Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

I’ve had this conversation many times. A friend calls me up from: Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, wherever and says, “I’m thinking about moving to Los Angeles (or SF, NY, etc) and I’d love to start interviewing. Let me know if you hear of anything interesting.” I usually slip into counsel mode and tell them it’s a lost cause unless they’re truly committed to living in that city and if they are they should move there first and job search second.

Startup 234

Startup Los Angeles Networking Course 234

Berkonomics

NOVEMBER 4, 2016

Well, it had to happen. Originally created in the mid 1990’s to help with the imprecise problem of how to value early stage companies, especially those in technology, I developed what soon became known as “The Berkus Method” when published in the popular book, “Winning Angels” by Harvard’s Amis and Stevenson with my permission in 2001. But a lot of time has passed since then.

Startup 231

Startup Examples Metrics Marketing 231

L.A. Business Journal

NOVEMBER 14, 2016

Two years after Maker Studios co-founder Danny Zappin was ousted as head of the online video firm, a group of former and current executives at his new venture, Zealot Networks, is trying to acquire the branded content company and replace him as chief executive. Zealot co-founder Robert Vanech, the firm’s former chairman and chief financial officer, said he had approached Zappin about the deal and was seeking the backing of private investors and a publicly traded media company to back the bid.

Content 209

Content Media Networking Company 209

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 30, 2016

It's the age of smartphones and mobile data, where there are now apps gathering an immense amount of information about where we are, what stores we visit, and what we are doing. How do you make sense of all that data and actually help it to drive business decisions? Pasadena-based UberMedia (Www.ubermedia.com) is taking that data, and sorting through it to help businesses.

Advertising 203

Advertising Mobile Social Media Startup 203

Advertiser: Aggregage

Office leases are one of companies’ largest expenses, and if your whole team is working from home with no clear end in sight, you may be wondering what to do about your lease.

Company

InfoChachkie

NOVEMBER 14, 2016

Jeff Potter, CEO Surfair. As noted in Success, Santa Barbara Style , my definition of success includes living where you want to live and making money doing what you love. For many entrepreneurs in Santa Barbara, achieving such success would be much more difficult if it weren’t for the emergence of an innovative airline – Surf Air. Surf Air flies to 12 locations within California and members can fly as often as they like, paying a flat membership fee.

Startup 145

Startup Santa Barbara Networking Services 145

Tech.Co

NOVEMBER 7, 2016

In addition to being a tool for burgeoning startups and lucrative companies, virtual reality is also a great way to escape the stress of everyday life. Whether you’re whisking away to another planet or sitting by the beach, a little virtual relaxing can do the body good. Now, virtual reality is being used as a therapeutic meditation tool to help people find their zen and reduce stress-related health issues.

Guide 162

Guide Study Southern California Tool 162

Berkonomics

NOVEMBER 24, 2016

Repeat customers, raving fans, angry backlashers, commodity shoppers. Oh boy, what a range of loyalty these represent. And in your years, you may have experienced all of these. Here’s another way to look at the ladder to an ideal customer loyalty relationship. But first, let’s examine the three kinds of loyalty you don’t want to engender…. How about forced loyalty , if you happen to have a monopoly in your niche?

Customer 191

Customer Custom Satisfaction Pricing 191

L.A. Business Journal

NOVEMBER 29, 2016

Pritzker Group Venture Capital has expanded the number of personnel in its L.A. office in order to purse more early-stage investments in local tech companies. Partner Gabe Greenbaum and Vice President Peter Liu have relocated from the firm’s Chicago office to Los Angeles. The company also recently hired Nico Gimenez, who joined as an associate. Pritzker is particularly interested in investing in enterprise, consumer tech, healthcare IT software, as well as emerging technologies such artificial i

Los Angeles 186

Los Angeles Artificial Inteligence Angel Venture Capital 186

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Thousand Oaks-based California Lutheran University and its School of Management said on Monday that it has named both an Executive-In-Residence and Entrepreneur-In-Residence to the school. The school said Primo Custodio, most recently VP for Human Resources at NBC Universal, will become Executive-in-Residence for the business school, and Jim Cathcart, a motivational speaker and author, becomes Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

Thousand Oaks 190

Thousand Oaks Entrepreneur Resource Customer 190

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 6, 2016

There is no skill more vital to an entrepreneur than effective networking. You can’t build your business alone, and networking is the best way to open doors, professionally and personally. For introverts like me, it’s not easy to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people, but if you approach the challenge correctly, I have found that it can actually be fun as well as productive.

Networking 110

Networking Startup Entrepreneur Conference 110

Tech.Co

NOVEMBER 29, 2016

Millennials are all about convenience. Fortunately, Chuz is on a mission to give them an easy, one-stop shop to find new places to eat, drink and play. Live in Los Angeles and New York City, and available on iOS , Chuz is a smart companion with a curated list of go to spots. It learns your preferences and provides tailored recommendations by time and location.

Technical Review 127

Technical Review Los Angeles Content Social Media 127

Xconomy

NOVEMBER 22, 2016

We are at an incredible inflection point in the traditionally distinct fields of information technology and the life sciences. These broad disciplines are converging to advance fields of study like computational biology and systems biology, resulting in new forms of therapeutics and diagnostics that could have a monumentally positive impact on human health.

Technology 87

Technology Study Venture Capital Artificial Inteligence 87

Berkonomics

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

Everyone who manages a company or its sales force wants to write as many new deals as possible, and is usually warry about doing anything that might threaten the positive outcome of a pending sale. So, it is common practice to leave an offer containing a discount open, following up. Deadlines are an important sales tool. periodically to attempt to nudge a prospect into signing.

Sales 191

Sales Tool Writing Customer 191

L.A. Business Journal

NOVEMBER 15, 2016

Snap Inc., parent company and developer of messaging app Snapchat, has confidentially filed for an initial public offering of its stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission, according to multiple press reports. The Venice-based company would likely initiate its IPO in March, an offering which would value the company between $20 billion and $25 billion, according to sources cited by Reuters and The Wall Street Journal.

Journal 170

Journal Venice Snapchat Press 170

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

Pasadena has a long history as a center of the technology and innovation world�all the way back to first American experiments with rocket launches in 1936�Southern California's first foray into the rocket business (sorry, SpaceX)--through the Internet boom with Idealab, to today. We thought we'd catch up on what's happening today, and in particular, how Innovate Pasadena (www.innovatepasadena.org) is looking to spur even more startups and technology in Pasadena�and why that's important for the r

Pasadena 190

Pasadena Orange County Idealab CalTech 190

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Like many other career-minded business professionals, are you still waiting impatiently for that appointment to a leadership position, so that you can begin demonstrating your real leadership ability? In reality, you are already being evaluated for leadership by the habits and attributes you demonstrate today, so now is the time to sharpen your focus and behavior, not later.

Email 103

Email Ideas Help Media 103

Tech.Co

NOVEMBER 1, 2016

Between late appointments, pushy sales people and sticker shock, finding the perfect wedding dress can quickly turn into a frustrating nightmare for any blushing bride. Floravere , the first direct-to-consumer luxury bridal brand, is putting convenience back into the bride’s hands by delivering sample wedding gowns directly to their doorstep. Molly Kang, the founder of Floravere, started her company out of her own frustration of finding her wedding dress.

Sample 119

Sample Training Sales Email 119

Xconomy

NOVEMBER 21, 2016

Uncertainty surrounding this year’s presidential election has kept U.S. IPO activity at a sluggish pace—so sluggish, in fact, that this year could end with the fewest IPOs and the lowest level of capital raised since 2009, according to PitchBook data for the first nine months of 2016. But this is no time to trash talk the IPO market, according to Kathleen Smith of Renaissance Capital , a Greenwich, CT, firm that manages IPO-focused Exchange Traded Funds.

Research 84

Research Activity Capital Funding 84

Berkonomics

NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Here’s a statement that you never thought would apply to your business planning. Sometimes we get stuck in the muck with our marketing, product, management focus, and in keeping up with trends. It is natural for executives and entrepreneurs with lots on their plate and little extra time – to just keep up the same activities that have made the company a success.

Activity 226

Activity Email Customer Custom 226

L.A. Business Journal

NOVEMBER 25, 2016

Software giant Oracle increases footprint with record Santa Monica office deal.

Software 262

Software Oracle Santa Monica Marketing 262

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 28, 2016

Do you need new prescription lenses, either for that fashionable new sunglass frame you just bought, or perhaps to update the glasses you already have? Los Angeles-based Lensabl (www.lensabl.com) recently launched a new service to help people with just the prescription lenses you need. Andy Bilinsky , Co-founder and CEO, tells us why the company is targeting prescription lenses--but not frames--with the startup, and why the company thinks prescription lenses are ripe for innovation.

Customer 186

Customer Custom Pricing Services 186

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 13, 2016

One of the biggest impediments to starting a new venture is the “ terror barrier ,” as popularized by Bob Proctor, a 75-year-old millionaire and world renowned entrepreneur. This is the imaginary barrier that always seems to appear at the critical point where we would step out ahead of peers or competitors, but fear causes us to stop short. Everyone has a comfort zone, or level of risk, where they feel in control.

Entrepreneur 101

Entrepreneur Satisfaction Startup Mentor 101

Tech Zulu Event

NOVEMBER 8, 2016

The days of giving people practical, useful gifts they might really need are over. Most of us over here in the western world of commerce buy everything we need and want for ourselves, so gift-givers need to start getting creative with their presents. Living far away from loved ones is no longer an excuse not to get them an awesome gift when those special occasions come around.

Platform 70

Platform Activity Startup Commerce 70

Xconomy

NOVEMBER 7, 2016

As we draw closer to the end of 2016, it is important that we take a moment to look back and reflect on all of the ways technology has inspired us, and transformed the way we live and do work. As technology becomes more pervasive in our lives, we increasingly look for simple but secure, as well as consistent and engaging experiences, regardless of the device we’re using.

Artificial Inteligence 106

Artificial Inteligence Screening Google Customer 106

Berkonomics

NOVEMBER 3, 2016

How do you get your team to focus and move forward effectively? A fellow CEO recently told me of her method of assuring positive movement within her team. She holds a weekly meeting of her direct reports, and asks them to find three important but actionable items for the group to work on if not complete during the following week. She claims that, by reducing the number of issues to three, her team is better able to devote mental and physical resources to a solution than if she allowed her meet

Cloud Computing 191

Cloud Computing Resource Report Course 191

L.A. Business Journal

NOVEMBER 2, 2016

After lowering its guidance for the year, digital advertising marketplace Rubicon Project of Playa Vista announced that it would lay off 125 workers, or 19 percent of its workforce.

Advertising 135

Advertising 135

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 11, 2016

Our interview this morning is with Kelly Perdew of Moonshots Capital , a Los Angeles based investment firm that makes seed stage investments in early stage companies�and in particular, for this Veterans Day, in companies founded by military veterans. Kelly is a longtime angel investor in such companies as Scopely, Bitium, UStream, Thrively,� and many others.

Capital 223

Capital Startup Invest Training 223

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 14, 2016

Every entrepreneur I know feels the pressure of the thousands of things that need to get done, all seemingly at the same time. There is just not enough time! The real solution is better productivity and less procrastination, to put you back in control of your business. You need to spend more time every day on important things for the future, and less on the urgent issues of the moment.

Tips 100

Tips Activity Startup Product 100

Tech Zulu Event

NOVEMBER 30, 2016

The business world is craving their own version of Tinder, an easy way to find ideal corporate-mates and make long-lasting relationships. Wouldn’t life be so much easier if you could just swipe right and get a new business partner? Well that’s kind of what VentureRadar ’s doing. The London-based tech startup is introducing online dating for businesses in the form of a huge database where companies can connect with potential partners, clients and investors.

Artificial Inteligence 40

Artificial Inteligence Satisfaction Startup Venture Capital 40

Xconomy

NOVEMBER 29, 2016

In the 10 years since David Inns joined San Diego-based GreatCall as CEO, he has seen a proliferation of innovative healthtech startups that are targeting baby boomers who are in or nearing retirement. A lot of these digital health companies are trying to connect with senior living communities, typically at events like the annual Aging 2.0 conference held in San Francisco earlier this month.

Marketing 84

Marketing San Diego Conference Startup 84

Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 6, 2016

It’s hard to feel any positives these days: We’re in the eye of the storm. We’re at peak anxiety. Maximum rancor. We’ve already blocked family members on Facebook or unfollowed obnoxious people on Twitter. We’ve scratched our heads at how one of Silicon Valley’s brightest could back a candidate so overtly racist. And we’ve pulled out our hair trying to explain how the FBI Director could have decided to weigh-in / non-weigh-in to an election 11 days before voting with what turned out to be a whol

Startup 203

Startup Los Angeles Help Screening 203

L.A. Business Journal

NOVEMBER 23, 2016

Breitbart banned from major ad exchange, e-sports franchise Cloud9 raises $2.9 million, and Bridg launches CRM software for restaurants.

Report 147

Report Software 147

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Los Angeles-based e-commerce fashion brand NastyGal has filed for bankruptcy, after failing to find additional funding-- even after news of a "cram down" round in October. According to the company, founded by Sophia Amoruso, it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Wednesday. Reports say that Amoruso also stepping down as Chairman of the company. READ MORE>>.

Commerce 216

Commerce News Los Angeles Report 216

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 12, 2016

Investors invest in people, not ideas. Customers buy from people, not companies. Employees rally for a great leader. As an entrepreneur, you need relationships to succeed. That means relationships with team members, investors, customers, and vendors. One of the best ways to build a good relationship with anyone is to make them feel important. One of my favorite authors, Brian Tracy, in his classic book “ No Excuses!

Ideas 99

Ideas Outsource Development Entrepreneur Customer 99

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 29, 2016

Chicago-based venture capital investor Pritzker Group Venture Capital announced this morning that it is expanding its efforts to invest in early stage companies in Los Angeles, and has moved partner Gabe Greenbaum to Los Angeles. Greenbaum had been based at Pritzker's home office in Chicago. ACcording to Pritzker Group, it is targeting investments in early stage companies in enterprise, emerging technology, consumer and health care IT, including companies workin on artificial intelligence, inter

Dollar Shave Club 177

Dollar Shave Club Los Angeles Artificial Inteligence Angel 177

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 18, 2016

Silicon Valley Bank , which provides banking services, loans, and other financial products to many startups in Southern California, has opened up its annual Startup Outlook Survey , according to the company this week. The survey quizzes companies about how their businesses are doing, and gauges executive opinions and mood about the startup industry.

Southern California 177

Southern California Startup Services Help 177