The Future of Web Apps (Miami, Feb 28 - Mar 1 2008), is offering a 25% discount for registering early. The discount will run out when a preset amount tickets have been sold, so don’t delay. This is FOWA’s first time on the East Coast of the United States.
FOWA brings together web visionaries to discuss the technologies, platforms, and business models that will launch the next generation of successful web apps. Already confirmed to speak are Google, Twitter, Plaxo and Ning, with others to be announced soon. The agenda will include the future of web apps beyond the browser, launching a web app in 40 minutes, the problem with social networks, and the future of APIs.
There are also 50 $95 passes being awarded to startups for the conference. You need to be a sole trader or small company, with a URL (proof of your start-up status). Please email Mel Kirk with your credentials to apply for a start-up pass.
More at:http://futureofwebapps.com/
Link--Mashable
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
AfterVote---Search Socially
What Company is offering:
They are applying principle to search results without having to go through all that work of clicking buttons to vote for a site’s “coolness”. Here’s a example. You do a search for “Social Search Engine” and you click the first result. It’s not what you were looking for at all, and is therefore not a useful result for your query. You press the back button and try result #2. Voila! You found exactly what you are looking for. But it’s more than that. Younanimous is analyzing these results and has cast a vote for you, automatically, saying that result #1 wasn’t what you wanted, but #2 was. If you do however find a awesome site, You can manually vote for it as well.
How It Works:
Ever find sites that never have the info you want, but are always at the top of the serps? Yes, we are looking at you Experts-Exchange.com… Well, now you can blacklist pages or entire domains from showing up in your listings, No more crap! And say goodbye to spam. With a “Spam!” Tag, you can help eliminate bogus results from the serps one spam site at a time.
Dont take our word for it, try this. Do a Google, MSN, or Yahoo search for a common spammer term. Viagra would be a good test. Look at how on these engines, spam just takes up all the spots. Now try it on Younanimous. You will be hard pressed to find anything unofficial, and thats why Younanimous works.Another cool thing is that you don’t need a account to enjoy all the awesomeness of Younanimous. It’s all stored in a cookie! Of course, you can create one if you want to, and share your settings at work and gramma’s house, but it’s totally up to you!
How They Decide Ranks:
They take the results from the 3 major search engines, (Google, Yahoo, MSN) Taking into account their current rankings. We then weight them against our own database to see what our users have said about where positions should be, and apply that weight to the results. Sometimes users have their own custom algorithm, and in that case you choose how to rank the results, not us.
More at:http://www.aftervote.com/
They are applying principle to search results without having to go through all that work of clicking buttons to vote for a site’s “coolness”. Here’s a example. You do a search for “Social Search Engine” and you click the first result. It’s not what you were looking for at all, and is therefore not a useful result for your query. You press the back button and try result #2. Voila! You found exactly what you are looking for. But it’s more than that. Younanimous is analyzing these results and has cast a vote for you, automatically, saying that result #1 wasn’t what you wanted, but #2 was. If you do however find a awesome site, You can manually vote for it as well.
How It Works:
Ever find sites that never have the info you want, but are always at the top of the serps? Yes, we are looking at you Experts-Exchange.com… Well, now you can blacklist pages or entire domains from showing up in your listings, No more crap! And say goodbye to spam. With a “Spam!” Tag, you can help eliminate bogus results from the serps one spam site at a time.
Dont take our word for it, try this. Do a Google, MSN, or Yahoo search for a common spammer term. Viagra would be a good test. Look at how on these engines, spam just takes up all the spots. Now try it on Younanimous. You will be hard pressed to find anything unofficial, and thats why Younanimous works.Another cool thing is that you don’t need a account to enjoy all the awesomeness of Younanimous. It’s all stored in a cookie! Of course, you can create one if you want to, and share your settings at work and gramma’s house, but it’s totally up to you!
How They Decide Ranks:
They take the results from the 3 major search engines, (Google, Yahoo, MSN) Taking into account their current rankings. We then weight them against our own database to see what our users have said about where positions should be, and apply that weight to the results. Sometimes users have their own custom algorithm, and in that case you choose how to rank the results, not us.
More at:http://www.aftervote.com/
Dawdle matches buyers and sellers of video games, systems, and accessories
What Company Is Offering:
Dawdle matches buyers and sellers of video games, systems, and accessories. They make it easier to bid for items and list items for sale, automatically matching buyers and sellers, so that buyers get what they want sooner and sellers get paid faster. Their goal is to make it easier and less stressful to do business online, so you can game more.
How It Works:
Dawdle was created by gamers to address gamer-specific needs when buying and selling video games, gaming systems and accessories online. The site provides an easy-to-use and risk-free online platform that dynamically matches buyers' needs to items sellers have available. Dawdle offers users an easier, quicker, and hassle-free alternative to buying and selling new and used interactive entertainment products online. Dawdle is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
More at:http://www.dawdle.com/
Dawdle matches buyers and sellers of video games, systems, and accessories. They make it easier to bid for items and list items for sale, automatically matching buyers and sellers, so that buyers get what they want sooner and sellers get paid faster. Their goal is to make it easier and less stressful to do business online, so you can game more.
How It Works:
Dawdle was created by gamers to address gamer-specific needs when buying and selling video games, gaming systems and accessories online. The site provides an easy-to-use and risk-free online platform that dynamically matches buyers' needs to items sellers have available. Dawdle offers users an easier, quicker, and hassle-free alternative to buying and selling new and used interactive entertainment products online. Dawdle is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
More at:http://www.dawdle.com/
Kiptronic allowing media customers to manage, measure and monetize their video and audio assets
What Company is Offering:
Kiptronic is the leader in downloadable media services. Their Media Services Platform is a workflow and ad serving solution allowing media customers to manage, measure and monetize their video and audio assets.
How It Works:
The Kiptronic Media Services Platform with ExpressMatch technology provides customers with a seamless way to add advertising and management services to new and archived video and audio files at the point-of-download without changing publishing processes.
Key partnerships with rich media content delivery networks enable content publishers to simply turn on our services to manage and measure large ad campaigns.
Kiptronic’s technology can deliver ads across a wide variety of Internet technology mediums, offering a key value-added service to any digital media strategy.
Who Is behind The Site:
The genesis of Kiptronic leads to one individual, Founder and Chief Technology Officer Jonathan Cobb. Since the mid-1990s, Cobb has been interested in creating technologies to power online media.
As General Manager of KWUR 90.3 FM in St. Louis, Cobb developed an early Internet audio streaming system in 1996, helping his college station attract a larger audience and realize the global power and reach of the Web.
Why It Could Work:
The consumer gains control of their media consumption experience and advertisers can extend their brand.
Their technology flexibility has allowed them to develop a unique and powerful set of industry partnerships that provide their customers with the tools they need to make downloadable media a prominent part of their digital strategies.
More at:http://www2.kiptronic.com/
Kiptronic is the leader in downloadable media services. Their Media Services Platform is a workflow and ad serving solution allowing media customers to manage, measure and monetize their video and audio assets.
How It Works:
The Kiptronic Media Services Platform with ExpressMatch technology provides customers with a seamless way to add advertising and management services to new and archived video and audio files at the point-of-download without changing publishing processes.
Key partnerships with rich media content delivery networks enable content publishers to simply turn on our services to manage and measure large ad campaigns.
Kiptronic’s technology can deliver ads across a wide variety of Internet technology mediums, offering a key value-added service to any digital media strategy.
Who Is behind The Site:
The genesis of Kiptronic leads to one individual, Founder and Chief Technology Officer Jonathan Cobb. Since the mid-1990s, Cobb has been interested in creating technologies to power online media.
As General Manager of KWUR 90.3 FM in St. Louis, Cobb developed an early Internet audio streaming system in 1996, helping his college station attract a larger audience and realize the global power and reach of the Web.
Why It Could Work:
The consumer gains control of their media consumption experience and advertisers can extend their brand.
Their technology flexibility has allowed them to develop a unique and powerful set of industry partnerships that provide their customers with the tools they need to make downloadable media a prominent part of their digital strategies.
More at:http://www2.kiptronic.com/
TinselVision For Bollywood movies and soaps for as low as $1.99--Got VCs Funding
What Company is Offering:
Bollywood movies and soaps for as low as $1.99. Subscription packages from $9.99 a month. Now combining the choice of video-on-demand with the power of the web.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They have secured terms for an inside, up-round for Series B financing, led by its current largest investor, Innovative Entertainment Limited (IEL). Company sources confirm the amount of the Series B round exceeds the Series A funding level of US$3MM, and establishes the company's pre-launch, post-money valuation at nearly US$20MM.
Why They Are Raising More Fund:
Explaining the reasons for accelerated funding, a spokesman for the company's finance group notes "management has soundly navigated the early capital and content risk phases of the business and, has a growing appetite to extend these early gains." Its finance team sought and readily obtained acceleration capital in advance of previously planned growth capital. The venture will deploy its deep access to liquidity to implement its tested tactics for infrastructure, distribution and services launch.
More at:http://www.tinselcinema.com/
Bollywood movies and soaps for as low as $1.99. Subscription packages from $9.99 a month. Now combining the choice of video-on-demand with the power of the web.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They have secured terms for an inside, up-round for Series B financing, led by its current largest investor, Innovative Entertainment Limited (IEL). Company sources confirm the amount of the Series B round exceeds the Series A funding level of US$3MM, and establishes the company's pre-launch, post-money valuation at nearly US$20MM.
Why They Are Raising More Fund:
Explaining the reasons for accelerated funding, a spokesman for the company's finance group notes "management has soundly navigated the early capital and content risk phases of the business and, has a growing appetite to extend these early gains." Its finance team sought and readily obtained acceleration capital in advance of previously planned growth capital. The venture will deploy its deep access to liquidity to implement its tested tactics for infrastructure, distribution and services launch.
More at:http://www.tinselcinema.com/
DoublePositive -- Sales Leads Generations Solution Got $4 Million in venture funding
What Company Is Offering:
DoublePositive was founded on the belief that the traditional method of buying "leads" as a marketing solution had become costly and inefficient. DoublePositive's LIVE Hot Transfers out-perform other lead generation solutions because every DoublePositive lead passing through a DOUBLEconfirm™ process, which delivers LIVE, interested consumers who have the highest probability of converting into a sale. DoublePositive specializes in LIVE mortgage leads, debt settlement leads, education leads, insurance leads, automotive leads and real estate leads.
How Much They Got From VCs:
DoublePositive Marketing Group, Inc. ,the industry leader in LIVE Hot Transfer Leads for sales organizations, got an additional $4 Million in venture funding. The financing will help fuel DoublePositive's growth by increasing sales and marketing efforts and expand the business into new vertical markets and offerings.Several new investors, as well as all of DoublePositive's previous investors, participated in the round. New institutional investors participating in the round include Hamilton Investment Partners, Southern Capitol Ventures and Slate Venture Group.
Frank Bonsal, co-founder of New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and former General Partner at Alex Brown, and Dave Willey, former Chief Financial Officer of Capital One, also participated in the round as individual investors.
How They Will Use Fund:
This fundraising will help solidify our position as the leading LIVE lead generation company by allowing us to focus on diversification into new markets," said Sean Fenlon, DoublePositive's co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. "We're absolutely thrilled about what our new investors will bring to the table with their experience and knowledge in building strong companies with dominant position."
A leader in the live leads space, DoublePositive continues to provide a cost-effective and time-saving marketing solution for companies seeking the highest ROI from their marketing and advertising dollars.
How Is It Different:
Sales professionals are also able to access the original lead data using a standard web browser via our client extranet simultaneous to receiving the live call transfer. Thus, a 100% contact rate is inherent in our program. As a result of our second layer of screening/qualifying beyond a consumer’s initial expression of interest (our DoubleConfirm™ process), sales professionals speak live with consumers who have the highest probability of converting into a sale.
By introducing their innovative new marketing concept, DoublePositive has become the immediate leader in next-generation Online Marketing solutions.
More at:http://www.doublepositive.com/
DoublePositive was founded on the belief that the traditional method of buying "leads" as a marketing solution had become costly and inefficient. DoublePositive's LIVE Hot Transfers out-perform other lead generation solutions because every DoublePositive lead passing through a DOUBLEconfirm™ process, which delivers LIVE, interested consumers who have the highest probability of converting into a sale. DoublePositive specializes in LIVE mortgage leads, debt settlement leads, education leads, insurance leads, automotive leads and real estate leads.
How Much They Got From VCs:
DoublePositive Marketing Group, Inc. ,the industry leader in LIVE Hot Transfer Leads for sales organizations, got an additional $4 Million in venture funding. The financing will help fuel DoublePositive's growth by increasing sales and marketing efforts and expand the business into new vertical markets and offerings.Several new investors, as well as all of DoublePositive's previous investors, participated in the round. New institutional investors participating in the round include Hamilton Investment Partners, Southern Capitol Ventures and Slate Venture Group.
Frank Bonsal, co-founder of New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and former General Partner at Alex Brown, and Dave Willey, former Chief Financial Officer of Capital One, also participated in the round as individual investors.
How They Will Use Fund:
This fundraising will help solidify our position as the leading LIVE lead generation company by allowing us to focus on diversification into new markets," said Sean Fenlon, DoublePositive's co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. "We're absolutely thrilled about what our new investors will bring to the table with their experience and knowledge in building strong companies with dominant position."
A leader in the live leads space, DoublePositive continues to provide a cost-effective and time-saving marketing solution for companies seeking the highest ROI from their marketing and advertising dollars.
How Is It Different:
Sales professionals are also able to access the original lead data using a standard web browser via our client extranet simultaneous to receiving the live call transfer. Thus, a 100% contact rate is inherent in our program. As a result of our second layer of screening/qualifying beyond a consumer’s initial expression of interest (our DoubleConfirm™ process), sales professionals speak live with consumers who have the highest probability of converting into a sale.
By introducing their innovative new marketing concept, DoublePositive has become the immediate leader in next-generation Online Marketing solutions.
More at:http://www.doublepositive.com/
Vaestro is audio forum
What Company Is Offering:
Vaestro is audio forum software that you can use on your web site for free. Talk to your friends, host interactive podcasts, or use it like an audio blog. Use it anytime you need to communicate with groups of people small or large. With Vaestro, everyone has a chance to speak and be heard. Our software is built to solve many problems with other methods of communication. In fact, it is built to become a new paradigm in mass media.
How It Works:
Adding Vaestro to your site is easy; simply a matter of cutting and pasting the provided HTML snippets; Vaestro will then appear as a button on your site which links directly to the forum. Once a visitor is in the forum, he or she will be able to have his or her voice heard across an unlimited audience; Vaestro doesn’t cap the number of participants in a forum. If you are the master of a Vaestro forum (called a “channel”, you’ll have access to recordings of old conversation and have the ability to control who talks and for how long; you can change speakers somewhat like you would change channels with a remote. Anyone can create a channel as long as you register.
More at:http://vaestro.com/
Vaestro is audio forum software that you can use on your web site for free. Talk to your friends, host interactive podcasts, or use it like an audio blog. Use it anytime you need to communicate with groups of people small or large. With Vaestro, everyone has a chance to speak and be heard. Our software is built to solve many problems with other methods of communication. In fact, it is built to become a new paradigm in mass media.
How It Works:
Adding Vaestro to your site is easy; simply a matter of cutting and pasting the provided HTML snippets; Vaestro will then appear as a button on your site which links directly to the forum. Once a visitor is in the forum, he or she will be able to have his or her voice heard across an unlimited audience; Vaestro doesn’t cap the number of participants in a forum. If you are the master of a Vaestro forum (called a “channel”, you’ll have access to recordings of old conversation and have the ability to control who talks and for how long; you can change speakers somewhat like you would change channels with a remote. Anyone can create a channel as long as you register.
More at:http://vaestro.com/
OfficeTechDeals---Find Office Helpful Electronics
What Company Is Offering:
OfficeTechDeals will help you quickly and easily find great deals on the Computers, Monitors, Printers, Networking Gear, Software, Scanners, Copiers, Fax Machines, and Cell Phones you need.OfficeTechDeals is a useful search engine for anyone in need of cheap new electronics and/or office supplies. Since it only sponsors searches and doesn’t sell the products themselves, OfficeTechDeals is able to produce a broad range of products and prices from all sorts of different sales sites across the internet.
How It Works:
OfficeTechDeals lets you do exactly that; browse for good deals on office tech products, including laptops, cellular phones, printers, scanners, fax machines, etc. You can search OfficeTechDeal’s database by keyword or category. Also present on this site is an article section, where you can read the latest in tech news. The database of articles is also searchable, though only by keyword. Keep in mind that if you’re looking to buy something, OfficeTechDeals doesn’t sell the items directly; results are pulled from across the internet, including auction sites like eBay.
More at:http://www.officetechdeals.com/
OfficeTechDeals will help you quickly and easily find great deals on the Computers, Monitors, Printers, Networking Gear, Software, Scanners, Copiers, Fax Machines, and Cell Phones you need.OfficeTechDeals is a useful search engine for anyone in need of cheap new electronics and/or office supplies. Since it only sponsors searches and doesn’t sell the products themselves, OfficeTechDeals is able to produce a broad range of products and prices from all sorts of different sales sites across the internet.
How It Works:
OfficeTechDeals lets you do exactly that; browse for good deals on office tech products, including laptops, cellular phones, printers, scanners, fax machines, etc. You can search OfficeTechDeal’s database by keyword or category. Also present on this site is an article section, where you can read the latest in tech news. The database of articles is also searchable, though only by keyword. Keep in mind that if you’re looking to buy something, OfficeTechDeals doesn’t sell the items directly; results are pulled from across the internet, including auction sites like eBay.
More at:http://www.officetechdeals.com/
MediaMax---Free Online Storage
What Company is Offering:
MediaMax, powered by Streamload, gives you a private and secure place to upload, store, access, and share your personal videos, photos, movies, music, and files.
How It Works:
Store files securely on the web. Get 25 GBs of FREE online storage.
Access your files from any web browser.
Share all your files quickly and easily, without file size restrictions.
Host videos, audio, images and more on the web.
Backup your files and data safely and reliably.
More at:http://www.mediamax.com/
MediaMax, powered by Streamload, gives you a private and secure place to upload, store, access, and share your personal videos, photos, movies, music, and files.
How It Works:
Store files securely on the web. Get 25 GBs of FREE online storage.
Access your files from any web browser.
Share all your files quickly and easily, without file size restrictions.
Host videos, audio, images and more on the web.
Backup your files and data safely and reliably.
More at:http://www.mediamax.com/
Flux---Social Distribution Platform for Media Publishers
What Company is Offering:
If your website has fresh content, and if you want to increase important site metrics such as page views, time spent, and repeat visitors, then you should get in Flux. Flux will help you distribute your content across the social web, while leading new users back to your site.
How It Works:
Once users have discovered your site, Flux offers social tools like member profiles, videos, photos, guestbook comments and more, keeping them engaged and improving your site metrics. Flux can also help you increase your CPM’s and attract the best advertisers for your content.Flux offers 3 ways to get started: fShare, Flux Lite, Flux Custom.
Adding the fShare widget code to your site puts an fShare button next to your site’s videos, photos, and blogs. Now your visitors can distribute your content across the social web, while preserving your branding and attribution – increasing traffic and engagement on your site.
More at:http://www.flux.com/
If your website has fresh content, and if you want to increase important site metrics such as page views, time spent, and repeat visitors, then you should get in Flux. Flux will help you distribute your content across the social web, while leading new users back to your site.
How It Works:
Once users have discovered your site, Flux offers social tools like member profiles, videos, photos, guestbook comments and more, keeping them engaged and improving your site metrics. Flux can also help you increase your CPM’s and attract the best advertisers for your content.Flux offers 3 ways to get started: fShare, Flux Lite, Flux Custom.
Adding the fShare widget code to your site puts an fShare button next to your site’s videos, photos, and blogs. Now your visitors can distribute your content across the social web, while preserving your branding and attribution – increasing traffic and engagement on your site.
More at:http://www.flux.com/
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Realius.com----Fantasy Real estate games
What Company is About:
Realius, a San Francisco Bay Area start-up is,the Real Estate Gamester , online real-estate fantasy games.Games driven by real world places, homes and people,
fun, quick and easy, complete with expert advice to perfect your game.
How It Works:
Users can guess the asking prices of homes for sale, then see their accuracy ranking. Major League Investor lets them assemble property portfolios to make imaginary profits. And Fantasy Flip urges housing addicts to upload photos of their own homes and solicit guesses of how much an improvement will increase their value.
With home prices slumping nationally, it seems an odd time to roll out a real-estate game. But Teller has already lined up brokers eager to boost Web traffic and snag clients. "America is obsessed with real estate," he says, pointing to HGTV addicts. If he's right, online goof-offs may soon find a new home.
More at:http://www.realius.com/
Realius, a San Francisco Bay Area start-up is,the Real Estate Gamester , online real-estate fantasy games.Games driven by real world places, homes and people,
fun, quick and easy, complete with expert advice to perfect your game.
How It Works:
Users can guess the asking prices of homes for sale, then see their accuracy ranking. Major League Investor lets them assemble property portfolios to make imaginary profits. And Fantasy Flip urges housing addicts to upload photos of their own homes and solicit guesses of how much an improvement will increase their value.
With home prices slumping nationally, it seems an odd time to roll out a real-estate game. But Teller has already lined up brokers eager to boost Web traffic and snag clients. "America is obsessed with real estate," he says, pointing to HGTV addicts. If he's right, online goof-offs may soon find a new home.
More at:http://www.realius.com/
Programmer Meet Designers
What Company is Offering:
This site is created to unite programmers and designers because rarely is a person good at both programming and designing. PMD helps programmers and designers partner up to make websites and web applications that look and work great.
Now content writers and entrepreneurs can also join up to find people to work with.
How It Works:
If you are a programmer looking for a designer to help you with one job, you would create a listing with the appropriate info. Then, designers would come by your listing and if they are interested, they will make an offer. Basically, an offer is them saying "I'd like to do this job". However, they may also have any questions, such as "Do I have to use Photoshop?" or "Can I get paid a little more?". Check your offers once in a while. If you see an offer that you like (i.e. you look at the designers portfolio and you like it), you click "Accept Offer". Then you may choose to trade emails or IM usernames with your partner or use this site for communication.
Its especially for:
* Programmers/Web Developers.
* Graphic/Interface Designers.
* Content Writers.
* Web Entrepreneurs.
More at:programmermeetdesigner.com/
This site is created to unite programmers and designers because rarely is a person good at both programming and designing. PMD helps programmers and designers partner up to make websites and web applications that look and work great.
Now content writers and entrepreneurs can also join up to find people to work with.
How It Works:
If you are a programmer looking for a designer to help you with one job, you would create a listing with the appropriate info. Then, designers would come by your listing and if they are interested, they will make an offer. Basically, an offer is them saying "I'd like to do this job". However, they may also have any questions, such as "Do I have to use Photoshop?" or "Can I get paid a little more?". Check your offers once in a while. If you see an offer that you like (i.e. you look at the designers portfolio and you like it), you click "Accept Offer". Then you may choose to trade emails or IM usernames with your partner or use this site for communication.
Its especially for:
* Programmers/Web Developers.
* Graphic/Interface Designers.
* Content Writers.
* Web Entrepreneurs.
More at:programmermeetdesigner.com/
Clever Hippo is a search engine for applications and widgets
What Company is Offering:
Clever Hippo is a search engine for applications and widgets. Their mission is to make it easier to find apps and widgets for whatever you're into. With the Clever Hippo application search you can search the thousands of applications that are available for your social network, mobile device, blog, home page, and desktop.
How It Works:
To find the most popular applications on Clever Hippo. Sort your search results by popularity to find the most popular apps.
It's also easy to voice your opinion. Click the Clever link (below the orange rating box) to vote-up your favorite apps.
Click the Add your App or Widget at the top of the page and follow the instructions.
To add your app you will need to provide a URL where our users can find and download your widget or app. That location can be a widget directory, your blog, or your website.
More at:http://www.cleverhippo.org/
Clever Hippo is a search engine for applications and widgets. Their mission is to make it easier to find apps and widgets for whatever you're into. With the Clever Hippo application search you can search the thousands of applications that are available for your social network, mobile device, blog, home page, and desktop.
How It Works:
To find the most popular applications on Clever Hippo. Sort your search results by popularity to find the most popular apps.
It's also easy to voice your opinion. Click the Clever link (below the orange rating box) to vote-up your favorite apps.
Click the Add your App or Widget at the top of the page and follow the instructions.
To add your app you will need to provide a URL where our users can find and download your widget or app. That location can be a widget directory, your blog, or your website.
More at:http://www.cleverhippo.org/
With YouMonitor.Us, everyone monitors each other
What Company is Offering:
With YouMonitor.Us, everyone monitors each other. When your site is down or slow to respond, you'll know about it right away. That's an added security to know that your website is up and running and its business as usual.
The peer to peer website monitoring technology delivers a unique, global insight into how your website is responding to an ever-changing assortment of users in locations all over the world, right now, in real time. You'll know immediately if your site is down, and you'll have tools to fine tune how your site appears to respond to visitors from all over the world. Their basic services are entirely free, and while we will add pay services at the end of our public beta, they will always provide a robust and comprehensive collection of monitoring services free of charge, to anyone with a website.
How It Works:
YouMonitor will monitor it in exchange for participating and using their services. YouMonitor will in turn examine your site from the end user’s view point, report downtimes and speed, and tell you where and when your web alerts occur. All information is reported using easy to read and professional looking charts and graphs. Addititonally, you’ll get instant alerts should your website become unreachable or experience abnormal response times, 24x7 monitoring, and two modes of operation. There’s a free two week trial service. After that you can continue to use YouMonitor’s services by joining the free peer to peer network.
More at:http://youmonitor.us/
With YouMonitor.Us, everyone monitors each other. When your site is down or slow to respond, you'll know about it right away. That's an added security to know that your website is up and running and its business as usual.
The peer to peer website monitoring technology delivers a unique, global insight into how your website is responding to an ever-changing assortment of users in locations all over the world, right now, in real time. You'll know immediately if your site is down, and you'll have tools to fine tune how your site appears to respond to visitors from all over the world. Their basic services are entirely free, and while we will add pay services at the end of our public beta, they will always provide a robust and comprehensive collection of monitoring services free of charge, to anyone with a website.
How It Works:
YouMonitor will monitor it in exchange for participating and using their services. YouMonitor will in turn examine your site from the end user’s view point, report downtimes and speed, and tell you where and when your web alerts occur. All information is reported using easy to read and professional looking charts and graphs. Addititonally, you’ll get instant alerts should your website become unreachable or experience abnormal response times, 24x7 monitoring, and two modes of operation. There’s a free two week trial service. After that you can continue to use YouMonitor’s services by joining the free peer to peer network.
More at:http://youmonitor.us/
USF ,a boutique financial services firm for high-end financial advisors got $9 million in VC funding
What Company Is Offering:
USF ,a boutique financial services firm for high-end financial advisors.It helps financial advisors and financial institutions manage the complex needs of wealthy clients. The company's client base includes high-end financial advisors who seek to move toward more fee-based services and are interested in providing objective and sophisticated investment advice. USF supports a total of 120 financial advisors with an integrated offering of technology, operations, and compliance services with managed account, broker dealer, and alternative investment solutions.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $9 million in VC funding from firms like Advantage Capital Partners and Inter-Atlantic Group.
About VCs:
1.Advantage Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on investing in promising companies in connection with federal, state and local economic development efforts. With offices in Austin, New Orleans, St. Louis and other cities, Advantage has raised more than $800 million in institutional venture capital since 1992 and invested in companies located in geographic areas underserved by traditional venture capital. For more information: www.advantagecap.com .
More at:http://www.usfiduciary.com/
USF ,a boutique financial services firm for high-end financial advisors.It helps financial advisors and financial institutions manage the complex needs of wealthy clients. The company's client base includes high-end financial advisors who seek to move toward more fee-based services and are interested in providing objective and sophisticated investment advice. USF supports a total of 120 financial advisors with an integrated offering of technology, operations, and compliance services with managed account, broker dealer, and alternative investment solutions.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $9 million in VC funding from firms like Advantage Capital Partners and Inter-Atlantic Group.
About VCs:
1.Advantage Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on investing in promising companies in connection with federal, state and local economic development efforts. With offices in Austin, New Orleans, St. Louis and other cities, Advantage has raised more than $800 million in institutional venture capital since 1992 and invested in companies located in geographic areas underserved by traditional venture capital. For more information: www.advantagecap.com .
More at:http://www.usfiduciary.com/
MobiMate --a leading provider of travel services for mobile devices gotfinancing led by Motorola Ventures
What Company is Offering:
MobiMate Ltd, a leading provider of travel services for mobile devices.
MobiMate's WorldMate Live is a mobile travel service that supports travelers by providing information and transaction capabilities on their mobile devices and PCs. The service includes a web 2.0 travel planning site and a mobile application to provide real-time, on-the-road travel support. With the ability to import travel booking information from third party travel providers, WorldMate allows for a simplified and seamless travel experience for users on-the-go.
How It Works:
Its best-selling WorldMate service offers an easy-to-use application that automatically delivers valuable content and services to users' cell phones, turning their mobile devices into a personal travel assistant. Removing stress and paperwork from the travel experience while saving time and money, it puts the traveler's itinerary alongside flight status updates, flight schedules, weather, forecasts and currency information in subscribers' hands in real-time
How Much They Got From VCs:
They completed of a round of financing led by Motorola Ventures, the strategic venture capital arm of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT). Motorola, Inc. joins MobiMate's current investor group which includes John Sculley, former CEO of Apple Computer; serial entrepreneur Richard Rosenblatt, investment banker Michael Price of Evercore Partners, Michael Targoff, CEO of Loral Space & Communications and several other prominent industry veterans.
More at:http://www.mobimate.com/
MobiMate Ltd, a leading provider of travel services for mobile devices.
MobiMate's WorldMate Live is a mobile travel service that supports travelers by providing information and transaction capabilities on their mobile devices and PCs. The service includes a web 2.0 travel planning site and a mobile application to provide real-time, on-the-road travel support. With the ability to import travel booking information from third party travel providers, WorldMate allows for a simplified and seamless travel experience for users on-the-go.
How It Works:
Its best-selling WorldMate service offers an easy-to-use application that automatically delivers valuable content and services to users' cell phones, turning their mobile devices into a personal travel assistant. Removing stress and paperwork from the travel experience while saving time and money, it puts the traveler's itinerary alongside flight status updates, flight schedules, weather, forecasts and currency information in subscribers' hands in real-time
How Much They Got From VCs:
They completed of a round of financing led by Motorola Ventures, the strategic venture capital arm of Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT). Motorola, Inc. joins MobiMate's current investor group which includes John Sculley, former CEO of Apple Computer; serial entrepreneur Richard Rosenblatt, investment banker Michael Price of Evercore Partners, Michael Targoff, CEO of Loral Space & Communications and several other prominent industry veterans.
More at:http://www.mobimate.com/
Skyscanner--The First Flight Search Engine Got £2.5 million In VCs Funding
What Company is Offering:
Skyscanner, has developed innovative proprietary search engine technology which already allows consumers to obtain instant online comparisons on fares from more than 180 airlines to more than 5,000 destinations.It plans to become the first flight search engine in the world to cover every scheduled flight, including budget and chartered airlines as well as major carriers. The website www.skyscanner.net which is free to use, is already generating profits and attracting around one million price enquiries a day.
How it Works:
Skyscanner operates a flexible easy-to-use system, allowing users to browse fare and flight information without having to specify their date of travel. It does not sell tickets but has direct links with airlines’ websites, removing the need to re-enter data. It offers a Multi-Hop flight search facility and suggestions for short and longer break destinations.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got £2.5 million first round funding package from leading venture capital group Scottish Equity Partners (SEP) to expand its rapidly-growing air travel site into the world’s most comprehensive easy-to-use flight search engine.
What VCs Says:
“Skyscanner has the potential to become a world leader in the travel sector which is one of the web’s hottest consumer transaction areas. The company has a talented management team, underpinned by smart technology and a highly scaleable business model.”
How is It Different:
Skyscanner already has commercial links with the majority of European airlines and is now targeting global coverage. The company is preparing for rapid growth as more routes are added to its database which displays search results in 20 different languages.
More at:http://www.skyscanner.net/
Skyscanner, has developed innovative proprietary search engine technology which already allows consumers to obtain instant online comparisons on fares from more than 180 airlines to more than 5,000 destinations.It plans to become the first flight search engine in the world to cover every scheduled flight, including budget and chartered airlines as well as major carriers. The website www.skyscanner.net which is free to use, is already generating profits and attracting around one million price enquiries a day.
How it Works:
Skyscanner operates a flexible easy-to-use system, allowing users to browse fare and flight information without having to specify their date of travel. It does not sell tickets but has direct links with airlines’ websites, removing the need to re-enter data. It offers a Multi-Hop flight search facility and suggestions for short and longer break destinations.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got £2.5 million first round funding package from leading venture capital group Scottish Equity Partners (SEP) to expand its rapidly-growing air travel site into the world’s most comprehensive easy-to-use flight search engine.
What VCs Says:
“Skyscanner has the potential to become a world leader in the travel sector which is one of the web’s hottest consumer transaction areas. The company has a talented management team, underpinned by smart technology and a highly scaleable business model.”
How is It Different:
Skyscanner already has commercial links with the majority of European airlines and is now targeting global coverage. The company is preparing for rapid growth as more routes are added to its database which displays search results in 20 different languages.
More at:http://www.skyscanner.net/
Fortisphere got $10 million in series A round funding by Fairhaven Capital Partners and Globespan Capital Partners
What Company is Offering:
Fortisphere is a leading provider of virtual machine lifecycle management software that facilitates the rapid expansion of virtual infrastructures through greater visibility, granular control, and best practices.Fortisphere is built on a culture of creativity, technological rigor, and market innovation. Unique among its peers, Fortisphere has created patent-pending solutions that were built expressly to address the operational challenges associated with virtualization.
How It Works:
Fortisphere empowers enterprises to more intelligently grow their virtual machine deployments by providing the visibility, granular control and best practices required to ensure virtualized environments operate efficiently, effectively and securely. By tracking, reporting and managing both online and offline virtual machines, Fortisphere helps accelerate virtualization adoption.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $10 million in series A round funding. The round was co-led by Fairhaven Capital Partners and Globespan Capital Partners.
How They Will Use Funding:
The company will use the funding to further product development, grow its sales team and increase its market visibility.
IDC predicts that the virtualization market will reach $11.7 billion over the next four years and that by the end of this year, about half of the world's 4.2 million servers will be virtualized," said Paul L. Ciriello, managing partner, Fairhaven Capital Partners. "While this dramatic growth has resulted in cost and operational gains for companies, it has also triggered a need for data center management tools purpose-built for virtualized environments. Fortisphere fills this urgent market need by providing a unique means for organizations to more efficiently manage their virtual machine deployments."
More at:http://www.fortisphere.com/
Fortisphere is a leading provider of virtual machine lifecycle management software that facilitates the rapid expansion of virtual infrastructures through greater visibility, granular control, and best practices.Fortisphere is built on a culture of creativity, technological rigor, and market innovation. Unique among its peers, Fortisphere has created patent-pending solutions that were built expressly to address the operational challenges associated with virtualization.
How It Works:
Fortisphere empowers enterprises to more intelligently grow their virtual machine deployments by providing the visibility, granular control and best practices required to ensure virtualized environments operate efficiently, effectively and securely. By tracking, reporting and managing both online and offline virtual machines, Fortisphere helps accelerate virtualization adoption.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They got $10 million in series A round funding. The round was co-led by Fairhaven Capital Partners and Globespan Capital Partners.
How They Will Use Funding:
The company will use the funding to further product development, grow its sales team and increase its market visibility.
IDC predicts that the virtualization market will reach $11.7 billion over the next four years and that by the end of this year, about half of the world's 4.2 million servers will be virtualized," said Paul L. Ciriello, managing partner, Fairhaven Capital Partners. "While this dramatic growth has resulted in cost and operational gains for companies, it has also triggered a need for data center management tools purpose-built for virtualized environments. Fortisphere fills this urgent market need by providing a unique means for organizations to more efficiently manage their virtual machine deployments."
More at:http://www.fortisphere.com/
SnapYap.com---Instant Video Calling
What Company is Offering:
At SnapYap.com, video conferencing and messaging is accessible to computer users of all levels. All you need is an internet connection and a webcam, and you too can experience the excitement of video communication.
How it Works:
As a SnapYapTM user, you can:
Participate in live video calls in your browser .
Send and receive video messages .
Embed the SnapYapTM application directly into your webpage to record video messages .
Instantly connect with friends and family through video technology .
More at:http://www.snapyap.com/
At SnapYap.com, video conferencing and messaging is accessible to computer users of all levels. All you need is an internet connection and a webcam, and you too can experience the excitement of video communication.
How it Works:
As a SnapYapTM user, you can:
Participate in live video calls in your browser .
Send and receive video messages .
Embed the SnapYapTM application directly into your webpage to record video messages .
Instantly connect with friends and family through video technology .
More at:http://www.snapyap.com/
Online Free DVD Collections
What Company is Offering:
Access Your Entire DVD Collection from anywhere with this completely online and completely Free DVD collection program. There's no software to download, which means no annoying software updates. Their DVD Catalog program is integrated into The Online Movie Forums. Interact with each title in your DVD collection as you edit in Movie Trailers, Clips, DVD Easter Eggs, Ratings, Comments, and more. Browse some of the catalog's features listed below and be sure to check out the New Collections shown on the right.
How it Works:
Join The Online Movie Forums. Become part of one of the largest movie discussion forums online.
Search for and Add DVDs to Your Collection. Login to the forums with your username and password. Use the search box at the top of this page or any collection page to begin. Your collection is created when you add your first DVD.
More at:http://www.chasingthefrog.com/
Access Your Entire DVD Collection from anywhere with this completely online and completely Free DVD collection program. There's no software to download, which means no annoying software updates. Their DVD Catalog program is integrated into The Online Movie Forums. Interact with each title in your DVD collection as you edit in Movie Trailers, Clips, DVD Easter Eggs, Ratings, Comments, and more. Browse some of the catalog's features listed below and be sure to check out the New Collections shown on the right.
How it Works:
Join The Online Movie Forums. Become part of one of the largest movie discussion forums online.
Search for and Add DVDs to Your Collection. Login to the forums with your username and password. Use the search box at the top of this page or any collection page to begin. Your collection is created when you add your first DVD.
More at:http://www.chasingthefrog.com/
Egglad.com is an integrated casual game and shopping site based on the innovative concept of G-commerce
What Company Is Offering:
Egglad.com is an integrated casual game and shopping site based on the innovative concept of G-commerce. This site aims to foster a game fan community where members enjoy our free fun games and meet with new friends, and at the same time play the many games to earn points, called "Eggs" and "Chicks", in our affinity point system, which can be redeemed for a wide variety of products, entered into Daily Lucky Draw, and used to participate in other designated activities.
How It Works:
"Eggs" refer to the game points you earned within the same day. "Eggs" could be used to buy tickets to enter Daily Lucky Draw. At the end of the day the remaining Eggs in your balance will convert to "Chicks", or total accumulated points.
By playing the free Egglad games you can gain game score which will then automatically convert to Eggs. Due to different skill levels and complexities, Egglad.com has developed a conversion system that standardizes exchange of score of different games to Eggs. Alternatively, you will be credited with extra Eggs by referring friends to sign up as new members, achieving high rankings in featured games, or taking part in other designated programs. All unused Eggs will be counted as Chicks on the ensuing day for shopping and posting/accepting challenges.
More at:http://egglad.com/
Egglad.com is an integrated casual game and shopping site based on the innovative concept of G-commerce. This site aims to foster a game fan community where members enjoy our free fun games and meet with new friends, and at the same time play the many games to earn points, called "Eggs" and "Chicks", in our affinity point system, which can be redeemed for a wide variety of products, entered into Daily Lucky Draw, and used to participate in other designated activities.
How It Works:
"Eggs" refer to the game points you earned within the same day. "Eggs" could be used to buy tickets to enter Daily Lucky Draw. At the end of the day the remaining Eggs in your balance will convert to "Chicks", or total accumulated points.
By playing the free Egglad games you can gain game score which will then automatically convert to Eggs. Due to different skill levels and complexities, Egglad.com has developed a conversion system that standardizes exchange of score of different games to Eggs. Alternatively, you will be credited with extra Eggs by referring friends to sign up as new members, achieving high rankings in featured games, or taking part in other designated programs. All unused Eggs will be counted as Chicks on the ensuing day for shopping and posting/accepting challenges.
More at:http://egglad.com/
ZipLocal---Business Search Local
What Company is Offering:
ZipLocal makes it easy to find what you want in the neighbourhood or city you need it… from the most broad to the most specific searches. ZipLocal puts the consumer experience first, from the site design to the relevancy of business search results.
How It Works:
ZipLocal provides relevant search results from over 1.3million businesses with maps and capability for users to review, rate and tag business listings. ZipLocal is focused on creating the most comprehensive and engaging search experience at the neighbourhood and city-wide level.
From small retailer to large national brands, ZipLocal delivers the search results that matter most to the consumer, making businesses more relevant to their lives. Through user-defined search criteria, ZipLocal delivers accurate business listings that convert searching users into paying customers. ZipLocal is the only "made in Canada" local search site to successfully bridge a traditional business directory with the consumer-generated input required to be the next go-to search destination.
ZipLocal is the fresh, new, innovative, friendly, focused and inspiring answer to local search.
How is It different:
Content: Business listing information provided by advertising clients. Content also exists as user-generated provided by ZipPeople or third-party content provided by partners or reviewers.
Local Search: What ZipLocal does better than anyone in Canada. ZipLocal takes traditional search to the hyper-local level by combining Canadian business listings and maps with user input to create the most relevant search experience.
Tag: ZipLocal users are encouraged to provide specific keywords or search terms that are most relevant to a business listing, making it easier for all ZipLocal users to find what they want.
ZipPeople: ZipLocal registered users who review, rate and tag business listings are called ZipPeople. ZipPeople may be featured with a profile on the ZipPeople page or receive ZipPoints as they are relied upon for their opinions about the businesses included in the ZipLocal directory.
More at:http://www.ziplocal.com/
ZipLocal makes it easy to find what you want in the neighbourhood or city you need it… from the most broad to the most specific searches. ZipLocal puts the consumer experience first, from the site design to the relevancy of business search results.
How It Works:
ZipLocal provides relevant search results from over 1.3million businesses with maps and capability for users to review, rate and tag business listings. ZipLocal is focused on creating the most comprehensive and engaging search experience at the neighbourhood and city-wide level.
From small retailer to large national brands, ZipLocal delivers the search results that matter most to the consumer, making businesses more relevant to their lives. Through user-defined search criteria, ZipLocal delivers accurate business listings that convert searching users into paying customers. ZipLocal is the only "made in Canada" local search site to successfully bridge a traditional business directory with the consumer-generated input required to be the next go-to search destination.
ZipLocal is the fresh, new, innovative, friendly, focused and inspiring answer to local search.
How is It different:
Content: Business listing information provided by advertising clients. Content also exists as user-generated provided by ZipPeople or third-party content provided by partners or reviewers.
Local Search: What ZipLocal does better than anyone in Canada. ZipLocal takes traditional search to the hyper-local level by combining Canadian business listings and maps with user input to create the most relevant search experience.
Tag: ZipLocal users are encouraged to provide specific keywords or search terms that are most relevant to a business listing, making it easier for all ZipLocal users to find what they want.
ZipPeople: ZipLocal registered users who review, rate and tag business listings are called ZipPeople. ZipPeople may be featured with a profile on the ZipPeople page or receive ZipPoints as they are relied upon for their opinions about the businesses included in the ZipLocal directory.
More at:http://www.ziplocal.com/
Monday, November 19, 2007
Paglo is the world's first search engine for IT
What company is offering:
Paglo is the world's first search engine for IT. Think Google for IT. Use the open source crawler and discover everything about your computers, network
and users. And then answer virtually any question before you're running around
like your hair's on fire.
How It Works:
Paglo collects data across all IT silos, and indexes it to uncover the relationships between data from different components. Paglo pulls all this data together, and slaps it into shape. A two-pronged shape, to be exact: unstructured and semi-structured. And then hands you a powerful search tool to get what you need out of it.
Because Paglo can treat the information as unstructured, you can use search to find relationships between data from different components. You see, structured information works well when the problems to be solved are known. But as we know, this isn't usually the case when you're troubleshooting. That's why you need to be able to use simple, natural-language searches, just like you do today with your favorite search engine.
After you download it, you set the open source Paglo Crawler to run on your network on any desktop computer or server. It crawls your network and IT assets and gathers information, which it then securely uploads to your private Paglo Search Index in our telco-grade datacenter.
Only you or other individuals that you authorize can then use your Paglo Web account to query your Paglo Search Index, display the results as charts, lists, or tables. And, if it's something you want to check daily, you can save it onto a Dashboard that continuously self-updates as the Crawler uploads fresh data.
More at:http://www.paglo.com/
Paglo is the world's first search engine for IT. Think Google for IT. Use the open source crawler and discover everything about your computers, network
and users. And then answer virtually any question before you're running around
like your hair's on fire.
How It Works:
Paglo collects data across all IT silos, and indexes it to uncover the relationships between data from different components. Paglo pulls all this data together, and slaps it into shape. A two-pronged shape, to be exact: unstructured and semi-structured. And then hands you a powerful search tool to get what you need out of it.
Because Paglo can treat the information as unstructured, you can use search to find relationships between data from different components. You see, structured information works well when the problems to be solved are known. But as we know, this isn't usually the case when you're troubleshooting. That's why you need to be able to use simple, natural-language searches, just like you do today with your favorite search engine.
After you download it, you set the open source Paglo Crawler to run on your network on any desktop computer or server. It crawls your network and IT assets and gathers information, which it then securely uploads to your private Paglo Search Index in our telco-grade datacenter.
Only you or other individuals that you authorize can then use your Paglo Web account to query your Paglo Search Index, display the results as charts, lists, or tables. And, if it's something you want to check daily, you can save it onto a Dashboard that continuously self-updates as the Crawler uploads fresh data.
More at:http://www.paglo.com/
Momail---Free Mobile Mail For Everyone
What Company Is Offering:
The business concept of Momail is to offer a free and global e-mail service for mobile devices. Through own developed technology (patent pending), Momail will make reality of optimal e-mail management for all mobile units. With a strong brand concept, the ambition is to become a leader in the market. Their vision is that mobile communication will be synonymous with - Momail.
Momail, a Swedish start-up has announced its free mobile email service in UK. The benefits include hassle free configuration, usage of existing email clients and availability on widest choice of cellphone models.
How It Works:
Momail makes use of the existing email client available on most mobile phones. This means that users do not need to download and install an application to their phone. One just registers by providing one’s country, mobile number, model of phone and operator via Momail’s web or WAP site. Then, Momail does the rest. One SMS confirms handset ownership, while a second automatically configures the data, email and access settings. At that point, the user can add their favorite email accounts (Yahoo, .mac, Gmail, Hotmail or ISP/Pop3) which Momail can pick-up and deliver to their phone.
More at:http://www.momail.se/
The business concept of Momail is to offer a free and global e-mail service for mobile devices. Through own developed technology (patent pending), Momail will make reality of optimal e-mail management for all mobile units. With a strong brand concept, the ambition is to become a leader in the market. Their vision is that mobile communication will be synonymous with - Momail.
Momail, a Swedish start-up has announced its free mobile email service in UK. The benefits include hassle free configuration, usage of existing email clients and availability on widest choice of cellphone models.
How It Works:
Momail makes use of the existing email client available on most mobile phones. This means that users do not need to download and install an application to their phone. One just registers by providing one’s country, mobile number, model of phone and operator via Momail’s web or WAP site. Then, Momail does the rest. One SMS confirms handset ownership, while a second automatically configures the data, email and access settings. At that point, the user can add their favorite email accounts (Yahoo, .mac, Gmail, Hotmail or ISP/Pop3) which Momail can pick-up and deliver to their phone.
More at:http://www.momail.se/
Jajah Direct----Call Anywhere In World Without Internet Connection
What company is Offering:
JAJAH is dedicated to bringing the world vastly improved telephony solutions at a fraction of the traditional price. They want to provide basic phone calls for free - and they truly believe it’s possible. They believe that by bringing together the best of the internet with the best of the traditional telephone industry they will be able to provide their customers with unique new solutions, solutions never before possible, at a price they’ll find irresistible.
Jajah is taking its VoIP service to the next level, by offering access sans an Internet connection. It’s new feature is called Jajah Direct, which lets you call local numbers directly from any phone in order to make global calls. With options for direct-dialing local access numbers, there’s one more step that’s removed for users in the act of making cheap calls on a global scale.
How It Works:
A JAJAH Button on your website, your blog, your ongoing auction or your e-mail signature allows people in your online network to call you - while keeping your phone number private.
You’ll be connected to a unique local number for each of your contacts, which can be stored in your mobile phone for even easier calling options. This looks like another good feature that Jangl could be taking advantage of with the new partnership between Jangl and Jajah, especially as Jangl will be using Jajah’s infrastructure for better global access.
More at:http://www.jajah.com/
Via-Mashable
JAJAH is dedicated to bringing the world vastly improved telephony solutions at a fraction of the traditional price. They want to provide basic phone calls for free - and they truly believe it’s possible. They believe that by bringing together the best of the internet with the best of the traditional telephone industry they will be able to provide their customers with unique new solutions, solutions never before possible, at a price they’ll find irresistible.
Jajah is taking its VoIP service to the next level, by offering access sans an Internet connection. It’s new feature is called Jajah Direct, which lets you call local numbers directly from any phone in order to make global calls. With options for direct-dialing local access numbers, there’s one more step that’s removed for users in the act of making cheap calls on a global scale.
How It Works:
A JAJAH Button on your website, your blog, your ongoing auction or your e-mail signature allows people in your online network to call you - while keeping your phone number private.
You’ll be connected to a unique local number for each of your contacts, which can be stored in your mobile phone for even easier calling options. This looks like another good feature that Jangl could be taking advantage of with the new partnership between Jangl and Jajah, especially as Jangl will be using Jajah’s infrastructure for better global access.
More at:http://www.jajah.com/
Via-Mashable
Oodle ---a whole new way to shop classifieds
What Company is Offering:
Bringing together more than 30 million listings from over 80,000 classifieds sites, Oodle improves the way people buy and sell locally by offering the most comprehensive search, convenient email alerts and information to empower classifieds shoppers to make better buying decisions.
How It Works:
Arming consumers with powerful search, shopping tools and market information, Oodle enables shoppers to find exactly what they're looking for and to make smarter buying decisions.
Hot deals move quickly in classifieds. On Oodle, users simply say what they want and then receive email updates the minute new listings are posted.Oodle shares valuable local information on pricing and inventory so that consumers can recognize a good deal when they see it. The data is accurate and is updated daily. Oodle also offers fraud protection to alert users if a listing seems suspicious.Too many useful things sit in garages or end up in landfills. Users can put their stuff back to work by giving it to a local charity or neighbor. Oodle offers information on local charities and tips on how to donate. You can use Oodle to learn who picks up, what goods an organization will take and more!
More at:http://www.oodle.com/
Bringing together more than 30 million listings from over 80,000 classifieds sites, Oodle improves the way people buy and sell locally by offering the most comprehensive search, convenient email alerts and information to empower classifieds shoppers to make better buying decisions.
How It Works:
Arming consumers with powerful search, shopping tools and market information, Oodle enables shoppers to find exactly what they're looking for and to make smarter buying decisions.
Hot deals move quickly in classifieds. On Oodle, users simply say what they want and then receive email updates the minute new listings are posted.Oodle shares valuable local information on pricing and inventory so that consumers can recognize a good deal when they see it. The data is accurate and is updated daily. Oodle also offers fraud protection to alert users if a listing seems suspicious.Too many useful things sit in garages or end up in landfills. Users can put their stuff back to work by giving it to a local charity or neighbor. Oodle offers information on local charities and tips on how to donate. You can use Oodle to learn who picks up, what goods an organization will take and more!
More at:http://www.oodle.com/
Google Closer to Mobile Airwaves Bid
Google Inc (GOOG) is considering bidding alone on coveted airwaves to launch a U.S. wireless network, as a deadline nears to declare bidding plans, sources familiar with the situation said.
One source underscored that Google had made no decision as of Friday on whether it would bid with partners or on its own in the auction of 700-megahertz spectrum due to begin January 24.
Bidding could pit Google against top wireless carriers AT&T Inc (T) and Verizon Wireless, owned jointly by Verizon Communications Inc (VZ) and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD).
Going it alone at the government auction of airwaves would not rule out later signing up partners if Google were to win the necessary spectrum to create a network, the source said.
Google executives discussed the auction last week with Federal Communications Commission officials, including FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, sources familiar with the meeting said.
At the talks, executives for the Web search leader gave the impression of "inching more towards" a bid, one source said.
Another said it is "within the realm of possibility" that partners could be brought on later if Google wins. Google has talked to a number of prospective partners, not just carriers.
Google is "making all the necessary preparations to become an applicant to bid in the auction" ahead of a December 3 deadline for applying to participate, a spokesman said in a statement.
"From the company's perspective, the overriding factor is how to foster more openness in networks. That is certainly the driving factor in our thinking about bidding on the spectrum."
The 700-MHz band airwaves, which are being returned by broadcasters as they move from analog to digital signals early in 2009, can go long distances and penetrate thick walls. The auction is seen as a last chance for a new wireless player.
Google is considering funding a bid not only from its growing cash pile but by working with Wall Street. Outside financing would reduce its need for partners, one source said.
Google has said it would be prepared to bid at least $4.6 billion for the biggest chunk of spectrum if regulators agreed to policies to promote open use of such networks.
Google won half of what it asked: The FCC imposed a condition on a large portion of the spectrum that would require the winning bidder to open up networks to allow consumers to use any device or applications that works on those frequencies.
But the FCC did not require open access to network capacity to be resold to independent mobile service providers on a wholesale basis, another Google request.
Under the auction terms, if no one meets the $4.6 billion minimum bid, the auction for the open-access portion of the spectrum would be rerun without the open-access conditions.
One strategy Google is considering is to bid on a chunk of airwaves known as "D Block" that would be shared with public safety providers, as well as the more flexible, open-access piece of "C Block" spectrum.
One source said Google has met with SirenCall, a company charged with managing public safety agency use of spectrum.
Google unveiled this month plans to offer software for building Internet-ready cell phones in an alliance of network operators and device and software makers. The first phones to result from it are due out in mid-2008, partners say.
Stifel Nicolaus analyst Blair Levin said Google is likely to apply to participate in the FCC auction and pay a required deposit later in December. Such moves would not guarantee it will submit a bid, but Levin thinks the company will do so.
Even if Google does bid, Levin said, it may not be designed to actually win the auction, but rather to make sure the FCC's minimum is met and the open-access provision stays in place.
John Hodulik, telecoms analyst with brokerage UBS in New York, said Google's entry into the highly competitive market will hurt the four big incumbents: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint Nextel Corp (S) and Deutsche Telekom AG's (DTEGn) T-Mobile USA.
But it could also prove painful for Google. He estimated it would cost an $8 billion to $10 billion more to build another nationwide wireless network, not to mention heavy capital spending to keep up with constant evolutions in the market.
Hodulik said such cost considerations could hugely depress Google's highly valued stock, which trades about 33 times what analysts, on average, expect it to earn next year. Google shares closed on Friday up $3.98, or 0.6 percent, at $633.63.
Via-BNET
One source underscored that Google had made no decision as of Friday on whether it would bid with partners or on its own in the auction of 700-megahertz spectrum due to begin January 24.
Bidding could pit Google against top wireless carriers AT&T Inc (T) and Verizon Wireless, owned jointly by Verizon Communications Inc (VZ) and Vodafone Group Plc (VOD).
Going it alone at the government auction of airwaves would not rule out later signing up partners if Google were to win the necessary spectrum to create a network, the source said.
Google executives discussed the auction last week with Federal Communications Commission officials, including FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, sources familiar with the meeting said.
At the talks, executives for the Web search leader gave the impression of "inching more towards" a bid, one source said.
Another said it is "within the realm of possibility" that partners could be brought on later if Google wins. Google has talked to a number of prospective partners, not just carriers.
Google is "making all the necessary preparations to become an applicant to bid in the auction" ahead of a December 3 deadline for applying to participate, a spokesman said in a statement.
"From the company's perspective, the overriding factor is how to foster more openness in networks. That is certainly the driving factor in our thinking about bidding on the spectrum."
The 700-MHz band airwaves, which are being returned by broadcasters as they move from analog to digital signals early in 2009, can go long distances and penetrate thick walls. The auction is seen as a last chance for a new wireless player.
Google is considering funding a bid not only from its growing cash pile but by working with Wall Street. Outside financing would reduce its need for partners, one source said.
Google has said it would be prepared to bid at least $4.6 billion for the biggest chunk of spectrum if regulators agreed to policies to promote open use of such networks.
Google won half of what it asked: The FCC imposed a condition on a large portion of the spectrum that would require the winning bidder to open up networks to allow consumers to use any device or applications that works on those frequencies.
But the FCC did not require open access to network capacity to be resold to independent mobile service providers on a wholesale basis, another Google request.
Under the auction terms, if no one meets the $4.6 billion minimum bid, the auction for the open-access portion of the spectrum would be rerun without the open-access conditions.
One strategy Google is considering is to bid on a chunk of airwaves known as "D Block" that would be shared with public safety providers, as well as the more flexible, open-access piece of "C Block" spectrum.
One source said Google has met with SirenCall, a company charged with managing public safety agency use of spectrum.
Google unveiled this month plans to offer software for building Internet-ready cell phones in an alliance of network operators and device and software makers. The first phones to result from it are due out in mid-2008, partners say.
Stifel Nicolaus analyst Blair Levin said Google is likely to apply to participate in the FCC auction and pay a required deposit later in December. Such moves would not guarantee it will submit a bid, but Levin thinks the company will do so.
Even if Google does bid, Levin said, it may not be designed to actually win the auction, but rather to make sure the FCC's minimum is met and the open-access provision stays in place.
John Hodulik, telecoms analyst with brokerage UBS in New York, said Google's entry into the highly competitive market will hurt the four big incumbents: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint Nextel Corp (S) and Deutsche Telekom AG's (DTEGn) T-Mobile USA.
But it could also prove painful for Google. He estimated it would cost an $8 billion to $10 billion more to build another nationwide wireless network, not to mention heavy capital spending to keep up with constant evolutions in the market.
Hodulik said such cost considerations could hugely depress Google's highly valued stock, which trades about 33 times what analysts, on average, expect it to earn next year. Google shares closed on Friday up $3.98, or 0.6 percent, at $633.63.
Via-BNET
They Build A Four Million Dollars Business With One Hundred Bucks
When Max Durovic and Michael Kenny were in high school, they had after-school jobs advertising for local businesses with sandwich board signs they strapped to their bodies and carried around the San Diego area. But the duo, who were both athletic, became bored with the traditional approach, so they started to do tricks with the signs, spinning them around and tossing them into the air to attract attention. Their antics captured prospective customers' attention. By 2002 the pair had started their own business, Aarrow Advertising, with $100. They developed (and copyrighted) a number of athletic routines that involved manipulating six-foot-long arrow-shaped advertisements, turning the human wielding the sign into an advertising spectacle.
Durovic says Aarrow Advertising now employs 40 full-timers and 460 part-timers who range between 16 and 25 years old. New employees start at $10 an hour and get raises based on the number of tricks they master. Durovic says Aarrow had $2.3 million in sales in 2006 and projects $4.2 million this year. He says the company, which has done advertising for a range of products including Vitamin Water and Bud Light and been mentioned on numerous talk shows, plans to sell franchises in the beginning of 2008 in the U.S. and abroad.
More at:https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGVKLP2MsAvVBgQHbxnTqND25Jp1qz7ByZMNePLSoDpC0rzAhfag0ockk8bHCtII3L5MxCuzHAsDk61Yp0NYVbOU4jFtr-eDW5bBJgbDfHkjemqz9p0pygizU5q480YHnQKbwiOQATV0/s1600-h/Arrow+Advertising.jpg
Via-Uncommon
Durovic says Aarrow Advertising now employs 40 full-timers and 460 part-timers who range between 16 and 25 years old. New employees start at $10 an hour and get raises based on the number of tricks they master. Durovic says Aarrow had $2.3 million in sales in 2006 and projects $4.2 million this year. He says the company, which has done advertising for a range of products including Vitamin Water and Bud Light and been mentioned on numerous talk shows, plans to sell franchises in the beginning of 2008 in the U.S. and abroad.
More at:https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGVKLP2MsAvVBgQHbxnTqND25Jp1qz7ByZMNePLSoDpC0rzAhfag0ockk8bHCtII3L5MxCuzHAsDk61Yp0NYVbOU4jFtr-eDW5bBJgbDfHkjemqz9p0pygizU5q480YHnQKbwiOQATV0/s1600-h/Arrow+Advertising.jpg
Via-Uncommon
Backchannelmedia Got $9.5 Million For Digital Tv Advertising
What Company is About:
Backchannelmedia's technology will integrate the direct marketing, Internet advertising and television advertising industries into one platform.
Boston-based Backchannelmedia Inc., a provider of advanced software solutions for the TV advertising industry, was founded in 2000 as the pre-eminent provider of information and technologies that transform existing media marketing and advertising business models from those which are managed by sampling and estimation to those which are completely accountable. The company is a supply chain integrator that transforms existing consumer product purchasing models from those which are fragmented across disparate channels to those which will be seamlessly integrated and provide an innovative and intuitive customer experience.
How It Works:
Backchannelmedia is currently designing a 'continuous loop' software system that merges direct marketing and television ad buying software into one platform driven by an automated ad delivery system and an optimized recommendation engine. The system uses actual consumer responses and sales data to produce an ROI breakdown for each advertisement. The company anticipates that this system will change Internet search, television advertising and direct marketing - ushering in a new information age.
How Much They Got From VCs:
Backchannelmedia received a total of $9.5 Million over time from unidentified investors.
More at:http://www.backchannelmedia.com/
Backchannelmedia's technology will integrate the direct marketing, Internet advertising and television advertising industries into one platform.
Boston-based Backchannelmedia Inc., a provider of advanced software solutions for the TV advertising industry, was founded in 2000 as the pre-eminent provider of information and technologies that transform existing media marketing and advertising business models from those which are managed by sampling and estimation to those which are completely accountable. The company is a supply chain integrator that transforms existing consumer product purchasing models from those which are fragmented across disparate channels to those which will be seamlessly integrated and provide an innovative and intuitive customer experience.
How It Works:
Backchannelmedia is currently designing a 'continuous loop' software system that merges direct marketing and television ad buying software into one platform driven by an automated ad delivery system and an optimized recommendation engine. The system uses actual consumer responses and sales data to produce an ROI breakdown for each advertisement. The company anticipates that this system will change Internet search, television advertising and direct marketing - ushering in a new information age.
How Much They Got From VCs:
Backchannelmedia received a total of $9.5 Million over time from unidentified investors.
More at:http://www.backchannelmedia.com/
MediaMelon is a Internet TV application that makes watching video entertainment easier and more enjoyable
What Company is offering:
MediaMelon is a Internet TV application that makes watching video entertainment easier and more enjoyable. They bring you great shows at the best possible picture quality and create a new way to watch TV.
How It Works;
MediaMelon is a video delivery network. You have to install a plug-in on the computer where you wish to view MediaMelon videos. The plug-in ensures that the videos are kept encrypted (so that the content owners can be comfortable in providing videos to get published on MediaMelon). The plug-in also has the intelligence to automatically record videos as and when the friends in your network refer videos to you. In addition, when videos are published to channels that you have subscribed to, those videos automatically get downloaded and are available.
How is It Different:
It is unlikely that you would be able to see high-quality videos on several sites, such as YouTube, because the technology that they use (streaming video) cannot ensure that the video quality will be good. MediaMelon’ technology is based on video downloads, which means that the videos you see are guaranteed to be at their original quality.
If you subscribe to your favorite channels on MediaMelon, you will get the episodes within those channels automatically, as soon as new episodes are published.
more at:http://www.mediamelon.com/
MediaMelon is a Internet TV application that makes watching video entertainment easier and more enjoyable. They bring you great shows at the best possible picture quality and create a new way to watch TV.
How It Works;
MediaMelon is a video delivery network. You have to install a plug-in on the computer where you wish to view MediaMelon videos. The plug-in ensures that the videos are kept encrypted (so that the content owners can be comfortable in providing videos to get published on MediaMelon). The plug-in also has the intelligence to automatically record videos as and when the friends in your network refer videos to you. In addition, when videos are published to channels that you have subscribed to, those videos automatically get downloaded and are available.
How is It Different:
It is unlikely that you would be able to see high-quality videos on several sites, such as YouTube, because the technology that they use (streaming video) cannot ensure that the video quality will be good. MediaMelon’ technology is based on video downloads, which means that the videos you see are guaranteed to be at their original quality.
If you subscribe to your favorite channels on MediaMelon, you will get the episodes within those channels automatically, as soon as new episodes are published.
more at:http://www.mediamelon.com/
Simulscribe is a voice-recognition tool that’s using its technology to convert your voicemail into text messages
What Company is Offering:
Simulscribe is a voice-recognition tool that’s using its technology to convert your voicemail into text messages, and sends it directly to your mobile phone or email address. They deliver your transcribed voicemail, along with the original audio, to your mobile phone, PDA, and/or email account. This process streamlines your communication flow, saving you both time and money.
How it Works:
SimulScribe converts your voicemail into text messages and then sends them directly to your mobile phone, Blackberry, Goodlink enabled phone and/or your email account.
You can instantly see who has called and what they said, whether you are sitting in a business meeting or traveling on the road. Your voicemail functionality does not change; it can still be listened to and stored for later use.
SimulScribe works with all Major U.S. carriers and networks including: AT&T, Alltell, Cincinnati Bell, Sprint, Skype, T-Mobile, Verizon, Virgin and more.
Use SimulScribe to unify your mobile, home and work phones into one unlimited voicemail box and read your voicemail from any of your phone numbers - anywhere.
How Is It different:
It’s not limited to your mobile phone, either. Any voicemail box can be connected to your SimulScribe account, and delivered via email or text message, meaning you can stay on top of things while you’re on a call, in a place where you can’t take a call, or are away from home but find it less time consuming to read your messages rather than dial into a voicemail box and listen to them one-by-one.
More at:http://simulscribe.com/
Simulscribe is a voice-recognition tool that’s using its technology to convert your voicemail into text messages, and sends it directly to your mobile phone or email address. They deliver your transcribed voicemail, along with the original audio, to your mobile phone, PDA, and/or email account. This process streamlines your communication flow, saving you both time and money.
How it Works:
SimulScribe converts your voicemail into text messages and then sends them directly to your mobile phone, Blackberry, Goodlink enabled phone and/or your email account.
You can instantly see who has called and what they said, whether you are sitting in a business meeting or traveling on the road. Your voicemail functionality does not change; it can still be listened to and stored for later use.
SimulScribe works with all Major U.S. carriers and networks including: AT&T, Alltell, Cincinnati Bell, Sprint, Skype, T-Mobile, Verizon, Virgin and more.
Use SimulScribe to unify your mobile, home and work phones into one unlimited voicemail box and read your voicemail from any of your phone numbers - anywhere.
How Is It different:
It’s not limited to your mobile phone, either. Any voicemail box can be connected to your SimulScribe account, and delivered via email or text message, meaning you can stay on top of things while you’re on a call, in a place where you can’t take a call, or are away from home but find it less time consuming to read your messages rather than dial into a voicemail box and listen to them one-by-one.
More at:http://simulscribe.com/
quarterlife.com
What Company is Offering:
quarterlife.com, the social network, is devoted to facilitating that same coming of age as the series. Along with community building, it provides resources in all the areas of life that affect those in their twenties – careers, love, health, finances, education, activism.
quarterlife is the new online series from Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick, the creative team behind “My So-Called Life,” “thirtysomething,” “Legends of the Fall,” and “Blood Diamond.” It is the first time a true, network-quality series has been produced directly for the Internet. And it’s the first time an independent project of this distinction has been owned and controlled by its creators.
How It Works:
An animated “Portfolio,” a way to present various forms of media – be they videos, photos, music, or writing.
“My Studio,” a workspace and repository for all uploaded media, where soon the users will have tools to write, edit photos and videos, and organize their creative efforts.
“My Private Studio” where works that aren’t ready to be shared, or are too intimate to share, can be safely kept.
Compelling, informative on schools, grants, and techniques, as well as channels for many issues such as love, sex, health, and activism, where users and experts will be able to post content.
Participatory features that will invite the online community to be involved with the ongoing creation of the quarterlife series. Members of the community will be encouraged to upload their own videos and blogs, etc.
In quarterlife Herkovitz and Zwick take on those crucial years between 20 and 30, when so many of life’s important decisions are made. quarterlife tells the ongoing stories of six creative people in their twenties. As with their earlier series, at the center of quarterlife is a commitment to realism, the recognition of universal human themes through the truthful depiction of the way young people speak, work, think, love, argue, and just goof around.
Starting with Dylan, a young woman whose overly truthful video blog (on quarterlife.com of course) spills the closest secrets of her friends, the show’s characters – filmmakers Danny and Jed, actress-bartender Lisa, geek-extraordinaire Andy, and still-tied-to-her-parents Debra – chart the sometimes excruciating, sometimes comic, often emotional experiences that comprise coming of age in the 21st Century.
Where and When to Watch
quarterlife debuts on MyspaceTV.com on November 11, 2007, and on quarterlife.com on November 12th. Also, the series will be made available to other partners such as YouTube, Facebook, and Imeem, one week after each episode airs on MySpace.
MySpaceTV will air the first 36 webisodes of quarterlife. Each webisode will be about eight minutes long, and two episodes will air every week, on Thursdays and Sundays.
More at:http://quarterlife.com/
quarterlife.com, the social network, is devoted to facilitating that same coming of age as the series. Along with community building, it provides resources in all the areas of life that affect those in their twenties – careers, love, health, finances, education, activism.
quarterlife is the new online series from Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick, the creative team behind “My So-Called Life,” “thirtysomething,” “Legends of the Fall,” and “Blood Diamond.” It is the first time a true, network-quality series has been produced directly for the Internet. And it’s the first time an independent project of this distinction has been owned and controlled by its creators.
How It Works:
An animated “Portfolio,” a way to present various forms of media – be they videos, photos, music, or writing.
“My Studio,” a workspace and repository for all uploaded media, where soon the users will have tools to write, edit photos and videos, and organize their creative efforts.
“My Private Studio” where works that aren’t ready to be shared, or are too intimate to share, can be safely kept.
Compelling, informative on schools, grants, and techniques, as well as channels for many issues such as love, sex, health, and activism, where users and experts will be able to post content.
Participatory features that will invite the online community to be involved with the ongoing creation of the quarterlife series. Members of the community will be encouraged to upload their own videos and blogs, etc.
In quarterlife Herkovitz and Zwick take on those crucial years between 20 and 30, when so many of life’s important decisions are made. quarterlife tells the ongoing stories of six creative people in their twenties. As with their earlier series, at the center of quarterlife is a commitment to realism, the recognition of universal human themes through the truthful depiction of the way young people speak, work, think, love, argue, and just goof around.
Starting with Dylan, a young woman whose overly truthful video blog (on quarterlife.com of course) spills the closest secrets of her friends, the show’s characters – filmmakers Danny and Jed, actress-bartender Lisa, geek-extraordinaire Andy, and still-tied-to-her-parents Debra – chart the sometimes excruciating, sometimes comic, often emotional experiences that comprise coming of age in the 21st Century.
Where and When to Watch
quarterlife debuts on MyspaceTV.com on November 11, 2007, and on quarterlife.com on November 12th. Also, the series will be made available to other partners such as YouTube, Facebook, and Imeem, one week after each episode airs on MySpace.
MySpaceTV will air the first 36 webisodes of quarterlife. Each webisode will be about eight minutes long, and two episodes will air every week, on Thursdays and Sundays.
More at:http://quarterlife.com/
MyThings has added a clever feature for the holiday season
What Company is Offering:
MyThings is a social shopping site , allowing users to appraise the valuation of items, show off their products, and browse the profiles of other users of the site. They have built in links to the major shopping comparison engines so you can see the sale price of items at a variety of online outlets. MyThings is for people with too much stuff. Or, conversely, people who don’t have that much, but really like what they own.
How It Works:
They’re a free service that helps you organize your possessions online, whether that’s electronics, jewelry, antiques, or your vast collection of Smurfs action figures. They also provide services like valuation, accessories, manuals, repair info, recycling, donation, a one-click sell-on-eBay feature, and an easy way to report to Trace, a global database of lost or stolen goods.
New Added Features For Holiday Season:
MyThings has added a clever feature for the holiday season: the ability to anonymously ask people what they think of your gift idea. To do so, you add an item from the MyThings product catalog to your gift list and can then send the intended recipient the gift idea. The recipient then logs in to MyThings and lets you know how they feel about the gift (“love it, like it, or so-so”). The site requires the recipient to signup for a MyThings account in order to vote – a restriction that ought to be removed.
More at:http://www.mythings.com
MyThings is a social shopping site , allowing users to appraise the valuation of items, show off their products, and browse the profiles of other users of the site. They have built in links to the major shopping comparison engines so you can see the sale price of items at a variety of online outlets. MyThings is for people with too much stuff. Or, conversely, people who don’t have that much, but really like what they own.
How It Works:
They’re a free service that helps you organize your possessions online, whether that’s electronics, jewelry, antiques, or your vast collection of Smurfs action figures. They also provide services like valuation, accessories, manuals, repair info, recycling, donation, a one-click sell-on-eBay feature, and an easy way to report to Trace, a global database of lost or stolen goods.
New Added Features For Holiday Season:
MyThings has added a clever feature for the holiday season: the ability to anonymously ask people what they think of your gift idea. To do so, you add an item from the MyThings product catalog to your gift list and can then send the intended recipient the gift idea. The recipient then logs in to MyThings and lets you know how they feel about the gift (“love it, like it, or so-so”). The site requires the recipient to signup for a MyThings account in order to vote – a restriction that ought to be removed.
More at:http://www.mythings.com
synthasite got $5 million in Series A funding from Columbus Venture Capital
What Company is Offering:
Their goal is to create a unique website building experience for everyone that wants to publish content onto the web.
How It Works:
You can work with the tools available within its service, which easily arrange text, images, badges and buttons to create a professional-looking site. There are a few items available by default, such as a YouTube video or a Flickr photo search, which can be added into your design as well.
Build your website in minutes with no programming knowledge.
Get started quickly with our growing template library.
Over a dozen site templates to start building with.
Free hosting & free domain name.
Download your site & host it yourself if you want.
How Much They Got In VCs Funding:
They got $5 million in Series A funding from Columbus Venture Capital. Like many startups before it, Synthasite’s mission is to let users with no HTML or design skills create web pages.
More at:http://www.synthasite.com/
Their goal is to create a unique website building experience for everyone that wants to publish content onto the web.
How It Works:
You can work with the tools available within its service, which easily arrange text, images, badges and buttons to create a professional-looking site. There are a few items available by default, such as a YouTube video or a Flickr photo search, which can be added into your design as well.
Build your website in minutes with no programming knowledge.
Get started quickly with our growing template library.
Over a dozen site templates to start building with.
Free hosting & free domain name.
Download your site & host it yourself if you want.
How Much They Got In VCs Funding:
They got $5 million in Series A funding from Columbus Venture Capital. Like many startups before it, Synthasite’s mission is to let users with no HTML or design skills create web pages.
More at:http://www.synthasite.com/
UnLtdWorld.com---Connecting Social Entrepreneurs
What Company Is Offering:
UnLtdWorld is an online platform that aims to connect social entrepreneurs and enable them to share content and build collaborative value, raise the visibility of ideas, issues and projects, and help generate greater positive impact in the real world.UnLtdWorld empowers people to generate greater social impact in the real world by enabling them to share, shape and build knowledge, markets and communities through social networks.
How It Works:
On UnLtdWorld you can connect with other socially-minded people, search and share resources and opportunities, find and list services and products, share answers to key questions, create and join groups, support inspiring projects, and lots more.
On the site you can control which information you share, set how it's displayed and who can see it.
UnLtdWorld is a project of UnLtd - the Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs. UnLtd's mission is to reach out and unleash the energies of people who can transform the world in which they live. We call these people social entrepreneurs.
UnLtdWorld was developed by Curverider on their next generation social platform, in collaboration with UnLtd and designed by Pete Harris.
More at:http://unltdworld.com/
UnLtdWorld is an online platform that aims to connect social entrepreneurs and enable them to share content and build collaborative value, raise the visibility of ideas, issues and projects, and help generate greater positive impact in the real world.UnLtdWorld empowers people to generate greater social impact in the real world by enabling them to share, shape and build knowledge, markets and communities through social networks.
How It Works:
On UnLtdWorld you can connect with other socially-minded people, search and share resources and opportunities, find and list services and products, share answers to key questions, create and join groups, support inspiring projects, and lots more.
On the site you can control which information you share, set how it's displayed and who can see it.
UnLtdWorld is a project of UnLtd - the Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs. UnLtd's mission is to reach out and unleash the energies of people who can transform the world in which they live. We call these people social entrepreneurs.
UnLtdWorld was developed by Curverider on their next generation social platform, in collaboration with UnLtd and designed by Pete Harris.
More at:http://unltdworld.com/
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Unusual Profitable Business Idea
Who: Jennifer Gilbert, 38, and Robin Stein, 39, of Heartbeat Products Inc.
What: PortaMEe, a New York City-based line of high-style baby carriers
How Much: About $600,000 in 2007 Sales
In 2004, Robin Stein was a stay-at-home mom with a 21-pound 6-month-old and an aching back. She tried all types of baby carriers but didn't like the way they fit or looked. Because Stein had previously worked in product development and merchandising, "developing product was a sport," she says. She began sketching ideas for a carrier that rested the baby on the hip. "A hip carrier is more natural, and kids develop faster when they make eye contact with you and you can see what they're doing," she explains.
In the fall of 2005, Stein posted a note on Craigslist looking for people who knew how to sew structured handbags and work with leather. She then spent more than a year making prototypes. When she started wearing the PortaMEe, "people were handing me their cards and telling me to call them when I started selling," she says.
Stein had met Jennifer Gilbert in November 2004, when she joined a women entrepreneurs' group. In mid-2006, Gilbert signed on to fund the business and become a 50 percent owner. "Sales is not my strength, but Jennifer is a genius at sales," says Stein. "I had a list of my top 10 dream accounts. [Thanks to Jennifer,] by the end of 2006, we were in many of our top 10, including Bergdorf Goodman, Best & Co., Giggle, Neiman Marcus and Takashimaya."
Because the market was crowded at the mass price point, they decided to price PortaMEe higher than most baby carriers and target higher-end retailers. So far, the strategy has paid off: The company was recently forced to turn orders down until new shipments arrived.
With a co-branded product with Pottery Barn Kids and a new infant headrest that both launched in September, Stein and Gilbert have plans to move into a new fulfillment center and are looking to raise more capital to fund growth.
More at:http://www.portamee.com/
Via-Uncommon
What: PortaMEe, a New York City-based line of high-style baby carriers
How Much: About $600,000 in 2007 Sales
In 2004, Robin Stein was a stay-at-home mom with a 21-pound 6-month-old and an aching back. She tried all types of baby carriers but didn't like the way they fit or looked. Because Stein had previously worked in product development and merchandising, "developing product was a sport," she says. She began sketching ideas for a carrier that rested the baby on the hip. "A hip carrier is more natural, and kids develop faster when they make eye contact with you and you can see what they're doing," she explains.
In the fall of 2005, Stein posted a note on Craigslist looking for people who knew how to sew structured handbags and work with leather. She then spent more than a year making prototypes. When she started wearing the PortaMEe, "people were handing me their cards and telling me to call them when I started selling," she says.
Stein had met Jennifer Gilbert in November 2004, when she joined a women entrepreneurs' group. In mid-2006, Gilbert signed on to fund the business and become a 50 percent owner. "Sales is not my strength, but Jennifer is a genius at sales," says Stein. "I had a list of my top 10 dream accounts. [Thanks to Jennifer,] by the end of 2006, we were in many of our top 10, including Bergdorf Goodman, Best & Co., Giggle, Neiman Marcus and Takashimaya."
Because the market was crowded at the mass price point, they decided to price PortaMEe higher than most baby carriers and target higher-end retailers. So far, the strategy has paid off: The company was recently forced to turn orders down until new shipments arrived.
With a co-branded product with Pottery Barn Kids and a new infant headrest that both launched in September, Stein and Gilbert have plans to move into a new fulfillment center and are looking to raise more capital to fund growth.
More at:http://www.portamee.com/
Via-Uncommon
ChaCha-- the first search engine that uses the brainpower of really smart people to find anything you want on the Internet got $8 million
What Company is offering:
ChaCha , the first search engine that uses the brainpower of really smart people to find anything you want on the Internet.ChaCha offers a standard search engine, but it gives users the option to tap an army of about 15,000 guides to provide free live chat designed to help zero in on information. ChaCha mobile’s human guides will provide a full menu of information, from sports scores to the location of a good Thai restaurant in a particular locale.
How It Works:
One click hooks you up with a live ChaCha Guide. A real person that will ask you questions, understand exactly what you want, and send you results that are dead-on. Computers can't do that. It takes a community of people who are motivated to help you get the answer you seek - no matter what it takes. The brainpower behind ChaCha.
How Is It Different:
Their Guides know the Internet inside and out. They save, rate and update the results of every search and handpick the best sites. So when you request a search, whether it's an Instant Search or a Live Guided Search, you get results that our Guides and lots of other ChaCha-ers have already checked out.
How Much They Got From VCs Funding:
They got $8 million from former Perot Systems CEO Morton Meyerson.
The Carmel, Indiana, company also received a $2 million grant from Indiana’s 21st Century Technology Fund, giving ChaCha $10 million on top of a $6.5 million first round led by Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos in 2006.
About VCs:
Mr. Meyerson is the former president of Electronic Data Systems and chairman and chief executive of Perot Systems, both founded by former presidential candidate H. Ross Perot. Mr. Meyerson’s investment firm, 2M Companies, has invested in companies including Cozymel’s Mexican Grill and web radio company AudioNet, which staged an initial public offering as Broadcast.com and later was acquired by Yahoo.
More at:http://www.chacha.com/
ChaCha , the first search engine that uses the brainpower of really smart people to find anything you want on the Internet.ChaCha offers a standard search engine, but it gives users the option to tap an army of about 15,000 guides to provide free live chat designed to help zero in on information. ChaCha mobile’s human guides will provide a full menu of information, from sports scores to the location of a good Thai restaurant in a particular locale.
How It Works:
One click hooks you up with a live ChaCha Guide. A real person that will ask you questions, understand exactly what you want, and send you results that are dead-on. Computers can't do that. It takes a community of people who are motivated to help you get the answer you seek - no matter what it takes. The brainpower behind ChaCha.
How Is It Different:
Their Guides know the Internet inside and out. They save, rate and update the results of every search and handpick the best sites. So when you request a search, whether it's an Instant Search or a Live Guided Search, you get results that our Guides and lots of other ChaCha-ers have already checked out.
How Much They Got From VCs Funding:
They got $8 million from former Perot Systems CEO Morton Meyerson.
The Carmel, Indiana, company also received a $2 million grant from Indiana’s 21st Century Technology Fund, giving ChaCha $10 million on top of a $6.5 million first round led by Amazon.com CEO Jeff Bezos in 2006.
About VCs:
Mr. Meyerson is the former president of Electronic Data Systems and chairman and chief executive of Perot Systems, both founded by former presidential candidate H. Ross Perot. Mr. Meyerson’s investment firm, 2M Companies, has invested in companies including Cozymel’s Mexican Grill and web radio company AudioNet, which staged an initial public offering as Broadcast.com and later was acquired by Yahoo.
More at:http://www.chacha.com/
Yugma is a free web collaboration service that enables people to instantly connect over the internet
What Company is Offering:
Yugma is a free web collaboration service that enables people to instantly connect over the internet to communicate and share content and ideas using any application or software. Whether you are using Windows, Mac or Linux computer, you can connect on-demand and real-time with co-workers, clients, friends and family -- regardless of whether they are across the city, nation or even the globe.
How It Works:
Yugma is the only online meeting and collaboration venue that offers complete encryption capabilities and the ability to host meetings securely from your work station, as well as enabling shared or read-only document controls. This true security makes Yugma ideal for public or private communication.
Yugma offers universal, cross-platform collaboration with complete security protection.
In Yugma you enjoy complete, simultaneous use of a shared desktop - not the "view only" or save and forward capabilities of other applications.Yugma offers shared server-based environments based on project groups and shared project space so you can share data online/offline. Yugma adapts to organizational security models (AD or LDAP).Since the Yugma desktop solution is platform and software agnostic, all you need is your laptop or PC and you're ready to go. Yugma works in any environment: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
More at:https://www.yugma.com/
Yugma is a free web collaboration service that enables people to instantly connect over the internet to communicate and share content and ideas using any application or software. Whether you are using Windows, Mac or Linux computer, you can connect on-demand and real-time with co-workers, clients, friends and family -- regardless of whether they are across the city, nation or even the globe.
How It Works:
Yugma is the only online meeting and collaboration venue that offers complete encryption capabilities and the ability to host meetings securely from your work station, as well as enabling shared or read-only document controls. This true security makes Yugma ideal for public or private communication.
Yugma offers universal, cross-platform collaboration with complete security protection.
In Yugma you enjoy complete, simultaneous use of a shared desktop - not the "view only" or save and forward capabilities of other applications.Yugma offers shared server-based environments based on project groups and shared project space so you can share data online/offline. Yugma adapts to organizational security models (AD or LDAP).Since the Yugma desktop solution is platform and software agnostic, all you need is your laptop or PC and you're ready to go. Yugma works in any environment: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
More at:https://www.yugma.com/
Scriggle-it is the ultimate music marketing and fan management solution
What Company is Offering:
Scriggle-it is the ultimate music marketing and fan management solution for any musician. What's that mean? For starters, Scriggle-it is built around a robust email list management tool, written from the ground up for musicians. Scriggle-it allows you to easily stay in touch with your fans, and look good doing it! And, what's more, we're continually adding new features to help you promote and market your music to your fans, as well as venues and labels. Use Scriggle-it to announce anything: a show, a new song, or that you just learned to tie your shoes.
How It Works:
With Scriggle Mail, you can easily send email campaigns to your fans, optionally using geo-location to specify which fans you would like to target. Additionally, you can choose from a plethora of great-looking email templates.
Scriggle Code — A snippet of HTML code that allows fans to easily join your mailing list from your site, or your MySpace, Purevolume, or other social network site profile.
Share your biography, pics, audio, videos (coming soon), and stage requirements (also coming soon) with potential venues, producers, and labels through our Electronic Press Kit feature.
More at:http://www.scriggleit.com/
Scriggle-it is the ultimate music marketing and fan management solution for any musician. What's that mean? For starters, Scriggle-it is built around a robust email list management tool, written from the ground up for musicians. Scriggle-it allows you to easily stay in touch with your fans, and look good doing it! And, what's more, we're continually adding new features to help you promote and market your music to your fans, as well as venues and labels. Use Scriggle-it to announce anything: a show, a new song, or that you just learned to tie your shoes.
How It Works:
With Scriggle Mail, you can easily send email campaigns to your fans, optionally using geo-location to specify which fans you would like to target. Additionally, you can choose from a plethora of great-looking email templates.
Scriggle Code — A snippet of HTML code that allows fans to easily join your mailing list from your site, or your MySpace, Purevolume, or other social network site profile.
Share your biography, pics, audio, videos (coming soon), and stage requirements (also coming soon) with potential venues, producers, and labels through our Electronic Press Kit feature.
More at:http://www.scriggleit.com/
Kaneva---an extension of socialization and entertainment in the real world---Virtual World But Real Friends--
What Company is Offering:
Kaneva is the first virtual entertainment world that unifies the 2D web with a 3D experience. Kaneva is the first to integrate social networking, shared media, and collaborative online communities into a modern-day, immersive 3D Virtual World.
Built for the masses, Kaneva is an extension of socialization and entertainment in the real world. Kaneva has been designed from the ground up with ease-of-use, fun and entertainment top-of-mind.
Kaneva is the only place where Profiles, Media and Communities are teleported from the 2D web into a modern-day 3D Virtual World with their own virtual spaces.
How It Works:
The 3D Virtual World of Kaneva is consistently set in the modern day where members use their true identity in order to share their real-world interests and establish authentic connections and friendships.
Kaneva is also the first virtual world where everyone has their own 3D persona (an avatar) and a 3D home. Kaneva members can easily customize their avatars to look like them as well as decorate their virtual spaces to reflect their own style. With their own Media Libraries, members can take their favorite uploaded videos, photos, music, and games from their Profiles of the Kaneva web site and easily import them into their 3D home. In just seconds they can program their in-world TV to play their favorite shows or home videos and place their favorite photos in picture frames on the walls. Members can even change the patterns of most furniture, walls, and floors to really make their home unique.
All Kaneva online Communities also get their own 3D hang-outs -- including theaters, media rooms or other virtual meeting places -- extending the community experience to 3D where they can meet up and interact through live 3D chat.
More at:http://www.kaneva.com/
Kaneva is the first virtual entertainment world that unifies the 2D web with a 3D experience. Kaneva is the first to integrate social networking, shared media, and collaborative online communities into a modern-day, immersive 3D Virtual World.
Built for the masses, Kaneva is an extension of socialization and entertainment in the real world. Kaneva has been designed from the ground up with ease-of-use, fun and entertainment top-of-mind.
Kaneva is the only place where Profiles, Media and Communities are teleported from the 2D web into a modern-day 3D Virtual World with their own virtual spaces.
How It Works:
The 3D Virtual World of Kaneva is consistently set in the modern day where members use their true identity in order to share their real-world interests and establish authentic connections and friendships.
Kaneva is also the first virtual world where everyone has their own 3D persona (an avatar) and a 3D home. Kaneva members can easily customize their avatars to look like them as well as decorate their virtual spaces to reflect their own style. With their own Media Libraries, members can take their favorite uploaded videos, photos, music, and games from their Profiles of the Kaneva web site and easily import them into their 3D home. In just seconds they can program their in-world TV to play their favorite shows or home videos and place their favorite photos in picture frames on the walls. Members can even change the patterns of most furniture, walls, and floors to really make their home unique.
All Kaneva online Communities also get their own 3D hang-outs -- including theaters, media rooms or other virtual meeting places -- extending the community experience to 3D where they can meet up and interact through live 3D chat.
More at:http://www.kaneva.com/
A gravatar, or globally recognized avatar----Brand Yourself
What Company is Offering:
A gravatar, or globally recognized avatar, is quite simply an 80×80 pixel avatar image that follows you from weblog to weblog appearing beside your name when you comment on gravatar enabled sites. Avatars help identify your posts on web forums.
How It Works:
Signing up for a gravatar.com account is FREE, and all that's required is your email address. Once you've signed up you can upload your avatar image and soon after you'll start seeing it on gravatar enabled weblogs!
Setting up gravatars on your weblog is easy, you don't even need an account! Plugins are available for leading weblog software, and our tutorials will have you running gravatars in no time. To request a gravatar from our servers, you simply add an image to your comments area with an "src" attribute that points to our gravatar image generator and includes an MD5 hash of the commenter's email address. Since all gravatars are rated with an MPAA style rating, you can restrict your site to show only gravatars whose content you are comfortable with.
Gravatars give regular folks a way to brand themselves in the blogosphere—every time you post a comment or participate in any way on a blog, you beloved avatar will show up, leaving your mark upon the net. The avatars are simple 80x80 pixel images—you’ll need to upload your very own as no defaults are provided. Plugins are available for most blog platforms (Movable Type, WordPRess, Blogger, LiveJournal, for example). It’s free to use but you will need to sign up first to get results.
More at:http://site.gravatar.com/
A gravatar, or globally recognized avatar, is quite simply an 80×80 pixel avatar image that follows you from weblog to weblog appearing beside your name when you comment on gravatar enabled sites. Avatars help identify your posts on web forums.
How It Works:
Signing up for a gravatar.com account is FREE, and all that's required is your email address. Once you've signed up you can upload your avatar image and soon after you'll start seeing it on gravatar enabled weblogs!
Setting up gravatars on your weblog is easy, you don't even need an account! Plugins are available for leading weblog software, and our tutorials will have you running gravatars in no time. To request a gravatar from our servers, you simply add an image to your comments area with an "src" attribute that points to our gravatar image generator and includes an MD5 hash of the commenter's email address. Since all gravatars are rated with an MPAA style rating, you can restrict your site to show only gravatars whose content you are comfortable with.
Gravatars give regular folks a way to brand themselves in the blogosphere—every time you post a comment or participate in any way on a blog, you beloved avatar will show up, leaving your mark upon the net. The avatars are simple 80x80 pixel images—you’ll need to upload your very own as no defaults are provided. Plugins are available for most blog platforms (Movable Type, WordPRess, Blogger, LiveJournal, for example). It’s free to use but you will need to sign up first to get results.
More at:http://site.gravatar.com/
Directory of Hotels is an independent guide of hotels and travel information
What Company Is Offering:
Directory of Hotels is an independent guide of hotels and travel information created by a team of people with a love for travel. The hotels within our directory represent something unique, special enough to give it our stamp of approval.
How It Works:
This site employs a team of well heeled travelers who only seek the most exotic and elegant stays across the globe. You won’t find your ordinary list of chain hotels and brand name luxury spots. At Directory, you’ll get hotels for all needs and whims—vacationers, business men, weekend get aways, or for the perpetual traveler. To find your hotel simple input a destination (city, province, etc), date, and number of guests. Book through the site for countless discounts. If you’re in need of some advice consult the staff, or check out the Hot List and browse the site’s most beloved additions to the directory.
More at:http://www.directoryofhotels.com/
Directory of Hotels is an independent guide of hotels and travel information created by a team of people with a love for travel. The hotels within our directory represent something unique, special enough to give it our stamp of approval.
How It Works:
This site employs a team of well heeled travelers who only seek the most exotic and elegant stays across the globe. You won’t find your ordinary list of chain hotels and brand name luxury spots. At Directory, you’ll get hotels for all needs and whims—vacationers, business men, weekend get aways, or for the perpetual traveler. To find your hotel simple input a destination (city, province, etc), date, and number of guests. Book through the site for countless discounts. If you’re in need of some advice consult the staff, or check out the Hot List and browse the site’s most beloved additions to the directory.
More at:http://www.directoryofhotels.com/
Saturday, November 17, 2007
ON Networks ---For Tv,Videos On demand
What Company is Offering:
ON Networks has set out to change the way traditional TV programs are created, distributed, consumed and monetized.
They deliver high-definition shows on-demand across multiple digital platforms, including the Internet, digital cable, IPTV, and various mobile and gaming devices.
How It Works:
ON Networks is a new digital media company that is built around the
shifts in how TV shows are created, distributed, viewed and monetized.
Put simply, an ON show is coming to pretty much every glowing screen
near you – from TV to computer to mobile device.
We've created a haven for smart, engaging and entertaining programs for
every pastime and pursuit. And since we believe in the future of our
content, we ensure that all shows are produced in glorious HD.
More at:http://www.onnetworks.com/
ON Networks has set out to change the way traditional TV programs are created, distributed, consumed and monetized.
They deliver high-definition shows on-demand across multiple digital platforms, including the Internet, digital cable, IPTV, and various mobile and gaming devices.
How It Works:
ON Networks is a new digital media company that is built around the
shifts in how TV shows are created, distributed, viewed and monetized.
Put simply, an ON show is coming to pretty much every glowing screen
near you – from TV to computer to mobile device.
We've created a haven for smart, engaging and entertaining programs for
every pastime and pursuit. And since we believe in the future of our
content, we ensure that all shows are produced in glorious HD.
More at:http://www.onnetworks.com/
YOU BE THE VC-----Powered By Your Ideas
What Company is offering:
Bang Ventures is a New York based investment firm with offices in Cambridge and is focused on early stage emerging technology companies. Bang Ventures isn't a VC firm. They help smart and driven people co-found fantastic new companies, providing entrepreneurs with a roof over their heads, mentoring, a deep network of contacts, marketing support, professional services and other technical support....and yes, funding as well.
How It Works:
Bang Ventures gets into the projects at the inception phase, evaluating opportunities and empowering entrepreneurs to develop strong companies. The firm is currently focused on investing in North America and Eastern/Central Europe in sectors ranging from Web 2.0 to clean tech to medical devices.
Bang Ventures is making an open call for entrepreneurs to submit their ideas for new start-ups -- then they'll let the public decide on the next three companies we fund….after several rounds of tasks, analysis, and video pitches. That is You Be The VC in a nutshell.
Essentially the three selected companies get a company to run. Winners will get financing, programming/web development, expert mentoring, office space, legal, accounting, administrative and marketing support, as well as a stipend to live and work in Cambridge.
Who is Behind The Company:
Mark is a seasoned technology entrepreneur, executive, investor and visionary. He Co-founded New Europe Ventures, a Polish-based Venture Capital firm, as well as the Benet Group, Leonardo BioSystems, Lux Research, and the NanoBusiness Alliance. He has served as a senior executive at NanoDynamics (and continues to advise the company), Opion, GolinHarris and NRW. In addition, he has consulted for companies ranging from NanoSys to Engelhard to Mastercard to Yahoo to eSpeed to Pixar to DaimlerChrysler.
Mark is a member of the Nanotechnology Technical Advisory Group to the President Council of Advisers on Science and Technology (PCAST). He is among the most well known figures in technology and was recognized by Forbes as a "powerbroker" and has been featured in Time, Newsweek, US News, ABC, BBC, NY Times, Business Week, Fortune, Wall Street Journal, among others. Mark also appeared regularly as CNBC technology commentator and on occasion as a co-host of SquawkBox.
More at:http://www.youbethevc.com/
Bang Ventures is a New York based investment firm with offices in Cambridge and is focused on early stage emerging technology companies. Bang Ventures isn't a VC firm. They help smart and driven people co-found fantastic new companies, providing entrepreneurs with a roof over their heads, mentoring, a deep network of contacts, marketing support, professional services and other technical support....and yes, funding as well.
How It Works:
Bang Ventures gets into the projects at the inception phase, evaluating opportunities and empowering entrepreneurs to develop strong companies. The firm is currently focused on investing in North America and Eastern/Central Europe in sectors ranging from Web 2.0 to clean tech to medical devices.
Bang Ventures is making an open call for entrepreneurs to submit their ideas for new start-ups -- then they'll let the public decide on the next three companies we fund….after several rounds of tasks, analysis, and video pitches. That is You Be The VC in a nutshell.
Essentially the three selected companies get a company to run. Winners will get financing, programming/web development, expert mentoring, office space, legal, accounting, administrative and marketing support, as well as a stipend to live and work in Cambridge.
Who is Behind The Company:
Mark is a seasoned technology entrepreneur, executive, investor and visionary. He Co-founded New Europe Ventures, a Polish-based Venture Capital firm, as well as the Benet Group, Leonardo BioSystems, Lux Research, and the NanoBusiness Alliance. He has served as a senior executive at NanoDynamics (and continues to advise the company), Opion, GolinHarris and NRW. In addition, he has consulted for companies ranging from NanoSys to Engelhard to Mastercard to Yahoo to eSpeed to Pixar to DaimlerChrysler.
Mark is a member of the Nanotechnology Technical Advisory Group to the President Council of Advisers on Science and Technology (PCAST). He is among the most well known figures in technology and was recognized by Forbes as a "powerbroker" and has been featured in Time, Newsweek, US News, ABC, BBC, NY Times, Business Week, Fortune, Wall Street Journal, among others. Mark also appeared regularly as CNBC technology commentator and on occasion as a co-host of SquawkBox.
More at:http://www.youbethevc.com/
Iovation--to prevent online fraud, abusive behavior, and unauthorized access to online services got $10 million from Intel Capital
What Company is Offering:
iovation Reputation Services are built on an advanced device identification and reputation management platform to prevent online fraud, abusive behavior, and unauthorized access to online services. The system flags suspicious and hard-to-spot associations among online accounts/transactions and devices. Members of our reputation network benefit from sharing fraud intelligence to proactively stop known offenders.
iovation Reputation Services consist of several solutions built on the underlying reputation management platform called Device Reputation Authority™ (DRA).
Why to use it:
If you’re serious about managing risk, protecting your brand and customers, iovation Reputation Services™ should become a key component of your best practices program for online fraud prevention and multi-factor authentication.
Why Is it Different:
Unlike other products that help e-commerce sites identify fraudsters, Iovation doesn't track personal information. In other words, it doesn't track people, it tracks computers.
It gathers data that tells a company which computers, hand-helds or cell phones have been responsible for credit card fraud, cheating at online games, stalking or other bad actions at Iovation clients' Web sites.
Iovation tracks more than 16 million devices for its customers, quadruple the number that the company tracked at the beginning of this year.
How Much They Got from VCs:
They got $10 million from Intel Capital, with the promise of another $5 million if it cannot find more investors. It is the first outside funding for the Portland software maker.
More at:http://www.iovation.com/
iovation Reputation Services are built on an advanced device identification and reputation management platform to prevent online fraud, abusive behavior, and unauthorized access to online services. The system flags suspicious and hard-to-spot associations among online accounts/transactions and devices. Members of our reputation network benefit from sharing fraud intelligence to proactively stop known offenders.
iovation Reputation Services consist of several solutions built on the underlying reputation management platform called Device Reputation Authority™ (DRA).
Why to use it:
If you’re serious about managing risk, protecting your brand and customers, iovation Reputation Services™ should become a key component of your best practices program for online fraud prevention and multi-factor authentication.
Why Is it Different:
Unlike other products that help e-commerce sites identify fraudsters, Iovation doesn't track personal information. In other words, it doesn't track people, it tracks computers.
It gathers data that tells a company which computers, hand-helds or cell phones have been responsible for credit card fraud, cheating at online games, stalking or other bad actions at Iovation clients' Web sites.
Iovation tracks more than 16 million devices for its customers, quadruple the number that the company tracked at the beginning of this year.
How Much They Got from VCs:
They got $10 million from Intel Capital, with the promise of another $5 million if it cannot find more investors. It is the first outside funding for the Portland software maker.
More at:http://www.iovation.com/
Blowtorch is an entertainment company got $50 million in initial funding including an equity investment from Ignition Partners
What Company is Offering:
Blowtorch is an entertainment company that joins forces with you, their online legion of young, creative thinkers, to create unique feature length and short form films. You see, they kinda look at it like this, if you've helped to create something, there's a good chance you might actually like it.
And for those choosing to partake in the experience, they encourage you to put your stink on all things Blowtorch, or maybe just kick back and enjoy the deliciously stinky fruits of your peers labors.
How It Works:
Submit a video of your best short film idea. The theme can be anything at all related to “TECHNOLOGY.” Internet dating, killer robot vacuums, used time machine salesmen...whatever.
Remember, it’s all about the idea, not how you shoot it. So, a video camera is great, but a web-cam works too. Shoot it, pitch it, just get your idea out there. If yours wins, we’ll fly you out to LA to produce it for real. Submit as many as you like, just keep them under 3 minutes.
Blowtorch puts out 6 feature films per year. They play in hundreds of theaters nationwide. Any one film might be funny or edgy or scary, but if anything, they will always celebrate irreverence, engaging you in a familiar voice and attitude.
Likewise, their original live action and animated short films, or as we call them our "Blowtorch Shorts," are cut from the same cloth, just shamelessly and unapologetically making fun of anything and everything that gets in their way.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They announced that it has secured more than $50 million in initial funding including an equity investment from Ignition Partners.To create a media company for the young adult audience based on the belief that their media consumption behaviors require new rules for media creation. The investment enables Blowtorch to launch a three-year stream of feature films and short-form content, as well as to build the Blowtorch.com online community. The company’s first feature film release will be “You Are Here” and will debut in theaters in spring 2008.
Who Is behind Them:
The company was established by senior executives in entertainment, technology and advertising from firms including Leo Burnett, MTV, Ogilvy & Mather, Starcom MediaVest Group, Verizon and major Hollywood studios.
More at:http://bigscreen.blowtorch.com/
Blowtorch is an entertainment company that joins forces with you, their online legion of young, creative thinkers, to create unique feature length and short form films. You see, they kinda look at it like this, if you've helped to create something, there's a good chance you might actually like it.
And for those choosing to partake in the experience, they encourage you to put your stink on all things Blowtorch, or maybe just kick back and enjoy the deliciously stinky fruits of your peers labors.
How It Works:
Submit a video of your best short film idea. The theme can be anything at all related to “TECHNOLOGY.” Internet dating, killer robot vacuums, used time machine salesmen...whatever.
Remember, it’s all about the idea, not how you shoot it. So, a video camera is great, but a web-cam works too. Shoot it, pitch it, just get your idea out there. If yours wins, we’ll fly you out to LA to produce it for real. Submit as many as you like, just keep them under 3 minutes.
Blowtorch puts out 6 feature films per year. They play in hundreds of theaters nationwide. Any one film might be funny or edgy or scary, but if anything, they will always celebrate irreverence, engaging you in a familiar voice and attitude.
Likewise, their original live action and animated short films, or as we call them our "Blowtorch Shorts," are cut from the same cloth, just shamelessly and unapologetically making fun of anything and everything that gets in their way.
How Much They Got From VCs:
They announced that it has secured more than $50 million in initial funding including an equity investment from Ignition Partners.To create a media company for the young adult audience based on the belief that their media consumption behaviors require new rules for media creation. The investment enables Blowtorch to launch a three-year stream of feature films and short-form content, as well as to build the Blowtorch.com online community. The company’s first feature film release will be “You Are Here” and will debut in theaters in spring 2008.
Who Is behind Them:
The company was established by senior executives in entertainment, technology and advertising from firms including Leo Burnett, MTV, Ogilvy & Mather, Starcom MediaVest Group, Verizon and major Hollywood studios.
More at:http://bigscreen.blowtorch.com/
Tilefile Your Personal Content Channel Got VCs Funding From Motorola Ventures
What Company is offering:
To bring you The Content You Care About™. Over time Tilefile will evolve to become your personal content channel, where the content you care about will be fed to you in a constant stream of Tiles, without you having to do anything. For the content that doesn't interest you, we will work hard to make sure it never gets to you.
How It Works:
When you upload photos, videos and audio to Tilefile, it gets wrapped as "Tiles" and automatically shared with your contact list. Similarly all the content your friends upload is automatically shared with you in your "Social Feed".
Instead of using emails as the vehicle for sharing your media, use Tilefiles. Tilefiles allow you to add descriptions and comments, they can be embedded into web pages, and they are evolving fast. Because they live in the web, they won't clog up your inbox.
As more people start to channel their media through Tilefile, we will add new ways of integrating with your existing social networks and services, and new devices that can upload to Tilefile and browse the service.
With Tiles you don't have to distinguish between photos, videos, audio or messages. Everything becomes simply a "Tile". When you upload a piece of media to TileFile it gets automatically turned into a Tile. This way everyone shares one format for organizing and combining their experiences. Tilefiles are "community neutral". The moment a Tile is created it is ready to be shared or embedded in other communities, blogs and websites. You may also embed folders of Tilefiles so that they appear as a "Grid" of thumbnails, ready for navigation or viewing as a slide show.
How Much They Got In VCs Funding:
Motorola Ventures, its strategic venture capital arm, today announced that it has made an equity investment in Tilefile Limited.
About VC:http://www.motorola.com/
More at:http://www.tilefile.com/
To bring you The Content You Care About™. Over time Tilefile will evolve to become your personal content channel, where the content you care about will be fed to you in a constant stream of Tiles, without you having to do anything. For the content that doesn't interest you, we will work hard to make sure it never gets to you.
How It Works:
When you upload photos, videos and audio to Tilefile, it gets wrapped as "Tiles" and automatically shared with your contact list. Similarly all the content your friends upload is automatically shared with you in your "Social Feed".
Instead of using emails as the vehicle for sharing your media, use Tilefiles. Tilefiles allow you to add descriptions and comments, they can be embedded into web pages, and they are evolving fast. Because they live in the web, they won't clog up your inbox.
As more people start to channel their media through Tilefile, we will add new ways of integrating with your existing social networks and services, and new devices that can upload to Tilefile and browse the service.
With Tiles you don't have to distinguish between photos, videos, audio or messages. Everything becomes simply a "Tile". When you upload a piece of media to TileFile it gets automatically turned into a Tile. This way everyone shares one format for organizing and combining their experiences. Tilefiles are "community neutral". The moment a Tile is created it is ready to be shared or embedded in other communities, blogs and websites. You may also embed folders of Tilefiles so that they appear as a "Grid" of thumbnails, ready for navigation or viewing as a slide show.
How Much They Got In VCs Funding:
Motorola Ventures, its strategic venture capital arm, today announced that it has made an equity investment in Tilefile Limited.
About VC:http://www.motorola.com/
More at:http://www.tilefile.com/
CakeMail is the world’s newest white label email marketing platform
What Company is Offering:
CakeMail is the world’s newest white label email marketing platform. It’s a true private label tool that uses a reseller’s own domain name, even for the user interface. And it can be offered in any language. Plus, it’s got an API that lets agencies and third-party developers extend, integrate and build on all that goodness. Happily, this delicious combination comes at a price that won’t make you sick to your stomach.
How It Works:
For end-users, it's a great online tool for easily creating and managing newsletter mailings. Visit a CakeMail reseller to open a user account.
For agencies, it's a true white label solution that lets you adopt CakeMail and market it as your own with total control over the design, branding and domain name.
For third-party developers, designers and translators, it's a platform that you can use to extend CakeMail's features with plugins, skins, and new interface languages.
Why to use it:
Email marketing is a terrific tool that can give agencies’ customers a real edge. So why aren’t more agencies offering it to their clients? Building and managing one’s own platform is both expensive and complicated. And many so-called white label options still redirect agencies’ customers to a domain name and an interface over which they have little control when it comes to branding, design or language. Until now.
More at:http://www.cakemail.com/
CakeMail is the world’s newest white label email marketing platform. It’s a true private label tool that uses a reseller’s own domain name, even for the user interface. And it can be offered in any language. Plus, it’s got an API that lets agencies and third-party developers extend, integrate and build on all that goodness. Happily, this delicious combination comes at a price that won’t make you sick to your stomach.
How It Works:
For end-users, it's a great online tool for easily creating and managing newsletter mailings. Visit a CakeMail reseller to open a user account.
For agencies, it's a true white label solution that lets you adopt CakeMail and market it as your own with total control over the design, branding and domain name.
For third-party developers, designers and translators, it's a platform that you can use to extend CakeMail's features with plugins, skins, and new interface languages.
Why to use it:
Email marketing is a terrific tool that can give agencies’ customers a real edge. So why aren’t more agencies offering it to their clients? Building and managing one’s own platform is both expensive and complicated. And many so-called white label options still redirect agencies’ customers to a domain name and an interface over which they have little control when it comes to branding, design or language. Until now.
More at:http://www.cakemail.com/
Rich Sage--Money Making Wisdom
What Company is Offering:
The RICH SAGE will review your web site or blog and take an article that you have written about it and publish on my network, based on category.
How It Works:
The aim of the Rich Sage is to present outstanding monetizing (online money making methods), online success building lessons, a forum and membership to help you build your online income. Since then a million places and hundreds of ad networks have sprung up all over the world. Yet, very few of these services offer the local business a way to effectively resolve their advertising needs. Furthermore, the solutions that are out there are very expensive for the local small business that has a monthly budget of a few dollars to get things done.Everything you do to build your business and the Rich Sage promoted Affiliate Programs, are discussed at richsage.com to help you and other readers build their own businesses.
And that discussion along with your membership area and affiliate program (which are also FREE) helps you start earning money online.
More at:http://www.richsage.com/
The RICH SAGE will review your web site or blog and take an article that you have written about it and publish on my network, based on category.
How It Works:
The aim of the Rich Sage is to present outstanding monetizing (online money making methods), online success building lessons, a forum and membership to help you build your online income. Since then a million places and hundreds of ad networks have sprung up all over the world. Yet, very few of these services offer the local business a way to effectively resolve their advertising needs. Furthermore, the solutions that are out there are very expensive for the local small business that has a monthly budget of a few dollars to get things done.Everything you do to build your business and the Rich Sage promoted Affiliate Programs, are discussed at richsage.com to help you and other readers build their own businesses.
And that discussion along with your membership area and affiliate program (which are also FREE) helps you start earning money online.
More at:http://www.richsage.com/
CouchTycoon ---Friend And Family Venture Network
What Company is offering:
The CouchTycoon Friends n Family Venture Network is an internet community that aims to grow to the strongest investment consortium trough the power of united internet users all over the globe. It stands for community managed ventures. The community owns equities in companies, start-ups, single projects and even standard investment products every community member can buy stakes (we call them "Asset Slips") from
CouchTycoon enables you to submit new investment ideas, to discuss and vote on them and finally to decide about major issues and invest jointly.
How It Works:
Participants can directly invest in start-ups starting at approximately $ 4 and they can trade their shares they’ve bought once. So startups get financed and quoted in real values and at their very first steps they do. To invest and trade shares of startups you must convert your dollars to "CouchChips" first, as they call their own currency. To submit a project is as easy as writing an e-mail or blogging. Describe your project like you would do in an e-mail to one of your friends. Your post will appear on the "Going to Beef Island" site as well as in the "Going to Beef Island Feed".
What's Different:
CouchTycoon lets the community participate in the success-stories of the web. Not like the other sites that let their user work for them by creating their content. CouchTycoon lets their user participate in a startups’ success.
More at:http://www.couchtycoon.net/
The CouchTycoon Friends n Family Venture Network is an internet community that aims to grow to the strongest investment consortium trough the power of united internet users all over the globe. It stands for community managed ventures. The community owns equities in companies, start-ups, single projects and even standard investment products every community member can buy stakes (we call them "Asset Slips") from
CouchTycoon enables you to submit new investment ideas, to discuss and vote on them and finally to decide about major issues and invest jointly.
How It Works:
Participants can directly invest in start-ups starting at approximately $ 4 and they can trade their shares they’ve bought once. So startups get financed and quoted in real values and at their very first steps they do. To invest and trade shares of startups you must convert your dollars to "CouchChips" first, as they call their own currency. To submit a project is as easy as writing an e-mail or blogging. Describe your project like you would do in an e-mail to one of your friends. Your post will appear on the "Going to Beef Island" site as well as in the "Going to Beef Island Feed".
What's Different:
CouchTycoon lets the community participate in the success-stories of the web. Not like the other sites that let their user work for them by creating their content. CouchTycoon lets their user participate in a startups’ success.
More at:http://www.couchtycoon.net/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
