Silicon Valley Wire

Sunnyvale's LDK Solar Finalizes $33 Million Deal for Solar Power Inc.

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- LDK Solar, a Chinese manufacturer of solar wafers and PV products, with U.S. headquarters in Sunnyvale, said on Thursday it has acquired a 70% stake in Roseville-based Solar Power Inc. (SPI) for approximately $33 million. LDK finalized the deal after initially paying $10 million in January. SPI designs, engineers and builds complete photovoltaic (PV) solar energy facilities. Xiaofeng Peng, the chairman and CEO of LDK Solar, said the acquisition provides the companies with "the opportunity to jointly explore opening manufacturing operations in the U.S. to further enhance SPI's competitive advantage in North America."
http://www.ldksolar.com
http://www.spisolar.com
http://www.spisolar.com/ViewPressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=135

Santa Clara-Based GEO Semiconductor Lands $1 Million in Debt, Equity

Santa Clara, Calif. -- GEO Semiconductor, a developer of programmable 2D and 3D video and geometric pixel processors, said on Thursday it has raised more than $1 million in new funding in the form of convertible debt and equity. The company, whose technology is used primarily in LED-backlit LCD displays and smartphone cameras, said it will use the proceeds to support multiple new design wins. GEO said the backing puts in position to pursue a major new round of funding to support its next generation of products. .
http://www.geosemi.com 
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110331005497/en/GEO-Semiconductor-Closes-1-Million-Equity-Convertible

San Francisco-Based Qwiki Lands $1 Million from Groupon Founders

San Francisco -- Qwiki, the San Francisco-based developer of a Wikipedia-like service centered around video, said on Thursday it has raised an additional $1 million in funding from Lightbank, the investment fund created by Groupon co-founders Brad Keywell and Eric Lefkosky. The news comes two months after the company landed $8 million in a round led by Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. It then relocated from a garage in Palo Alto to a 60-person facility in San Francisco. Qwiki's service, currently in alpha testing, generates interactive video content on-the-fly from audio, text and animated photos sourced from the web. The company said its technology, which debuted in September, "transforms data into interactive, rich-media narratives, delivering an 'information experience.'"
http://www.qwiki.com 
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qwiki-raises-like-1-million-more-118990029.html

Google Picks Kansas City, Kansas for Super-Fast Internet Project

Mountain View, Calif. -- After receiving nearly 1,100 pitches from cities and towns across the country, Mountain View-based Google officially picked Kansas City, Kansas as the site of its planned ultra-high-speed fiber network, which the company said will feature Internet speeds 100 times faster than most Americans currently experience. "We've signed a development agreement with the city, and we'll be working closely with local organizations, businesses and universities to bring a next-generation web experience to the community," Google wrote in its blog. "In selecting a city, our goal was to find a location where we could build efficiently, make an impact on the community and develop relationships with local government and community organizations. We’ve found this in Kansas City." Pending approval from the city's board of commissioners, Google said it plans to offer service beginning in 2012.
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/ultra-high-speed-broadband-is-coming-to.html

S.F.-Based Salesforce.com to Acquire Radian6 for $326 Million

San Francisco -- Salesforce.com, the San Francisco-based provider of cloud-based customer relationship management software, said on Wednesday it will acquire Canada-based Radian6, developer of a social media monitoring platform, in a deal worth $326 million. Under the deal, expected to close by the end of July, Saleforce.com will pay $276 million in cash and $50 million in stock. Founded in 2006, Radian6's platform captures conversations across Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, blogs and online communities, then provides actionable insights in real-time. Clients include AAA, Dell, GE, Kodak, Molson Coors, Pepsico and UPS. "We see this as a huge opportunity," said Marc Benioff, the chairman and CEO of salesforce.com. "Not only will this acquisition accelerate our growth, it will extend the value of all of our offerings."
http://www.radian6.com
http://www.saleforce.com
https://www.salesforce.com/company/news-press/press-releases/2011/03/110330.jsp

Google Settles with FTC Over Privacy Issues with Google Buzz

Washington, DC -- Technology giant Google on Wednesday agreed to settle charges with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that it used deceptive tactics and violated its own privacy promises to consumers when it launched its Google Buzz social network last year. The proposed settlement bars the Mountain View-based company from future privacy misrepresentations, requires it to implement a comprehensive privacy program and calls for regular, independent privacy audits for the next 20 years. "When companies make privacy pledges, they need to honor them," said Jon Leibowitz, chairman of the FTC. "This is a tough settlement that ensures that Google will honor its commitments to consumers and build strong privacy protections into all of its operations." According to the complaint, Google launched Buzz through its Gmail web-based email service, and led users to believe they had an option about whether to join. Users were given two options: "Sweet! Check out Buzz," and "Nah, go to my inbox." However, the FTC alleged that some users who clicked on "Nah..." were nonetheless enrolled in the social network, and users who clicked on "Sweet!" weren't adequately informed that the identity of individuals they emailed most frequently would be made public by default.
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2011/03/google.shtm
http://www.ftc.gov/os/caselist/1023136/110330googlebuzzagreeorder.pdf (PDF)

Twitter Co-Founder Jack Dorsey to Return as Executive Chairman

San Francisco -- Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey is returning to the San Francisco-based company as executive chairman in charge of product development, CEO Dick Costolo announced. Evan Williams succeeded Dorsey as Twitter's CEO in late 2008, when he left to concentrate on launching his mobile payment startup, Square. Dorsey, who will continue as Square's CEO, said on Tuesday that his biggest challenge will be trying to make the microblogging service more useful to average people. "We have a lot of mainstream awareness, but mainstream relevancy is still a challenge," said Dorsey Tuesday at Columbia University's Journalism School.
http://twitter.com/dickc/statuses/52406894186348545 

San Mateo-Based Adap.tv Raises $20 Million for Video Ad Marketplace

San Mateo, Calif. - Adap.tv, the San Mateo-based Adap.tv developer of a video ad marketplace, said on Tuesday it has raised $20 million in a new round of funding, led by Bessemer Venture Partners. Previous backers Gemini Israel Funds, Redpoint Ventures and Spark Capital also participated in the round, which the company will use to support international growth and additional product development. "The investment helps us focus on expanding in areas where we see the greatest opportunity," said Amir Ashkenazi, the company's co-founder and CEO. Launched in February 2010, Adapt.tv counts 4,200 website partners, and reaches over 60 million unique viewers, delivering more than 1.8 billion video ad views monthly.
http://adap.tv 
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/adaptv-closes-20-million-in-funding-led-by-bessemer-venture-partners-118834604.html

Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman to Join Kleiner Perkins

Menlo Park, Calif. -- Meg Whitman, the former CEO of San Jose-based eBay, will become a part-time advisor at Menlo Park-based venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Fortune reported, citing sources close to the situation. Whitman, who lost her bid for California governor last fall, reportedly will help the firm find new investment opportunities, while advising portfolio companies. Whitman, who stepped down as eBay's CEO in 2008, currently sits on the boards of HP, Zipcar, Teach for America and Proctor and Gamble.
http://postcards.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2011/03/29/meg-whitman-to-join-kleiner-perkins/

San Jose-Based Cisco to Acquire San Mateo's newScale

San Jose, Calif. -- Cisco, the San Jose-based network equipment giant, said on Tuesday it will acquire San Mateo-based newScale, a developer of software that lets businesses select and deploy cloud services. Financial terms of the deal, expected to close by the end of July, were not disclosed. "Cloud computing represents a major shift in the evolution of the Internet, and as more customers migrate from traditional IT infrastructures, the need for rapid self-provisioning and efficient management becomes increasingly critical," said Parvesh Sethi, the senior vice president of Cisco Services. "With the acquisition of newScale, Cisco will be able to accelerate the deployment of cloud services through a service catalog and self-service portal that allows customers to easily manage their IT infrastructures." newScale will become part of Cisco's Advanced Services organization.
http://www.cisco.com 
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Cisco-Announces-Intent-to-iw-1989606857.html?x=0&.v=1

San Jose-Based eBay to Acquire GSI Commerce for $2.4 Billion

San Jose, Calif. -- Looking to strengthen its ties with retailers and brands, San Jose-based online auction giant eBay said on Monday it will pay approximately $2.4 billion to acquire GSI Commerce, a Pennsylvania-based provider of e-commerce and interactive marketing services. The deal, to be financed with a combination of cash and debt, is expected to close after midyear. John Donahoe, the president and CEO of eBay, said the acquisition "will significantly strengthen our ability to connect buyers and sellers worldwide." GSI currently boasts more than 180 customers across 14 merchandise categories, as well as long-term relationships with retailers and brands such as Adidas, Calvin Klein, Dockers, Levi's, Mattel, HP and RadioShack. As part of the acquisition, eBay will sell all of GSI's licensed sports merchandise business, as well as 70% of its ShopRunner and Rue La La shopping sites. Those properties will become part of a newly formed company led by GSI founder and CEO Michael Rubin.
http://changingshopping.ebayinc.com
http://www.ebayinc.com
http://www.ebayinc.com/#20110328006021

Sunnyvale-Based Aerohive Networks Raises $25 Million in Fourth Round

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Aerohive Networks, a Sunnyvale-based developer of wireless architecture that eliminates the need for network controllers, said on Monday it has raised $25 million in its fourth round of funding, led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA). Previous backers Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Northern Light Venture Capital also participated in this round, which the company will use to bolster sales and marketing, enter new markets and potentially make acquisitions. The company now has raised over $70 million in venture capital since its inception in 2006, including a $23.5 million round last March.
http://www.nea.com
http://www.aerohive.com 
http://www.aerohive.com/company/press_events/2011/Aerohive_Networks_Announces_$25_Million_in_Series_D_Funding_Led_by_New_Enterprise_Associates_Inc.html

State AGs Call on Google and Apple to Pull "Checkpoint" Apps

Baltimore -- The state attorneys general from Maryland Delaware on Monday called on technology giants Google and Apple to ban smartphone apps that help users avoid drunk-driving checkpoints. The apps in question, currently available for iPhone and Android devices, provide the locations of police checkpoints and allow users to report checkpoints to others. "These smartphone applications give drunk drivers a 'how-to' guide to evade DUI checkpoints and endanger the lives of innocent citizens on our roads," said Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler. Both Gansler and Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden have sent letters to Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Scott Forstall, Apple's senior vice president of iPhone software, encouraging the companies to "take the responsible step" or removing the apps.
http://www.oag.state.md.us/Press/2011/032811.html

San Francisco-Based InsideView Raises $12 Million in Third Round

San Francisco -- InsideView, a San Francisco-based developer of sales intelligence software, said it has raised $12 million in its third round of funding, led by Foundation Capital. Previous backers Emergence Capital Partners, Rembrandt Venture Partners and Greenhouse Capital Partners also participated in the round, which the company will use to expand distribution partnerships bolster market education. InsideView's software is designed to scope out sales opportunities across both traditional editorial sources and social media. The technology is currently being used by more than 75,000 sales professionals across over 1,000 companies. The company last raised $6.5 million in a round the closed in late 2009, and has landed $26 million since its inception in 2005.
http://www.insideview.com/
http://www.insideview.com/NEWS-PRESS/press-03242011-funding.html

Former Lala Founder Launches Palo Alto-Based Color with $41 Million

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Color, the Palo Alto-based developer of a content sharing app for smartphones, said it has raised $41 million in a new round of funding from Bain Capital Ventures, Sequoia Capital and Silicon Valley Bank. The company, headed by former Lala founder Bill Nguyen, will use the proceeds to further develop its technology and expand its service. Color's free app, available for iPhone and Android devices, allows people in close proximity to capture and have real-time access to photos, videos and text simultaneously from multiple smartphones. The app is based on a technology designed to identify nearby smartphones using advanced proximity algorithms. Nguyen, who sold streaming music service Lala to Apple in Dec. 2009 for an undisclosed amount, said the new service makes it possible to "instantly capture, experience and share life with those around you without rigid web concepts like `friending.'" Apple shuttered Lala last May.
http://www.color.com/ 
http://www.color.com/press

App from San Mateo's myRete Sends Two Billionth Text

San Mateo, Calif. -- myRete, the San Mateo and Virginia-based developer of the WhosHere social mobile application, said on Thursday it has now sent over 2 billion text messages through the app. Late last year, the company said the app had a user base of over 2 million. The app, often used for dating, introduces users to others with whom they have something in common. "When a user finds someone interesting, they can send free text and image messages and make free VoIP calls," the company said. "All this is done without disclosing any personal information unless the user chooses to provide it." Stephen Smith, co-founder and president of the self-funded company, is based in Alexandria, Va., while fellow co-founder Bryant Harris and another employee are based in San Mateo.
http://www.myrete.com/
http://www.prweb.com/releases/iPhone/WhosHere/prweb8234923.htm

Forbes: Giants Now Seventh Most Valuable Team in Baseball

San Francisco -- The San Francisco Giants now rank No. 7 on Forbes' list of Major League Baseball's most valuable franchises, with the Oakland A's coming in at No. 29 out of 30 teams. The publication estimates that the Giants are now worth $563 million, up 16% from a year ago. "The Giants' first World Series title in San Francisco led to record revenue ($230 million) as more than 3 million fans turned out at AT&T Park and the team sold more than $600,000 worth of merchandise at its store in just the first 36 hours after winning the National League pennant," Forbes wrote. "The Giants also hit a home run with their local broadcasts, averaging a rating of 4.1 on regional sports network CSN Bay Area." The A's, meanwhile, are estimated to be worth $307 million, up 4%. The magazine cited the team's need for a new stadium with the potential for more revenue from premium seating. The New York Yankees topped the list for the 14th straight year, with the average value of a franchise soaring to an all-time high of $523 million. The complete list is available at the links below.
http://blogs.forbes.com/kurtbadenhausen/2011/03/23/baseballs-most-valuable-teams/
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2011/33/baseball-valuations-11_rank.html

Former VMware R&D head Launches Tintri with $17 Million in Funding

Mountain View, Calif. -- Kieran Harty, who for seven years led research and product development at VMware, on Thursday officially launched Mountain View-based storage technology firm Tintri after raising nearly $17 million in funding. NEA and Lightspeed Venture Partners led the funding. The company's first product, known as VMstore, is a storage system built specifically for virtual machines. "The key bottleneck slowing virtualization adoption is the legacy storage systems that were architected before virtualization was even a consideration," said Harty, who was at VMware from 1999-2006. "Our products are designed to help enterprises virtualize 80% or more of their IT infrastructure."
http://www.tintri.com/
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Former-Head-VMware-RD-Launches-Tintri-Ships-Worlds-First-Production-VM-Aware-Storage-1417099.htm

Santa Clara-Based McAfee to Acquire Database Security Firm Sentrigo

Santa Clara, Calif. -- McAfee, the Santa Clara-based security technology firm owned by Intel, said on Wednesday it will acquire Sentrigo, a Santa Clara-based provider of database security and compliance, assessment, monitoring and intrusion prevention tools. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. McAfee previously had partnered with Sentrigo through its Security Innovation Alliance (SIA) program, and last year entered into an original equipment manufacturing relationship with the company. "The integration of Sentrigo with McAfee will provide customers with the highest level of security across their database environments and allow companies to rapidly deploy a database security strategy in a cost effective manner," said Dave DeWalt, the president of McAfee. The acquisition is expected to close in April, when Sentrigo will become part of the McAfee Risk & Compliance business unit.
http://www.mcafee.com/sentrigo 
http://www.sentrigo.com/
http://www.mcafee.com/us/about/news/2011/q1/20110323-01.aspx

Santa Clara's Amimon Secures $15M for Wireless HDTV Chips

Santa Clara, Calif. -- Amimon, an Israeli developer of wireless HDTV chips with U.S. headquarters in Santa Clara, said on Wednesday it has raised $15 million in a new round of funding, from new and existing investors. The company will use the proceeds to accelerate development of its WHDI chipsets, as well as to help it expand into the mobile and tablet markets. "Notebook PCs, handsets and tablets have emerged as primary sources of HD content and consumers are eager to connect these devices to the TV," said Yoav Nissan-Cohen, the company's chairman and CEO. "WHDI offers the only viable option for connecting these devices to a TV." Founded in 2004, Amimon previously raised more than $30 million from backers including Walden Israel Venture Capital, Evergreen Venture Partners, Cedar Fund, Stata Venture Partners and Argonaut Private Equity.
http://www.amimon.com/
http://amimon.com/pr20110323.shtml

Report: Palo Alto-Based Flipboard Raising Funding at $200M Valuation

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Flipboard, the Palo Alto-based developer of an application that presents content from Facebook and other social media sites in a magazine format for tablets, is raising a new round of funding at a $200 million valuation, All Things D reported, citing sources. Launched in July 2010, Flipboard previously raised $10.5 million from backers including Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Index Ventures and angel investors Jack Dorsey and Ron Conway. Though the company currently distributes its app for free, it reportedly plans to generate ad revenue, and potentially launch a subscription plan.
http://www.flipboard.com 
http://kara.allthingsd.com/20110323/pretty-flipboard-fundraising-at-an-even-prettier-200-million-valuation/?mod=ATD_rss

S.F.-Based Inkling Lands Key Investments from Textbook Publishers

San Francisco -- Inkling, the San Francisco-based developer of a digital textbook platform for the iPad, said on Wednesday it has secured "significant" minority investments from educational content providers McGraw-Hill and Pearson. Previous backers Sequoia Capital, Felicis Ventures, Kapor Capital and Sherpalo Ventures also participated in the multi-million dollar financing. The news comes as both McGraw-Hill and Pearson have committed to build interactive editions of their top titles for the Inkling platform. "Until now, digital textbooks have failed to gain real traction because they add little value over the printed book,” said Matt MacInnis, the company's founder and CEO. "But Inkling is different. We build every textbook from the ground up for iPad to create a more engaging learning experience." Inkling's platform includes interactivity with other students, self quizzes, search and annotation tools and the ability to buy by the chapter.
http://www.inkling.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110323005569/en/Inkling-Secures-Major-Investment-Top-Education-Companies

San Francisco-Based Meltwater Group Acquires JitterJam

San Francisco -- The Meltwater Group, a San Francisco-basedprovider of social media and news monitoring services, said it has paid $6 million to acquire New Hampshire-based JitterJam, a developer of social customer relationship management (CRM) software. The company said it will integrate JitterJam's platform into its Meltwater Buzz product. "The social CRM space is clearly experiencing fast growth and within three years we aim to generate $100 million a year in social CRM solutions alone," said Jorn Lyseggen, the founder and CEO of Meltwater. "The JitterJam technology and talent will help us achieve this goal." Founded 10 years ago, Meltwater now serves more than 18,000 customers and generates $100 million in annual revenue.
http://www.meltwater.com
http://www.jitterjam.com
http://www.meltwater.com/about/press-room/news-releases/meltwater-acquires-jitterjam-to-lead-exploding-social-crm-market 

S.F.-Based ShopSquad Raises $1.25 Million for Social Commerce Service

San Francisco -- ShopSquad, the San Francisco-based developer of a social commerce service where consumers receive shopping advice from other consumers through video chat, has landed $1.25 million in seed funding, TechCrunch reported. Investors included Josh Silverman, David Sacks, Jeff Fluhr, Selina Tobaccowala and Charles Carmel. ShopSquad offers site visitors live video chat with advisors, who they can choose based on factors such as community ratings, expertise and language. Then, when those users make purchases, the advisors -- who can be anyone with product knowledge -- earn commissions from retail partners like Amazon, Best Buy and Hotels.com.
http://www.shopsquad.com 
http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/23/social-shopping-startup-shopsquad-lands-1-25m-in-funding-from-heavy-hitters/

Wireless Association Pushing for Voluntary App Ratings by End of 2011

Washington, DC -- The majority of mobile apps may soon bear ratings designed to warn parents about content potentially inappropriate for their children, if wireless association CTIA has its way. The organization is pushing for voluntary ratings on apps by the end of this year. Part of that plan would be the development of an online system, designed to automatically rate apps for age-appropriate content based on information supplied by developers when they submit their apps to stores such as iTunes. "The mobile app market is growing exponentially and we understand the challenges that parents may face when determining what content is appropriate for their children," said Steve Largent, the president and CEO of CTIA. Largent said rating would help parents "make informed decisions regarding the apps their children download."
http://www.ctia.org/media/press/body.cfm/prid/2063
http://www.ctia.org/consumer_info/service/index.cfm/AID/10673

San Francisco's Clickworker Raises $5.9 Million in Second Round

San Francisco -- Clickworker, a German provider of crowdsourcing services to businesses, said on Tuesday it has raised $5.9 million in its second round of funding. The round was led by several European investors, including private investor Klaus Wecken, High-Tech Grunderfonds and Corporate Finance Partners. The company said it will use the proceeds accelerate its expansion and development in the U.S, as well as augment its base in Europe. Clickworker utilizes the Internet to help companies complete projects more efficiently, breaking down complex tasks into micro-jobs, then assigning them to independent contractors -- known as "clickworkers." The company was founded in 2006, and opened its U.S. headquarters last fall. Clients include IDG Business Media, Blue Summit, YP.de, Anzo Press, Paypal, swink.tv and Gilchrist & Soames.
http://www.clickworker.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110322005959/en/Clickworker-Secures-4.25-Million-%E2%82%AC-approx.-5.91

Redwood City-Based Shutterfly to Acquire Sunnyvale's Tiny Prints

Redwood City, Calif. -- Shutterfly, the Redwood City-based operator of a digital photo service, said it will acquire Sunnyvale-based Tiny Prints in a deal worth $333 million. Under the terms of the deal, expected to close in 30-60 days, Shutterfly will pay $141 million in cash and 3.9 million shares of stock. Tiny Prints operates tinyprints.com and weddingpaperdivas.com, which both offer cards, invitations, personalized stationery and photo books. "We believe the integration of our businesses will create near-term and long-term opportunities for enhanced merchandising, accelerated product innovation and significant scale efficiencies in manufacturing, customer service and marketing," said Jeffrey Housenbold, the president and CEO of Shutterfly. Tiny Prints co-founders Ed Han (CEO), Kelly Berger (chief innovation architect) and Laura Ching (chief merchandising officer) all will join Shutterfly, along with the rest of the company's staff.
http://www.shutterfly.com 
http://www.tinyprints.com 
http://ir.shutterfly.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=559090

Santa Clara-Based NetLogic to Acquire Fremont-based Optichron

Santa Clara, Calif. -- NetLogic Microsystems, a Santa Clara-based developer of semiconductor tools for next-generation Internet networks, said on Monday it will acquire Fremont-based Optichron, a designer of digital front-end (DFE) processors. Under the deal, NetLogic will make an initial payment of $77 million in cash, as well as up to $108.5 million more through 2012, based on Optichron's performance. Several Optichron employees also could share an addition $12.5 million under the deal, which is expected to close around mid-year. NetLogic said the acquisition will broaden its footprint in 3G/4G LTE base stations. Optichron's investors include U.S. Venture Partners, Battery Ventures, TL Ventures and VentureTech Alliance.
http://www.netlogicmicro.com 
http://www.optichron.com
http://www.netlogicmicro.com/News/pr/2011/11-03-21Optichron.asp

Palo Alto-Based Facebook Acquires U.K. App Developer Snaptu

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Facebook has acquired Snaptu, the U.K.-based company that developed a mobile version of Facebook for less-advanced "feature" mobile phones. Though financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, VentureBeat reported that it's worth as much as $70 million. Founded in 2007, Snaptu develops mobile applications for "feature" phones, used by the 95% of worldwide mobile users who the company says don't own a smartphone. The company's Facebook for Feature Phones app works on more than 2,500 handsets. "Working as part of the Facebook team offered the best opportunity to keep accelerating the pace of our product development," the company said in a blog post. Snaptu, which also has offices in Silicon Valley and Israel, said the deal is expected to close within weeks.
http://www.snaptu.com
http://blog.snaptu.com/?p=224 
http://venturebeat.com/2011/03/20/facebook-acquires-israeli-mobile-app-startup-snaptu/

Milpitas-Based Pliant Technology Names Richard Wilmer as New CEO

Milpitas, Calif. -- Pliant Technology, a Milpitas-based developer of solid state storage devices designed to accelerate system and application performance, said on Monday that Amyl Ahola has retired as its CEO. The company has named Richard Wilmer, the former as COO and acting CFO of Santur, as its new CEO. Ahola, who became company's first CEO four years ago, will remain on the board of directors.  Wilmer also has served as the vice president of business operations and vice president of engineering at Aruba Networks, and has held several executive management positions at Seagate, Maxtor, 2Wire, Procket Networks and Terastor.
http://www.plianttechnology.com
http://www.plianttechnology.com/press/view.php?id=30

Brisbane-Based Glam Media Acquires BBS Media

Brisbane, Calif. -- Glam Media, a women-focused network of websites and corresponding ad network, said on Friday that it has acquired BBS Media, a Canada-based brand advertising firm. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal marks Glam's expansion into Canada, where BBS counts partnerships with Harper's Bazaar, Washington Post Digital, Forbes, Men's Health and others. Glam said it plans to introduce its GlamAdapt premium ad-serving platform in Canada. The company said the platform counts more than 2,000 publisher partners and reaches 200 million monthly unique visitors.
http://www.glammedia.com 
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/glam-media-acquires-bbs-media----launches-glam-media-canada-to-increase-brand-advertising-dollars-online-from-canadian-and-global-brands-118210379.html

San Jose-Based NetGear to Acquire Division from Westell Technologies

San Jose, Calif. -- NetGear, a San Jose-based maker of home networking, storage and digital media products, said on Friday it will pay $33.5 million in cash to acquire the Customer Networking Solutions (CNS) division of Illinois-based Westell Technologies, a maker of broadband networking products for telecom service providers. The deal is expected to close by mid-year, with Westell retaining certain customer relationships, as well as its HomeCloud product line. "This transaction will position NetGear as a leader in the U.S. telecommunications service provider home network equipment market," said Patrick Lo, the chairman and CEO of NetGear.
http://www.westell.com
http://www.netgear.com/ 
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/netgear-to-purchase-customer-networking-solutions-business-of-westell-technologies-inc-118232094.html

Report: Yahoo May Sell Delicious Bookmarking Service for $2M

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Yahoo is in talks to sell its Delicious social bookmarking service for as much as $2 million, Business Insider reported, citing a source familiar with the discussions. The Sunnyvale-based company acquired Delicious in 2005 for an undisclosed sum, but said in December it would seek to sell off the unit. The suitor is said to be a strategic partner, which Business Insider speculated could be bookmarking service StumbleUpon, which recently raised $17 million in new financing. The Next Web also recently reported that Yahoo would sell Delicious, but pegged the sale price at $5 million. Delicious was founded in 2003.
http://www.delicious.com  
http://www.businessinsider.com/yahoo-selling-delicious-2011-3 
http://thenextweb.com/industry/2011/03/11/unconfirmed-reports-that-delicious-has-been-sold-for-5-million/

Milpitas-Based Phoenix Technologies Names Rich Geruson as CEO

Milpitas, Calif. -- Phoenix Technologies, a Milpitas-based developer of core systems software products, services and embedded technologies, on Thursday named Rich Geruson as its new president and CEO. He succeeds Tom Lacey, who departed the company in February. Geruson most recently was the CEO of VoiceSignal Technologies, and previously served as the senior vice president of Nokia Americas' mobile phone business. Phoenix created the PC clone industry with its original BIOS product in 1983, and now has over 200 technology patents issued and pending. The company has shipped firmware in over one billion systems.
http://www.phoenix.com  
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/phoenix-technologies-names-rich-geruson-president-and-ceo-118157534.html

Sigma Partners to Split Silicon Valley, Boston Teams

Menlo Park, Calif. -- Sigma Partners, a venture capital firm focused on the technology sector, plans to split into two separate firms, separating its Boston operation from its California offices in Menlo Park and San Ramon, according to a report in Fortune. Managing Directors Greg Gretsch and Fahri Diner will lead the new West Coast operations, with Managing Director Bob Davoli heading up the East. Fortune said that each branch is expected to raise a new fund, probably around the $250 million mark. Founded in 1984, Sigma raised $500 million for its eighth fund in 2007, bringing its total capital under management to over $2 billion.
http://www.sigmapartners.com/
http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/03/15/veteran-vc-firm-splitting-in-half/

Report: Groupon IPO to Value Company at Up to $25 Billion

Chicago -- Groupon, the Chicago-based group buying service with growing operations in Palo Alto, could be valued as high as $25 billion when it prices its initial public offering (IPO), which could happen later this year, Bloomberg reported. Citing two people with knowledge of the situation, the news service said the two-year-old company would likely be valued at a minimum of $15 billion. The news comes three months after Google ended its pursuit of Groupon, after offering a reported $6 billion for the company. Groupon now operates its daily discount email service in more than 500 markets, with more than 70 million users.
http://www.groupon.com 
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-17/groupon-is-said-to-discuss-ipo-valuation-of-up-to-25-billion.html

Veteran Entrepreneurs Launch Imagine K12 Incubator in Palo Alto

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Tim Brady, Alan Louie and Geoff Ralston on Thursday announced the launch of Imagine K12, a Palo Alto-based incubator focused on developing high-tech firms in the K-12 education space. Created in consultation with Paul Graham of Silicon Valley's Y Combinator, the new incubator will provide up to $20,000 in backing, mentoring and advice, and also aid entrepreneurs in forging critical relationships with schools and platform providers. "We believe there is a perfect storm of factors making it the right time to launch our effort," said Louie. "The technology is ready, the infrastructure has been built, there now exists a whole generation of teachers who have grown up with this technology, and the financial downturn has everyone looking to technology as a means to do more with less." The incubator's inaugural three-month program will launch June 1, with applications available at the top link below.
http://www.imaginek12.com/application.html
http://www.imaginek12.com

MagnaChip Semiconductor Closes $133 Million IPO

Cupertino, Calif. -- MagnaChip Semiconductor, a Korea-based maker of analog and mixed-signal chips with U.S. headquarters in Cupertino, on Wednesday completed its $133 million IPO, five days pricing 9.5 million shares at $14 each. All but 950,000 of the shares were sold by stockholders. The company, which emerged from Chapter 11 in late 2009, makes products including display drivers used in flat panel displays and mobile multimedia devices, and chips used for power management in consumer products. The company also provides specialty analog and mixed-signal foundry services for fabless semiconductor companies that serve the consumer, computing and wireless markets. MagnaChip's shares are trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "MX."
http://www.magnachip.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/magnachip-semiconductor-announces-closing-of-initial-public-offering-118080659.html

Yahoo Reportedly Among Suitors for S.F.-Based Flixster

San Francisco -- Flixster, the San Francisco-based developer of a movie-focused social media site, is in early acquisition talks with a group of suitors that includes Sunnyvale-based Yahoo, All Things D reported, citing sources close to the situation. The purchase price is thought to be between $60-$90 million. Aside from Yahoo, several "media giants" -- perhaps including Disney -- are reportedly interested in the company. Founded in 2006, Flixster offers a mix of user-generated and professional movie reviews, as well as news, showtimes and other features. Last year, the company acquired movie review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes.
http://www.flixster.com
http://kara.allthingsd.com/20110316/100-percent-fresh-exclusive-flixsterrotten-tomatoes-in-acquisition-talks-with-yahoo-and-others/

San Mateo-Based Doximity Raises $10.8 Million in First Round

San Mateo, Calif. -- Doximity, a San Mateo-based health technology startup created by the founders of Epocrates, said on Wednesday it has landed $10.8 million in its first round of funding from Emergence Capital Partners and InterWest Partners. The company has developed a free communication platform that links medical professionals, who can collaborate on patient treatments and referrals through their iPhone, iPad, Android or computer. The application also offers physicians the first HIPAA-compliant text messaging system with high-resolution images. Jeff Tangney, the CEO of Doximity, said the company will use the funding to extend to other platforms, as well as bolster its marketing and customer support functions.
http://doximity.com/
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110316006074/en/Doximity-Secures-Major-Venture-Capital-Investment

Sunnyvale-Based Cortina Systems Files to Raise $100 Million in IPO

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Cortina Systems, a Sunnyvale-based developer of communications semiconductors used in networks, has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to raise up to $100 million in its initial public offering (IPO). Details of the offering, such as the number of shares to be sold or their expected price range, have not yet been determined, nor has the company's trading symbol or listing exchange. Cortina makes carrier-class semiconductor devices for optical transport and passive optical network systems, as well as data center connectivity and digital home products. The company currently boasts more than 800 customers, including Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco Systems, Ericsson, FiberHome Technologies Group, Fujitsu Limited, Juniper Networks, Nokia Siemens Networks and ZTE.
http://www.cortina-systems.com/
http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1164975/000119312511067593/ds1.htm

San Jose-Based eBay to Expand Free Listings

San Jose, Calif. -- eBay, the San Jose-based online auction giant, on Tuesday announced a new pricing structure that will make it free to list up to 50 items a month in auctions at any start price, and free to add the "Buy it Now" option to those listings. The company said the changes, effective April 19, are designed to eliminate upfront costs for consumers to list auction items. Other pricing changes will provide incentives for eBay sellers to offer free and low-cost shipping.
http://www.ebay.com
http://www.ebayinc.com/news#20110315006417

Facebook to Test New Deals Service in Five U.S. Cities

Palo Alto, Calif. -- Facebook has announced plans to test a "daily deals" service, similar to Groupon or LivingSocial, that will integrate the Palo Alto-basec company's Facebook Places check-in feature. The new service will first be tested in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, San Diego and San Francisco. Both Facebook itself and partners including Open Table, Gilt City, Home Run, Tippr and Reach Local will sell deals on the service, which Facebook users will be able to share with their friends on the site. "Local businesses will be able to sign up to use this feature soon and people will be able to find deals in the coming week," the company said in a statement.
http://www.facebook.com

S.F.-Based BoostCTR Lands $1.6 Million for Online Ad Optimization

San Francisco -- BoostCTR, the San Francisco-based developer of an optimization service for online ad text, has raised $1.6 million in seed funding. Investors included Javelin Venture Partners, Metamorphic Ventures, Founder Collective, WGI Group and 500 Startups. Founded in 2009, BoostCTR uses a crowdsourced network of copywriters and automated ad testing platform to improve the performance of online ads. The company said its service provides an average 30% increase in both click-through rates and sales volume for its clients. It will use the proceeds to extend its services to cover search, social and mobile advertising platforms.
http://www.boostctr.com 
http://www.boostctr.com/blog/boostctr-news/boostctr-seed-funding/

San Jose-Based Apache Design Solutions Files to Raise Up to $75M in IPO

San Jose, Calif. -- Apache Design Solutions, the San Jose-based developer of a platform designed to detect, fix and prevent design weaknesses in computer chips, on Monday filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to raise up to $75 million in its initial public offering (IPO). Details of the offering, such as the number of shares to be offered or their expected price range, have not yet been determined.  The company plans to list its shares on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "APAD."
http://www.apache-da.com/
http://www.apache-da.com/company/news/press-releases/details/2573

Santa Clara-Based Intel Acquires Egypt's SySDSoft

Santa Clara, Calif. -- Intel, the Santa Clara-based chip-making giant, said on Monday it has acquired most of the assets of SySDSoft, an Egypt-based software developer, hiring about 100 of the company's electrical engineers and computer scientists. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. SySDSoft specializes in wireless and communication technology, designing IP tools in the software stack and physical layer domain, as well as RF/analog circuits embedded in mobile platforms. Intel said the acquisition will bolster the multi-communications portfolio of its Intel Mobile Communications unit.
http://sysdsoft.com/
http://newsroom.intel.com/community/intel_newsroom/blog/2011/03/14/intel-acquires-egypt-based-sysdsoft

Top Two Editors to Depart AOL's Popular Engadget Blog

New York -- Joshua Topolsky, the editor of AOL's popular Engadget technology blog, will depart the company, several weeks after engaging in a public war of words with Michael Arrington, the editor of AOL's newly acquired blog, TechCrunch. Nilay Patel, Engadget's managing editor, also is departing, with Josh Fruhlinger, the blog's editorial director, expected to take on a larger role during the transition. "After nearly four years at Engadget, it's time to make my exit," wrote Topolsky. "There are things I'm after and challenges I want to take on that just don't fit with my day-to-day schedule here, so off I go." All Things D reported that the departures were unrelated to AOL's recent $315 million acquisition of The Huffington Post, and that Arianna Huffington, AOL's new content head, tried to persuade Topolsky to stay. Arrington in February accused Engadget of having a "major attribution problem," tending to "just steal stories," and alleged that Topolsky had personally tried to kill AOL's acquisition of TechCrunch. Engadget reportedly draws 14 million monthly unique visitors.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/12/hello-i-must-be-going/
http://kara.allthingsd.com/20110312/engadgets-top-editors-topolsky-and-patel-exit-from-aols-giant-tech-site/
http://www.joshuatopolsky.com/post/2791763076/dear-michael-arrington

Twitter Co-Founder Biz Stone to Advise AOL on Social Impact

San Francisco -- Biz Stone, the co-founder of San Francisco-based Twitter, will join AOL's new Huffington Post Media Group as a "strategic adviser for social impact," the company announced on Monday. Stone's role will be to "enhance innovation around social impact and cause-based initiatives," the company said. Stone's main tasks will be to help bolster AOL's charitable efforts, developing a platform to spur people into community service, rallying other companies to develop similar efforts and creating a video series spotlighting those at the forefront of philanthropy and corporate responsibility. Stone called his new role "ambitious, but vitally important." "Together we will rally companies to think about new ways of doing business, share best practices and strive for positive impact at all levels," said Stone.
http://corp.aol.com/2011/03/14/the-huffington-post-media-group-makes-key-announcements/

San Francisco-Based RadiumOne Secures $21M in Second Round

San Francisco -- RadiumOne, the San Francisco-based developer of an online ad network that leverages the social web, said it has raised $21 million in its second round of funding, led by Crosslink Capital. New investor DFJ Esprit and previous backers Adams Street Partners and Trinity Ventures also participated in the round, which the company plans to use for international expansion and acquisitions. Founded in 2009, RadiumOne says its platform "analyzes how users communicate with their closest connections, [and] identifies the specific consumers who are most likely to engage with a brand's ads." The company now has raised $33.5 million since its inception in 2009.
http://www.radiumone.com
http://www.radiumone.com/about/press/funding.html

San Rafael-Based Autodesk Completes Deal for Blue Ridge Numerics

San Rafael, Calif.  -- Autodesk, a San Rafael-based developer of 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, said on Friday it has completed its $39 million acquisition of Virginia-based Blue Ridge Numerics, a developer of simulation software. The deal was first announced last month. Autodesk said Blue Ridge Numerics' CFdesign technology will enhance its digital prototyping tools with new thermal and fluid flow simulation capabilities. "Autodesk customers can now better understand the impact of fluid flow and heat transfer on their designs before they are built," said Robert "Buzz" Kross, the senior vice president of Autodesk's Manufacturing Industry Group.
http://www.autodesk.com 
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=16284073