Happenings in Tampa Tech

StumpleUpon this Ft Myers Company

2008-07-11T15:57:00.002-04:00

A company in Ft Myers comes out of stealth mode to offer people a beta version of their software that is similar to Stumbleupon. "With SlingPage we’re moving Web surfing from a solo experience to more of a social networking experience,” Slingpage CEO Peter Weinberg said in an interview. "Slingpage plans to make money through advertising, primarily via a search box it installs on a user’s browser with the application. “It’s very unobtrusive,” notes Slingpage CEO Peter Weinberg."

Florida High Tech Corridor Update

2008-07-02T17:41:00.001-04:00

UF Technology Helps Turn Sugar Beets into Energy
UCF Study Finds Physical and Mental Benefits of Video Games
Tech Jam 2008 Coming to Tampa Bay
Central Florida IT Company's Expansion to Create 420 New Jobs
Ernst and Young Announces Florida Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winners

details at TJS

One More for Orlando

2008-06-26T13:13:00.001-04:00

Channel Intelligence, a company selling ecommerce software and services for manufacturers, will create 420 new jobs as it expands its 29,000-square-foot facility to 125,000 square-feet. ... Founded in 1999, the company has more than 300 customers and revenue of $20 million last year.

[tech journal south]

Florida losing ground in science, technology

2008-06-23T10:13:00.002-04:00

From the TBTF newsletter: "A new study published by the Milken Institute, an independent economic think tank, has revealed Florida’s unfortunate descent in the ranks of tech and science industry powerhouses over the past 6 years. Florida ranked 29th in the 2002 State Technology and Science Index, then fell to 32nd place in 2004 and has now sunk to 37th. Top states are the usual suspects – Massachusetts and California – but Maryland and Colorado are in the top five as well." Read more here.

Lay-a-way Online?

2008-06-16T15:57:00.002-04:00

Tallahassee, Florida-based eLayaway offers debt-free online lay-a-way payments. Remember, Lay-a-way? Before credit cards were issued to every man, woman and child in the US, people would actually have to pay for stuff BEFORE they got it.

So Christmas clubs were a way to save up for 11 months to pay for holiday gifts. Of course, this was before saying Christmas became a punishable social offense.

Lay-a-way was a payment method at the store. So you go to K-Mart or Bradlees or Sears, bring your item(s) to the lay-a-way desk in the back of the store and make a cash down payment. Then you had 90 days to finish paying for it before it was put back on the shelf. There was a lay-away fee but it was tiny. With the popularity of credit cards, there wasn't a need for lay-away, plus stores were making 15-25% on interest with store issued charge cards (different from a credit card. AMEX is a charge card. VISA/Mastercard are credit cards).

eLayaway is ready to take its RubyOnRails platform big time and is seeking some VC. [tjs]

More Social Media in FL

2008-06-10T16:55:00.000-04:00

"Virsona, a new social media service that allows users to create online virtual personas that "come to life" via realistic, real-time chats, has launched with a $3 million Series A round..... The firm’s service enables users to create virtual personas, or Virsonas, of real-life, fictional or historical figures who through an online chat format independently and intuitively remember, react and respond just like the person or brand they were designed to emulate." [TJS]

Social Network in Orlando

2008-06-05T07:21:00.002-04:00

Orlando has a social network company too. (Sarasota and West Palm are home to social network companies.) KICKgen.com is a social networking community for martial arts aficionados. New social networks are becoming niche players.

Orlando also is home to Petentials, a social network for pet lovers. Petentials raisied $500K this year.

West Palm is home to Moli. "Moli is designed to appeal to mature adults between 24 and 54. It restricts its membership to those 18 or older. It also focuses on small businesses of under 10 people. It has slightly more than 150,000 members." [TJS]

Last night at the AMA New Media meeting, I met Ron from Neighborhood America, a Naples company that builds social networking sites for corporations and municipalities. Neighborhood America bought Sarasota's MOVO Mobile in Oct., 2006 after it raised private equity in March of 2006 with Startup Florida. MOVO+NA won an ADDY.

Good Week for Florida Companies

2008-06-05T07:10:00.003-04:00

June 3 was a good week for Florida companies.

Persystent got $11M in financing and announced plans once again to spend it as fast as possible. Last round of financing, Persystent hired staff, expanded the office, and expected to beef up sales. Unfortunately, their software system is forklift upgrade and is expensive. It is sold to hospitals, schools, and government agencies - all of whom have to budget for it. That takes timing of the sales cycle to get budget allocations. It's easily a 9-18 month process. I would use the money to go to trade shows and educate my primary customers, unless you can figure out how to shorten the sales cycle.

"MasTec has acquired Pumpco Inc., a private company specializing in midstream oil and gas pipeline construction, for $42 million." [TJS]

"Oragenics Inc. (ONI BioPharma Inc.) (AMEX: ONI) has entered into a definitive financing agreement providing for equity financing of $2,600,000 consisting of common stock at 45 cents per share and warrants with an exercise price of $1.30 per share." [TJS]

Lakeland based "Solicore, a supplier of ultra-thin, flexible solid-state electrolyte batteries, has secured additional funding to help accelerate their worldwide growth. BlueCrest Capital Finance has pledged $5 million in debt financing." [TJS]

Alachua based "AxoGen, a company focused on treatments for peripheral nerve injuries, has received a $7.5 million secured loan from Oxford Finance Corp." [TJS]

Fuel Cells worth about $30M

2008-06-03T11:30:00.002-04:00

Fort Lauderdale's Ener1 is developing high-performance, safe lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles. They just did some private placement financing to the tune of $29M. [source]

Blue Orb turns game controller into keyboard

2008-06-03T11:28:00.002-04:00

Have carpal tunnel? Turn your game controller into a keyboard with software from Blue Orb of Maitland, FL. TJS has the details here.

You Have Got to be Kidding Me!!!

2008-06-02T13:55:00.002-04:00

Persystent gets more funds! According to Tech Journal South, Persystent got more money.

Persystent Technologies turns on $11.6M round -- June 2, 2008

Persystent Technologies, a Tampa-based company selling an automatic PC repair and high-speed imaging solution, has raised an $11.6 million round led by ABS Ventures of Boston, and Valhalla Partners of Virginia, with participation from existing investors. The company raised a $7 million B round in 2005, led by Valhalla. Other investors in the company include Inflexion Partners, Tall Oaks Capital, and Village Ventures.

This was my favorite quote:

Persystent has developed what it says is “the world's only PC automated repair (pre-boot of OS), on or off the network, and high-speed imaging solution that transforms today's computers from their current state of unpredictability and vulnerability to a new solid state of continuous computing.”

Ummm... NO! The software is based on the O/S from Rembo, which IBM owns. And according to a patent search, IBM owns much of the patents that pertain to this technology. Not to mention that Deep Freeze, Ghost, and many other programs do at least some of the tasks that iNode (the former name of the software) does.

The only thing this company is good at selling is the idea to VC firms.

$10M for PropertyMaps.com

2008-04-26T22:05:00.002-04:00

Tech Journal South reports that even in a slumping housing market, the real estate site, PropertyMaps.com, managed to raise an undisclosed sum of funding (it was looking for $10M).

TampaBaySec

2008-04-23T16:58:00.002-04:00

Per an email I received:

"We are working to get a new meeting going for IT security professionals. The group is called TampaBaySec because it has grown from the CitySec.org site that encourages a no-agenda, no-vendor, no-structure format for security professionals and people with an interest in InfoSec to get together and share ideas. We post information on our local meetings at www.tampabaysec.org, and our next meeting is May 8th at 6pm at the Westshore Starbucks."

This came from Charles Gardner at Sterling Ideas. Thanks!

Ft. Myers SlingPages

2008-04-14T16:36:00.002-04:00

TechJournalSouth has an exclusive about SlingPage, a Fort Myers based social networking app.

"Slingpage Inc., a social browsing application in private, invitation-only beta testing, has raised an undisclosed amount of angel backing."

SBA buys TowerCo towers

2008-04-14T16:34:00.002-04:00

According to a press release:

TowerCo, a wireless tower developer says it has agreed to sell up to 430 towers to Boca Raton-based SBA Communications for as much as $193.5 million.
SBA operates approximately 6,000 towers for companies that include ATT and VZW.
TowerCo, founded in 2004, raised $30 million in venture backing from Tailwind Capital and another $30 million from the Soros Fund Management in 2005. TowerCo says it will continue developing wireless towers.

Web properties galore

2008-04-14T16:29:00.003-04:00

WEBScientifics of Destin FL, has numerous Internet properties:

ADmosphere.net, a free Web service that will provide local banner advertising from sites within its network that other sites may deploy to share ad revenue.
Digitalverify.net, a Web service intended for ebusiness verification.
IsSheisHe.com, a social networking site for blind dates.
Querysmarts.com, a proprietary collective intelligence system for Queryosity, a question and answer based search engine, with a widget forthcoming.
Oakpoetry.com, a portal for those with a poetic flair.
GeneticME.com, a community-style portal for “scientifically precise” responses to promote hyper-personalized cardiovascular health information based on a user's genetic score.
ScheduleMY (www.schedulemy.com) is being developed by WEBscientifics R+D as a hardware device for use away from the office.
ViFiPHO, a by-invitation-only multimedia sharing site.
YearMakeModel.info, a vehicle information portal users can personalize for their own needs.
64bitweb.com offers 64-bit application services hosting and data intensive storage.
news aggregator Netnewsreports.com

"Most of the sites and services are in very early development," according to the article in the TSJ.

Highwinds, a FL CDN

2008-04-14T16:06:00.002-04:00

[April 14, 2008, from TJS By Allan Maurer]

WINTER PARK, FL — Highwinds Network Group Inc., which blew in a fat $55 million round last month, decided to build out its own network about a year and half ago. It had the advantage of the most recent high-speed technology, says Mark Hayes, VP of marketing and business development. It created a robust network backed by user-friendly software that vastly simplifies content delivery, says Hayes.

The company employs more than 100 people and expects to hire 20 to 30 more this year, says Hayes.

Highwinds, founded in 2002, started as a software company, selling to cable companies and ISPs. About a year and a half ago, the company decided that it should build out a network infrastructure to get into the content delivery business itself. It began buying and building infrastructure, including multiple, redundant 10 Gbps links, 21 points of presence in the U.S. and Europe, and its own network services and engineering team.

Building out the network also led to technology innovations in network management, distributed file system technology and advanced content routing methods, the company says.

Highwinds already has customers and a strong revenue base, which is evident from the strength of its funding efforts.

In the U.S., says Hayes, “80 percent of the content delivered through our network never touched the Internet. It’s 90 percent in Europe.” That means it never goes over general purpose connections where the company does not control the quality. “Customers are choosing us for that,” he says.

Customers get Highwinds Striketracker (continuing the weather theme in its naming choices), which traces delivery of the their content. Hayes says it takes customers only minutes to upload and start delivering content.

Highwinds announced a partnership with Knack Networks, an IPTV provider this year. “We’re focusing on a number of verticals for live delivery,” says Hayes. “Because our network is so high-speed, we have an advantage over competitors and IPTV is a natural for us.”

People want content choices, he points out, and getting a 4 gig movie download would give most regular hosting companies a hard time delivering it,” he says. Streaming live broadcasts for people who may want to talk to their families in India or China is another area in which Highwinds’ network may excel compared to cable or Internet connections, he says. “We can see a market evolving for that type of content and we’ll be at the forefront.”

Hayes says Highwinds prefers working with partners who already have customer relationships to building its own large sales force. “Our cost of delivery is very low, so we can offer resellers a price advantage with our service.”

At the time of its last round funding, Andrew Mulderry, General Partner at Alta Communications, said, "We have invested in a portfolio of best-in-class new media companies, and Highwinds fits superbly into that ecosystem as a supplier and partner to our other investments."

$55M for IPTV

2008-03-15T19:34:00.000-04:00

"Highwinds Network Group Inc., a multi-platform IP services and content distribution provider, has closed a $55 million round led by General Catalyst Partners and Alta Communications. It will fund build-out of Highwinds Rolling Thunder network infrastructure. The company’s unveiled its Rolling Thunder network today in conjunction with a partnership between Highwinds, Digital Rapids Corp., and Knack Networks to create advanced IPTV solutions for professional media companies globally." Read the rest at TJS

Winter Garden Telecom deal

2008-03-15T19:33:00.001-04:00

"Cordia Corp., which sells traditional CLEC and VOIP technologies, says its subsidiary, CordiaIP Corp., has agreed to buy the six companies comprising the TSI Group, a distributor of pre-paid telecommunications services. Cordia is also entering into an investment agreement to acquire a minority interest in Wholetel Inc., a startup company affiliated wity TSI that operates a turnkey products and services delivery system for retailers and consumers." Read the rest at TJS

Stroke help

2008-03-15T19:31:00.001-04:00

"A dietary supplement called NutraStem has been shown to have beneficial effects following experimental stroke in a study conducted by University of South Florida and The Medical College of Georgia researchers.... Tampa's Natura, a startup with ties to South Florida University, makes the supplement." Read the rest at TJS

FOWA Presentations

2008-03-15T19:27:00.001-04:00

If you missed the Future of Web Apps and want to hear (MP3) or see (PPT) the presentations, go here.

Wireless Tech

2008-03-11T11:24:00.002-04:00

From the TechJournalSouth comes a story of a wireless company in Sarasota that has patented technology to "change the physical way waves are transmitted over the air. Our single cycle modulation transfers a bit or multiple bits on a single wave. That’s the revolutionary part. It’s a really huge shift,” says Frank Peake, COO of xG. The technology developed by a xG "lowers the capital costs of providing VOIP-based voice, data and Internet service far enough to make it inviting for smaller firms to compete. The Flash Signal technology developed by xG Technology uses far less power than the competition with higher bandwidth and better range, “But the main advantage of the technology is that no one does it cheaper.”" see rest of story at TJS.

In a related story about wireless, "Alcatel-Lucent's carrier class 9900 Wireless Network Guardian, announced today, works in the core to monitor application performance on wireless networks." (see ISP-Planet for the rest).

Host.Net Expands Facility

2008-03-11T11:21:00.002-04:00

Host.Net announced expansion at the Vegas Channel Partner Expo:

"Service provider Host.net has completed its acquisition of rival Expedient Florida/WebUnited and opened its 19,000-square-foot facility. The recent expansion increased the colocation space by 6,800 square feet, and added a NOC and more than 10,000 square feet of disaster recovery office space."

“It’s a milestone for us to add the Expedient Florida assets along with WebUnited’s customers and over 300 fiber miles of network capability to ours,” said Jeffrey Davis, CEO and co-founder of Host.net.

He said the network has been upgraded to 10GB and connects the major data centers in southern Florida. Host.net sells services including colocation, metro Ethernet, Internet access, VoIP and managed network security through agents. In fact, new partnerships mean Host.net now offers metro Ethernet in Atlanta, Raleigh, N.C., and throughout southern Florida.

SemiConductor in JAX

2008-03-07T15:09:00.002-05:00

This is a reprint from TechJournal South about a semi-conductor company in JAX in FL!

Jacksonville’s ParkerVision connects with $9.3M

"ParkerVision Inc., which makes and markets semiconductor technology for wireless applications, has closed on a $9.3 million private placement to institutional and other investors.

Commenting on the transaction, Cindy Poehlman, CFO of ParkerVision said, “We expect this financing to bridge our working capital needs until such time that we begin generating royalty revenue from our current licensees.”

ParkerVision focuses on the commercialization of its proprietary RF communication technologies that enable significant advancements in wireless products and services.
These technologies are described collectively as Energy Signal Processing. ESP optimally processes RF waveform energy, eliminating costly and inefficient circuit processes inherent in traditional RF designs. ParkerVision's solutions will initially address key needs for extended battery life, reduced cost and higher performance in mobile handsets as the cellular industry migrates to next generation networks.

Tribridge Expands

2008-03-06T14:31:00.003-05:00

Microsoft Gold Partner, Tribridge has acquired Austin-based Productive Gap, a leading provider of Microsoft Dynamics CRM products, services and solutions.

“The launch of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 makes this acquisition particularly timely, as it heightens the demand for dedicated, experienced Microsoft Dynamics CRM consultants who understand the potential and applications of the software,” says Tony DiBenedetto, Tribridge chairman and CEO. “Incorporating Productive Gap into Tribridge’s operations allows us to increase our penetration in this rapidly growing market and supports our vision to be regarded as the national Microsoft Dynamics experts.” He adds that deployment of CRM systems nationwide has doubled in each of the past two years. [source]

Tribridge is on the board of TBTF.

Connecting Tech Start Ups with VC

2008-03-03T12:09:00.001-05:00

March 5, 2008 at Noon till 1 PM
Connecting Tech Start Ups with Venture Capitalists
USF Connect and BioFlorida
3802 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa
Join Jeff Bleil, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of UTEK Corp., to learn how to successfully navigate relationships with venture capitalists. RSVP to Matthew Lowell at hmlowell@research.usf.edu

Tampa Tech-Security Conference

2008-03-03T12:06:00.001-05:00

The Tampa Tech-Security Conference will bring together private industry, government decision makers and technical enthusiasts in the fields of Information & Network Security. This unique conference format will provide several interactive high intensity training sessions as well as tremendous networking opportunities on March 20, 2008 at the Westin Hotel on Harbour Island.

Topics may include: Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems, Wireless Security, Web Hacking, Contingency Planning, Vulnerability Assessments, Threat Management Workshop, Computer/PDA & Enterprise Forensics, Password Recovery & Disk Wiping Tools, Internet Investigation Techniques.

Steve Case's Revolution

2008-03-03T11:53:00.002-05:00

Steve Case owns Revolution, which was launched in 2005 with $500M. Revolution owns Gratis Card, which is a company that is launching a credit card as well as a PayPal-like payment service. Revolution also owns a Health network, a luxury resort organization, and a car sharing service.

Zipcar and Flexcar merged in late 2007. Steve Case is a majority share holder of Flexcar.

Case has teamed with Andre Agassi to build a bunch of luxury resorts. [wash-post]

Case also is building the 2nd largest health network online, named Revolution Health. [nytimes]

And I have no idea what all of the properties have in common other than Case owns a share of them.

Ted Leonsis is Busy

2008-03-03T11:44:00.002-05:00

Besides being AOL Chairman Emeritus, Ted Leonsis is currently "Chairman of Revolution Money (formerly GratisCard Inc.), an innovative Web 2.0 payment platform and credit-card service, and Clearspring Technologies, the leading provider of cross-platform widget services." Now Leonsis joins the Bridgevine Board of Directors. Vero based Bridgevine is an online comparison shopping services. "Leonsis joins the Bridgevine board of directors just as the company has launched its Internet site enabling consumers to compare and shop for the best deals on services."

"From HDTV and VoIP to digital entertainment and home security, Bridgevine.com lets consumers choose individual services that are best for them or create personalized bundles from trusted providers resulting in saved time and money. Bridgevine’s partner network includes trusted brand name providers such as Comcast, AT&T, D-Link, Time Warner, Verizon, DIRECTV, RealNetworks, Panasonic and GameFly." [techjournalsouth]

Florida's Dr. John Ryals

2008-03-03T11:40:00.001-05:00

Dr. John Ryals is a serial entrepreneur. Today he is CEO of "Axogen, which is commercializing peripheral nerve grafting and nerve regeneration technologies." "Axogen recently announced the close of a $12.1 million Series C round from Accuitive Medical Ventures, Cardinal Partners, DeNovo Ventures and Springboard Capital II." TJS has a profile of Dr. Ryals.

Florida Innovation Showcase

2008-03-03T11:25:00.004-05:00

The Florida Research Consortium, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council (FHTCC) and the Tampa Bay Technology Forum will be presenting the Florida Innovation Showcase 2008 Annual Conference at Orlando World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Florida on March 19-20, 2008.*

This event is Co-located with SPIE Defense + Security Symposium. "SPIE Defense + Security is the must-attend event for the security and defense industries. Join participants from the US Navy, Army and Air Force, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Raytheon, and other top organizations."

* /rant/ How come the message about this event went out AFTER th early registration closed (Feb. 15 and Feb. 28). I understand why this is in Orlando - it's centrally located - but Tampa HAS to win one or two of these types of events.

Recipe for a High-Tech Hub, Part II

2008-03-03T10:35:00.003-05:00

In the TechJournalSouth article, Creating the next Research Triangle or Silicon Valley, the theme from the study is to Invest in People. "The report authors say winning strategies involve investing in “human capital” and “quality of life” projects rather than “bribing companies to relocate,” via incentives."

Personally, I think it starts before that. You have to get people interested in staying and working here. (Nancy Howe of the Maddux Report said something similar in her Six Disciplines podcast). Tampa Bay has a lot of colleges - USF, U of Tampa, SPC, HCC, Eckerd plus for-profit and smaller community colleges. That's a dense collection of college students. Are there collaborations between these colleges and the businesses that can certainly benefit from educated talent? I don't know, but I would bet that the answer is either No or a very limited amount of interaction. These high tech companies should be teamed up with at least one college career center.

I know companies are having a hard time finding qualified candidates. I know this from talking to recruiters, HR execs, and my small business clients. Maybe the colleges should be reaching out to the community to see what skills are needed. (I know one skill lacking: the ability to dress properly and prepare for an interview, but that's another rant).

I think the High Tech Corridor was supposed to replicate "the economic benefits of entrepreneurship business clusters, such as California’s Silicon Valley, North Carolina’s Research Triangle and Massachusetts’s Route 128 corridor". I don't know if that effort produced much.

The study does mention that "history suggests that such firm chasing is largely a zero sum game in fostering economic growth." I think we learned that chasing Fortune 500 call centers to Tampa Bay.

I wish we had media that trumpeted our entrepreneurial spirit and our tech community, but it is sparce. Even though we have 2 competing dailies in the St. Pete Times and the Tampa Tribune, not much mention of the business community. The Tampa Bay Biz Journal concentrates on real estate / construction and some banking. The closest we might get is the monthly mags like Maddux Report or Florida Trend magazines.

Just returning from the Future of Web Apps expo in Miami, I have to wonder why Tampa Bay does not have more tech conferences? Orlando has BarCamp and VoiceCon and ISPCON and CTIA last year. Miami gets IT Expo, FOWA and others. Tampa? Well, a couple of small NTCA meetings. Why is that?

Download the study here. Read the rest of the TJS article here.

Brookings Evals Downtown

2008-03-03T10:30:00.004-05:00

Once again, an expert points out that Tampa lacks a mass transit system.

Christopher Leinberger, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution, told developers and others in Tampa "at the Tampa Downtown Partnership's 12th Annual Downtown Development Forum Friday": "What you have right now is a tourist system, not an everyday system that needs to connect with where people are," said Leinberger, who authored a study that named Tampa the worst metropolitan area for pedestrians. " Read the rest of the TBBJ article here.

Kowabunga

2008-03-03T08:16:00.002-05:00

TechJournalSouth writes, "Think Partnership, which does business as Kowabunga, selling interactive performance based advertising networks, has completed a $20 million credit facility with Wachovia Bank.

Where are investors placing their bets? [from TJS]

Recipe for a High-Tech Hub

2008-02-27T18:26:00.003-05:00

At a "Power Breakfast", Amy Norman, CEO of TBTF, stated that TBTF wanted to make Tampa Bay like Silicon Valley. In my (albeit cynical) mind, I thought: "perhaps that is shooting too high". Maybe shoot to be like Memphis (like Creative Tampa Bay is trying to do). Or shoot to be like RTP in NC.

Tampa lacks the education to produce skilled workers. It lacks Fortune 1000 businesses to throw off skilled executives. (In short, no talent here. Money sure. Talent notsomuch). It lacks the networking opportunities that Cambridge, NYC, or San Jose offer.

Hey! I know what you are thinking. What an @hole! Sure. But what I wrote is true. Florida is cutting education funding again -- even at the college level. The only Fortune 1000's* down here run call centers. Call centers don't require layers of management. When you have many Directors and VP's, some jump ship to ladder climb. These execs have some of the skills needed to grow a business like P&L experience, budgeting, scale.

The networking part. A majority of the events attract sales people, recruiters, and "consultants" (read: unemployed). It is rare to network with CXO of tech companies, VC firms, and start-ups. It isn't just the TBTF events either - although at the Tech Forum events you would expect Tech people (see above rant) - even the Tampabay CEO breakfasts are the same. (Maybe I network at the wrong place or I'm not on the right lists).

Anyway, Rhode Island is looking to become a Tech Incubator. GigaOm's Stacey Higginbotham talks about Austin versus Rhode Island. She points out that Austin had Dell and Tivoli, which created millionaires, who funded (or started) new companies. Tampa Bay lacks that kindling. We are a service company that looks at short term gains. I welcome your comments.

* We have Sykes, but they run call centers. See my point?

Where to Find Tech Apps?

2008-02-27T00:15:00.003-05:00

There are plenty of places to go to find the latest widget, software, mashable, tool. But I just look in a few places:

Tampa's own Sarah who writes for many sites including Microsoft
Mashable
Emily's hub

There are plenty of other places to go. But how many apps do you really need? :)

Mixx It Up with Digg

2008-02-27T00:09:00.002-05:00

Mixx is a social news site like Digg.

"Many startups have tried to take on social news site Digg. Mixx is one of them, but it has a few additional features that lets users fine-tune what stories they see on the site — and it’s made some deals with big newspapers." [wral]

It's all the rage -- to the tune of $2M dollars. Mixx raised $1.5M previously plus some money by client, the LA Times, according to WRAL.

FYI... if you like Digg and tech:

"For a different approach to customization, take a look at Reddit. Possibly the most successful Digg competitor, this Conde Naste-owned company also offers a white-label social news services that is gaining some traction among users. For example, there’s one version of Reddit called l33t — or “elite tech news” — that features the submissions, votes and comments of a core group of bloggers and their friends. [wral]

Top 10 Tips for Seeking Angel Capital

2008-02-27T00:04:00.002-05:00

This is a good article by Jim Roberts about seeking Angel Capital. What is Angel Capital? Usually it is an individual that has a passion for your industry sector. It is usually less than $2M. And as Roberts writes, "They want to make multiples on their money. If they write the minimal $25,000 check, they are hoping to make $250,000 within five to seven years. So your business." Which brings me to the final lesson: Be careful where you get your money. Everything has a cost -- sometimes you can't afford it (even if you are broke).

STARTEC 2008

2008-02-19T09:39:00.000-05:00

2008 STAR Technology Enterprise Center Entrepreneurship Conference on March 26-27 in St. Petersburg.

Connecting Tech Start Ups with VC's

2008-02-19T01:50:00.002-05:00

Connecting Tech Start Ups with Venture Capitalists

presented by USF Connect and BioFlorida on March 5 at Noon to 1 PM at 3802 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa

Join Jeff Bleil, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of UTEK Corp., to learn how to successfully navigate relationships with venture capitalists. RSVP to Matthew Lowell at hmlowell at research.usf.edu

M&A Conference

2008-02-19T01:40:00.001-05:00

Corum Group presents "Selling Up Selling Out" - an M&A Conference for Software and IT Executives

February 28, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Embassy Suites, Tampa on Westshore

Topics include in-depth discussion of how to prepare a Software or IT company for maximum transaction value, and how to value, structure and negotiate the best deal. Case study material is included in the extensive workbook that you will receive at the conference. To learn more and register, click here.

Florida High Tech Corridor - Career Expo

2008-02-19T01:38:00.000-05:00

Florida High Tech Corridor Council Career Expo '08
February 27-29, 2008 at the Tampa Convention Center.
Provides companies the chance to discuss their employment opportunities with career center directors from 100 of the nation’s top universities. To learn more about the expo and sponsorship opportunities, Click here

Citrus Two Faces of Technology Event

2008-02-18T08:15:00.000-05:00

Citrus IT Alliance Counts Down to “Two Faces of Technology” Event

[from the TBTF weekly newsletter] "The action in Tampa Bay's tech community this Friday will be in Crystal River as the Citrus County IT Alliance hosts a six hour extravaganza at the National Guard Armory from 1 - 7 PM. The event will feature 35 exhibitors, the Microsoft “Across America” truck, Cisco NOW Van and the EOC Disaster Trailer and Food Kitchen. Six exciting presentations on topics such as business continuity, disaster planning and recovery, productivity, and document management and regulatory compliance will be featured."

On February 22 at 1-7 PM, the CITA 2nd Annual Tech Expo: "Two Faces of Technology" Presented by the Citrus Information Technology Alliance in the Crystal River National Guard Armory. Click here for more information.

Tampa Bay Sec on Feb. 20

2008-02-17T22:31:00.000-05:00

Stephen Tuttle at Software And Coffee lets us know that Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008 is Tampa Bay Sec at Panera Bread @ Kennedy and Westshore. Tampa Bay Sec is an information security gathering. We discuss security issues involving data, networks, and applications at a technical level. Visit ServerGuys.com for more details or questions.

SEVC 2008 featured companies

2008-02-16T15:24:00.000-05:00

Florida is well represented at the Southeast Venture Conference on Feb. 27-28 in Tyson's Corner VA.

Out of St. Pete, we have the former EpicTide, now called Fair Warning,
"a provider of solutions that help healthcare organizations increase their security responsiveness, identify insider security incidents, automate compliance and reduce associated costs". (Whatever the heck that means. Why can't marketers use the KISS method for the USP?)

Apparently, NOVA in the name is big this year. We have 2 in FL: Novamin and Novavision. Novamin in Alachua, FL
is in the oral health care market, "with technology that helps repair decayed teeth and makes them whiter. The technology was developed originally at the University of Florida. Novamin's Series B round was led by Intersouth Partners."

NovaVision from Boca Raton, "is a provider of FDA-cleared non-invasive medical devices, tests, and therapies which diagnose and treat patients experiencing vision loss after stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or optic nerve injury. ... Since launching in 2002, NovaVision has secured over $40 million in funding through its Series C round." (And now they want more :)

Gainesville based Prioria makes micro air vehicles (MAV’s), a subset of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market.

Another company from the Sun Coast: Real Digital Media from Sarasota. RDM "provides next generation digital signage products for point-of-purchase marketing, advertising and corporate communication networks."

And the other Pinellas based company at SEVC is Revolution Money. "Founded and backed by AOL co-founder, Steve Case, Revolution Money combines a PayPal-like money transfer service with a credit card that can also be linked to a bank account, using Internet technology to circumvent traditional fees that credit card networks charge. The service will also allow money transfers between consumers. Revolution Money raised a $50 million Series B in 2007 with funding from financial firms Citi, Morgan Stanley, and Deutsche Bank. Board members include AOL exec Ted Leonsis, former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, former Mastercard CEO Russell Hogg, and former Charles Schwab chief executive David Potruck."

the final FL company is out of Miami is Vostu. "Founded in 2007, Vostu has developed an online community of social networks localized and personalized for the Latin American market, which represents one of the fastest growing Internet populations globally. The company has received initial funding support from Intel Capital."

You can see the whole list of companies here.

Florida making inroads on homeland security

2008-02-13T14:43:00.000-05:00

From TechJournal South on February 13, 2008.... dot, dot, dot, dateline ORLANDO, FL—South Florida does not usually conjure visions of a homeland security hotbed, but the region boasts a number of stand-out startups and university programs creating innovations in the field.

SRI. One of the most significant pieces in Florida’s homeland security work comes from SRI International, which recently established a marine technology center in St. Petersburg and is partnering with the University of South Florida (USF) to develop and commercialize port and maritime security technologies.

Specifically, the company focuses on marine sensors for vessel and container screening, port monitoring and other security functions. In an innovative partnership, SRI is working with researchers at USF’s Center for Ocean Technology, which created a Mobile Inspection Package (MIP) technology that can rapidly analyze and image objects on the ocean floor or on the bottom of ships.

While mounted on autonomous underwater vehicles, the MIP can detect items such as explosives or drugs attached to the hull of ships entering a harbor. In addition, it can scan the ocean floor for mines, as well as aid in location sunken vessels. SRI uses laser light to scan and create 3-D images of the ocean floor that provide real-time information including the shape, orientation, texture and volume of an object. Another technology in the works is an underwater mass spectrometer that can conduct chemical analyses of seawater – identifying the pollutant and tracking its path of dispersion.

Robotics aiding ship security

University of South Florida.

In addition to the Center for Ocean Technology, USF houses several homeland security-related research facilities, including the Center for Biological Defense (CBD), and the Center for Robot Assisted Search and Rescue (CRASAR).

The CBD develops web-enhanced surveillance systems for the rapid identification of bioterrorism and other emerging infectious disease events and provides education and training in homeland security to professionals in the community.

CRASAR is part of the Institute for Safety Security Rescue Technology at USF and promotes and directs Search and Rescue specific research focusing on innovative robot design, human robot interaction, and enabling technology development. Some of their latest work involves underground mine rescue and sensor integration to determine if a person is dead or alive. Dr. Robin Murphy heads up CRASAR, is a noted expert in robotics and, with a team of robots, assisted in the search for survivors after 9-11.

Drone spies and explosive detectors

Companies in the region with homeland security aspects to their products include:

AuthenTec: 10-year-old AuthenTec is the world’s leading provider of biometric fingerprint sensors to the PC, wireless and access control markets … with revenues hitting $52 million this year and more than 15 million fingerprint sensors sold to date. The company’s patented TruePrint technology, which reads below the surface of the skin to detect unique characteristics, protects files, secures commerce transactions and grants access.

Prioria: Founded by a group of University of Florida graduates, the company has developed a proprietary vision processing technology for Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) – something the Pentagon is planning to expand the use of. Prioria’s new MAVs are more sophisticated and include missing elements from existing MAVs … allowing them to see and react to obstacles and identify and track targets and allowing a single soldier to operate it and send information to an aircraft or ground station. This core product is called Maveric. www.prioria.com

Aqua Sciences: Recognized by TIME and the Wall Street Journal as having one of the most innovative technologies, Aqua Sciences developed a complete solution for providing “off the grid” drinking water for disaster relief and homeland security applications. Its water harvesting units extract drinking water (up to 1,200 gallons per day) from the air – providing a constant source of clean drinking water anytime, anywhere. Florida’s FEMA branch, in fact, has purchased two of its machines.

Gyrocam Systems: Founded by a Florida native, Gyrocam is fast becoming the new tool in the war on terror. The company developed improvised explosive device detecting camera systems that can be mounted on military vehicles and used by our troops to locate roadside IEDs while remaining inside their armored vehicles. Gyrocam’s systems combine high resolution color, thermal imaging NightVision capabilities, and a telescoping mast to detect IEDs. The 10-year-old, $100 million company has produced more than 200 of its systems for the Army and Marine Corps.

Datamaxx: Federal, state and local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies are the primary customers of Datamaxx, which develops, installs and maintains desktop and mobile software applications. The company, in fact, serves more than 70 percent of the law enforcement communications market in North America -- including 14 federal agencies and state and local customers in 35 states and Canada.

The company has statewide contracts including Oklahoma, Maryland, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. Federal agencies it services include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

The company was the first to introduce technology that enables agencies to exchange mug shots and fingerprints via personal computer. And, it was first to offer data encryption across law enforcement networks.

10 people to watch in 2008: St. Pete Times

2008-02-12T20:45:00.000-05:00

The St. Pete Times lists 10 people to watch in Tampa Bay this year. Only 1 is in Tech.

Danny Wool, 44, Veropedia founder, and Terry Foote, 41, Veropedia investor (the only tech people).
Dexter Douglass, 78, prominent Democrat and Tallahassee lawyer, former Gov. Lawton Chiles' general counsel when the state sued the tobacco industry in 1997 and walked away with $11.3-billion.
Michael Kalt, 33, vice president of development, Tampa Bay Rays, who are making a bid for a new $1B stadium and re-development project in St. Pete during a recession
Lee Roy Selmonn and his restaurant
Alex Sink, 59, Florida Chief Financial Officer
John Fontana, 48, president of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa
Larry Richey, 51, new Head of the Greater Tampa chamber Of Commerce Committee of 100
Danny Roderick, 47, VP of nuclear projects and construction for Progress Energy, who will manage Florida Progress Energy's new multibillion-dollar nuclear plant in Levy County
Jay G. Trezevant, 48, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. District Court, Tampa - and his investigation into WellCare Health Plans Inc.

Ceelox from DEMO 2007

2008-02-12T17:25:00.000-05:00

Ceelox is a Tampa company that pitched at DEMO last year. The DEMO description is Purple:

Steganography, biometric authentication, synchronous key system— the description of Ceelox’s Scram can seem a bit daunting at first. But it essentially boils down to a technology that could revolutionize email and virtually erase online identity theft. This ingenious little Outlook plug-in allows users to embed sensitive documents into harmless-looking images. Only the intended recipient, identified by the sender, can decrypt the hidden message within. The real kicker is that Ceelox believes Scram should be available to everyday consumers; in order to make that financially possible, they’re selling the image space to advertisers. Hack-proof email that’s incredibly intuitive and easily monetized. Did we mention it also works in IM?

By its own definition, Ceelox offers "Biometric security software for identification & authentication, data file & encryption, and email & IM (instant messaging) security."

FTS - Elysium - US Biodefense

2008-02-12T16:28:00.000-05:00

I love all the names for a company that is basically a domain holder. This release on TechJournal South is funny:

"US Biodefense Inc., doing business as Internet Holdings Corp. has agreed to buy Elysium Internet Inc., a subsidieary of FTS Group Inc."

Both trade on the pink sheet.

FTS Group CEO Scott Gallagher commented, "We have entered into a liquidity event transaction that I firmly believe will benefit the shareholders of both Internet Holdings Corp and FTS Group. The transaction will result in Elysium Internet becoming an independently operated publicly traded direct navigation Internet Media Company, while creating a tremendous growth opportunity for the stockholders of both Companies."

A liquidity event?! And Tremendous Growth! WoW!

FTS Group will issue USBF an interest bearing note of between $1 million and $1.5 million (pending final valuation)in exchange for its domain portfolio. .... US BiodefenseInc. (dba Internet Holdings Corp) will change its name to Elysium Internet, Inc.

Elysium Internet is an emerging direct navigation online media Company. Its domain assets include; TheDirectoy.com, Therapists.net, SecuritiesAttorney.net, NevadaLawyer.com, Passenger.net, eBoxing.com, TheFund.net and many others.

Florida High Tech Corridor Update from TJS

2008-02-08T15:09:00.000-05:00

News about the Florida High Tech Corridor from TJS on February 8, 2008.

Research Shows Water May Be Able to Fuel Cars

One step closer to hydrogen-powered vehicles, a Corridor company has developed HHO or "water gas," a fuel additive for a standard gasoline or diesel engine capable of producing net increase in horsepower and an average increase of 20 to 30 percent in miles per gallon. Based in Clearwater, Hydrogen Technology Applications is designing hybrid cars that can run on water, obtaining on average 100 miles per gallon for every four ounces of water. Demonstrated on two prototype vehicles, the system can be retrofitted to almost any existing automobile on the road today, and the base model runs about $5,000. Currently in patent-pending stages, Hydrogen Technology Applications is developing hybrid engines for fleet vehicles. For more information, visit http://hytechapps.com./

Corridor Company Receives Grant to Assist Military

In a $9-million contract, defense technology leader Raytheon commissioned DRS Technologies to provide infrared sighting systems for U.S. Army tanks and combat vehicles. Developed by the company's DRS Sensors & Targeting Systems – Optronics Division in Palm Bay and Melbourne – the sighting systems will provide digital battlefield imagery during both day and night. Cardiovascular Sciences Secures Venture Capital University of Central Florida (UCF) Incubator Company Cardiovascular Sciences (CVSC) has garnered nearly $1 million in financing from Seven Palm Investments of Illinois to help fund the development of its primary technology for the prevention of adhesions following surgery. USF Health Launches New Master's Degree in Biotech Combining the traditional fields of biological, chemical, engineering, health and computer sciences, the University of South Florida's new master's program in biotechnology will be available to full-time and part-time students this fall. Designed to meet the increasing demand for trained professionals in the emerging scientific fields, the program is a result of a multi-college collaboration among the colleges of Medicine, Engineering, Public Health, Arts and Sciences, and Business Administration. The program may be completed in as little as three semesters and offers 22 different internship and elective classes throughout the curriculum. For more information, visit http://www.biotech.health.usf.edu./

UF and Moffitt Cancer Center Announce Partnership

The University of Florida (UF) and Shands Healthcare have announced a partnership that will model the organizations' emerging cancer center programs after those of the Moffitt Cancer Center, a world-class leader in cancer care, research and prevention. As part of this alliance, UF, Shands and Moffitt will participate in joint research, co-authored scientific publications, joint recruitment and philanthropy. One of only 39 cancer centers nationwide to possess the National Cancer Institute (NCI) comprehensive cancer center designation, Moffitt will integrate cancer programs with UF and Shands to earn NCI accreditation. For more information, visit http://news.ufl.edu/2008/01/23/moffitt-cancer-center.

Motion-Capture Studio Opens at UCF's Video-Gaming Academy

University of Central Florida's (UCF) Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) officially opened its doors to a brand new, 3,500-square-foot motion-capture studio run by Los Angeles-based House of Moves. One of the largest on the East Coast, the 46-camera studio is designed to give students world-class experience in computer-generated animation. In addition to the studio, FIEA renovated its facilities to include film sound stages, editing suites, audio suites and a new teaching auditorium. UCF, the City of Orlando and Vicon Entertainment partnered to fund the $2.9-million project.

Corridor Companies Receive Five Florida's "Farm to Fuel" Grants

Earning more than $8.5 million in funding for renewable energy projects, five of the 12 Florida companies awarded grants as part of Florida's Agriculture and Consumer Services' "Farm to Fuel" initiative are within the Florida High Tech Corridor. The grants are part of a program designed to stimulate Florida's agriculture industry to produce 25 percent of the state's energy needs by the year 2025. Investing more than $53 million of their own resources for these projects, the Corridor companies selected are: U.S. Envirofuels of Venus, the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, Southeast Biofuels of Auburndale and Ocala-based Sigarca. For more information, visit http://www.floridafarmtofuel.com./

IST Adds Super Computer to its Computing Infrastructure

With support from the U.S. Army and a collaboration of university researchers, the University of Central Florida's Institute for Simulation & Training (IST) recently secured nearly $2.6 million to purchase a high-speed computing cluster from IBM. This powerful system of computers will initially be used to perform defense-related modeling and simulation calculations that are too demanding for the university's current computing platforms. Legislators Sen. Bill Nelson and Rep. Corinne Brown helped UCF secure the funding necessary for the initial hardware, software and research costs, while the NanoScience Technology Center at UCF will help support configuration and system administration. For more information, visit http://www.ist.ucf.edu./

Citrus IT Alliance to Hold Tech Expo

Presented by the Citrus Information Technology Alliance, the Second Annual Citrus Tech Expo will be held Feb. 22 at Crystal River's National Guard Armory to showcase the latest IT software and solutions. Microsoft, Cisco and many other technology experts will be available to discuss IT-related topics, including proactive ways to prevent equipment/data loss, disaster recovery, communication and mobility solutions, management applications and software overviews. For more information, visit http://www.citrusitalliance.net/ExpoEvent/tabid/71/Default.aspx.

UF Leads Search for New Planets

With funding from the National Science Foundation, NASA and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the University of Florida (UF) will lead a project aimed at discovering new planets and how they form. As part of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey III, one of four independent surveys, the project will use a powerful instrument designed by UF with the capability to search among 11,000 stars for orbiting giant planets. Scheduled to continue through mid-2014, the survey is expected to generate 150 new planets. For more information, visit http://news.ufl.edu/2008/01/10/star-survey.

Nursing Students at USF Observe Simulated Labor

Last month, students from the College of Nursing at the University of South Florida took part in a four-hour labor and delivery session in the college's Center for Virtual Learning. A computerized mannequin named "Noelle" reproduced the stages of childbirth, simulating contractions and delivery. Able to simulate a fetal heart rate, Noelle allows the students to receive a unique hands-on experience caring for both the mother and the newborn child. Noelle is one of many simulators at the nursing simulation lab designed to give students practice in complications that can occur during medical treatment. Others include "Sim Man," which simulates human conditions programmed by the instructor, and "METI Man," which responds to student activity and adjusts its own physiological symptoms. For more information, visit http://hscweb3.hsc.usf.edu/health/now/?p=331.

Florida Tech Receives $5 Million Grant

The Harris Corp. Charitable Fund, held by the Community Foundation of Brevard, has donated $5 million to the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) to create the Harris Institute for Assured Information. Housed in a new 24,000-square-foot Harris Center for Science and Engineering on FIT's campus, the institute will focus on developing advanced solutions to help solve the global information security problem in sectors such as banking and finance, retail, health care, education and civil agencies. UCF Professor Earns SID Jan Rajchman Prize Considered to be the highest award within the Society for Information Display (SID), this year's prestigious Jan Rajchman Prize was awarded to University of Central Florida Distinguished Professor of Optics Shin-Tson Wu. The Jan Rajchman Prize is granted for "Outstanding Scientific and Technical Achievement or Research in the Field of Flat-Panel Displays." Venture investing nearly doubles According to the MoneyTree Report by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association, venture capital groups invested $608 million into 63 Florida deals in 2007, which is almost double the $319 million invested in 2006.

Preservation Science is eFueled

2008-02-08T14:57:00.000-05:00

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 8, 2008 [PRNewswire]

Preservation Sciences,Inc. ("Preservation") and EFUEL Network, Inc. ("EFN") announce the execution of a definitive agreement to consummate a merger whereby Preservation has agreed to acquire EFN as a wholly owned subsidiary and, in consideration, Preservation has authorized the issuance of 150 million preferred shares to existing EFN shareholders; which will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or the securities laws of any state. The name of the new company is EFuel EFN Corp. [It is now traded on the Pink sheets under the ticker symbol EFUL.]

Joseph Cillo, former president of EFN and the newly appointed CEO of Preservation commented that "this provides for a tremendous opportunity for both Preservation and EFUEL's shareholders to capitalize on a diverse holding of internet communication and commerce sites within a public entity".

EFN was previously a privately held Florida corporation engaged in hosting various internet sites including: Efuelstore.com, Outrageousencounters.com, preventpeerpressure.com, valimate.com, veritas.com, and I-nexsolutions.com.

Veritas.com, Valimate.com and I-NexSolutions.com are background check / verify sites.

Outrageous is a video dating site.

"Prevent Peer Pressure generates revenue through the sale of
home drug, alcohol, and nicotine testing kits that parents use to test their children."

EfuelStore.com sells lingerie, love enhancements, electronic
devices and affiliate links to dating and "life enhancement and pharmacy".

GE Security Buys Covi

2008-02-06T15:44:00.000-05:00

GE Security has acquired the assets of CoVi Technologies, Inc., according to the company website. Covi was a IP Video surveillance company. [find more info at TechSouthJ]

Money Revolution

2008-02-06T02:08:00.000-05:00

Tampa Bay is home to a new credit card and payment system named Revolution. It started out being called Gratis. Gratis was a payment system to take "aim at two of the biggest issues affecting the credit-card industry: security and the fees that merchants pay for card-acceptance and processing. "The current infrastructure is inefficient and costly," says Jason Hogg, president and chief executive of GratisCard LLC" in Largo, FL.

On September 25, 2007, "Steve Case's Gratis Card Relaunches As Revolution Card".

"Now the company has changed its name to Revolution Health and is officially
launching with $50M in funding. The company has been formed by Steve Case, Ted
Leonsis, Larry Summers, David Pottruck, Russell Hogg. The $50M in funding comes
from Citi, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, Ted Leonsis, Case’s investment firm
Revolution." [source]

TBBJ also reported on the $50M.

Leonisis has blogged about his Revolution.

"The company will charge transaction fees it says are as low as 25% of the
industry average and will allow those transfers to be carried out through
existing Points of Sale, an anonymous PIN protected credit card and a variety of
online methods, including social networking sites and AOL's AIM instant
messenger. Here's the release on Leonsis's blog." [readwriteweb]

Revolution LLC, a Washington D.C., company founded by AOL co-founder Steve
Case, today announced the launch of the RevolutionMoney payments company, which offers a hybrid credit and prepaid card and money transfer products. [bizzyblog]

The interesting piece is the AIM tie-in. We'll see how that works. Revolution now has a PO Box in Largo; a office at the BoA building in St. Pete; and offices in DC and NYC.

SkyCross antenna

2008-02-05T12:10:00.000-05:00

GigaOm explains this better than the press release.

At the heart of all wireless communications lies an antenna, or in the case of today’s mobile phones and laptops that need to receive Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, EVDO, WiMax or DVB-H, sometimes two or three. Packing each of these antennas into a small form factor is expensive and can cause interference problems, so when I saw that SkyCross, an antenna company in Viera, FL, had managed to receive several signals on one antenna, I thought that was pretty sweet.

The company, which was spun off from BAE Systems in 2002 and has raised at least $36.5 million in venture capital from TL Ventures, Intel Capital and SK Telecom, discovered a way to use multiple feed points on one antenna by accident. The result: one antenna that acts like three or four. SkyCross calls it “isolated mode antenna technology,” or iMAT.

Think Kowabunga for Ads

2008-02-04T15:15:00.001-05:00

Think Partnership Inc., which sells interactive performance-based advertising networks and technology platforms, intends to seek shareholder approval to change the company's name to Kowabunga!. [TSJ]

Dot-com pioneers--where are they now?

2008-02-04T12:39:00.000-05:00

News.com tells us what became of the hot dot-com pioneers like AltaVista.

Disruptive iDatix

2008-02-04T12:34:00.000-05:00

"The 451 Group, an independent IT analyst company, recently recognized Clearwater-based iDatix as a firm with potentially "disruptive technology" in the enterprise document management space. “Disruptive technology” describes a new technology that unexpectedly displaces an established one. The Group also complimented iDatix for building “significant customer traction” and “long-term profitability without outside funding.”" [TBTF weekly news brief]

Terry Hedden Interviewed by Sean Burke

2008-02-04T12:06:00.000-05:00

Sean Burke at Six Disciplines podcasts. In this one, he interviews Terry Hedden of Infinity Business Systems, an IT services firm. I've known Terry a while. We kind of compete as he sells hosting, collocation, Managed IT and telco circuits - same as I do (and more importantly, my clients offer those services as well, so my referrals go to my clients). The podcast is kind of Terry's story.

10 people to watch in 2008

2008-02-04T11:54:00.000-05:00

St. Pete Times has 10 people to watch in 2008 (here). The 10 are: Lee Roy Selmon, Danny Wool, Dexter Douglass, Michael Kalt, Alex Sink, John Fontana, Larry Richey, Danny Roderick, and Jay G. Trezevant. I would add to watch Revolution Money too.

Sago Wins One

2008-02-04T08:48:00.001-05:00

Lockheed Martin, vendor for CENTCOM, has selected Sago Networks of Tampa for primary location for their secure collocation requirements and office space.

JAX MSC Acquires ZoneCare USA

2008-02-01T13:58:00.000-05:00

Medical Services Co., a Jacksonville, FL, based provider of ancillary services to the workers' compensation industry, has acquired ZoneCare USA, a provider of transportation and translation logistics services. The deal also includes ZoneCare subsidiaries Speedy Re-Employment MSA and SelectMRI. No financial terms were disclosed. MSC is a portfolio company of Monitor Clipper Partners.

Read the rest of the press release at Private Equity HUB.

Tampa Pharma merger

2008-02-01T13:53:00.000-05:00

Tampa’s Nanobac Pharma buying DNAPrint Genomics

February 1, 2008

TAMPA, FL-- Nanobac Pharmaceuticals Inc. is acquiring DNAPrint Genomics. But Financial details were not disclosed.

Nanobac says with the acquisition it becomes one of a select group of next-generation drug and diagnostics developers, applying advanced computational methods and systematic genome-based approaches to streamline clinical product development.

Nanobac adds advanced drug and diagnostics development programs, key patents and patent applications, and a proprietary product modeling platform to its existing initiatives, and expands its focus into multiple disease sites for both Diagnostics and Therapeutics.

DNAPrint Genomics has developed, patented and published various technologies for an improved, 21st century model of clinical product development - aimed at maximizing effectiveness, minimizing unintended effects, reducing costs and shifting the risk to reward ratio during clinical product development.

The combined company would have annualized revenue of approximately $5 million, developing drug pipeline and product development collaborations with Harvard/Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and Emory University.

Reprinted press release from Nonobac and TechJournalSouth

I Don't Understand

2008-02-01T13:43:00.000-05:00

"Only days after the Florida Venture Capital Conference, presenting company Persystent Technologies is offered $6 million term sheet." [source = TechJournalSouth]. Here's a company that has already burned through $9 or so million to gain nothing. Their software is based on patents that IBM owns and is based on an operating system (Rembo) taht IBM bought.

Persystent has been trying to gain ground since 2003, before IBM bought the patents and the O/S. I was an agent for them, but it was unwielding to deal with. No communication. Software that wasn't ready. Long sales cycles to schools and government. It was a good idea and good product in 2004. But now it seems past its prime. It had to upgrade from Windows 2000 to XP; now it has to get ready for Vista.

The CEO and 2 VP's have already been sent to the minors since 2005. Maybe this new team has a better plan to execute. (Key word being EXECUTE!) We'll be watching at persystentsoftware.com

Largo Software firm bought

2008-01-31T13:44:00.000-05:00

Atlanta’s Nova Information Systems, a subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, has agreed to buy Southern DataComm, a payment software services provider based in Largo, Florida. Financial details were not disclosed.

Southern DataComm was founded in 1985 by Gary Eng, president. The company has built a solid reputation in the U.S. payments industry, serving more than 50,000 merchants.

Annually, more than $50 billion travels through its gateway switch, which supports 200 interface modules, helping connect merchants to their choice of acquirers and processors. [Tech Journal South]

Florida's Dais Analytic Corp. raises $3M

2008-01-31T13:42:00.000-05:00

Tech Journal South announces Dais Analytic Corp. of Odessa, FL "has raised $3 million from institutional and private investors and existing shareholders, the company says. Dais makes, tests and sells nano-materials used in energy, security coatings and water industries. The company says it plans to upgrade its exchange listing to a higher level mid-year.

82 Degrees Tech Update

2008-01-30T12:36:00.000-05:00

Every year at this time, I get the same sense of renewal that you probably do. It’s that optimistic feeling of being able to start fresh… begin with a blank canvas. And this message is to capture that feeling in you, me and others and to channel it toward making 2008 a banner year for 82°TECH members and the Florida Gulf Coast Region we serve.

As the new President and chairman of the board of 82° TECH, I intend to raise the bar in 2008 in the areas of return on our members’ investment and our contribution to the technology economy in the bi-county area. I’m challenging myself, the Board and you to join together to help deliver on this commitment.

To set the stage for this commitment, I’m listing some recent research on our technology community, restating who we are, what we do, and our vision and mission. These will serve as a refresher for current members, inform future members and establish a foundation upon which to build our banner year.

Recent research on our technology community*

Sarasota-Bradenton was one of the bright spots in the Sunshine State’s growing high-technology job base as the market was ranked seventh in terms of overall employment on a list of Florida’s high-tech hot spots.
Sarasota-Bradenton ranked second in terms of high-tech wages when compared to pay in other types of jobs.
Sarasota and Manatee counties combined to add 400 high-tech jobs from 2004 – 2005, making for a total of 5,300 people in the market’s high-technology sector, or 21 out of every 1,000 private-sector workers.
The average annual wage for those workers was $62,600, or 89 percent more than the average private-sector wage. All this adds up to a high tech sector payroll of $334 million in 2005.

Who we are

82° TECH was founded in 2005 by a group of local entrepreneurs, professionals and the Sarasota and Manatee economic development organizations. We’re a professional association of people united to make the bi-county area a place where technology-based business and innovation thrives. Our membership is open to technology companies, professionals whose businesses provide products or services that support the growth of technology companies, and we invite participation from governments, educational institutions and students focusing on technology.

82° is the longitudinal line that runs through Manatee and Sarasota counties. The reference is also a nod to our balmy climate.

What we do

82° TECH is focused on the specific needs and interests of professionals involved in launching and operating technology-related companies in Sarasota and Manatee counties. 82° TECH works to increase public awareness of the growing technology community in the bi-county area; improve the business climate for technology companies by developing critical resources; and facilitate educational/social opportunities for the area’s technology companies. Meetings/events of the group are open to guests. Membership fees vary, and new members are welcome.

Mission

To create a technology-rich community, support technology entrepreneurship, and connect technology professionals with appropriate resources in the Florida Gulf Coast Region, in short… to “accelerate our technology economy.”

Martin Guice, President and chairman of the board, 82° TECH and President, Wisdom 3 Consulting, Inc.

$26M for Social Networking

2008-01-28T19:02:00.000-05:00

Mainstream raises $29.6 million for new social networking site MOLI

January 28, 2008

WEST PALM BEACH, FL—Mainstream Holdings Inc., an Internet technology and digital media company, has entered an agreement with private investors to receive $29.6 million of funding. Founder Christos M. Cotsakos, former chair and CEO of E*Trade and former CEO and COO of AC Nielsen, provided $20 million and private investors supplied $6 million in equity financing. The group of investors includes a number of experienced business executives and Wall Street entrepreneurs known for working with companies to build quality businesses. Three of the investors will join Mainstream's board. They are: Bernard Marcus, founder of HomeDepot; Kenneth G. Langone, co-founder of HomeDepot; Steven D. Holzman, Managing Member Vantis Capital Management.

The funding will be used to accelerate the international expansion and enrich membership development programs of its subsidiary MOLI. MOLI will be launched today at the DEMO 08 conference.

Founded by Dr. Cotsakos, Mainstream focuses on four industry segments: e-commerce, behavioral marketing, high-definition video production, and software and infrastructure development. MOLI is its core operating subsidiary.

"MOLI is a next-generation social media community allowing members to manage multiple profiles from one account. It is designed for enterprising individuals entering that next major lifestyle change, beginning in the late twenties, when control over personal privacy is a more compelling issue," said Judy Balint, president and COO of MOLI.

"MOLI is a diverse, sophisticated site where professionally produced content coupled with interactive e-commerce features enable members to connect and conduct business with other discerning individuals, groups and businesses in the U.S., the U.K., and Ireland, along with other international sites planned for 2008."

Members of MOLI can separate their social, business and family relationships and keep control over their privacy. Targeted at both enterprising individuals above the age of 18 and small business owners, MOLI provides a multimedia interactive platform for both community collaboration and e-commerce.

Mainstream has three main operating subsidiaries in addition to MOLI: CoVibe TECH, Tertiary Productions, and MOLI Kids.

CoVibe TECH provides the underlying patent pending technology platform that powers MOLI and can be licensed to other business for a private label social media solution.

Tertiary Productions provides original, high-definition video content for MOLI third-parties and video syndication.

MOLI Kids is an online destination under development for children ages five and older.

On the Web: www.moli.com

from Tech Journal South

Fair Warning: It's EpicTide

2008-01-28T18:59:00.000-05:00

FairWarning sees chance to be world leader

January 28, 2008 By Allan Maurer

ST. PETERSBURG, FL—FairWarning sells a solution that protects healthcare organizations from emerging legal and privacy threats. “It’s not often you get a market, timing, and product where you can be the worldwide leader, but we have that possibility in front of us,” says Kurt Long, CEO.

FairWarning is one of 40 innovative technology companies that will present at the second annual Southeast Venture Conference in Tysons Corner, VA, Feb. 27-28. (For more information on the conference, see: www.seventure.org).

The company, formerly EpicTide, sells a cross-platform healthcare privacy auditing product that is based on patent-pending software on a hardened appliance server. It provides out-of-the-box support for every major electronic health record vendor and dozens of other healthcare applications.

Founded in 2005, the cashflow positive company raised $1 million from an investor group led by Lee Arnold, Jr. and is seeking from $5 million to $10 million in additional backing to help it achieve that “world-leader” status Long sees as definitely possible. The company has 15 employees and is hiring now.

Long previously founded and served as CEO at two successful software companies, OpenNetwork Technologies, acquired by BMC Software, and OpenWeb, acquired by USWeb, is a recognized expert in the “AAA” security industry (Authentication, Authorization, Audit).

Long tells TechJournal South that while he was CEO of OpenNetworks, “I had global customers in security products and good visibility into emerging challenges.” He saw an opportunity in the electronic medical records space.

“I conducted a lot of research with financial analysts such as Gartner,” he says. “I flew around the country and talked with security executives and got a good snapshot of what the emerging challenges were. Then I picked up the phone, called potential customers and old customers.”

So, he says, the company was “driven by market research and customer requirements.”

Still, he says, “It was painful.” He wrote “a couple of other business plans” before the one for FairWarning (then EpicTide) came together. “The market needs it, I understand the competitive landscape, and I heard customers over and over say they have this problem,” he explains.

During development of the company’s product, Long engaged his potential customers in what it was doing. “We did it in conjunction with the market,” he says. “I would tell them, this is what I’m doing. I’m not selling a product yet. Frankly, I think my customers wanted to be part of the entrepreneurial process and had a little fun watching this thing.

“At the end of the year, they knew me, had watched us and signed contracts.”

FairWarning has more than 20 customers, each with multiple facilities and sales are accelerating, says Long. Many kinds of medical record snooping—by family and friends, of VIPs, and others, carry emotional and as well as legal risk, Long points out. One security breach, medical identity theft, is the first type that’s actually life-threatening, he says. The FairWarning product guards against medical identity theft, one of the fastest growing crimes with the number of victims likely to reach 1 million by 2009 according to Gartner.

Medical identity theft is where “The bad guys get your insurance information and use it to falsely bill Medicare or sell it to individuals desperate for insurance so victim patient records can be falsified.”

That can be life threatening if the records list a wrong blood type, disease history, prescriptions or other false information. “In an emergency,” says Long, “someone could be looking at information that has been compromised.”

FairWarning’s software looks for telltale signatures of persons accessing too many patient records for their role or sensitive portion of records are changed. It brings such signature events under scrutiny.

“Healthcare records have the same information as financial institutions,” Long notes. “There are half a million health care organizations with 15 million workers handling protected health information, so there’s this vulnerability,” Long says. “The government assumes we have to take this more seriously.” The company’s software also helps healthcare organizations meet federal and state government privacy requirements, including HIPPA. In 2008, says Long, FairWarning expects to see its distribution grow through partnerships.

On the Web: www.fairwarningaudit.com

GotchaGPS in Dunedin

2008-01-28T18:57:00.001-05:00

Florida's ISM International closes on GotchaGPS buy

January 25, 2008

DUNEDIN, FL--ISM International Inc. (Pink Sheets: ISML) has completed its licensing agreement of GotchaGPS Surveillance Systems.

GotchaGPS uses a constellation of satellites, and patented new GSM technology that allows an individual or business to locate and control any vehicle anytime via the Internet; or access reporting and alert functions by email, cell phone, or pager.

With the acquisition, ISM International Inc. has exclusive rights to distribute, use and sell these powerful GPS Surveillance products to American, Canadian and International markets.

A retired U.S. Marine will run the new ISM GotchaGPS division.

The Division Project is being developed to significantly enhance US Department of Homeland Security surveillance with new proprietary technologies developed by a Special Technical Division of ISM.

On the Web: www.gotchagps.com

from Tech Journal South