate extra income without investment.
More at:http://www.yesoptions.com/
YesOptions.com offers you your company’s space on the web, so you can discover your success on internet without any investment.
How It Works:
Users first create an account ,choose template,input contents.Your products or services will be ordered by categories with images, institutional sections with galeries and more. Open your ONLINE store for FREE in a few minutes
Generate extra income without investment.
More at:http://www.yesoptions.com/
Bargainspy----Save Bargains
What Company Is Offering;
They keep an eye on the many websites where content is being posted every hour, you don't need to keep up with forums and websites yourself - they provide a single place to browse. When you find something you like, you'll find the 'Full Story' link to view the full bargain information along with related discussion directly on the original website.
How It Works:
Users will never miss out on up to the minute deals whilst looking for this years must have Christmas gift. BargainSpy.com is a social shopping search hub, bringing together up to the minute bargains, offers, coupons from retailers both online and in the high street. The system searches popular websites throughout the UK to find deals posted by the general public; they are then brought together and categorized for easy browsing. Bargain Channels are then used to group similar types of items; these can be found listed down the right of the pages. Some channels have sub-channels to further filter results to be more specific.
More at:http://www.bargainspy.co.uk/
They keep an eye on the many websites where content is being posted every hour, you don't need to keep up with forums and websites yourself - they provide a single place to browse. When you find something you like, you'll find the 'Full Story' link to view the full bargain information along with related discussion directly on the original website.
How It Works:
Users will never miss out on up to the minute deals whilst looking for this years must have Christmas gift. BargainSpy.com is a social shopping search hub, bringing together up to the minute bargains, offers, coupons from retailers both online and in the high street. The system searches popular websites throughout the UK to find deals posted by the general public; they are then brought together and categorized for easy browsing. Bargain Channels are then used to group similar types of items; these can be found listed down the right of the pages. Some channels have sub-channels to further filter results to be more specific.
More at:http://www.bargainspy.co.uk/
GottaGotta.com----Discover And Share The Best Sites Online
What Company is Offering:
Its as your online navigation system. Here, you not only discover and share the best sites online, but also use GottaGotta to get where you want to be. It's the Web at your fingertips. GottaGotta One Click - a neat feature that lets you open your favorite sites with a single click once you set up your account and choose the sites you like to visit every day. It's that simple .
How It Works:
Create an account on the site and then you can import you favorite sites from your browsers bookmarks or favorites onto GottaGotta.com. You can organize and categorize your information and sites by putting them in suits. You can have entertainment suits or travel suits. You can log onto your favorite sites with just a click, it’s that easy. GottaGotta.com allows you to share your screen with other users and with other user’s permission you can see their screen. Sharing screens allows you to add comments, blogs , and sites to your friend’s screen. Your screen can be private or public. Any users can look at your screen if it is public and they can see what sites you are interested in.
More at:http://alpha.gottagotta.com/
Its as your online navigation system. Here, you not only discover and share the best sites online, but also use GottaGotta to get where you want to be. It's the Web at your fingertips. GottaGotta One Click - a neat feature that lets you open your favorite sites with a single click once you set up your account and choose the sites you like to visit every day. It's that simple .
How It Works:
Create an account on the site and then you can import you favorite sites from your browsers bookmarks or favorites onto GottaGotta.com. You can organize and categorize your information and sites by putting them in suits. You can have entertainment suits or travel suits. You can log onto your favorite sites with just a click, it’s that easy. GottaGotta.com allows you to share your screen with other users and with other user’s permission you can see their screen. Sharing screens allows you to add comments, blogs , and sites to your friend’s screen. Your screen can be private or public. Any users can look at your screen if it is public and they can see what sites you are interested in.
More at:http://alpha.gottagotta.com/
Thursday, November 15, 2007
OpenPeak Inc got $30 million in Series C funding
What Company is Offering:
OpenPeak Inc ,a provider of end-to-end system solutions and devices for telephony, digital content, and Internet services,
OpenPeak Inc. creates, designs, and develops innovative communication systems and devices that enable simple user control of VoIP telephony, digital media, Internet content, messaging applications, and consumer electronics.
How It Works:
From a single screen ,users can access email, voicemail,personal calendars,address books,news weather,traffic information,movie listing,leave memos for family members and make phone calls too.The revolutionary OpenFrame solution re-invents the home phone with a touch screen interface and custom software that integrates telephony, Internet content and digital media on a single device. This innovative approach complements family PC, TV and mobile phones and is built on OpenPeak’s core technology for channeling control of disparate content and services for easy access and management. OpenPeak provides end-to-end solutions from industrial design and user interfaces to custom software and finished products.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $30 million in Series C funding. Investors include RRE Ventures, J. Tomilson Hill, and Mort Topfer, all participants in OpenPeak’s prior funding rounds. The new funds will be used to support the manufacture and market launch of OpenPeak’s new OpenFrame line of devices.
Who is Backing Them:
OpenPeak investors include John Sculley, former CEO of Apple and Pepsi-Cola; Mort Topfer, former Vice Chairman of Dell and Executive VP Motorola; J. Tomilson Hill III, Vice Chairman of The Blackstone Group, RRE Ventures, Castletop Capital, Millennium Technology Ventures and GMG Capital Partners.
More at:http://www.openpeak.com/
OpenPeak Inc ,a provider of end-to-end system solutions and devices for telephony, digital content, and Internet services,
OpenPeak Inc. creates, designs, and develops innovative communication systems and devices that enable simple user control of VoIP telephony, digital media, Internet content, messaging applications, and consumer electronics.
How It Works:
From a single screen ,users can access email, voicemail,personal calendars,address books,news weather,traffic information,movie listing,leave memos for family members and make phone calls too.The revolutionary OpenFrame solution re-invents the home phone with a touch screen interface and custom software that integrates telephony, Internet content and digital media on a single device. This innovative approach complements family PC, TV and mobile phones and is built on OpenPeak’s core technology for channeling control of disparate content and services for easy access and management. OpenPeak provides end-to-end solutions from industrial design and user interfaces to custom software and finished products.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $30 million in Series C funding. Investors include RRE Ventures, J. Tomilson Hill, and Mort Topfer, all participants in OpenPeak’s prior funding rounds. The new funds will be used to support the manufacture and market launch of OpenPeak’s new OpenFrame line of devices.
Who is Backing Them:
OpenPeak investors include John Sculley, former CEO of Apple and Pepsi-Cola; Mort Topfer, former Vice Chairman of Dell and Executive VP Motorola; J. Tomilson Hill III, Vice Chairman of The Blackstone Group, RRE Ventures, Castletop Capital, Millennium Technology Ventures and GMG Capital Partners.
More at:http://www.openpeak.com/
GrubHub got $1.1 million in Series A Funding Led by Origin Ventures
What Company is Offering:
GrubHub allows individuals to use the Internet to conduct local searches and place orders, online or by phone, for restaurant food delivery. The free service also provides the ability to view menus as well as rate and review local neighborhood restaurant favorites.
How It Works:
GrubHub.com is a free delivery search engine! Enter your location to find Chicago and San Francisco restaurants that deliver food to your address. It's all here: restaurant menus, customer reviews, and delivery info!
Chicago and San Francisco Restaurant Delivery.
Chicago restaurant delivery is easy to find with GrubHub.com. Enter your location to find all restaurants that deliver to you.GrubHub is designed so that city residents who are too tired, busy or unable to cook can search for restaurants that will deliver by simply inputting their address. The site appeals to people from all walks of life ranging from the overworked businessperson, to the busy on-the-go mom, to party revelers looking for a late night snack.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $1.1 million in Series A Funding. Led by Origin Ventures, the round also includes support from well-established Silicon Valley investors including Bob Zipp of Amicus Capital.
More at:http://www.grubhub.com/
GrubHub allows individuals to use the Internet to conduct local searches and place orders, online or by phone, for restaurant food delivery. The free service also provides the ability to view menus as well as rate and review local neighborhood restaurant favorites.
How It Works:
GrubHub.com is a free delivery search engine! Enter your location to find Chicago and San Francisco restaurants that deliver food to your address. It's all here: restaurant menus, customer reviews, and delivery info!
Chicago and San Francisco Restaurant Delivery.
Chicago restaurant delivery is easy to find with GrubHub.com. Enter your location to find all restaurants that deliver to you.GrubHub is designed so that city residents who are too tired, busy or unable to cook can search for restaurants that will deliver by simply inputting their address. The site appeals to people from all walks of life ranging from the overworked businessperson, to the busy on-the-go mom, to party revelers looking for a late night snack.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $1.1 million in Series A Funding. Led by Origin Ventures, the round also includes support from well-established Silicon Valley investors including Bob Zipp of Amicus Capital.
More at:http://www.grubhub.com/
Billeo--Online Bill Payment Solution Got $7 million In VCs Funding
What Company is Offering:
Billeo streamlines the online payment process by giving consumers and small business owners complete control over when and how they manage, organize, pay bills and shop online. With Billeo, payment is instantaneous and your receipts are automatically captured, saved and filed. And, Billeo offers one-step password log-on to one-click completion of online shopping and bill pay forms.
How It Works:
It provides consumers a free service that makes all online transactions convenient, simple and secure. Powered by the largest biller directory in the industry, Billeo offers consumers the greatest flexibility in managing their online bills, as well as their passwords or any other information involved in online transactions. Online Banking report has recognized Billeo with the ePayment "Best of the Web" award.
What's Its Strength:
Billeo is the only card bill-pay provider featured by more than 40 U.S. banks/issuers, including six of the top ten banks/issuers, including Visa, Bank of America, Chase and Wachovia to name a few. Additionally, the Billeo Biller Directory has nearly 6,000 billing companies across 26 categories, including utility, cable and credit card companies—the largest Biller Directory available.
Billeo’s award-winning payment solution is free to consumers.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $7 million Series B round of funding. ATA Ventures led the financing, with additional contributions from all of Billeo’s existing investors including Altos Ventures, Claremont Creek and Pacifica Fund.
What's Purpose Of Raising Fund:
The funding will be used for product development, marketing, and scaling operations. As a principal investor, Mike Hodges, venture partner at ATA Ventures, will join Billeo’s board of directors.
More at:http://www.billeo.com/aboutus.jsp
Billeo streamlines the online payment process by giving consumers and small business owners complete control over when and how they manage, organize, pay bills and shop online. With Billeo, payment is instantaneous and your receipts are automatically captured, saved and filed. And, Billeo offers one-step password log-on to one-click completion of online shopping and bill pay forms.
How It Works:
It provides consumers a free service that makes all online transactions convenient, simple and secure. Powered by the largest biller directory in the industry, Billeo offers consumers the greatest flexibility in managing their online bills, as well as their passwords or any other information involved in online transactions. Online Banking report has recognized Billeo with the ePayment "Best of the Web" award.
What's Its Strength:
Billeo is the only card bill-pay provider featured by more than 40 U.S. banks/issuers, including six of the top ten banks/issuers, including Visa, Bank of America, Chase and Wachovia to name a few. Additionally, the Billeo Biller Directory has nearly 6,000 billing companies across 26 categories, including utility, cable and credit card companies—the largest Biller Directory available.
Billeo’s award-winning payment solution is free to consumers.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $7 million Series B round of funding. ATA Ventures led the financing, with additional contributions from all of Billeo’s existing investors including Altos Ventures, Claremont Creek and Pacifica Fund.
What's Purpose Of Raising Fund:
The funding will be used for product development, marketing, and scaling operations. As a principal investor, Mike Hodges, venture partner at ATA Ventures, will join Billeo’s board of directors.
More at:http://www.billeo.com/aboutus.jsp
lypp.com
What Company is offering:
Lypp is the simplest way to create instant group calls from your BlackBerry, Windows Mobile device or any phone that supports Instant Messaging. And Lypp works from your desktop Instant Messaging service in exactly the same way.
How It Works:
They use Instant Messaging to connect your calls to your landline or mobile number, which means you won’t have pay long distance charges in the States and Canada. When making a call, your phone rings first but you’ll be automatically connected to anyone in North America. Using Lypp you can make conference calls to all of your contacts or just a select few. To get started you’ll need to download an IM client if you haven’t already got one on your phone; next choose an ID and add Lypp as buddy. After that, you’ll need to choose a plan. For $9.95 you’ll get 250 minutes (sign up before the end of November and they’ll add an extra 100 minutes).
More at:http://www.lypp.com/
Lypp is the simplest way to create instant group calls from your BlackBerry, Windows Mobile device or any phone that supports Instant Messaging. And Lypp works from your desktop Instant Messaging service in exactly the same way.
How It Works:
They use Instant Messaging to connect your calls to your landline or mobile number, which means you won’t have pay long distance charges in the States and Canada. When making a call, your phone rings first but you’ll be automatically connected to anyone in North America. Using Lypp you can make conference calls to all of your contacts or just a select few. To get started you’ll need to download an IM client if you haven’t already got one on your phone; next choose an ID and add Lypp as buddy. After that, you’ll need to choose a plan. For $9.95 you’ll get 250 minutes (sign up before the end of November and they’ll add an extra 100 minutes).
More at:http://www.lypp.com/
SmartRaise.com---For Online Fundraising
What Company is Offering:
SmartRaise is a 100% free fundraising program that allows school groups, community organizations, and other causes to fundraise online, eliminating the frustrations of traditional fundraising programs. This novel fundraiser idea was created by public school teachers who were searching for a fast, easy, free fundraising alternative.
How It Works:
SmartRaise is a shopping rewards program where everybody wins! Groups raise money whenever their supporters make purchases through our network of leading online merchants. Supporters pay the exact same prices they always would (or even less thanks to our many discount programs) and automatically help their favorite causes fundraise whenever they shop online.
More at:http://www.smartraise.com/
SmartRaise is a 100% free fundraising program that allows school groups, community organizations, and other causes to fundraise online, eliminating the frustrations of traditional fundraising programs. This novel fundraiser idea was created by public school teachers who were searching for a fast, easy, free fundraising alternative.
How It Works:
SmartRaise is a shopping rewards program where everybody wins! Groups raise money whenever their supporters make purchases through our network of leading online merchants. Supporters pay the exact same prices they always would (or even less thanks to our many discount programs) and automatically help their favorite causes fundraise whenever they shop online.
More at:http://www.smartraise.com/
Ooyala.com
What Company is Offering:
At Ooyala, they developed a platform that gives content owners control -- marketers accountable video advertising -- and viewers high quality interactive video with non-intrusive advertising. This platform is built on Ooyala's patent-pending delivery system, one that is able to deliver up to HD-quality video over the Web at a fraction of the cost. Our ad system uses elements of computer vision and machine learning to deliver a targeted advertising experience.
The company is based in the heart of the Silicon Valley, but we have a sales presence in both Hollywood and New York City.
How It Works:
The video quality is amazing and the site gives content owners tools to see what type of people are viewing their site. BackLot allows you to deliver high quality videos and gives you the opportunity to track and analyze viewing patterns and revenue. BackLot supports almost all video formats; MP4, AVI, VOB, and more. You can also access your video collection on and offline. There are no video limitations on file size or video length. There are two options for uploading videos, the drag and drop option and the Upload tab. The drag and drop potion is easiest, just move bulk files or individual files onto BackLot. Find you videos quickly by using the search option. The authorized domain feature allows you to restrict where your website is shown. If you click the all domains option your video can be played on all the sites on the web. If you choose the specified option you can authorize which sites your video can be displayed on. There is video reporting data that shows how many displays and plays your video has had. BackLot also features special options for advertisers. Viewers using BackLot can slow down a video clip and get information on an actor or product.
More at:http://www.ooyala.com/
At Ooyala, they developed a platform that gives content owners control -- marketers accountable video advertising -- and viewers high quality interactive video with non-intrusive advertising. This platform is built on Ooyala's patent-pending delivery system, one that is able to deliver up to HD-quality video over the Web at a fraction of the cost. Our ad system uses elements of computer vision and machine learning to deliver a targeted advertising experience.
The company is based in the heart of the Silicon Valley, but we have a sales presence in both Hollywood and New York City.
How It Works:
The video quality is amazing and the site gives content owners tools to see what type of people are viewing their site. BackLot allows you to deliver high quality videos and gives you the opportunity to track and analyze viewing patterns and revenue. BackLot supports almost all video formats; MP4, AVI, VOB, and more. You can also access your video collection on and offline. There are no video limitations on file size or video length. There are two options for uploading videos, the drag and drop option and the Upload tab. The drag and drop potion is easiest, just move bulk files or individual files onto BackLot. Find you videos quickly by using the search option. The authorized domain feature allows you to restrict where your website is shown. If you click the all domains option your video can be played on all the sites on the web. If you choose the specified option you can authorize which sites your video can be displayed on. There is video reporting data that shows how many displays and plays your video has had. BackLot also features special options for advertisers. Viewers using BackLot can slow down a video clip and get information on an actor or product.
More at:http://www.ooyala.com/
Scoodi.com----Social Trading
What Company is offering:
At Scoodi they strongly believe that re-cycling is good, but re-use is even better. Scoodi makes it easy to buy, sell and give things away, in an environmentally conscious way.
How it Works:
Scoodi is a "free to list" and "free to trade" service that helps you and your community get the most out of the things you own and the things that people around you own. Scoodi does this by connecting you locally and giving you some great trading tools.
Buy-it, Sell-it, Give-it-away
Reuse and recycle within your local community with Scoodi.com, the location based social trading platform. Scoodi.com has been developed to encourage you to mobilize the things you don't use and get those things circulating in your local community. With Scoodi.com you can buy & sell or give things away. There are no time limits on listings and using Scoodi is absolutely free. Browse and search for stuff by tags and key words within a search area that you define.
What's Different:
Scoodi is simple and easy to use. There's no auction pressure and no clock ticking. At Scoodi, you can take your time. Items are listed until sold. You are free to offer what you like for items, and when you receive offers on your things, it's your choice which offers you accept.
More at:http://www.scoodi.com/
At Scoodi they strongly believe that re-cycling is good, but re-use is even better. Scoodi makes it easy to buy, sell and give things away, in an environmentally conscious way.
How it Works:
Scoodi is a "free to list" and "free to trade" service that helps you and your community get the most out of the things you own and the things that people around you own. Scoodi does this by connecting you locally and giving you some great trading tools.
Buy-it, Sell-it, Give-it-away
Reuse and recycle within your local community with Scoodi.com, the location based social trading platform. Scoodi.com has been developed to encourage you to mobilize the things you don't use and get those things circulating in your local community. With Scoodi.com you can buy & sell or give things away. There are no time limits on listings and using Scoodi is absolutely free. Browse and search for stuff by tags and key words within a search area that you define.
What's Different:
Scoodi is simple and easy to use. There's no auction pressure and no clock ticking. At Scoodi, you can take your time. Items are listed until sold. You are free to offer what you like for items, and when you receive offers on your things, it's your choice which offers you accept.
More at:http://www.scoodi.com/
DefineProfileCards.com --Your Social Network Card
What Company is Offering:
DefineProfileCards.com is a site where you can decide to make a business like card with all of your Facebook or MySpace information on it.
How It Works:
The card has your profile photo, it lists your interests, your status, your favorite music and books, your educational and work information, and any other information you have on your MySpace or Facebook profile. Making these profile cards is easy. First you enter either the MySpace section or the Facebook section. You choose your border from a selection of border themes as creative as pink skulls to basic blue stripes. Then you enter your username, elect an image, edit any of your profile information that you would like, edit your final design and you are ready to go. You can choose a catch phrase to put on the top of your card as well. The cards are $19.99 for 100. The cards are 2.5inches by 3.5 inches. These profile cards could be a way to network offline. You use your profile to network online, now have you profile readily available offline in card form.
More at:http://www.defineprofilecards.com/
DefineProfileCards.com is a site where you can decide to make a business like card with all of your Facebook or MySpace information on it.
How It Works:
The card has your profile photo, it lists your interests, your status, your favorite music and books, your educational and work information, and any other information you have on your MySpace or Facebook profile. Making these profile cards is easy. First you enter either the MySpace section or the Facebook section. You choose your border from a selection of border themes as creative as pink skulls to basic blue stripes. Then you enter your username, elect an image, edit any of your profile information that you would like, edit your final design and you are ready to go. You can choose a catch phrase to put on the top of your card as well. The cards are $19.99 for 100. The cards are 2.5inches by 3.5 inches. These profile cards could be a way to network offline. You use your profile to network online, now have you profile readily available offline in card form.
More at:http://www.defineprofilecards.com/
Retrevo.com----Get Millions Of Product Details In One Easy Search--Electronic Products Search
What Company is Offering:
Retrevo team has in-depth experience in building technology products and services. We understand technology, we understand information (and the pain associated with overload and irrelevancy) and we understand service delivery. Most importantly, we are passionate about electronic gadgets just the way you are. And we won't stop at anything short of building the best destination for your digital life.
How It Works:
Retrevo can find reviews for all of the top rated products for many consumer electronics categories.They scour the web, organizing anything and everything about consumer electronics. Millions of Product Details, one easy search.
More at:http://www.retrevo.com/
Retrevo team has in-depth experience in building technology products and services. We understand technology, we understand information (and the pain associated with overload and irrelevancy) and we understand service delivery. Most importantly, we are passionate about electronic gadgets just the way you are. And we won't stop at anything short of building the best destination for your digital life.
How It Works:
Retrevo can find reviews for all of the top rated products for many consumer electronics categories.They scour the web, organizing anything and everything about consumer electronics. Millions of Product Details, one easy search.
More at:http://www.retrevo.com/
Vator.tv --Its a Professional Network And Marketplace For Ideas And Business Via Video Pitchs
What Company is Offering:
Vator.tv is a catalyst for innovation. It is a professional network and marketplace for ideas and businesses. Anyone, across all industries, at any stage, can share ideas, products, services and businesses with the rest of the world, mainly through video.
How It Works:
First, sign up and create a profile.
(Your Vator.tv profile is your resume on the Web, where you can describe yourself and your interests in a rich-media environment.)
Second, create a pitch profile for your idea, project or business you want to share with the Vator.tv community. Or, you can create a pitch profile for only your network to see. Describe your idea in a rich-media environment by uploading video, images, PPT, PDF. [Click here to see PayPal co-founder, venture capitalist and hedge fund manager, Peter Thiel share his advice on how to create a compelling video pitch.]
Third, invite your professional contacts and friends to join your personal network and the networks around your pitches.
OR, search the site for cool new ideas, people and businesses that are already part of the Vator.tv community.
Fourth, view the connections you create between your network.
People use Vator.tv to pitch their ideas, businesses, skillsets or needs, such as capital, partner or staffing requirements. Hence, the tagline, "What's your pitch?" Through these pitches, people on Vator.tv can network, exchange knowledge and collaborate with other people who can help those ideas get to the next level. People use Vator.tv to get their ideas or needs discovered or to find, discover and connect with others in networks of interest.
More at:http://www.vator.tv/
Vator.tv is a catalyst for innovation. It is a professional network and marketplace for ideas and businesses. Anyone, across all industries, at any stage, can share ideas, products, services and businesses with the rest of the world, mainly through video.
How It Works:
First, sign up and create a profile.
(Your Vator.tv profile is your resume on the Web, where you can describe yourself and your interests in a rich-media environment.)
Second, create a pitch profile for your idea, project or business you want to share with the Vator.tv community. Or, you can create a pitch profile for only your network to see. Describe your idea in a rich-media environment by uploading video, images, PPT, PDF. [Click here to see PayPal co-founder, venture capitalist and hedge fund manager, Peter Thiel share his advice on how to create a compelling video pitch.]
Third, invite your professional contacts and friends to join your personal network and the networks around your pitches.
OR, search the site for cool new ideas, people and businesses that are already part of the Vator.tv community.
Fourth, view the connections you create between your network.
People use Vator.tv to pitch their ideas, businesses, skillsets or needs, such as capital, partner or staffing requirements. Hence, the tagline, "What's your pitch?" Through these pitches, people on Vator.tv can network, exchange knowledge and collaborate with other people who can help those ideas get to the next level. People use Vator.tv to get their ideas or needs discovered or to find, discover and connect with others in networks of interest.
More at:http://www.vator.tv/
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
FatDoor got $5.5 million from an investment group led by Norwest Venture Partners
What Company is Offering:
FatDoor is a way to get to know your neighbors on a very local level, and displays information over a Microsoft Virtual Earth map that can toggle between 2D and 3D views. It’s like a Wikipedia for the White Pages. FatDoor isn’t limited to people, though. Information regarding your local businesses, events, shopping deals and organizations are accessible using FatDoor as well. And this information can be modified by the users in the community, adding images, descriptions, addresses (not for residences) and groups. If a neighbor hasn’t been to FatDoor to “claim” their location, their icon will be shown on the street as opposed to their house, and you can leave messages for them that they will see once they’ve signed up to use the site. You can invite users to FatDoor with their email address or their street address.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $5.5 million from an investment group led by Norwest Venture Partners and some of this funding comes from KeyNote Ventures as well. Additionally, Yahoo vet Jennifer Dulski has joined the team as CEO.
How They Will Use Raised Funding:
The latest round will go towards building its infrastructure, and supporting its growing team. Still in alpha testing, the site isn’t quite ready for public use. while it offers a lot of helpful tools for finding information on your local neighborhood, it relies heavily on constant user participation.
More at:http://www.fatdoor.com/
FatDoor is a way to get to know your neighbors on a very local level, and displays information over a Microsoft Virtual Earth map that can toggle between 2D and 3D views. It’s like a Wikipedia for the White Pages. FatDoor isn’t limited to people, though. Information regarding your local businesses, events, shopping deals and organizations are accessible using FatDoor as well. And this information can be modified by the users in the community, adding images, descriptions, addresses (not for residences) and groups. If a neighbor hasn’t been to FatDoor to “claim” their location, their icon will be shown on the street as opposed to their house, and you can leave messages for them that they will see once they’ve signed up to use the site. You can invite users to FatDoor with their email address or their street address.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $5.5 million from an investment group led by Norwest Venture Partners and some of this funding comes from KeyNote Ventures as well. Additionally, Yahoo vet Jennifer Dulski has joined the team as CEO.
How They Will Use Raised Funding:
The latest round will go towards building its infrastructure, and supporting its growing team. Still in alpha testing, the site isn’t quite ready for public use. while it offers a lot of helpful tools for finding information on your local neighborhood, it relies heavily on constant user participation.
More at:http://www.fatdoor.com/
eSnips--- Your Social DNA--Discover Yourself Through Others
What Company is offering:
Social DNA is a way to learn more about yourself, find out how similar you are to your friends and countrymen and to discover likeminded people you've never met.
How It Works:
Your Social DNA is made up of bits and pieces called Social Genes, where each Gene is a quiz, list or open-ended question that describes one aspect of your life, in a wide variety of topics. Once you as little as one Gene in your Social DNA, you can start finding out who are your best Matches.
With one Gene, you'll be compared to all of the people who have added that Gene to their Social DNA so that you can see how similar you are. However, the more Genes you have in your Social DNA, the more accurate your Matches will be. Once you have a Social DNA, you'll be able to see how people on eSnips Match you when you view their profile. You'll also be able to find the top Matches in your country, community or among your friends.
Social Gene
A Social Gene is a single "piece" of your Social DNA: one of many different elements that you create to define who you are. Each Gene is either a Quiz you answer or a List that you create in a variety of different topics, according to your tastes and interests. There are Genes about almost everything in life: politics, music, travel, sports, food & wine, business, literature, entertainment, technology, art, parenting and, of course, love, sex and relationships.
Start by adding Social Genes on issues that really matter to you, so that finding a Match will be as relevant as possible. It doesn't matter if your Genes are Lists or Quizzes, they'll still allow you to express your different interests. As you add more Genes to your Social DNA, it will more accurately define you, your interests and your passions. Adding more Genes to your Social DNA will also provide better Matches with people that share many of your interests, not just one or two.
More at:http://www.esnips.com/socialdna
Social DNA is a way to learn more about yourself, find out how similar you are to your friends and countrymen and to discover likeminded people you've never met.
How It Works:
Your Social DNA is made up of bits and pieces called Social Genes, where each Gene is a quiz, list or open-ended question that describes one aspect of your life, in a wide variety of topics. Once you as little as one Gene in your Social DNA, you can start finding out who are your best Matches.
With one Gene, you'll be compared to all of the people who have added that Gene to their Social DNA so that you can see how similar you are. However, the more Genes you have in your Social DNA, the more accurate your Matches will be. Once you have a Social DNA, you'll be able to see how people on eSnips Match you when you view their profile. You'll also be able to find the top Matches in your country, community or among your friends.
Social Gene
A Social Gene is a single "piece" of your Social DNA: one of many different elements that you create to define who you are. Each Gene is either a Quiz you answer or a List that you create in a variety of different topics, according to your tastes and interests. There are Genes about almost everything in life: politics, music, travel, sports, food & wine, business, literature, entertainment, technology, art, parenting and, of course, love, sex and relationships.
Start by adding Social Genes on issues that really matter to you, so that finding a Match will be as relevant as possible. It doesn't matter if your Genes are Lists or Quizzes, they'll still allow you to express your different interests. As you add more Genes to your Social DNA, it will more accurately define you, your interests and your passions. Adding more Genes to your Social DNA will also provide better Matches with people that share many of your interests, not just one or two.
More at:http://www.esnips.com/socialdna
Better ATM Services Got $1.02 Million in First Round of VCsFunding
What Company is Offering:
(BATM) has patented technology that enables automated teller machines (ATMs) to dispense prepaid gift cards via the ATM cash tray using standard cassettes within the ATM (U.S. and other domestic provisional patents).Better ATM Services enables ATM independent sales organizations (ISOs), prepaid platform providers (e.g. retailers), prepaid distribution firms, transit organizations, event and entertainment venues, amusement parks as well as financial institutions to conveniently, profitably, and securely deliver prepaid cards to consumers.
The BATM business model leverages the existing ATM infrastructure and business models to serve as an efficient and cost effective distribution option to help meet the galloping consumer demand for prepaid, stored value cards - especially proprietary cards offered by merchants.
How It Works:
BATM's business model focuses on licensing patents and certificating component players within both the ATM and gift card infrastructures so that they are enabled to profitably provide a more efficient, secure and cost effective distribution alternative for gift cards and other non-cash media while adding functionality and value to the role of ATMs. Hence, ISOs, processors, merchant card providers and ATM manufacturers and ATM driver/processors are free to structure their offerings, set their own pricing and compete as they do today.
BATM intends to enable card producers to supply cards that meet BATM's specifications (pricing should be comparable to current standard credit and debit cards). BATM's pricing model calls for one-time fees to be charged for each new ISO, processor, or ATM manufacturer and each new enabled ATM along with a monthly fee for each active enabled ATM. It is not BATM's intention or role to compete with any licensed or certificated industry participant.
Each gift card constitutes a single panel of three panels on a "card sheet" (patent filed). The card sheet has approximately the same dimensions of larger international currencies like the Dutch Gilder and Danish Kroner. Most ATM equipment utilizes fairly standard currency cassettes that accommodate currencies of varying size including BATM's card sheet dimensions.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They announced today that it closed its first round of funding for a total of $1.02 million. Better ATM Services’ officials say they are also on their way to opening another round of funding immediately.
More at:http://www.betteratmservices.com/
(BATM) has patented technology that enables automated teller machines (ATMs) to dispense prepaid gift cards via the ATM cash tray using standard cassettes within the ATM (U.S. and other domestic provisional patents).Better ATM Services enables ATM independent sales organizations (ISOs), prepaid platform providers (e.g. retailers), prepaid distribution firms, transit organizations, event and entertainment venues, amusement parks as well as financial institutions to conveniently, profitably, and securely deliver prepaid cards to consumers.
The BATM business model leverages the existing ATM infrastructure and business models to serve as an efficient and cost effective distribution option to help meet the galloping consumer demand for prepaid, stored value cards - especially proprietary cards offered by merchants.
How It Works:
BATM's business model focuses on licensing patents and certificating component players within both the ATM and gift card infrastructures so that they are enabled to profitably provide a more efficient, secure and cost effective distribution alternative for gift cards and other non-cash media while adding functionality and value to the role of ATMs. Hence, ISOs, processors, merchant card providers and ATM manufacturers and ATM driver/processors are free to structure their offerings, set their own pricing and compete as they do today.
BATM intends to enable card producers to supply cards that meet BATM's specifications (pricing should be comparable to current standard credit and debit cards). BATM's pricing model calls for one-time fees to be charged for each new ISO, processor, or ATM manufacturer and each new enabled ATM along with a monthly fee for each active enabled ATM. It is not BATM's intention or role to compete with any licensed or certificated industry participant.
Each gift card constitutes a single panel of three panels on a "card sheet" (patent filed). The card sheet has approximately the same dimensions of larger international currencies like the Dutch Gilder and Danish Kroner. Most ATM equipment utilizes fairly standard currency cassettes that accommodate currencies of varying size including BATM's card sheet dimensions.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They announced today that it closed its first round of funding for a total of $1.02 million. Better ATM Services’ officials say they are also on their way to opening another round of funding immediately.
More at:http://www.betteratmservices.com/
Zecco got $25 million in new VCs funding
What Company is Offering:
Zecco which offers users a financial community and is widely known for providing access to free stock trading through its wholly owned subsidiary.At Zecco we've gone ahead and reconstructed the mold on traditional web brokerages, making it easier than ever for you to get smart and act smart with your money. Think of us as a full package upgrade to the typical online investment routine.
How Much They Got from VCs:
Zecco Trading, Inc., announced today that it has got $25 million in new funding from a number of current and new investors.
With the close of the latest round, the total capital raised by Zecco is over $35 million.Zecco Trading took the brokerage industry by storm last October by offering access to free stock trading. One year later, Zecco Holdings launched ZeccoShare, a revolutionary investing community available through zecco.com.
How It Works:
ZeccoShare users can share verified portfolios and trades, see each other’s actual performance (available as of next week), and create specific groups with other like-minded investors (such as “socially responsible investing”, “women on investing”, or “value investing”). This gives member unprecedented transparency as they participate in discussion forums, blogs, chat and more. ZeccoShare users can expect additional exciting enhancements in the coming months, including new community-based filters that highlight the collective intelligence of the ZeccoShare open and transparent user base.You can also make up to 10 free stock trades every month as long as you maintain a $2,500 minimum account balance, and after that you only pay a paltry $4.50 per trade.
How They Are Progressing:
"We are aggressively hiring and training new customer service associates to support our rapidly growing customer base,” said Frank O’Connor, Director of Brokerage Products at Zecco Trading and former COO of Brown Co. “And our options analytics and trading capabilities are set to leap frog most of the other major brokerages in the coming weeks. So not only will our customers have the lowest commission pricing in the industry (free), they’ll have some of the best trading functionality too.
More at:http://www.zecco.com/
Zecco which offers users a financial community and is widely known for providing access to free stock trading through its wholly owned subsidiary.At Zecco we've gone ahead and reconstructed the mold on traditional web brokerages, making it easier than ever for you to get smart and act smart with your money. Think of us as a full package upgrade to the typical online investment routine.
How Much They Got from VCs:
Zecco Trading, Inc., announced today that it has got $25 million in new funding from a number of current and new investors.
With the close of the latest round, the total capital raised by Zecco is over $35 million.Zecco Trading took the brokerage industry by storm last October by offering access to free stock trading. One year later, Zecco Holdings launched ZeccoShare, a revolutionary investing community available through zecco.com.
How It Works:
ZeccoShare users can share verified portfolios and trades, see each other’s actual performance (available as of next week), and create specific groups with other like-minded investors (such as “socially responsible investing”, “women on investing”, or “value investing”). This gives member unprecedented transparency as they participate in discussion forums, blogs, chat and more. ZeccoShare users can expect additional exciting enhancements in the coming months, including new community-based filters that highlight the collective intelligence of the ZeccoShare open and transparent user base.You can also make up to 10 free stock trades every month as long as you maintain a $2,500 minimum account balance, and after that you only pay a paltry $4.50 per trade.
How They Are Progressing:
"We are aggressively hiring and training new customer service associates to support our rapidly growing customer base,” said Frank O’Connor, Director of Brokerage Products at Zecco Trading and former COO of Brown Co. “And our options analytics and trading capabilities are set to leap frog most of the other major brokerages in the coming weeks. So not only will our customers have the lowest commission pricing in the industry (free), they’ll have some of the best trading functionality too.
More at:http://www.zecco.com/
GovernmentDocs.org -----An Unprecedented level Of Access To Government Documents
What Company is Offering:
GovernmentDocs.org was created to advance the values of open and accountable government. This site gives the public an unprecedented level of access to government documents by allowing users to browse, search, and review hundreds of thousands of pages acquired through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other public disclosure, or “sunshine,” laws.
How it Works:
With the GovernmentDocs.org system, citizen reviewers can engage in the government accountability process like never before. Registered users can review and comment on documents, adding their insights and expertise to the work of the national nonprofit organizations which are partnering on this project.
More at:http://www.governmentdocs.org/
GovernmentDocs.org was created to advance the values of open and accountable government. This site gives the public an unprecedented level of access to government documents by allowing users to browse, search, and review hundreds of thousands of pages acquired through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other public disclosure, or “sunshine,” laws.
How it Works:
With the GovernmentDocs.org system, citizen reviewers can engage in the government accountability process like never before. Registered users can review and comment on documents, adding their insights and expertise to the work of the national nonprofit organizations which are partnering on this project.
More at:http://www.governmentdocs.org/
View From Harvard Business
Many people learn instinctively the importance of managing up — that is, keeping your boss in the loop, in your corner, and under control.
More difficult and subtle is the art and science of managing peers, subordinates, different generations, geniuses, and jerks. To varying degrees, all have a significant influence on your career, so it’s in the best interest to proactively manage these relationships.
Take Alpha males: those brutish, boring, basta — uh brash — power movers who seem to be at the center of business decision making. In Unmasking the Alpha Male on Harvard Business Online, Gill Corkindale tells not only how she worked with Alphas and lived to tell her tale, but also how she reduced them to tears. The key? Look at motivation. “Behind the Alpha’s big, brash persona is an often insecure and driven individual who fears being unmasked.”
Corkindale also put women under the same microscope in Alpha Females: Deadlier than the Male?
Here are additional pointers to recent resources on managing over, under, sideways, down:
Upper management Influencing your boss and upper management is often a case of great salesmanship, says business author Marshall Goldsmith, in How to Influence Decision Makers.
Former colleagues In Managing Your Peers: What Would You Do? Michael Watkins, Professor of General Management at IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland, offers a case study and discussion to look at the difficult transition from peer to boss.
Superstars The smartest thing a manager can do is higher smart people. But trouble can develop with the really smart ones — the superstars. In surprising research on superstar performance, Harvard Business School researchers find that brilliant performers can quickly flame out after jumping to a new job. It turns out, professor Boris Groysberg says in an interview, that stars don’t shine alone.
Fools and Jerks This Harvard Business Review excerpt, a blast from the archives, asks the question, Fools versus jerks: whom would you hire?
What’s the most difficult cohort you’ve had to manage?
via-bnet
More difficult and subtle is the art and science of managing peers, subordinates, different generations, geniuses, and jerks. To varying degrees, all have a significant influence on your career, so it’s in the best interest to proactively manage these relationships.
Take Alpha males: those brutish, boring, basta — uh brash — power movers who seem to be at the center of business decision making. In Unmasking the Alpha Male on Harvard Business Online, Gill Corkindale tells not only how she worked with Alphas and lived to tell her tale, but also how she reduced them to tears. The key? Look at motivation. “Behind the Alpha’s big, brash persona is an often insecure and driven individual who fears being unmasked.”
Corkindale also put women under the same microscope in Alpha Females: Deadlier than the Male?
Here are additional pointers to recent resources on managing over, under, sideways, down:
Upper management Influencing your boss and upper management is often a case of great salesmanship, says business author Marshall Goldsmith, in How to Influence Decision Makers.
Former colleagues In Managing Your Peers: What Would You Do? Michael Watkins, Professor of General Management at IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland, offers a case study and discussion to look at the difficult transition from peer to boss.
Superstars The smartest thing a manager can do is higher smart people. But trouble can develop with the really smart ones — the superstars. In surprising research on superstar performance, Harvard Business School researchers find that brilliant performers can quickly flame out after jumping to a new job. It turns out, professor Boris Groysberg says in an interview, that stars don’t shine alone.
Fools and Jerks This Harvard Business Review excerpt, a blast from the archives, asks the question, Fools versus jerks: whom would you hire?
What’s the most difficult cohort you’ve had to manage?
via-bnet
Esfresh.com--Music On Demand
What Company is Offering:
EsFresh allows you to watch every version of music videos, lyrics and many more for each song by your favorite artists and make your own Playlist. You can discover new music using our new Radio Station where you type a Genre or an Artist and esFresh plays similar Music.
How It Works:
You can search by archives or you can also make your own playlist.There is three sections.My Music.2.Radio stations.3.Users playlist. Select whichever you want and listen music on demand.
more at:http://www.esfresh.com/
EsFresh allows you to watch every version of music videos, lyrics and many more for each song by your favorite artists and make your own Playlist. You can discover new music using our new Radio Station where you type a Genre or an Artist and esFresh plays similar Music.
How It Works:
You can search by archives or you can also make your own playlist.There is three sections.My Music.2.Radio stations.3.Users playlist. Select whichever you want and listen music on demand.
more at:http://www.esfresh.com/
Palbee---Faster And Free Video Conferencing
What Company is Offering:
Palbee is a Knowledge Sharing service platform on Video Conferencing format (Videos + Whiteboard). Although you can share knowledge only on video or on text formats. But wouldn’t it be more effective if we use both media at the same time?
Palbee takes advantage of “Video Conferencing Format” that supports both Non-verbal (gesture, facial expressions & tone of voice) and Verbal (real-time conversation, texts & images) communication. We believe this new communication medium promotes better knowledge sharing in the Internet.
How it Works:
FREE Video Conference (One hour/Five People) for unlimited sessions. Its Flash based interface enables true cross platform interoperability.
(PC, Mac & Linux), and even without downloading and Installation.
Palbee supports FREE Recording of sessions.
And, you can share the recordings on any other Web 2.0 services such as blogs and wikis. You can embed or use widgets for sharing your recordings on Palbee Player.
You can use Palbee for your company, school, clubs, friends & families, marketing, sales meetings and any other purposes.
It Will Also Helpful :
To use Palbee for your presentation, lectures, webinars, product promotions or self-promotions. Even without a participants, you can come alone and record the materials, then share any where in the Internet.
More at:http://www.palbee.com/
Palbee is a Knowledge Sharing service platform on Video Conferencing format (Videos + Whiteboard). Although you can share knowledge only on video or on text formats. But wouldn’t it be more effective if we use both media at the same time?
Palbee takes advantage of “Video Conferencing Format” that supports both Non-verbal (gesture, facial expressions & tone of voice) and Verbal (real-time conversation, texts & images) communication. We believe this new communication medium promotes better knowledge sharing in the Internet.
How it Works:
FREE Video Conference (One hour/Five People) for unlimited sessions. Its Flash based interface enables true cross platform interoperability.
(PC, Mac & Linux), and even without downloading and Installation.
Palbee supports FREE Recording of sessions.
And, you can share the recordings on any other Web 2.0 services such as blogs and wikis. You can embed or use widgets for sharing your recordings on Palbee Player.
You can use Palbee for your company, school, clubs, friends & families, marketing, sales meetings and any other purposes.
It Will Also Helpful :
To use Palbee for your presentation, lectures, webinars, product promotions or self-promotions. Even without a participants, you can come alone and record the materials, then share any where in the Internet.
More at:http://www.palbee.com/
URdrobe.com---Make Your Own Cloths With Your Own Styles
What Company Is Offering:
URdrobe is a virtual wardrobe platform that enables its members to manage and explore their wardrobes, clothing wish-lists, and personal style online.
How It Works:
URdrobe is the first online wardrobe platform of its kind, empowering you with a new perspective on your clothes and your style.
URdrobe represents a shift in the everyday person's experience of clothing and style through its pairing of a specialized apparel database with an extremely intuitive and attractive interface. Although there are a variety of plans for URdrobe's near-term development, the platform is currently based on a simple three-pronged approach: IDENTIFY - members are able to identify clothing they own or wish to own via URdrobe's apparel database, storing items to their profile along the way. MANAGE - members are able to manage their clothing and wish-lists by comparing and contrasting garments they have stored to their profile. CATALOG - members are able to catalog their clothing by storing outfit combinations to their profile with comments for future reference.
In creating a dynamic and interactive experience for its members, URdrobe empowers consumers with a new perspective on their wardrobes and an opportunity to further define and cultivate their style. Membership on the URdrobe website is free.
More at:http://www.urdrobe.com/
URdrobe is a virtual wardrobe platform that enables its members to manage and explore their wardrobes, clothing wish-lists, and personal style online.
How It Works:
URdrobe is the first online wardrobe platform of its kind, empowering you with a new perspective on your clothes and your style.
URdrobe represents a shift in the everyday person's experience of clothing and style through its pairing of a specialized apparel database with an extremely intuitive and attractive interface. Although there are a variety of plans for URdrobe's near-term development, the platform is currently based on a simple three-pronged approach: IDENTIFY - members are able to identify clothing they own or wish to own via URdrobe's apparel database, storing items to their profile along the way. MANAGE - members are able to manage their clothing and wish-lists by comparing and contrasting garments they have stored to their profile. CATALOG - members are able to catalog their clothing by storing outfit combinations to their profile with comments for future reference.
In creating a dynamic and interactive experience for its members, URdrobe empowers consumers with a new perspective on their wardrobes and an opportunity to further define and cultivate their style. Membership on the URdrobe website is free.
More at:http://www.urdrobe.com/
AdWidth brings advertising to the people
What Company is Offering:
The world is watching more and more online video; and like it or not, advertising will always be a big part of the experience. With Adwidth, you are now in the position to make video advertisements more than tolerable, in fact, we know that you can make them interesting and entertaining to watch.
This is why they started Adwidth, a platform for independent producers to create and broadcast their own video concepts for marketing featured brands.
How It Works:
AdWidth brings advertising to the people. Online videos are increasingly being invaded by an inevitable army of commercials, thus in order to give the people a little more entertainment and fun, they’ve been enlisted to help shape the very ads that they will watch sometime or other. There are of course a couple ground rules to follow, namely commercials are limited to 60 seconds, it’s got to be PG, and everything must be original, no rip offs or copies. From there let your imagination run wild. Currently, the only brand available to do ads for is GoDaddy, but more are certainly on their way. Also, for the moment the monetization component has yet to arrive, but again it’s in the works. For those who aren’t so crafty with a camera, you can still participate by commenting, voting, and spreading the word. You have to register (it’s free) to access the site.
More at:http://beta.adwidth.com/
The world is watching more and more online video; and like it or not, advertising will always be a big part of the experience. With Adwidth, you are now in the position to make video advertisements more than tolerable, in fact, we know that you can make them interesting and entertaining to watch.
This is why they started Adwidth, a platform for independent producers to create and broadcast their own video concepts for marketing featured brands.
How It Works:
AdWidth brings advertising to the people. Online videos are increasingly being invaded by an inevitable army of commercials, thus in order to give the people a little more entertainment and fun, they’ve been enlisted to help shape the very ads that they will watch sometime or other. There are of course a couple ground rules to follow, namely commercials are limited to 60 seconds, it’s got to be PG, and everything must be original, no rip offs or copies. From there let your imagination run wild. Currently, the only brand available to do ads for is GoDaddy, but more are certainly on their way. Also, for the moment the monetization component has yet to arrive, but again it’s in the works. For those who aren’t so crafty with a camera, you can still participate by commenting, voting, and spreading the word. You have to register (it’s free) to access the site.
More at:http://beta.adwidth.com/
TVnima.com---Allows Anyone To Create A TV News Program
What Company Is Offering:
TVnima is an online Realtime 3D application that allows anyone to create a TV news program using their personal media (photos, images, videos).
You can add a voice and import media, choose your camera angles and presenter gestures in just a few clicks.That's it; you're the director.
How It Works:
The site allows users to create news programs using 3D avatars, photos and videos. Once you’ve loaded your media, you play the director and call all the shots, deciding where to place the camera, what angles to record, and what tracks to use. There are three screens to work from: the Project screen where you load previous and new work, the Customization screen from which you tailor your presenter and the set, and the Director screen where you can add media, and camera gestures on a timeline. Several different software are involved and TVanima is still in alpha, so some things may not run so smoothly. Besides that caveat, TVanima is cost free.
More at:http://www.tvnima.com/
TVnima is an online Realtime 3D application that allows anyone to create a TV news program using their personal media (photos, images, videos).
You can add a voice and import media, choose your camera angles and presenter gestures in just a few clicks.That's it; you're the director.
How It Works:
The site allows users to create news programs using 3D avatars, photos and videos. Once you’ve loaded your media, you play the director and call all the shots, deciding where to place the camera, what angles to record, and what tracks to use. There are three screens to work from: the Project screen where you load previous and new work, the Customization screen from which you tailor your presenter and the set, and the Director screen where you can add media, and camera gestures on a timeline. Several different software are involved and TVanima is still in alpha, so some things may not run so smoothly. Besides that caveat, TVanima is cost free.
More at:http://www.tvnima.com/
WebUnload .com-----For Selling And Buying Of Web Products
What Company Is Offering:
Webunload is an internet marketplace, dedicated to connecting sellers with buyers. List your established or unestablished sites, forums, domains, and templates. Or, if you are interested in purchasing, browse our marketplace to find that perfect design or site that might just turn into the next money maker for you.
How It Works:
WebUnload focuses solely on the buying and selling of web products, nothing more, nothing less. As a creator, you’ll need to post an ad providing a description of what it is that you’re selling along with pertinent info such as visitor info, runtime, member base, revenue, and reasons for selling. Images and other files can be uploaded as well. After that simply fill out your profile info with contact details (email, AIM, Yahoo, etc.) and wait for the buyers to come rolling in.
Why is It Different:
Webunload is specifically focused on the selling and purchasing of web goods. At other sites, including Sitepoint, the marketplace is a mere “additional feature”, and it is not the core of the site. Here at Webunload, the marketplace is the whole reason the site exists. There is nothing else to get in the way or distract visitors.
More at:http://www.webunload.com/
Webunload is an internet marketplace, dedicated to connecting sellers with buyers. List your established or unestablished sites, forums, domains, and templates. Or, if you are interested in purchasing, browse our marketplace to find that perfect design or site that might just turn into the next money maker for you.
How It Works:
WebUnload focuses solely on the buying and selling of web products, nothing more, nothing less. As a creator, you’ll need to post an ad providing a description of what it is that you’re selling along with pertinent info such as visitor info, runtime, member base, revenue, and reasons for selling. Images and other files can be uploaded as well. After that simply fill out your profile info with contact details (email, AIM, Yahoo, etc.) and wait for the buyers to come rolling in.
Why is It Different:
Webunload is specifically focused on the selling and purchasing of web goods. At other sites, including Sitepoint, the marketplace is a mere “additional feature”, and it is not the core of the site. Here at Webunload, the marketplace is the whole reason the site exists. There is nothing else to get in the way or distract visitors.
More at:http://www.webunload.com/
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
aditall.com---Video Advertising Community
What Company is offering:
AditAll is a video advertising community where users can quickly, simply and inexpensively create, produce and distribute video ads.
AditAll brings low cost, high quality ad production capabilities to anyone. Our patent pending platform lets advertisers choose a "Pre-Packaged" ad from an inventory created by our producer community and quickly customize it. Advertisers can also select video and music clips and combine them into a unique ad using our "Start from Scratch" feature. Additionally, advertisers can post ad requests for specific ideas that producers can develop into video ads meeting these requirements.
How It works:
AditAll gives producers a market for presenting their work to advertisers. Producers upload video and music clips to the AditAll inventory and set the price for their work. Advertisers can browse this inventory to find, customize and purchase the clip they like best for their needs. This marketplace is where advertisers tap the creativity of our producers to create video ads to grow their businesses. They want to give businesses, whether local or worldwide, the ability to create professional video ads at reasonable prices.
They are bringing together innovative minds and generate a marketplace of creative expression to create value for producers and advertisers alike.
More at:http://aditall.com/
AditAll is a video advertising community where users can quickly, simply and inexpensively create, produce and distribute video ads.
AditAll brings low cost, high quality ad production capabilities to anyone. Our patent pending platform lets advertisers choose a "Pre-Packaged" ad from an inventory created by our producer community and quickly customize it. Advertisers can also select video and music clips and combine them into a unique ad using our "Start from Scratch" feature. Additionally, advertisers can post ad requests for specific ideas that producers can develop into video ads meeting these requirements.
How It works:
AditAll gives producers a market for presenting their work to advertisers. Producers upload video and music clips to the AditAll inventory and set the price for their work. Advertisers can browse this inventory to find, customize and purchase the clip they like best for their needs. This marketplace is where advertisers tap the creativity of our producers to create video ads to grow their businesses. They want to give businesses, whether local or worldwide, the ability to create professional video ads at reasonable prices.
They are bringing together innovative minds and generate a marketplace of creative expression to create value for producers and advertisers alike.
More at:http://aditall.com/
Cyberhomes.com---Search More Than 100 Million Property
What Company is offering:
Cyberhomes™ valuations give you access to most of the same information that real estate professionals use to evaluate homes. From Fidelity National Financial, the leader in property information, services, and technology for REALTORS®, appraisers, and lenders, you get the power of detailed, proprietary analysis of your home and community. Whether you own your place, are thinking of buying, or even just looking around, you can explore data ranging from property facts, value estimates, and a variety of important indicators of local and national changes in the housing market.
How It Works:
Cyberhomes valuations are not appraisal reports of the market value of a home prepared by a licensed professional appraiser. They have been generated by computer software based on publicly available property records and certain proprietary data as an approximate estimate of home valuation, and have not been evaluated or reviewed by a licensed professional appraiser. In accordance with the User Agreement, these valuations may only be used in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations including Fair Housing/Fair Lending laws and regulations.
What's Different:
The Cyberhomes database includes more than 100 million property, ownership, sales, and mortgage records, covering more than 85% of the United States population. We update more than 575,000 new ownership records every month, verified from the original source, and our data is also enhanced with more than ten years of appraisals and appraisal review information.
More at:http://www.cyberhomes.com/
Cyberhomes™ valuations give you access to most of the same information that real estate professionals use to evaluate homes. From Fidelity National Financial, the leader in property information, services, and technology for REALTORS®, appraisers, and lenders, you get the power of detailed, proprietary analysis of your home and community. Whether you own your place, are thinking of buying, or even just looking around, you can explore data ranging from property facts, value estimates, and a variety of important indicators of local and national changes in the housing market.
How It Works:
Cyberhomes valuations are not appraisal reports of the market value of a home prepared by a licensed professional appraiser. They have been generated by computer software based on publicly available property records and certain proprietary data as an approximate estimate of home valuation, and have not been evaluated or reviewed by a licensed professional appraiser. In accordance with the User Agreement, these valuations may only be used in compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations including Fair Housing/Fair Lending laws and regulations.
What's Different:
The Cyberhomes database includes more than 100 million property, ownership, sales, and mortgage records, covering more than 85% of the United States population. We update more than 575,000 new ownership records every month, verified from the original source, and our data is also enhanced with more than ten years of appraisals and appraisal review information.
More at:http://www.cyberhomes.com/
GiftTool---The Needs Of Organizations And Companies With Tight Budgets
What Company is offering:
GiftTool is a trusted web-based marketing knowledge and service provider, meeting the needs of organizations and companies with tight budgets that want to maximize the impact of their web presence - organizations such as:
Small and Medium Businesses.
Associations and Member-Based Organizations.
Non-Profit Organizations.
How It Works:
The shift away from client-server to web based applications allows organizations the opportunity to enhance their interactions with their customers - affordably and with minimal effort. While consumer applications on the internet have evolved to the mass adoption stage, changing the way we live our lives, small businesses and non-profit organizations have yet to harness the full capabilities to maximize their return on investment and effort.
More at:http://www.gifttool.com/
GiftTool is a trusted web-based marketing knowledge and service provider, meeting the needs of organizations and companies with tight budgets that want to maximize the impact of their web presence - organizations such as:
Small and Medium Businesses.
Associations and Member-Based Organizations.
Non-Profit Organizations.
How It Works:
The shift away from client-server to web based applications allows organizations the opportunity to enhance their interactions with their customers - affordably and with minimal effort. While consumer applications on the internet have evolved to the mass adoption stage, changing the way we live our lives, small businesses and non-profit organizations have yet to harness the full capabilities to maximize their return on investment and effort.
More at:http://www.gifttool.com/
TripDish.com------Social Media Leaders Connect With Companies Or Corporate
What Company is offering:
TipDish is a social media directorcy and wire service that is designed to connect influencers. With this service, leaders in social media including bloggers, podcasters and videocasters (Tippers) receive the latest news, information, products and info from companies, organizations, PR and Marketing Professionals (Tippers).TipDish was concepted by leaders in social media and marketing communications professions who haven't been satisfied with the current misinformation fed and communicated to both groups. They created the site to more accurately and effectively connect both sides with the right information for their audiences.
How It Works:
These social media leaders, called “Dishers” serve up all the content delivered to them by the “Tippers” (companies, PR firms, etc). Dishers can register for the site for free; however, Tippers must pay a fee to have their content be made available for the Dishers to distribute. Essentially, this is all just a verbal playground for a service which, at heart, simply connects advertisers with those who help to disseminate information via social media sites; advertisers share news, communication, products, and ideas across TipDish, which serves a vessel through which this content is delivered to social media authors.
More at:http://tipdish.com/
TipDish is a social media directorcy and wire service that is designed to connect influencers. With this service, leaders in social media including bloggers, podcasters and videocasters (Tippers) receive the latest news, information, products and info from companies, organizations, PR and Marketing Professionals (Tippers).TipDish was concepted by leaders in social media and marketing communications professions who haven't been satisfied with the current misinformation fed and communicated to both groups. They created the site to more accurately and effectively connect both sides with the right information for their audiences.
How It Works:
These social media leaders, called “Dishers” serve up all the content delivered to them by the “Tippers” (companies, PR firms, etc). Dishers can register for the site for free; however, Tippers must pay a fee to have their content be made available for the Dishers to distribute. Essentially, this is all just a verbal playground for a service which, at heart, simply connects advertisers with those who help to disseminate information via social media sites; advertisers share news, communication, products, and ideas across TipDish, which serves a vessel through which this content is delivered to social media authors.
More at:http://tipdish.com/
Goodbarry.com-----For Helping To Make Your Online Business Successful
What company is Offering:
GoodBarry.com where you can find all the solutions you need to maintain your online business.GoodBarry.com has an attractive interface and the site is easy to navigate. All of the content on the site is clearly organized and easy to read. The site contains attractive colorful logos that catch users’ attention. GoodBarry.com features a FAQ section for all of the online products featured on the site. This is a good idea because each section will have its own unique questions that are geared towards the product. There are also tours for each of the products. There are also screen shots of the products and the results of the products which is a great way to get visitors information on the site.
How It Works:
GoodBusiness is a new way to host your business website. Beyond hosting your website, GoodBusiness helps you understand your customers, make better decisions and achieve real results.
GoodBarry.com offers a number of helpful solutions that will keep your online business up to date and successful. Barry believes that a good business equals a good site plus a good shop plus good marketing plus good leads. GoodBarry.com has solutions for the four key elements of a good business. GoodBarry.com has an overview, tour and FAQ section that addresses the four elements and highlights how GoodBarry solutions can help your business. Some of the features that the GoodBarry solution offers is driving traffic to your shop, growing your customer data base, building customer loyalty, reminders, and much more. Make your online business be as successful as it can be by using GoodBarry solutions.
More at:http://goodbarry.com/
GoodBarry.com where you can find all the solutions you need to maintain your online business.GoodBarry.com has an attractive interface and the site is easy to navigate. All of the content on the site is clearly organized and easy to read. The site contains attractive colorful logos that catch users’ attention. GoodBarry.com features a FAQ section for all of the online products featured on the site. This is a good idea because each section will have its own unique questions that are geared towards the product. There are also tours for each of the products. There are also screen shots of the products and the results of the products which is a great way to get visitors information on the site.
How It Works:
GoodBusiness is a new way to host your business website. Beyond hosting your website, GoodBusiness helps you understand your customers, make better decisions and achieve real results.
GoodBarry.com offers a number of helpful solutions that will keep your online business up to date and successful. Barry believes that a good business equals a good site plus a good shop plus good marketing plus good leads. GoodBarry.com has solutions for the four key elements of a good business. GoodBarry.com has an overview, tour and FAQ section that addresses the four elements and highlights how GoodBarry solutions can help your business. Some of the features that the GoodBarry solution offers is driving traffic to your shop, growing your customer data base, building customer loyalty, reminders, and much more. Make your online business be as successful as it can be by using GoodBarry solutions.
More at:http://goodbarry.com/
Monday, November 12, 2007
How To Write Killer Idea Pitch
If you've got an idea for improvements within your own company, it's often easy to assume that your boss will hear you out. But there's a right way and a wrong way to sell an idea with an email or internal memo. Below are two examples—one that's likely to bomb, and one that has a good chance of success. Roll your mouse over the blue numbers to find out why.
The Wrong Way:
To: Fred CEO
From: Joe HR
Subject: Fitness and Productivity [1]
Fred:
I recently read the national "Fitness & Productivity Report" based on a survey that our company, and many others, participated in, and it included lots of interesting information. Many companies cited work group physical fitness as extremely important, but very few said their employees actually demonstrate this! In fact, they identify physical fitness as an undervalued competitive asset, but they didn't have a plan for improvement in this area.[2] I agree with the report's argument that physical fitness is strongly linked to corporate and individual economic and personal success, in short, our success as a nation.[3] I feel that if we do not address the issue of physical fitness as it enhances workplace productivity, we will be left behind. Therefore, I'm thinking that we should consider converting the secondary conference room (which as you know is seldom used) into a gym.[4] Your leadership on this issue would be much appreciated. [5]
[6]
- Joe
The Right Way:
To: Fred CEO
From: Joe HR
Subject: How we can decrease absenteeism.[1]
Fred:
As you know, sick days are clobbering our productivity. During flu-season, for example, we're often so short-handed that we can't answer customer calls! [2] We could hire to backfill, but there's a most cost-effective solution: convert the secondary conference room to an in-house gym. [3]
We recently participated in a national survey entitled "Fitness & Business Productivity Report." The final report, which I have on my desk, points out that:
* Employee physical fitness is an undervalued competitive asset.
* Corporate physical-fitness programs can decrease absenteeism by 30 percent.
According to the report, an in-house gym will encourage employees and help them spend more time at the office. (Google, for example, has in-house gyms.) [4]
I've attached an estimate from a building contractor that we've used in the past. [5] Since employees can use the nearby restrooms to change, the cost is considerably less than hiring a new employee. [6]
Shall I go ahead and submit the contractor's invoice? [7] If not, when can we discuss the idea further?[8]
- Joe
Via-http://writetothetop.com/
The Wrong Way:
To: Fred CEO
From: Joe HR
Subject: Fitness and Productivity [1]
Fred:
I recently read the national "Fitness & Productivity Report" based on a survey that our company, and many others, participated in, and it included lots of interesting information. Many companies cited work group physical fitness as extremely important, but very few said their employees actually demonstrate this! In fact, they identify physical fitness as an undervalued competitive asset, but they didn't have a plan for improvement in this area.[2] I agree with the report's argument that physical fitness is strongly linked to corporate and individual economic and personal success, in short, our success as a nation.[3] I feel that if we do not address the issue of physical fitness as it enhances workplace productivity, we will be left behind. Therefore, I'm thinking that we should consider converting the secondary conference room (which as you know is seldom used) into a gym.[4] Your leadership on this issue would be much appreciated. [5]
[6]
- Joe
The Right Way:
To: Fred CEO
From: Joe HR
Subject: How we can decrease absenteeism.[1]
Fred:
As you know, sick days are clobbering our productivity. During flu-season, for example, we're often so short-handed that we can't answer customer calls! [2] We could hire to backfill, but there's a most cost-effective solution: convert the secondary conference room to an in-house gym. [3]
We recently participated in a national survey entitled "Fitness & Business Productivity Report." The final report, which I have on my desk, points out that:
* Employee physical fitness is an undervalued competitive asset.
* Corporate physical-fitness programs can decrease absenteeism by 30 percent.
According to the report, an in-house gym will encourage employees and help them spend more time at the office. (Google, for example, has in-house gyms.) [4]
I've attached an estimate from a building contractor that we've used in the past. [5] Since employees can use the nearby restrooms to change, the cost is considerably less than hiring a new employee. [6]
Shall I go ahead and submit the contractor's invoice? [7] If not, when can we discuss the idea further?[8]
- Joe
Via-http://writetothetop.com/
On Practical Business Gaming in Company
Game theory is a well-known idea in economics – economists who have helped devise the strategy won the 2005 Nobel prize. it’s also important in actual business, specially for how it approaches negotiations (though gametheory.net features in its lecture notes section alone general strategy, competitive and cooperative strategies, management, and finance, as well as bargaining).
But what about game practice? Can games teach business leadership skills? The folks at CCP, the maker of Eve Online, argue that their game is excellent simulation for running a business in the real world. In their favor, the game is built on the idea of corporations in space, and there are CEOs who run organizations that can employ 3,000 people. Many of those people are specialized, working on mining and other kinds of economic production, trading and management. It also has had corporate espionage, scams and failed IPOs.
The company hired an economist to study the market behavior of the game and help set monetary policy. He told me that he thought the game was a perfect model for testing economic theory. It’s also discussing how to use the game to teach business principles with at least one college, though there’s no set deal.
Perhaps this comment from a Financial Times article, Gamers Hone Capitalist Skills Online, is most telling: a real-life CEO says that being a successful CEO in the game took up so much of his time he had to quit, for fear of undermining performance in his real job.
Nobody wants their management talent spending all their time in a virtual world. But this game might be a good way to screen management talent, and may have some talent for training. If nothing else, you’ll know that players can be dedicated to a company.
But what about game practice? Can games teach business leadership skills? The folks at CCP, the maker of Eve Online, argue that their game is excellent simulation for running a business in the real world. In their favor, the game is built on the idea of corporations in space, and there are CEOs who run organizations that can employ 3,000 people. Many of those people are specialized, working on mining and other kinds of economic production, trading and management. It also has had corporate espionage, scams and failed IPOs.
The company hired an economist to study the market behavior of the game and help set monetary policy. He told me that he thought the game was a perfect model for testing economic theory. It’s also discussing how to use the game to teach business principles with at least one college, though there’s no set deal.
Perhaps this comment from a Financial Times article, Gamers Hone Capitalist Skills Online, is most telling: a real-life CEO says that being a successful CEO in the game took up so much of his time he had to quit, for fear of undermining performance in his real job.
Nobody wants their management talent spending all their time in a virtual world. But this game might be a good way to screen management talent, and may have some talent for training. If nothing else, you’ll know that players can be dedicated to a company.
Wellocities Got$1 Million In Vcs Funding
What Company Is Offering:
Wellocities was founded in 2007 and was created to improve the lives of Canadians with chronic conditions. By allowing people to share health experiences, it is our hope that others will choose wisely. Almost all of us know of some one who has been touched by illness and has had to cope with it everyday for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, not everyone has the social circle to help them manage their condition. Wellocities missions is to help patients and caregivers find health information and services, monitor health conditions and most importantly learn from others on similar health tracks.
The site is set up as an information-sharing social network. So the majority of the info you’ll find is through blog posts written by other users. There are also group discussions you can participate in, and a search tool for finding facilities and doctors near you. Being based in Toronto, this search tool isn’t widespread yet, but Wellocities has indicated that it will be expanding to the states and beyond very soon.
How Much They Got From VCs:
The Canada-based health site, has raised $1 million in seed investment from XDL Capital Group, which has also incubated the site for the past year.
How It Worls:
There’s a section of your own account where you can add your own feeds, bookmarks, discussion topics and resources to provide a mini, all-encompassing resource for health issues that matter to you. These will display on your public profile where other users can benefit from your resources as well.
When you first create an account, you’ll have the option of choosing an icon that best represents how you feel today, and a box for entering a textual description of what’s going on. This will be kept in a chart that chronicles your daily wellness, which you can access and zoom in on for specifics. The downfall of this chart is that it’s not yet fully connected with much of anything else offered on the site. It’s not searchable, and it’s not tied in with any of the other resources found throughout Wellocities. I’d even go so far as to suggest that these could have the option of being made public or shareable, for those that would want to include these in a discussion with other users or perhaps their doctor, similar to a system offered by Phreesia.
More At:http://wellocities.com/
Wellocities was founded in 2007 and was created to improve the lives of Canadians with chronic conditions. By allowing people to share health experiences, it is our hope that others will choose wisely. Almost all of us know of some one who has been touched by illness and has had to cope with it everyday for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, not everyone has the social circle to help them manage their condition. Wellocities missions is to help patients and caregivers find health information and services, monitor health conditions and most importantly learn from others on similar health tracks.
The site is set up as an information-sharing social network. So the majority of the info you’ll find is through blog posts written by other users. There are also group discussions you can participate in, and a search tool for finding facilities and doctors near you. Being based in Toronto, this search tool isn’t widespread yet, but Wellocities has indicated that it will be expanding to the states and beyond very soon.
How Much They Got From VCs:
The Canada-based health site, has raised $1 million in seed investment from XDL Capital Group, which has also incubated the site for the past year.
How It Worls:
There’s a section of your own account where you can add your own feeds, bookmarks, discussion topics and resources to provide a mini, all-encompassing resource for health issues that matter to you. These will display on your public profile where other users can benefit from your resources as well.
When you first create an account, you’ll have the option of choosing an icon that best represents how you feel today, and a box for entering a textual description of what’s going on. This will be kept in a chart that chronicles your daily wellness, which you can access and zoom in on for specifics. The downfall of this chart is that it’s not yet fully connected with much of anything else offered on the site. It’s not searchable, and it’s not tied in with any of the other resources found throughout Wellocities. I’d even go so far as to suggest that these could have the option of being made public or shareable, for those that would want to include these in a discussion with other users or perhaps their doctor, similar to a system offered by Phreesia.
More At:http://wellocities.com/
Social Spark
What Company Is Offering:
With SocialSpark, IZEA to turn its PayPerPost idea into a social network designed to promote certain brands and services. The platform was unveiled today by IZEA CEO Ted Murphy at PostieCon.
How It Works:
Instead of integrating into existing social networks (and thus treading on the toes and possibly the EULAs of said networks), IZEA has designed, from the ground up, a social network built around the idea of relationship forging between bloggers and advertisers.
Why Is It Different:
SocialSpark is targeting the blogger demographic, and they’re up-front and honest about the aims of the network, instead of bringing in advertising relationships like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
SocialSpark likely won’t have a problem gaining traction in the social space, as they’ll be able to kick-start the user-base off their existing 85,000 bloggers and 11,000 advertisers. SocialSpark also promises to have an open API, so as to allow “information to flow into and out of the system”, and will offer support for Google’s OpenSocial.
More at:http://socialspark.com/
With SocialSpark, IZEA to turn its PayPerPost idea into a social network designed to promote certain brands and services. The platform was unveiled today by IZEA CEO Ted Murphy at PostieCon.
How It Works:
Instead of integrating into existing social networks (and thus treading on the toes and possibly the EULAs of said networks), IZEA has designed, from the ground up, a social network built around the idea of relationship forging between bloggers and advertisers.
Why Is It Different:
SocialSpark is targeting the blogger demographic, and they’re up-front and honest about the aims of the network, instead of bringing in advertising relationships like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
SocialSpark likely won’t have a problem gaining traction in the social space, as they’ll be able to kick-start the user-base off their existing 85,000 bloggers and 11,000 advertisers. SocialSpark also promises to have an open API, so as to allow “information to flow into and out of the system”, and will offer support for Google’s OpenSocial.
More at:http://socialspark.com/
Yahoo Kickstart-----Connect With Peers,Professors,Alumni And Your Potential Employers
Yahoo! Kickstart is a professional network with a distinct purpose: to connect college students, recent grads, professionals and alumni to discover internships and jobs, or get career advice and mentorship.
How It Works:
Kickstart allows you to create a professional profile, browse company profiles and network with your peers, professors, alumni and potential employers. If networking is the best way to launch a career, then Kickstart is the best way to start building your network - by leveraging what you have in common with the people you need to get to know.
If you are an alum, Kickstart is a great way to source new hires, give back to your college, and re-connect with fellow alumni and past colleagues. And for a limited time, you can earn your college $25,000. Yahoo! will donate $25,000 tothe alumni association of the college with the most profiles by 12/31/07* (see complete details). Help your school win! It's easy - just sign up, create a valid profile, and spread the word to your fellow alumni.
More at:http://kickstart.yahoo.com/
How It Works:
Kickstart allows you to create a professional profile, browse company profiles and network with your peers, professors, alumni and potential employers. If networking is the best way to launch a career, then Kickstart is the best way to start building your network - by leveraging what you have in common with the people you need to get to know.
If you are an alum, Kickstart is a great way to source new hires, give back to your college, and re-connect with fellow alumni and past colleagues. And for a limited time, you can earn your college $25,000. Yahoo! will donate $25,000 tothe alumni association of the college with the most profiles by 12/31/07* (see complete details). Help your school win! It's easy - just sign up, create a valid profile, and spread the word to your fellow alumni.
More at:http://kickstart.yahoo.com/
At blinkBox you can watch, buy, and rent Movies and TV shows
What Company is Offering:
At blinkBox you can watch, buy, and rent Movies and TV shows.
What's Different:
Some things that make us special are:
They have some fantastic stuff from BIG and small producers alike, and
Blinks, the ability to clip your favourite part, personalise it with text, and use it as you wish.
They work in London in an awesome office, and they like technology and visual entertainment in equal measure.
More at:http://www.blinkbox.com/
At blinkBox you can watch, buy, and rent Movies and TV shows.
What's Different:
Some things that make us special are:
They have some fantastic stuff from BIG and small producers alike, and
Blinks, the ability to clip your favourite part, personalise it with text, and use it as you wish.
They work in London in an awesome office, and they like technology and visual entertainment in equal measure.
More at:http://www.blinkbox.com/
New Report Predicts 500,000 Mobile TV Users in China by 2008
Mobile Television business, known as the most influential business in 3G era, is to watch TV with handset that supports video function.
Mobile TV business, initiated in 2004 when the public's consumption of mobile value added service began to increase. In addition, barriers concerning contents, terminal, technique, standard, charge and user, limited the development of the handset business. As a result, mobile TV won't develop so well as CRBT (Colorful Ring Back Tone) by absorbing the curiosity of the public with its novelty. Currently, the business is still in the preparation period.
Compared to the traditional TV business, the largest advantages of the mobile TV business lie in its mobility and interactivity. In addition, compared to the other value-added business, it is good at the multimedia integration and live content. Therefore, only through developing the services can they bring the special value that will attract a large number of mobile users, so as to promote business development.
It is forecasted that the mobile TV will become stronger and stronger towards 2008, and the number of the mobile TV users will be more than 500 thousand.
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c72790.
Mobile TV business, initiated in 2004 when the public's consumption of mobile value added service began to increase. In addition, barriers concerning contents, terminal, technique, standard, charge and user, limited the development of the handset business. As a result, mobile TV won't develop so well as CRBT (Colorful Ring Back Tone) by absorbing the curiosity of the public with its novelty. Currently, the business is still in the preparation period.
Compared to the traditional TV business, the largest advantages of the mobile TV business lie in its mobility and interactivity. In addition, compared to the other value-added business, it is good at the multimedia integration and live content. Therefore, only through developing the services can they bring the special value that will attract a large number of mobile users, so as to promote business development.
It is forecasted that the mobile TV will become stronger and stronger towards 2008, and the number of the mobile TV users will be more than 500 thousand.
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c72790.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Octabox---Helping small businesses and independent professionals
About Octabox:
Helping small businesses and independent professionals live up to their potential by providing smart management and collaboration services that are affordable to all and available worldwide.
Octabox is an idea of how web productivity should be.It is a Web Platform that provides easy access to web application needs, by centralizing access and using a common interface.
Octabox is also a professional social network connecting and helping like-minded people collaborate.They built Octabox to serve their needs, they hope you too will find it useful.
Who Is behind This Site:
Adam Benayoun is Lionite's CEO, and Head of Marketing and Sales
Adam was born in Israel but raised in france, where he picked up manners and a goatee.
He is the creator of the Octabox idea, and the only founding member who spends more time reading blogs than actual work.
He is a third year student at the Minshar School of Arts as an animation major, and has diverse experience in the fields of project management, human resources and marketing.
Eran Galperin is Lionite's CTO, and spearheads Octabox development
Eran was born in the U.S, raised in Israel and hardened on the cold slopes of mount Everest.
He is the one who came up with the names Octabox and Lionite, and is open for name consulting gigs. (yeah right! -adam).
He is a third year Physics student at the Tel-Aviv University, and has been developing for the web environment for the past 4 years.
Tal Zubalsky is Lionite's Lead Graphical Designer
Tal is addicted to Southpark and Work. Work Pays The Bills as they say, but Southpark Fuels The Mind.
He is a also a third year student at the Minshar School of Arts as an animation major, and has an extensive portfolio in the field of graphical design and animation. He is currently abroad attending an animation award ceremony in which a film of his is nominated.
More at:http://www.octabox.com/
Helping small businesses and independent professionals live up to their potential by providing smart management and collaboration services that are affordable to all and available worldwide.
Octabox is an idea of how web productivity should be.It is a Web Platform that provides easy access to web application needs, by centralizing access and using a common interface.
Octabox is also a professional social network connecting and helping like-minded people collaborate.They built Octabox to serve their needs, they hope you too will find it useful.
Who Is behind This Site:
Adam Benayoun is Lionite's CEO, and Head of Marketing and Sales
Adam was born in Israel but raised in france, where he picked up manners and a goatee.
He is the creator of the Octabox idea, and the only founding member who spends more time reading blogs than actual work.
He is a third year student at the Minshar School of Arts as an animation major, and has diverse experience in the fields of project management, human resources and marketing.
Eran Galperin is Lionite's CTO, and spearheads Octabox development
Eran was born in the U.S, raised in Israel and hardened on the cold slopes of mount Everest.
He is the one who came up with the names Octabox and Lionite, and is open for name consulting gigs. (yeah right! -adam).
He is a third year Physics student at the Tel-Aviv University, and has been developing for the web environment for the past 4 years.
Tal Zubalsky is Lionite's Lead Graphical Designer
Tal is addicted to Southpark and Work. Work Pays The Bills as they say, but Southpark Fuels The Mind.
He is a also a third year student at the Minshar School of Arts as an animation major, and has an extensive portfolio in the field of graphical design and animation. He is currently abroad attending an animation award ceremony in which a film of his is nominated.
More at:http://www.octabox.com/
Chipwrapper ---Get All Newspapers Of UK At One Place
What Company Is Offering:
Chipwrapper is a collection of resources for searching UK newspapers on the internet.
All of the resources use existing open source or free technologies to help you get the most out of the content that UK newspapers publish online.
How It WorKs:
In this Beta phase, the first tool is a Google Custom Search Engine across nine of the UK's leading national newspapers - The Daily Express, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, Financial Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Sun, The Telegraph and The Times.
There are also RSS headline feeds, a search plugin for browsers, and a custom Google Toolbar button.
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the newspapers featured in the Google Custom Search Engine results, and you should be aware that if you click on any adverts or sponsered links on the Google results pages, a share of the revenue is earned by Chipwrapper.
More at:http://www.chipwrapper.co.uk/
Chipwrapper is a collection of resources for searching UK newspapers on the internet.
All of the resources use existing open source or free technologies to help you get the most out of the content that UK newspapers publish online.
How It WorKs:
In this Beta phase, the first tool is a Google Custom Search Engine across nine of the UK's leading national newspapers - The Daily Express, Daily Mail, Daily Mirror, Financial Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Sun, The Telegraph and The Times.
There are also RSS headline feeds, a search plugin for browsers, and a custom Google Toolbar button.
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the newspapers featured in the Google Custom Search Engine results, and you should be aware that if you click on any adverts or sponsered links on the Google results pages, a share of the revenue is earned by Chipwrapper.
More at:http://www.chipwrapper.co.uk/
Unusual Business Idea
As the holiday season begins its descent upon us, friends and family of foodies everywhere will be glad to learn of Zingerman's—if they don't know it already. Since 1982 the Michigan-based gourmet food purveyor has been home to many a rare but tasty item not easily found elsewhere, including a broad assortment of vinegars, oils, cheeses, breads, sweets and more.
Zingerman's offers a variety of clubs for regular shipments of upscale bread, coffee and other products, but its specialty Z Club could prove the ultimate gift for the food lover who has everything. Four times a year Z Club members receive a package of 8 to 10 food surprises picked specially for adventurous palates. The items included are chosen specifically for Z Club members by the Zingerman's staff, and may include such treasures as raw-milk Stilton cheese that had been "extinct" for decades, small-batch marmalade made from "calamondins"—tiny Southeast Asian oranges—or olio nuovo, a hard-to-find olive oil fresh off the press and bottled just days before. Packages always include a collection of writing on the foods’ history and culture and recipes for their use. Pricing begins at USD 175 per shipment.
Offering up rare treasures—or, at the very least, versions of ordinary things that can't be found at Wal-Mart or Marks & Spencer—is right out of our lecture notes on the trend we like to call massclusivity. Rare food items have become snobmoddities (commodities that are special enough to have snob appeal), and massclusivity-minded consumers will pay a premium to get them. Retailers smart enough to offer them, meanwhile, could end up awash in rare treasures themselves.
More at:http://www.zingermans.com/
Via-UCB
Zingerman's offers a variety of clubs for regular shipments of upscale bread, coffee and other products, but its specialty Z Club could prove the ultimate gift for the food lover who has everything. Four times a year Z Club members receive a package of 8 to 10 food surprises picked specially for adventurous palates. The items included are chosen specifically for Z Club members by the Zingerman's staff, and may include such treasures as raw-milk Stilton cheese that had been "extinct" for decades, small-batch marmalade made from "calamondins"—tiny Southeast Asian oranges—or olio nuovo, a hard-to-find olive oil fresh off the press and bottled just days before. Packages always include a collection of writing on the foods’ history and culture and recipes for their use. Pricing begins at USD 175 per shipment.
Offering up rare treasures—or, at the very least, versions of ordinary things that can't be found at Wal-Mart or Marks & Spencer—is right out of our lecture notes on the trend we like to call massclusivity. Rare food items have become snobmoddities (commodities that are special enough to have snob appeal), and massclusivity-minded consumers will pay a premium to get them. Retailers smart enough to offer them, meanwhile, could end up awash in rare treasures themselves.
More at:http://www.zingermans.com/
Via-UCB
RedesignMe.org--------Improves Your Products By Crowdsourcing
What Company Is Offering:
RedesignMe is a Dutch site that is putting crowdsourcing to work to refine and revise product designs of mass-produced consumer goods.
How It Works:
Consumers frustrated by mobile phones, coffee machines, or products of virtually any type can submit a photo or video of the product along with a description of what they think needs redesigning. One user, for example, complains about excessively sensitive buttons on his cell phone that frequently get pressed by accident; another describes an alarm clock that won't go off. Other users on the site can then submit suggestions for redesigning the product in question, with the option of using an online design tool to annotate pictures with post-it notes, text balloons and arrows. Users can rate each other's submissions and add comments, and prizes are awarded each month.
Where They Could Improve:
RedesignMe's site could use some refinement itself—navigation can be tricky—and it's not yet entirely clear how ideas generated there will translate into actual products on the market. But if the site continues to gain traction, smart consumer products companies and inventors will start paying attention, and maybe even start sponsoring it. After all, who needs expensive market research when consumers are right there, showing you what they want? And the obvious opportunity for entrepreneurs in other parts of the world is to set up their own versions of RedesignMe, focusing on products (and services!) sold locally.
More at: www.redesignme.org
Via-springwise
RedesignMe is a Dutch site that is putting crowdsourcing to work to refine and revise product designs of mass-produced consumer goods.
How It Works:
Consumers frustrated by mobile phones, coffee machines, or products of virtually any type can submit a photo or video of the product along with a description of what they think needs redesigning. One user, for example, complains about excessively sensitive buttons on his cell phone that frequently get pressed by accident; another describes an alarm clock that won't go off. Other users on the site can then submit suggestions for redesigning the product in question, with the option of using an online design tool to annotate pictures with post-it notes, text balloons and arrows. Users can rate each other's submissions and add comments, and prizes are awarded each month.
Where They Could Improve:
RedesignMe's site could use some refinement itself—navigation can be tricky—and it's not yet entirely clear how ideas generated there will translate into actual products on the market. But if the site continues to gain traction, smart consumer products companies and inventors will start paying attention, and maybe even start sponsoring it. After all, who needs expensive market research when consumers are right there, showing you what they want? And the obvious opportunity for entrepreneurs in other parts of the world is to set up their own versions of RedesignMe, focusing on products (and services!) sold locally.
More at: www.redesignme.org
Via-springwise
Visvo---first automatic classification system for Web content
What Company Is About:
Visvo is a Dallas based early stage company, that has engineered a significant advance in search technology which promises vastly improved search results for users and better qualified customers for advertisers.
How It Works:
Visvo's mission is to categorize the universe of content that exists on the web. Visvo has built the first automatic categorization search engine for web content. Visvo's search algorithms analyze, categorize and return the content of web pages that fit precisely what users are searching for. In search environments where words can have many meanings, Visvo's classification system distinguishes user intent to provide a richer user experience and better segmentation and a more valuable ad inventory.
Why Is It Different:
Visvo has built the first automatic classification system for Web content. With one click, Visvo's search algorithms analyze and categorize the content of web pages to fit precisely what users are searching for. This system determines not only what the user enters into the search box, but also determines what he or she actually means to find, improving relevance and eliminating frustration.
Visvo divides web content into major categories and subcategories that return highly focused results, eliminating irrelevant information. The Company's search algorithm is significantly better than PageRank algorithms and specialized vertical search algorithms
More at:http://www.visvo.com/
Visvo is a Dallas based early stage company, that has engineered a significant advance in search technology which promises vastly improved search results for users and better qualified customers for advertisers.
How It Works:
Visvo's mission is to categorize the universe of content that exists on the web. Visvo has built the first automatic categorization search engine for web content. Visvo's search algorithms analyze, categorize and return the content of web pages that fit precisely what users are searching for. In search environments where words can have many meanings, Visvo's classification system distinguishes user intent to provide a richer user experience and better segmentation and a more valuable ad inventory.
Why Is It Different:
Visvo has built the first automatic classification system for Web content. With one click, Visvo's search algorithms analyze and categorize the content of web pages to fit precisely what users are searching for. This system determines not only what the user enters into the search box, but also determines what he or she actually means to find, improving relevance and eliminating frustration.
Visvo divides web content into major categories and subcategories that return highly focused results, eliminating irrelevant information. The Company's search algorithm is significantly better than PageRank algorithms and specialized vertical search algorithms
More at:http://www.visvo.com/
Blogebrity--For Getting Popular In Blogging World
How Blogbrity Started:
Blogebrity was borne out of a simple need -- raw linkage. We entered a contest, we needed the most inbound links to win, and so we made a site that played off the ego-driven nature of the blogosphere to derive inbound links from the ego-stoking of the most active bloggers out there.
At that point, Blogebrity was a simple site made by simple people that explored the daily travails and "navel-gazing" world of the Blogosphere.
Today we have evolved from the days of a closed invite-only list, to a fully democratic popularity algorithm and ranking community. We want Blogebrity to be community driven, and iterative on a continuing basis -- by contributing today, you help shape how each and every blogger's popularity is perceived.
How It Works:
Simply enter your site into their Blogebrity submit form and sit back and watch your popularity soar (or nose dive) as people add you to their A, B, C, or D list. They've built the Blogebrity List to mirror real-world blog success as much as possible. And as with any blogging success, it mostly comes down to writing good, original content regularly.
But it certainly doesn't hurt pass your profile link page along and get others to vote for you too. The Blogebrity List is 100% community driven, so your destiny is in truly your own hands.
More at:http://blogebrity.com/
Blogebrity was borne out of a simple need -- raw linkage. We entered a contest, we needed the most inbound links to win, and so we made a site that played off the ego-driven nature of the blogosphere to derive inbound links from the ego-stoking of the most active bloggers out there.
At that point, Blogebrity was a simple site made by simple people that explored the daily travails and "navel-gazing" world of the Blogosphere.
Today we have evolved from the days of a closed invite-only list, to a fully democratic popularity algorithm and ranking community. We want Blogebrity to be community driven, and iterative on a continuing basis -- by contributing today, you help shape how each and every blogger's popularity is perceived.
How It Works:
Simply enter your site into their Blogebrity submit form and sit back and watch your popularity soar (or nose dive) as people add you to their A, B, C, or D list. They've built the Blogebrity List to mirror real-world blog success as much as possible. And as with any blogging success, it mostly comes down to writing good, original content regularly.
But it certainly doesn't hurt pass your profile link page along and get others to vote for you too. The Blogebrity List is 100% community driven, so your destiny is in truly your own hands.
More at:http://blogebrity.com/
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