Silicon Valley Wire

San Francisco-Based WonderHill Raises $7 Million

San Francisco -- WonderHill, a San Francisco-based developer of casual online games, has raised $7 million in its first round of financing, VentureBeat reported. Investors included Charles River Ventures and Shasta Ventures. Founded in 2008, WonderHill develops casual games like "Green Spot" and "Dog World," which can be played on MySpace and Facebook. The company was founded by former Tickle CEO James Currier, and includes chief creative officer Nick Rush, who formerly held the same post at EA's casual games site, Pogo.com.
http://www.wonderhill.com
http://venturebeat.com/2009/05/06/wonderhill-raises-7-million-for-online-casual-games-company/

Mountain View-Based Synopsys Acquires Analog Business from MIPS

Mountain View, Calif. -- Synopsys, a Mountain View-based developer of software and intellectual property for semiconductor design and manufacturing, said on Friday that it has acquired the Analog Business Group of Mountain View's MIPS Technologies for $22 million in cash. The company said that the acquisition expands its DesignWare design and verification technology portfolio. "With the addition of the new analog IP products and the highly skilled engineering team, our customers will benefit from a broader portfolio of high quality IP," said Joachim Kunkel, vice president and general manager of the Solutions Group at Synopsys.
http://www.synopsys.com/
http://synopsys.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=677

Deloitte Opens Nominations for Technology Fast 500

San Francisco -- Consulting giant Deloitte said that it has opened nominations for its annual Deloitte Technology Fast 500, a list of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean tech companies in the nation based on percentage revenue growth over five years (2004-2008). The deadline to submit is June 5. Companies from Silicon Valley, including the San Francisco area, that make the list will be honored at an event this fall. More information and nomination forms are available at the links below.
http://www.fast500.com
http://www.deloitte.com/dtt/article/0,1002,sid%253D56072%2526cid%253D60323,00.html

SonicGleek Launches Twitter Popularity Site Twitchamp.com

San Francisco -- SonicGleek Productions, a Virginia-based startup founded by Rick Robinson, the former vice president of social products at AOL, has launched Twitchamp.com, a site that lets user of San Francisco-based Twitter go head to head in a test of popularity on the microblogging network. Users type in their Twitter ID as well as that of another person, and the site determines a winner based on factors such as followers, number of updates and recent mentions. It also calculates a "Mojo" number, which is listed next to each player's name on the results page. A player can then click a link and Tweet the results to their Twitter community. "This is a fun way to see how you stack up against friends, or how you and others compare to Twitter celebs," said Robinson.
http://www.twitchamp.com/

Despite Recession, Online Retail Spending Remains Unchanged from '08 Levels

Reston, Va. -- Despite a well-documented downturn in the economy, U.S. online retail spending in during the first quarter remained essentially the same as the prior year, according to new figures from Internet audience measurement firm comScore.  The results were an improvement from the fourth quarter of 2008, when spending fell 3%. "These results would appear to indicate that the economy is finally exhibiting some signs of stability," said Gian Fulgoni, the chairman of comScore. "With consumer confidence beginning to improve, I'm optimistic that the online channel is poised for a return to positive growth in the second half of 2009."
http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2009/5/comScore_Reports_Q1_2009_U.S._Retail_E-Commerce_Spending

Mentor Graphics to Acquire San Jose-Based LogicVision

San Jose, Calif. -- Mentor Graphics, an Oregon-based maker of electronic hardware and software design tools, said on Thursday that it will pay $13 million to acquire San Jose-based LogicVision, a developer of silicon manufacturing test technology. The all-stock deal, in which LogicVision stockholders will receive 0.2 of a share for each of their shares, is expected to close after mid-year. It comes just months after LogicVision successfully withstood an unsolicited takeover bid by Virage Logic valued at around $10 million. Jim Healy, the president and CEO of LogicVision, said that the acquisition "will allow our stockholders to continue to participate in the potential of the combined entity."
http://www.mentor.com/
http://www.logicvision.com
http://www.mentor.com/company/news/logicvision-merger-agreement

Campbell-Based Sadra Medical Raises $30 Million in Funding

Campbell, Calif. -- Sadra Medical, a Campbell-based company developing less invasive therapies to treat aortic valve disease, said on Thursday that it has raised $30 million in a new round of funding, led by Accuitive Medical Ventures. Previous investors Boston Scientific, Finistere, Firstmark Capital, Oakwood, ONSET Ventures and SV Life Sciences also contributed. Sadra is working to advance an aortic valve replacement procedure called "percutaneous aortic valve replacement" (PAVR), in which a valve prosthesis can be positioned in a patient's heart through a catheter. The company so far has completed a European feasibility study, and is in the process of pursuing further clinical investigations
http://www.sadramedical.com
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Sadra-Medical-Raises-30-bw-15164916.html?.v=1

San Francisco-Based OpenTable Sets Terms for Upcoming IPO

San Francisco -- After announcing plans for an initial public offering in January, San Francisco-based OpenTable has moved one step closer by setting the terms of the IPO. The company, which provides online reservation services for diners as well as guest and table management systems for restaurants, now says that it plans to sell 3 million shares for $12-$14 each, raising as much as $48.3 million, including over-allotments. Nearly half of the shares are being sold by current stockholders. OpenTable, which plans to list its stock on the Nasdaq under the symbol "OPEN," operates a network that includes approximately 10,000 restaurant. Since its inception in 1998, the company has taken reservations for about 90 million diners.
http://www.opentable.com/
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1125914/000104746909005115/a2191197zs-1a.htm

San Francisco-Based Adura Technologies Names Jack Bolick as CEO

San Francisco -- Adura Technologies, a San Francisco-based developer of wireless lighting systems for existing buildings, on Thursday named Jack Bolick as its new CEO. Bolick, the former president of Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS), replaces company co-founder Zach Gentry, who will become its chief strategy officer. Founded in 2004, Adura applies low-power wireless mesh networking to the lighting market, and currently servesz numerous clients in the commercial, industrial and institutional building sectors. Last year, the company raised $5 million in its first round of funding from Claremont Creek Ventures.
http://www.aduratech.com/
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090507005586/en

San Mateo-Based DealBase.com Raises $1 Million from Angels

San Mateo, Calif. -- DealBase.com, the San Mateo-based developer of a newly launched hotel deals web site, said that it has raised $1 million from angel investors. Notable individual participants in the round included Russ Siegelman, an affiliated partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; Bob Zipp, managing director of Amicus Capital; and Josh Hannah, general partner at Matrix Partners and former CEO of eHow.com. The company said that it will use the funding to further development its online service, including expanding into new categories adding international travel deals. Launched five months ago, DealBase.com drew more than 100,000 unique visitors in March. The site mines more than 3,500 sources for travel deals, then compares the prices to regular prices, so that travelers can determine whether or not they're getting a good deal.
http://www.dealbase.com
http://www.dealbase.com/blog/?p=615

San Jose-Based SVTC Technologies Raises $34 Million in Funding

San Jose, Calif. -- SVTC Technologies, a San Jose-based provider of equipment and services to semiconductor manufacturers, said on Wednesday that it has raised $34 million in a new round of funding from previous investors Oak Hill Capital Partners and Tallwood Venture Capital. The news comes as the company expands its services from semiconductor development to new areas that include prototyping and production of advanced structures for MEMS and high-voltage analog devices, photovoltaic applications for the solar industry and other analytical services. Joseph Bronson, the CEO of SVTC, said that the funding also will allow his company to support customers in analog technology, bio-devices and optical components. SVTC, originally a business of Cypress Semiconductor known as Silicon Valley Technology Center, became an independent company two years ago when it was purchased by Tallwood and Oak Hill.
http://www.svtc.com
http://www.svtc.com/news/press-releases/05062009.php

CNET: San Francisco-Based Imeem Lands New Funding

San Francisco -- Imeem, the music-focused social network based in San Francisco, has raised an undisclosed amount of new funding, CNET News.com reported, citing anonymous music industry sources. The infusion likely will keep the company, which reportedly was low on cash and near shutting down, alive through at least the end of the year, the sources said. Imeem, which offers ad-supported, free music streaming, previously had raised funds from investors including Sequoia Capital and Warner Music Group. In March, TechCrunch reported that a shutdown of the company was "imminent" unless it succeeded in finding new funding or a buyer.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10234357-93.html
http://www.imeem.com 

SIIA Names Winners of 24th Annual CODiE Awards

San Francisco -- The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) has named the winners of its 24th Annual CODiE Awards, which the organization calls the "only peer-reviewed awards within the software and content industries." The group handed out more than 70 awards during a gala Tuesday night at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, including Best Online News Service (CisionPoint), Best Mobile Solution (Studywiz Spark Mobile), Best Social Networking Solution (ELAvate) and Best Corporate Blog (Mark Logic). All told, more than 600 companies submitted over 850 nominations in the categories of Software, Content, Education and Corporate. A complete list of winners is available at the link below.
http://www.siia.net/codies/2009/winners.asp

Winners of 13th Annual Webby Awards Announced

New York -- The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences has named the winners of its 13th Annual Webby Awards, which honor the best of the Internet, including web sites, interactive ads, online film and video and mobile. Awards were announced in nearly 70 categories, including the newly created "Breakout of the Year," which went to Twitter. "Saturday Night Live" alumnus Jimmy Fallon was honored as "Person of the Year," while Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor was named "Artist of the Year." Also honored were The Huffington Post (Politics), JoshuaBudich.com (Personal Web Site) and 1000awesomethings.com (Blog - Culture/Personal). A full list of winners, who will receive their awards next month in New York, is available at the link below.
http://www.webbyawards.com/webbys/current.php?season=13 

FTC Probes Shared Board Members Between Google, Apple

Washington, DC -- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an inquiry into whether the fact that Cupertino-based Apple and Mountain View-based Google share two board members violates antitrust laws, The New York Times reported. The FTC has notified both Google and Apple of its probe, which centers on the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914. The company's share two board members -- Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Arthur Levision, the former CEO of Genentech. A provision of the law, which is seldom enforced, prohibits competitors from sharing board members. Both Apple and Google now are involved in the mobile sector, with Apple introducing the iPhone and Google its Android mobile operating system.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/05/technology/companies/05apple.html 

IBM Acquires Assets of Santa Clara-Based Exeros

Santa Clara, Calif. -- Computing giant IBM said on Thursday that it has paid an undisclosed sum to acquire the assets of Santa Clara-based Exeros, a developer of data discovery software. Exeros' technology is designed to automatically uncover hidden relationships between databases, helping users make sense of disparate data sources much faster than otherwise possible. IBM said that the deal will provide it with new capabilities for its recently announced Business Analytics Optimization Consulting practice. "The combination of IBM and Exeros will enable companies to more intelligently manage their data across all formats and computing platforms," said Ambuj Goyal, the general manager of IBM Information Management.
http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/27215.wss

Reports: Cupertino-Based Apple in Talks to Buy Twitter

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple is now in "serious negotiations" to acquire San Francisco-based microblogging service Twitter for as much as $700 million, the blog Valleywag reported on Tuesday, citing an unnamed source who has been "recruited by Apple for a senior position." The source said that Cupertino-based is hoping to announce a deal by June 8, the kickoff of its annual developers' conference. Separately, TechCrunch also reported that Apple is in "late stage" talks with Twitter, citing "a normally reliable source." But another blog, All Things D, reported that late-stage talks are unlikely, since they "would require major investors in the microblogging service to be involved, and they are not as yet."
http://gawker.com/5240350/ 
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/05/05/twitter-mania-google-got-shut-down-apple-rumors-heat-up/
http://kara.allthingsd.com/20090505/ignore-the-twitter-buyout-rumors-heres-the-facts-in-five-beyonce-madonna-approved-steps/

IAC in Talks to Buy Personal Ad Business from Yahoo

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- IAC, the New York-based operator of 35 Internet firms including Citysearch, Evite and Match.com, is in talks with Sunnyvale-based Yahoo to purchase the company's online personal ads business, Barron's reported. During a conference call with analysts, Barry Diller, the CEO of IAC, said that Yahoo Personals would complement the company's own Match.com personals site. "We are very interested, we would love to have Yahoo Personals, and I think there are some initial discussions about that," Diller said on the call. "Whether that would go anywhere or not is, of course, enormously speculative, but I think Yahoo has said it's not an absolute core asset to their future, and it is core to us."
http://personals.yahoo.com 
http://www.match.com 
http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2009/04/29/iaci-diller-would-love-to-buy-yahoo-personals/ 

Mountain View-Based VeriSign Completes Sale of Division

Mountain View, Calif. -- Completing a deal more than two months in the making, Transaction Network Services (TNS), a Virginia-based provider of network and data communications services used in credit card transactions, said on Monday that it has paid $226 million in cash to acquire Mountain View-based VeriSign's Communication Services Group (CSG). The group, now part of the company's Telecommunication Services Division (TSD), is one of the largest providers of intelligent database services, such as caller ID, to the telecommunications industry, and also provides roaming and clearing services to the wireless industry. In a related move, TNS has named telecommunications veteran Michael Robinson as the head of TSD. Robinson previously founded executive advisory firm Leadergy Catalyst, and has served as the CEO of Movida  and Waxx.
http://www.tnsi.com/
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/TNS-Inc-Names-Michael-bw-15116463.html?.v=1 
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/TNS-Inc-Closes-Acquisition-of-bw-15116477.html?.v=1

San Mateo-Based SpringSource Acquires San Francisco's Hyperic

San Mateo, Calif. -- SpringSource, a San Mateo-based developer of Java infrastructure software, said on Monday that it has acquired San Francisco-based Hyperic, a developer of open source monitoring and management software for web applications. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. SpringSource said that the acquisition will allow it to offer tools for powering the entire Java application lifecycle, including those for building, running and managing applications. Javier Soltero, the CEO of Hyperic, will become the CTO of management products at SpringSource.
http://www.hyperic.com
http://www.springsource.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090504005487/en

Fremont-Based SCM Micro Completes Deal for Hirsch Electronics

Fremont, Calif. -- SCM Microsystems, a Fremont-based developer of smart card reader technology used to authenticate individuals, said on Monday that it has completed its acquisition of Santa Ana-based Hirsch Electronics, a maker of IP physical security systems. Financial terms of the cash and stock deal were not disclosed. Hirsch, which had been a distribution partner of SCM's, is now a subsidiary, with each company's products and services continuing to be marketed, sold and supported under their existing brand names. Lawrence Midland, Hirsch's president and CEO, is now an executive vice president of SCM, heading up its new Hirsch business division. Hirsch focuses on the "physical access" market, providing technology designed to secure entry to buildings, campuses, military installations and other facilities.
http://www.scmmicro.com
http://www.scmmicro.com/investor-relations/recent-filings/press-article-single-view/article/scm-microsystems-completes-merger-with-hirsch-electronics-corporation.html?tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=179&cHash=8f12271d9d

BlackBerry Curve Outsells Apple iPhone in First Quarter

Cupertino, Calif. -- RIM's BlackBerry Curve outsold Cupertino-based Apple's iPhone to claim the top spot in U.S. smartphone sales during the first quarter, according to a new report from market research firm NPD Group. RIM's Storm and Pearl smartphones also took the third and fourth spots, respectively, while T-Mobile's G1 came in fifth. "Verizon Wireless's aggressive marketing of the BlackBerry Storm and its buy-one-get-one BlackBerry promotion to its large customer base contributed to RIM capturing three of the top five positions," said Ross Rubin, NPD's director of industry analysis "The more familiar, and less expensive, Curve benefited from these giveaways and was able to leapfrog the iPhone, due to its broader availability on the four major U.S. national carriers."
http://www.npd.com/press/releases/press_090504.html