Silicon Valley Wire

Santa Clara-Based McAfee to Acquire Mobile Security Firm tenCube

Santa Clara, Calif. -- McAfee, the Santa Clara-based provider of Internet security software and services, said on Thursday that it will acquire Singapore-based tenCube, developer of the WaveSecure mobile security service. Financial terms of the deal, expected to close in August, were not disclosed. McAfee said that the acquisition will give it a single platform to address the management and security of all devices types. WaveSecure's service allows people to remotely control their mobile devices, helping them secure data like pictures, contacts and personal financial information, as well as recover lost phones. "Through this acquisition, McAfee can broaden its security capabilities and offer users protection and remote control of the phone whether it is in their possession or not," said Darius Cheung, the CEO of tenCube, which has regional headquarters in Sunnyvale. "This means no more worries about the whereabouts of your phone or losing personal contacts, photos or messages."
http://www.mcafee.com
https://www.wavesecure.com
http://newsroom.mcafee.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=3671

Virage Logic Executive Brani Buric Dies Following Short Illness

Fremont, Calif. -- Virage Logic, a Fremont-based semiconductor intellectual property firm, said that Brani Buric, its executive vice president of marketing and sales, passed away on Sunday following what the company termed a "short, but aggressive" illness. He was 61. "The positive financial and product marketing results that we now enjoy are a direct result of that transformation strategy," said Dan McCranie, the executive chairman of Virage Logic. "He was, without question, the hardest working, most passionate, and smartest marketing executive I have ever worked with." Buric spent eight years at Virage Logic following its 2002 acquisition of In-Chip Systems, where he served as vice president of marketing and business development. He also previously held executive roles at Sycon Design, Meta Software, CrossCheck Technology, Mentor Graphics and Silicon Compiler Systems. A private service will be held on Aug. 1. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a donation be made in Buric's memory to the Kidney Cancer Association.
http://www.kidneycancer.org 
http://investors.viragelogic.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=494088

South San Francisco-Based Envivio Raises $15 Million, Hires Execs

South San Francisco -- Envivio, a South San Francisco-based provider of Internet video delivery services, announced on Wednesday that it has secured $15 million in new funding, and named several new executives. The mezzanine round consisted of both equity funding and credit. Identities of the investors were not disclosed. Envivio also has named Erik Miller as its CFO and Kevin O'Keefe as its COO, while chairman Gianluca Rattazzi will become executive chairman of the company to assist with corporate and business development. The company said it is experiencing 100% year-over-year sales growth, and is in trials with the top five cable TV providers in North America.
http://www.envivio.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/envivios-explosive-ip-video-services-growth-prompts-closing-of-15m-in-new-financing-strengthening-of-management-team-99457454.html 

San Jose-Based Adobe to Acquire Day Software for $240 Million

San Jose, Calif. -- Adobe Systems, the San Jose-based maker of web and desktop publishing software, said on Wednesday that it will acquire Day Software, an enterprise content management firm with dual headquarters in Boston and Switzerland, through a cash tender offer worth approximately $240 million. Adobe said that the acquisition will strength its web content management, digital asset management and social collaboration offerings. Day will operate as a product line within Adobe's Digital Enterprise Solutions unit, with CEO Erik Hansen joining the company in an unspecified role. Day, which has 146 employees, boasts a client list that includes BMW, General Motors, Nissan, Williams Sonoma, Hyatt, Intercontinental Hotels Group, McDonalds, Newsweek and MTV.
http://www.adobe.com/ 
http://www.day.com 
http://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressreleases/201007/072810AdobetoAcquireDaySoftware.html

Reports: Palo Alto-Based Facebook to Acquire Hot Potato

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Online social network Facebook will acquire New York-based Hot Potato, a start-up focused on chat applications for live events, for between $10-$15 million, people familiar with the deal told All Things D. Founded in 2009, Hot Potato has received $1.4 million in funding to date, from investors including RRE Ventures, Betaworks and Ron Conway. TechCrunch notes that Hot Potato has recently shifted from a location check-in model to one where users can generally check-in about whatever they are doing. http://hotpotato.com
http://techcrunch.com/2010/07/27/facebook-hot-potato 
http://mediamemo.allthingsd.com/20100728/facebook-wont-spend-much-bread-on-hot-potato/

comScore Cites Processing Error for Under-Reported Yahoo Stats

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- comScore, the Virginia-based provider of Internet audience measurement services, said that a processing error caused it to under-report usage statistics for Sunnyvale-based Yahoo by 2-3% in June. "The Yahoo case is a regrettable error which was the result of processing specific to Yahoo," wrote Linda Abraham, an executive vice president at comScore, in the company's blog. "As such, it was an isolated, one-time error that did not affect any other client’s data." The corrected numbers mean that Yahoo page views fell 4.7% in June, rather than the 7.4% originally reported by comScore, and time spent on its sites was down 4.3%, rather than the reported 6.4%.
http://www.comscore.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100727006039/en/comScore-Reports-Error-Yahoo%21-June-Page-View
http://blog.comscore.com/2010/07/comments_on_yahoo_press.html

Disney to Acquire Mountain View-Based Playdom for Up to $763.2M

Mountain View, Calif. -- In a bold move to bolster its digital strategy, The Walt Disney Company said that it will acquire Playdom, a Mountain View-based publisher of online social games, in a deal valued at up to $763.2 million. Under the terms, Disney will pay $563.2 million up front, and up to $200 million more based on the company's future performance. Disney, whose brands also include ABC, ESPN and Marvel, said that the acquisition will further strengthen its digital gaming portfolio, as well as give it a stronger foothold on social networks like Facebook and MySpace. Founded in 2008, Playdom counts 42 million active monthly players of its social game titles, which include "Mobsters" and "Sorority Life." The company has raised about $76 million in venture capital financing, from backers including New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Lightspeed Venture Partners, Norwest Venture Partners and the Disney-affiliated Steamboat Ventures. The deal is expected to close by early October.
http://www.playdom.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100727007198/en/Walt-Disney-Company-Acquire-Leading-Social-Game

GameStop to Acquire San Francisco-Based Kongregate

San Francisco -- Video game retail chain GameStop said on Tuesday that it will acquire San Francisco-based online game publisher Kongregate. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 2007, Kongregate currently offers more than 30,000 free-to-play social games, which attract 10 million monthly players. The company, which is backed by Greylock Partners, Bezos Expeditions and Reid Hoffman, shares revenue from ads and virtual goods with over 8,500 developers who have uploaded games to its site. "Kongregate advances GameStop's digital strategy by providing a gaming platform for casual, mobile and browser games that can be promoted and played by our existing gamers," said GameStop CEO Paul Raines.
http://www.gamestopcorp.com
http://www.kongregate.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100727005389/en/GameStop-Announces-Agreement-Acquire-Kongregate

Apple: Jailbreaking iPhone Will Still Void Your Warranty

Cupertino, Calif. -- Responding to a ruling by the U.S. Copyright Office that will let iPhone owners legally run programs not authorized by Apple, the Cupertino-based company on Tuesday issued a statement reminding users that the act -- known as "jailbreaking" -- will still void their warranties. "Apple's goal has always been to insure that our customers have a great experience with their iPhone and we know that jailbreaking can severely degrade the experience," the company told the blog Cult of Mac in a statement. "As we've said before, the vast majority of customers do not jailbreak their iPhones as this can violate the warranty and can cause the iPhone to become unstable and not work reliably." The Copyright Office said on Monday that jailbreaking an iPhone does not violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3743
http://www.cultofmac.com/apples-official-response-to-dmca-jailbreak-exemption-it-voids-your-warranty/52463

Commtouch to Acquire Antivirus Division of Authentium

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Commtouch, an Israel-based developer of messaging and web security technologies with U.S. headquarters in Sunnyvale, said on Tuesday that it will pay $4.6 million in cash to acquire the Command antivirus division of Florida-based Authentium. The deal is expected to close by the end of September, with its potential value rising to as much as $8 million based on future revenue. The division provides its technology, which protects against viruses, spyware and other threats, to clients such as Google, McAfee and Microsoft. "In the past 18 months, we have expanded our product offerings from a single product line -- that of messaging security -- to three complementary product lines, including the one we are purchasing now," said Gideon Mantel, Commtouch's chairman and CEO. "In addition, we have broadened our target markets from a single market -- OEM vendors -- to include service providers."
http://www.commtouch.com/
http://www.commtouch.com/press-releases/commtouch-to-acquire-antivirus-division-of-authentium

San Francisco-Based BuzzLogic Raises $8.8 Million

San Francisco -- BuzzLogic, the San Francisco-based operator of a blog ad network and provider of conversational media marketing services, said on Tuesday that it has raised $8.8 million in its second round of funding. Adams Capital Management led the round, with Ackerley Partners also participating. Founded in 2005, BuzzLogic said that its network now reaches 78 million unique blog readers monthly. The company also has launched a new ad unit, BuzzRoll, which aims to encourage blog readers to share social content. BuzzLogic will use the new funds to scale its national sales team and invest in additional product development.
http://www.buzzlogic.com
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/BuzzLogic-Unveils-New-Content-bw-824674486.html?x=0&.v=1

Pleasanton-Based Thoratec Calls off Sale of ITC Division

Pleasanton, Calif. -- Three months after announcing plans to sell its International Technidyne Corp. (ITC) division to Danaher, Pleasanton-based Thoratec, a developer of therapies to address advanced-stage heart failure, said on Tuesday said that the two companies have mutually terminated the deal. The decision came after the two sides failed to agree on the status of certain closing conditions, including some key regulatory issues. Most notably, New Jersey-based ITC. which makes electronic systems that test and measure several aspects of blood, has been unable to gain FDA approval for the U.S. launch of one of its key products. DC-based Danaher was to have paid as much as $136 million under the deal, first announced in April.
http://www.danaher.com
http://www.itcmed.com
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Thoratec-Announces-prnews-769351787.html?x=0&.v=1

Survey: 0% of Internet Users Would Pay for Twitter

Los Angeles -- Although nearly half of those polled in a new USC survey said they have used free micro-blogging sites like Twitter, 0% said that they would be willing to pay for such a service. "Such an extreme finding that produced a zero response underscores the difficulty of getting Internet users to pay for anything that they already receive for free," said Jeffrey Cole, director of the Center for Digital Future at USC's Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism. "Twitter has no plans to charge its users, but this result illustrates, beyond any doubt, the tremendous problem of transforming free users into paying users." The survey of 1,981 Internet users also found that half "never" click on web advertising, with 70% saying they find it "annoying." However, 55% said they would rather see web advertising than pay for content.
http://www.digitalcenter.org
http://www.digitalcenter.org/pdf/2010_digital_future_final_release.pdf (PDF)

Report: China's Baidu Gaining Search Market Share on Google

Boston -- Chinese search giant Baidu is continuing to gain ground on market leaders Google, Yahoo and Microsoft, according to new research by Boston-based Strategy Analytics. Capitalizing on Google's retreat from China, Baidu's global revenue market share rose 1.4% to 4.6% in the second quarter. Google, meanwhile, saw its share dip 1.4% to 69.7%. Both Yahoo (5.4%) and Microsoft (4.8%) remained fairly stagnant.  "Google's dispute with the Chinese government, and subsequent withdrawal from the Chinese market, has given Baidu the advantage of unrivalled growth in the world's largest Internet market," said Jia Wu, an analyst with Strategy Analytics' Digital Consumer Practice.
http://www.strategyanalytics.com/default.aspx?mod=PressReleaseViewer&a0=4932

Pace Offers $475 Million for San Jose-Based 2Wire

San Jose, Calif. -- Pace, a U.K.-based maker of TV set-top boxes, saiud on Monday that it has offered $475 million in cash to acquire San Jose-based 2Wire, a maker of set-top box software and home media routers. Founded in 1998, 2Wire has relationships with carriers including AT&T and Bell Canada, and is expected to see revenue of $55 million this year. The company is currently owned by a consortium that includes Alcatel-Lucent, AT&T, Telmex and Oak Investment Partners. Pace said that the acquisition would give it access to the tier one telecom market in North America, complimenting its current U.S. presence in the cable and satellite markets.
http://www.2wire.com
http://www.pace.com/corporate/mediahub/pacenewsitem.asp?id=11025

San Francisco-Based Convoke Systems Raises $5.5M in Second Round

San Francisco -- Convoke Systems, a San Francisco-based developer of information management software for the debt collection and recoveries industry, said on Monday that it has raised $5.5 million in its second round of funding, co-led by Flybridge Capital Partners and QED Investors. The company will use the proceeds to fund new product development, sales and marketing and market expansion. Convoke's web-based software is designed to centralize and automate the handling of consumer and commercial debt information. The company's technology manages data that verifies debt, validates account ownership, protects private consumer information and provides access to legitimate debt owners and servicers. "Our mission is to fundamentally change the way information supporting debt is managed and moved throughout the industry," said Gary Portney, the company's founder and president. Clients include 10 of the nation's largest debt buyers.
http://www.convokesystems.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100726005089/en/Convoke-Systems-Raises-5.5-Million-Series-Funding

Federal Government Rules in Favor of iPhone "Jailbreaking"

Cupertino, Calif. -- A new ruling by the Library of Congress' Copyright Office will let iPhone owners legally download and run apps from sources other than Apple's App Store. The San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation said that the practice, known as "jailbreaking," already has been carried out by more than 1 million iPhone owners in violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), either to change wireless providers or use unauthorized apps. In its ruling, the Copyright Office rejected Cupertino-based Apple's claim that the practice was prohibited by current copyright laws. "When one jailbreaks a smartphone in order to make the operating system on that phone interoperable with an independently created application that has not been approved by the maker of the smartphone or the maker of its operating system, the modifications that are made purely for the purpose of such interoperability are fair uses," the ruling states.
http://www.copyright.gov/1201/
http://www.eff.org/press/archives/2010/07/26

CrowdGather Acquires Assets of San Francisco-Based Lefora

San Francisco -- CrowdGather, a Woodland Hills-based provider of hosting services for special interest web forums and message board communities, said on Monday that it has acquired the assets of San Francisco-based Lefora, which offers a similar hosting service that lets users create their own forums. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. CrowdGather CEO Sanjay Sabnani said that the deal "gives us advanced technical functionality." Founded in 2008, Lefora now hosts over 100,000 forum communities. Earlier this year, CrowdGather also acquired digital ad agency ADISN and FreeForums.org.
http://www.crowdgather.com
http://www.lefora.com
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=203349&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1451727&highlight=

National Archives Launches Improved Federal Registrar Site

Washington, DC -- Marking the 75th anniversary of the Federal Register Act, the National Archives on Monday launched a new, cleaner version of its Federal Registrar website, a daily journal of publications and public notices issued by federal agencies. The open source site, known as FR 2.0, is laid out much like a daily newspaper, dividing its content into sections with headings such as Money, Environment and Science & Technology. The goal is to make information easier to find through a clearer layout and new tools designed to guide readers to the most popular topics and relevant documents.
http://www.federalregister.gov/
http://www.archives.gov/press/press-releases/2010/nr10-119.html

Emeryville-Based TurnHere Lands $3 Million in New Funding

Emeryville, Calif. --  TurnHere, an Emeryville-based provider of broadcast-quality online video content for companies in a wide range of industries, has raised $3 million in a new round of equity funding, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Founded in 2005, TurnHere maintains a network of more than 8,000 professional filmmakers, who create affordable Internet videos for the company's clients. The company in early 2008 also raised $7.5 million in funding from Venrock and Hearst Interactive Media.
http://www.turnhere.com
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1384253/000138425310000003/xslFormDX01/primary_doc.xml

Shareholders Approve SonicWall's Acquisition by Thoma Bravo

San Jose, Calif. -- SonicWall, a San Jose-based provider of IT security and data backup and recovery tools, said on Friday that it expected to close its acquisition by of an investor group led by Thoma Bravo, after shareholders approved the deal earlier in the day. Under the terms of the agreement, first announced in early June, SonicWall shareholders will receive $11.50 a share in cash. Its stock will be delisted from the Nasdaq. Teachers' Private Capital also was part of the investment group.
http://www.sonicwall.com/
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sonicwall-shareholders-approve-merger-agreement-with-thoma-bravo-and-ontario-teachers-pension-plan-99103029.html

Cupertino-Based Apple Again Delays Release of White iPhone 4

Cupertino, Calif. -- For the second time since the initial launch of the iPhone 4, Cupertino-based Apple said on Friday that it has delayed the release of white-colored models of the device. The company cited a manufacturing process that has turned out to be "more challenging…than we originally expected." The more popular black models of the iPhone 4 are not affected. Apple did not offer a timetable for the release of the device, except to say it "will not be available until later this year." The news came about one month after the company initially delayed the white model, saying they would hit the market in the second half of July.
http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2010/07/23iphonestatement.html

Vermillion to Move Headquarters from Fremont to Austin

Fremont, Calif. -- Vermillion, a Fremont-based developer of diagnostic tests used by physicians, said on Friday that it will relocate its corporate headquarters from Fremont to Austin, Texas. The company said that it will continue to operate its research and development, regulatory and quality operations in California. "This move allows us to take advantage of Austin's strong talent pool and cost-effective environment," said Gail Page, the company's chairman and CEO. "Austin's central location also facilitates more efficient and effective interaction with our national sales force and our strategic partners." The move is expected to be completed in September.
http://www.vermillion.com
http://ir.vermillion.com/preview/phoenix.zhtml?c=121814&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1451331&highlight=

Report: Global Smartphone Shipments Rose 43% in Q2

Boston -- Global smartphone shipments rose 43% to 60 million units in the second quarter of, according to a new report from market research firm Strategy Analytics. The firm credited subsidies from mobile network operators, competition from premium vendors and a growing range of lower-cost models. "The global smartphone industry is growing volume but the industry's value is beginning to feel the effects of intensifying competition," said Strategy Analytics director Neil Mawston. "Dozens of vendors from the telecoms, PC and consumer electronics industries are piling into the market and driving down prices. Even established brands such as Nokia, RIM and Apple are finding it increasingly hard to raise prices and profits in the face of such fierce competition." Nokia led all vendors with 24 million smartphones shipped in the quarter,follwed by ; Research in Motion (11.2 million) and Apple (8.4 million).
http://www.strategyanalytics.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100722005742/en/STRATEGY-ANALYTICS-Global-Smartphone-Shipments-Jump-43

Palo Alto-Based Flipboard Lands $10.5M, Debuts iPad Social Magazine App

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Flipboard, the Palo Alto-based developer of a "social magazine" format for Apple's iPad, said on Wednesday that it has raised $10.5 million in funding, acquired social data mining firm Ellerdale and launched its application to the public. Investors included Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Index Ventures, as well as Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz, Peter Chernin, Ron Conway, Alfred Lin, Peter Currie, Quincy Smith and Ashton Kutcher. The company, which was founded earlier this year, said that technology from Ellerdale will become the relevancy engine for the next release of its application. Flipboard creates a personalized magazine for the iPad by pulling photos, updates and stories and videos posted to Facebook and Twitter by a user's friends.
http://www.flipboard.com
http://www.flipboard.com/press/flipboard-launches-worlds-first-social-magazine

San Francisco-Based Founders Fund Closes $250 Million Fund

San Francisco -- Founders Fund, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that has backed companies such as Facebook, Spotify and Quantcast, said that it has closed its third venture fund at $250 million, its largest yet. The majority of commitments came from limited partners of the firm's prior funds, joined by a small number of new investors. The firm said that it continue investing in the consumer-Internet space, as well as expand its involvement with companies pursuing solutions to major science and engineering problems. "Our goal is to provide as much support for a company as it requires, without interfering with an entrepreneur's vision for that company," said Peter Thiel, who manages Founders Fund along with Ken Howery, Luke Nosek and Sean Parker.
http://www.foundersfund.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/founders-fund-raises-250-million-for-third-venture-fund-98786414.html

San Jose-Based Oclaro Acquires Mintera in Deal Worth Up to $32 Million

San Jose, Calif. -- Oclaro, a San Jose-based maker of optical communications and laser components, modules and subsystems, said on Wednesday that it has acquired Massachusetts-based Mintera, a developer of optical transport sub-systems. Under the deal, Oclara has made an initial payment of $12 million in cash, and will pay up to $20 million more based on Mintera's future revenue. The company said that the acquisition broadens its product portfolio for high-speed telecommunications. Alain Couder, the president and CEO of Oclaro, said that his company "has taken another important step forward in building upon our leadership position in 40 Gbps regional and metro networks." Terry Unter, the president and CEO of Mintera, will remain with Oclaro during a transitional period, leading its new 40/100 Gbps modules and subsystems division.
http://www.oclaro.com/
http://investor.oclaro.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=490263

San Jose-Based Validity Secures $12.6 Million in Fourth Round

San Jose, Calif. -- Validity, a San Jose-based developer of biometric fingerprint technology designed to validate identities, said on Tuesday that it has raised $12.6 million in its fourth round of funding, led by new investor Panorama Capital. Previous backers TeleSoft Partners, Crosslink Capital, Qualcomm Ventures and VentureTech Alliance also participated. Founded in 2000, Validity makes biometric fingerprint sensors that are integrated into computers, mobile devices, portable media products and access control systems. Key customers include HP and Dell.
http://www.validityinc.com
http://www.validityinc.com/post.aspx?id=230

Mountain View-Based Pixazza Raises $12 Million in Second Round

Mountain View, Calif. -- Pixazza, the Mountain View-based developer of a web service that lets users scroll over web images to learn more, see related products or make purchases, said that it has raised $12 million in its second round of funding, led by Shasta Ventures. Previous backers August Capital, CMEA Capital and Google Ventures also participated in the round, which will be used to fuel product growth, as well as category and geographic expansion. "Images dominate the Internet and comprise the most visually appealing aspects of many websites, yet images have remained static for more than 15 years," said CEO Bob Lisbonne. "This new round of funding provides the resources to realize our vision of making every image interactive by revealing the information inside the trillions of images across the web." Pixazza's publisher network now reaches more than 25 million unique monthly visitors. 
http://www.pixazza.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pixazza-raises-12-million-series-b-round-98735789.html

Dell to Acquire San Jose-Based Ocarina Networks

San Jose, Calif. -- Computer giant Dell said that it will acquire San Jose-based Ocarina Networks, a developer of storage optimization technology designed to help users reduce data management costs and streamline operations. Financial terms of the deal, expected to close by the end of this month, were not disclosed. Brad Anderson, the senior vice president of Dell's enterprise product group, said that the acquisition "provides an important component of our data management portfolio," adding a key deduplication capability to Dell's EqualLogic offerings. Dell said that it plans to maintain and invest in additional engineering and sales capability for the company, which will maintain operations at its current facility.
http://www.ocarinanetworks.com/
http://content.dell.com/us/en/corp/d/secure/2010-7-19-ocarina-networks-aquisition.aspx

AOL Hires Apple Veteran to Help Launch Revamped Email Service

Mountain View, Calif. -- On the verge of launching a new version of its email service, AOL has hired Apple veteran Alan Eyzaguirre as the new vice president of AOL Mail, according to an internal memo published by Silicon Alley Insider. Eyzaguirre, most recently Apple's director of software product marketing in Europe, will be based in Mountain View, but work closely with the company's product and engineering teams in Virginia and India. He also previously worked at IDG on the Webby Awards and on Adobe Systems' Internet team. The hiring comes at a time when AOL reportedly is planning a major overhaul of its once-popular email service, which according to comScore now ranks fifth in market share.
http://www.businessinsider.com/aol-hires-apple-vet-who-writes-about-his-dreams-online-2010-7

Google to Discontinue In-House Sales of Nexus One Smartphone

Mountain View, Calif. -- Mountain View-based Google said that it will officially discontinue in-house sales of its Nexus One smartphone, once a final shipment that it received last week sells out. The company in May discontinued sales from its website, which was for a time the only place consumers could purchase the phone. The device still will be available from a few retailers, including Vodafone in Europe and KT in Korea. The company said that it will continue to provide customer support for current Nexus One owners, and that it will make the hardware available through a partner to registered developers.
http://googlenexusoneboard.blogspot.com/2010/07/update-nexus-one-changes-in.html

Non-Profit BVGH Moves Headquarters from DC to San Francisco

San Francisco -- BIO Ventures for Global Health (BVGH), a non-profit aimed at accelerating the development of drugs that address unmet medical needs in developing countries, said on Tuesday that it has relocated its headquarters from Washington, DC to a new office in San Francisco. The organization, which will maintain a strong presence in DC, said that moving to one of the nation's largest biotech hubs will give it "the opportunity to get critical feedback on new programs we are developing or policy proposals we are putting forth." BVGH also has named Jacqueline Papkoff as its vice president of Global Health Connect, a new network created to link biopharmaceutical companies with experts involved in product research and development, and Nadine Weich as its senior director of scientific affairs. Papkoff most recently served as a biotherapeutics research and development consultant as well as chief scientific officer at CFD Therapeutics, while Weich was the project team leader for immunology at Genentech.
http://www.bvgh.org/
http://www.bvgh.org/News/Blog/PostID/46.aspx

Google Acquires San Francisco-Based Metaweb Technologies

Mountain View, Calif. -- Looking to improve its search capabilities, Mountain View-based Google said that it has acquired San Francisco-based Metaweb Technologies, which maintains an open database of web content. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 2005, Metaweb's "Freebase" database includes over 12 million things, including movies, books, celebrities and companies. Google said that the acquisition will improve its search results, with Metaweb helping it to more directly answer search queries like, "actors over 40 who have won at least one oscar," or "colleges on the west coast with tuition under $30,000." Google and Metaweb plan to maintain Freebase as a free and open database, as well as contribute to its further development.
http://www.metaweb.com
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/deeper-understanding-with-metaweb.html

Santa Clara-Based LedEngin Lands Fourth Round of Funding

Santa Clara, Calif. -- LedEngin, a Santa Clara-based solid-state lighting company specializing in LED lighting components, modules and replacement lamps, said on Monday that it has raised an undisclosed amount in its fourth round of funding. NGP Energy Technology Partners led the round, which also included previous backers WK Technology Fund, Partech International, Horizon Ventures, Eyon Group and Keh-Shew Lu, the company's chairman. LedEngin plans to use the proceeds to expand its product portfolio, increase manufacturing capacity and bolster its worldwide sales and marketing network.
http://www.ledengin.com 
http://www.ledengin.com/ledengin_news-events-100719.htm

U.S. Venture Investment Hits Highest Level Since 2008

New York -- Venture investors sank $7.7 billion into U.S.-based companies during the second quarter, the highest quarterly total since the third quarter of 2008, according to new statistics released by Dow Jones VentureSource. "Fueled by investors’ need to keep current portfolio companies funded and to begin investing from new funds, venture capital financing had a strong quarter," said Jessica Canning, global research director for Dow Jones VentureSource. "Deal activity and capital invested in venture-backed companies is once again near levels seen before the start of the economic recession in 2008." The quarter's 744 VC deals was a 13% increase from the prior year, while the capital invested rose 26%. 
http://www.dowjones.com/privatemarkets/
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/US-Venture-Investment-Nears-prnews-1979301736.html?x=0&.v=1

Apple to Correct iPhone 4 Reception Issues with Free Cases

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple said on Friday that it will give free protective cases to buyers of its iPhone 4 device, which the company has acknowledged can lose signal strength if held a particular way. "We're not perfect. Phones aren't perfect. We know that, you know that," said CEO Steve Jobs during a morning news conference at the company's Cupertino headquarters. Those who purchase the device through Sept. 30 will be eligible for the case, which retails for around $29. Customers who already have purchased a case will receive refunds. Apple has seen strong sales for the iPhone 4 since its release in mid-June, despite a reception issue that occurs sometimes when users cover the lower left end of the device. The problem -- which some have labeled the "death grip" -- has sparked growing outcry from customers. Earlier this week, Consumer Reports said that it could not recommend the iPhone 4 due to the flaw, and on Thursday, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) published an open letter to Apple asking that the company fix the problem free of charge. Jobs, however, said that his company had been working to resolve the issue for more than three weeks. "It's not like Apple has had its head in the sand on this," he said.
http://www.apple.com/iphone/
http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/100716iab73asc/event/index.html

Apple Likely to Address iPhone 4 Antenna Issue Friday

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple has scheduled a press conference for Friday that will focus on its new iPhone 4, which has seen strong sales since its release three weeks ago despite reception issues with its antenna. Cupertino-based Apple has acknowledged that holding the iPhone 4 in a certain way -- covering the lower left end of the device -- can impede its reception, but was quick to point the real blame on an incorrect formula it was using to calculate how many reception bars appear on the device. Earlier this week, Consumer Reports said that it could not recommend the iPhone 4 due to what it called a hardware flaw with the antenna. On Thursday, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) published an open letter to Apple, saying that "a fix for the 'death grip' problem should be provided free of charge to customers." Some observers have cast doubt on the idea that Apple would outright recall the iPhone 4. More seem to think the company may opt to offer free bumper cases (normally $29) that address the reception issue.
http://schumer.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=326405& 
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/07/fix-iphone-4

Redwood City-Based Trilliant Lands $106 Million in New Financing

Redwood City, Calif. -- Trilliant, a Redwood City-based developer of hardware, software and services used by utilities to deliver advanced metering and smart energy grids, said on Thursday that it has raised $106 million in a new financing. Major participants included Investor Growth Capital, VantagePoint Venture Partners, ABB and GE, with the round also including a "significant" credit facility from an undisclosed financial institution. The company will use the proceeds to continue its growth, both in North America and worldwide. Founded in 1985, Trilliant has over 200 utility customers.
http://www.trilliantinc.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100715005087/en/Trilliant-Raises-106-Million-Capital

Report: Mountain View-Based VeriSign Mulling Move to Virginia

Mountain View, Calif. -- VeriSign, the Mountain View-based Internet infrastructure firm, may be on the verge of moving its corporate headquarters to Northern Virginia. The Washington Business Journal reported on Thursday that the company, which currently has approximately 500 employees in the area, is shopping for space in Fairfax County. A company spokesman called the move a "possibility." The news comes two months after VeriSign agreed to sell its security business to Symantec.
http://www.verisign.com
http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2010/07/12/daily41.html

Washington Post Acquires South San Francisco-Based iCurrent

South San Francisco -- The Washington Post Company has acquired iCurrent, the South San Francisco-based developer of a customized news aggregation application, VentureBeat reported. While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, VentureBeat pegged the purchase price as likely more than $5 million. Founded in 2006, iCurrent lets users create customized news feeds that draw from tens of thousands of newspapers, magazines and blogs. The company has raised $3 million in financing from Crosslink Capital. The Post told VentureBeat that it purchased iCurrent for its technology and team.
http://www.icurrent.com
http://media.venturebeat.com/2010/07/14/washington-post-acquires-icurrent-a-personal-news-aggregator/

Fletcher to Invest Another $2 Million in S.F.-Based ANTs software

San Francisco -- ANTs software, a San Francisco-based developer of database migration tools, said on Thursday that Fletcher International has agreed to invest another $2 million in the company. The latest move will increase Fletcher's investment in ANTs to $4 million, after it agreed to invest as much as $10 million into the company under an deal signed in March. ANTs said that it will use the proceeds to further fund its development and go-to-market strategy. Fletcher is paying $1.25 a share.
http://www.ants.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100715005570/en/ANTs-Software-Receive-Additional-2-Million-Investment

Worldwide PC Shipments Grow 21% in Q2; HP Maintains Lead

Stamford, Conn. -- Worldwide PC shipments reached 82.9 million units in the second quarter, up 20.7% from the same period in 2009, according to new figures from Gartner. "The preliminary second quarter results indicate ongoing improvement of the PC market, and it marks the third consecutive quarter of double-digit growth on a year-over-year basis," said Mikako Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner. Through average selling prices continue to decline, total spending by end-users still grew 13%. Palo Alto-based HP maintained its worldwide lead in PC shipments, holding a 17.4% market share to top Acer (13%), Dell (12.4%) and Lenovo (10%). In the U.S., HP captured 25.7% of the market, holding a 2% lead over Dell.
http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=1401136

Online Voting Opens for "Apps for Healthy Kids" Contest

Washington, DC -- Online voting has opened for the Apps for Healthy Kids contest, a $60,000 application development challenge launched in March by First Lady Michelle Obama in an effort to curb childhood obesity. All 95 entries, which include a variety of tools and games focused on diet and exercise, are available at the top link below. Public voting will be open until Aug. 14, with top picks winning $4,500 and a Popular Choice award. A separate judging panel also will select its own winners.
www.appsforhealthykids.com.
http://www.appsforhealthykids.com/application-gallery
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/07/14/new-apps-have-been-dreamed-now-you-choose-best-one

San Francisco's Atlassian Lands $60M Investment from Accel Partners

San Francisco -- Atlassian, an Australian developer of software development and collaboration tools with U.S. headquarters in San Francisco, said on Wednesday that it has landed a new $60 million investment from Palo Alto-based Accel Partners. Rich Wong, a partner at Accel, will join the company's board of directors. Atlassian plans to use the funds to expand into Europe and Asia, as well as add complimentary produvts through mergers and acquisitions. Atlassian was co-founded in 2002 by Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar in Sydney, and had been self-funded to date. the pair will continue as co-CEOs.
http://www.atlassian.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100714005923/en/Atlassian-Closes-60-Million-Investment-Accel-Partners

San Francisco-Based Flirtomatic Raises $9 Million in Third Round

San Francisco -- Flirtomatic, the San Francisco-based operator of a service that lets registered users meet and flirt online, said on Wednesday that it has raised $9 million in its third round of funding. Participants included new investor Nauta Capital and previous backerss Doughty Hanson, Seraphim Capital and Avi Azulai, the company's chairman. Flirtomatic, which counts more than 2.5 million members, said that it will use the funds to expand across the U.S. and Europe, as well as to bolster co-marketing efforts with partners including AT&T, MetroPCS, Virgin Mobile and T-Mobile. Flirtomatic also recently launched apps for the iPhone and Android platforms, and this summer will also launch an app for the Blackberry. The company was founded in 2005 by Mark Curtis, who founded Razorfish London and Fjord, and Avi Azulai, founder and group managing director of ITouch.
http://www.flirtomatic.com

Santa Clara-Based Power Assure Raises $11.25 Million, Lands DOE Grant

Santa Clara, Calif. -- Power Assure, a Santa Clara-based developer of power management software for data centers, said on Wednesday that it has raised $11.25 million in a new round of funding from Good Energies, Point Judith Capital and Draper Fisher Jurvetson. The company, which also has landed a new $5 million grant from the Department of Energy, said that it will use the infusion to expand its sales and commercialization activities. "Securing additional investment capital, especially in this recessionary climate, will allow us to hire the people we need to meet the demand we're seeing for our products in the market," said CEO Brad Wurtz. Power Assure said that its web-based business automation software allows clients to optimize capacity, service levels and power consumption within and across data centers. Partners include Dell, IBM, Raritan and VMware.
http://www.powerassure.com
http://www.powerassure.com/about-power-assure/news-and-events/press-releases/power-assure-funding-press-release/

San Francisco-Based Flirtomatic Raises $9 Million in Third Round

San Francisco -- Flirtomatic, the San Francisco-based operator of a service that lets registered users meet and flirt online, said on Wednesday that it has raised $9 million in its third round of funding. Participants included new investor Nauta Capital and previous backerss Doughty Hanson, Seraphim Capital and Avi Azulai, the company's chairman. Flirtomatic, which counts more than 2.5 million members, said that it will use the funds to expand across the U.S. and Europe, as well as to bolster co-marketing efforts with partners including AT&T, MetroPCS, Virgin Mobile and T-Mobile. Flirtomatic also recently launched apps for the iPhone and Android platforms, and this summer will also launch an app for the Blackberry. The company was founded in 2005 by Mark Curtis, who founded Razorfish London and Fjord, and Avi Azulai, founder and group managing director of ITouch.
http://www.flirtomatic.com

Facebook Backer Digital Sky Lands $388M Investment

Moscow -- Digital Sky Technologies (DST), the Russian investment firm that has poured large investments into Palo Alto-based Facebook and San Francisco-based social games developer Zynga, said that it has landed a $388 million investment from South African media group Naspers. Naspers will emerge from the deal with a 28.7% stake in DST. "Naspers's strategic insight has already proven to be valuable in our partnership and we welcome the expertise they will bring to DST," said Yuri Milner, the CEO of DST. DST currently owns a 5% stake in Facebook and late last year led a $180 million investment in Zynga. In April, the firm also agreed to acquire instant messaging service ICQ from AOL for $187.5 million.
http://www.naspers.com
http://dst-global.com/Press5 

California Remains No. 32 in CNBC "Top States for Business" List

California remains No. 32 in CNBC's annual ranking of America's Top States for Business. While the state stayed No. 1 in categories such as technology & innovation and access to capital, low marks in categories such as the cost of doing business (No. 48), business friendliness (No. 49) and cost of living (No. 49) kept it in the bottom half, tied with Arkansas. Texas, Virginia, Colorado, North Carolina and Massachusetts headed the overall list. CNBC ranked all 50 states on 40 measures of competitiveness. The complete list is available at the link below.
http://www.cnbc.com/id/37554006/