Unless you’ve been under a big rock, you’ve heard the chat about big data. It describes the tools and practices associated with unlocking the value in large amounts of structured and unstructured data. If that sounds confusing, just think of of how much information is being created daily. Now think of what it takes to [...]
How Important Are Industry Clusters To Startups?
February 10, 2012 by 2 Comments
If I suggested a way for your clean energy startup to set-up shop near a bunch of companies involved in things like renewable technology and the smartgrid, what would you say? If I sweetened the deal and told you the list of companies included a few of the Fortune 500 and a slew of established [...]
Sparefoot Opens New Headquarters
February 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Austin-based Sparefoot moved into new Headquarters last week, celebrating with an office party last week. Having been to their previous offices, which was substantially smaller and required storing massive amounts of snacks in the hallway, their new digs are downright luxurious. The space features 99% re-purposed materials, graffiti art by Austin artist Sloke, an 18 [...]
Latest ATI Graduates Show Incubator Has A Pulse On What’s Hot
February 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Incubators are usually pretty adept at gauging which companies have upside. And while business moves fast, the coaching, mentoring and preparation that aids young startups has to move faster. That’s where the network comes into play for Austin Technology Incubator (ATI). “We want to bring the genetics of ATI into the fold,” said ATI Director [...]
Convio to be Acquired by Blackbaud
January 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Blackbaud, the leading provider of software and related services designed for nonprofit organizations, announced today that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Austin-based Convio, a leading provider of on-demand constituent engagement solutions that enable nonprofit organizations to more effectively raise funds, advocate for change and cultivate relationships. There is a story in [...]
Former Edgar Online Founders Ready To Disrupt Again With 9WSearch
January 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
If you wanted to start a company based on the financial markets, Austin might not be your first choice. Technically, for 9WSearch CEO Susan Strausberg, it wasn’t. “My husband and I picked Austin to start a green-oriented business, but it took a little longer than expected,” said Strausberg. ”So we went back to our roots [...]
Will Software Eat Nonprofits Too?
December 20, 2011 by 1 Comment
When you hear someone talk about disruption in technology, it almost sounds passé. But if you ever want a simple cheat sheet to impress your friends, read this piece by Netscape Founder and Venture Capitalist Marc Andreessen. It’s basically a series of case studies in disruption, each showing how software-driven services are invading companies large [...]
“Another Website Isn’t Going To Solve The World’s Problems”
December 15, 2011 by 1 Comment
That’s not a catchy headline. That’s what Ethernet inventor and current UT innovation czar Bob Metcalfe told me at a recent Dell Entrepreneur event. And if you caught Metcalfe’s keynote at this year’s Clean Energy Venture Summit, you know he’d likely tell you to invest in a handful companies in the so-called “enertech” sector. “I’m [...]
Google+ or Minus?
December 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Being the tech tire-kicker I am, when Google+ launched I was curious. Would the web giant get it right this time, or stumble through another missed opportunity a la Buzz? There was also a certain sense of fatigue that crept over me. I immediately felt compelled to tee up my best app configuration and social [...]
Is It Possible To Crack The Code To Startup Success?
October 31, 2011 by 1 Comment
I’ve pulled back on the use of infographics lately, but I spotted one over the weekend that warranted a second look. It visualizes data from the Startup Genome, a project that takes a scientific approach to cracking the “innovation code.” Teaming up with educators from Berkeley and Stanford, they looked at more than 3000 companies, [...]
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