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Q3 venture funds raised, media 2.0 is about media consumption and musical downloads making the news!

European venture is one of the conundrums of my life.  Smaller amounts are being raised from the records set in 2000 but better than 2003 and 2004.  Its still not a good picture for European venture and Super Investor was pretty much a testament to the love shared between LPs and private equity GPs...left us poor venture folks feeling a bit left out in the cold.  But, thats another story.  Anyway, chin up and Churchill did say, PERSIST, PERSIST, PERSIST.  So, I am just going to go with that.  After the news from Alt Assets am attaching a blog entry from John Furrier - check him out here: http://podtech.wordpress.com/2006/11/27/media-20-is-about-media-consumption.  I like the way John thinks, its usually nice and digestible.

Finally, two interesting tidbits - first you will be able to download the Beatles at Apple's iTunes store.  Okay, maybe not newsworthy for you, but to Beatles fans everywhere - its NEWS!  Also, U.K. digital radio firm UBC Media announced on Monday that it plans to launch a nationwide service that lets users download songs they hear on digital radio stations in the U.K. Set to launch nationwide in May 2007, the Digital Music Downloading (DMD) service will deliver tracks -- costing about $2.42 each -- to devices including radios, mobile phones and individual online storage lockers. UBC has already signed licensing agreements with Universal Music Group, Warner Music and EMI to provide songs for the service, and expects to soon finalize a deal with Virgin Mobile for billing and customer service. UBC has successfully trialed the service with Chrysalis-owned radio station Heart, and plans to initially expand DMD to Emap's Smash Hits and The Hits stations, along with Guardian Media Group's Smooth and Classic Gold Digital, a station jointly owned by UBC and GCap. Source: Various newspapers and Digital News Wire, Nov 27, 2006.

European venture capital fundraising continues at slow pace in Q3
27/11/2006Source: AltAssets. 

A total of five European venture capital firms raised €451.7m in the third quarter of 2006, down from ten venture capital funds raising €903.8m in the third quarter of 2005, according to Dow Jones VentureOne.

In the first three quarters of this year €1.62bn has been raised among 27 funds, off the pace of 39 funds and €2.86bn raised at the same point last year. However, the median fund size has gone up to €37.3m from €32.2m in 2005. The record was set in 2000 when the median fund size was €50m. 'While European venture capital fundraising has significantly decreased, the total amount of venture capital raised to date this year still exceeds the total funds raised during both 2003 and 2004,' said Steven Harmston, director of global research for VentureOne. 'In addition, it is not just venture capital funds that have decreased. Fundraising for buy-out and other private equity firms has also declined in Europe in 2006, particularly in contrast to the activity in the US.'

Among the largest venture capital funds that closed in Europe in the third quarter were Scottish Equity Partners' €234.9m SEP III fund in the UK and Life Sciences Partners BV's €150m Life Sciences Partners III Fund in the Netherlands.

Copyright © 2006 AltAssets

Source: John Furrier, Media 2.0 is about Media Consumption

The BBC lays out a nice piece on media 2.0.  vloggies_small.jpgI love the mention of the Vloggies that was founded by PodTech.  BBC says that “The online video boom is starting to eat into TV viewing time, an ICM survey of 2,070 people for the BBC suggests.    At  PodTech we have been building up our video and audio programming platform and this article sums up our opinion very well.  Media consumption is moving online but not in the way that most broadcast executives think.  For that matter what most net gurus think.   At PodTech.net we’ve been living this and seeing direct results over the past 18 months that show new consumer behavior around media consumption.  You will see new media model emerge and fast following behind it - new advertising techniques.  What has the answer?  No one does right now.  It is evolving fast.   3 major principles driving media 2.0:   1) search, 2) open source and 3) mashups .  To get a glimpse of the future just look at these three principles.   I really don’t want to pen my entire thoughts out because I have a company to run and build.  However if anyone has any input, comments, and ideas around these new media 2.0 principles just email me at john at podtech dot net.  

Venture: Its about luck, patience, stubborness, self-belief and a dream/ James Murdoch - one to watch

Have decided after my break-neck speed time in the US that being in venture or starting up a company requires in equal parts luck, patience, stubborness, unshakable self-belief and a dream.  It seems these are the common factors present in those that I have met who have succeeded beyond their wildest dreams.  Actually, I correct myself, as they saw themselves in their wildest dreams. 

Venture and backing early stage companies is a hard, hard game and it requires the above traits.  If your missing one or two (albeit, you can't really control for luck), I'd re-consider the career.

Anyway, here are a few success stories to start off the week. Check out Mangrove here: http://www.mangrove-vc.com/

Also, I am attaching an article on James Murdoch.  I think he is a man to watch.  I like his strategic move with ITV.  I like strategy in general, chess moves and the art of war - well, Sun Tzu's, the Art of War is a must read for anyone in the world of business, politics and even life.  James - hat's off to you, will be watching your next move closely.

This rings true: Giving Thanks, Reading Email

I read this and had a good little laugh...it kind of rang very true for my Thanksgiving "break" in the States. There was an all out prohibition on email on Thursday itself, but other then that - between giving thanks, shopping like a fanatic, eating far too much, seeing some old friends, and making some new friends  - it really was strangely just like any other day.  How remarkable and unremarkable our lives are in the 21st century.

Giving Thanks, Reading Email

Forget food coma, holiday is no break for tech entrepreneurs.
November 24, 2006, Red Herring

Everyone knows being an entrepreneur gives little time for rest and relaxation. This weekend’s festivities were further proof that the combination of 24-7 mobile technology and a drive to succeed are a recipe for a work-filled Thanksgiving weekend. Mobile phone and email devices were subtly tucked into pockets and used throughout the day by many a technology entrepreneur, even as the turkey was being carved. “I definitely had my computer on, definitely had my email going, and had IM going with the rest of my employees,” said Chase Norlin, chief executive of video search engine Pixsy, of his Thanksgiving Day. Pixsy is based in San Francisco, California. Mr. Norlin said he found himself checking email several times on turkey day, fighting the effects of red wine from the dinner as he went. The folks at Geelix, a downtown San Francisco games startup, had a deadline they couldn’t miss. Four of their employees were in the office through Thursday and Friday, working on a project they were preparing for the University of California at Berkeley.
 “We went out for turkey pizza, but couldn’t find any, so we had chicken pizza,” explained Ole I. Holthe, chief technology officer of the company. Being from Norway, at least they didn’t feel they were missing out on a longtime family tradition, he said. But it sure was a long and intense weekend. Analysts who cover the technology world also didn’t stop for the holidays. One Red Herring reporter received a detailed industry note that was mailed late in the evening on Thursday by a venture capitalist. Meanwhile, many entrepreneurs were planning to stay connected to the office mostly, from Thursday morning through Sunday evening. Sean Varah, CEO of MotionDSP, a San Mateo, California-based imaging enhancement startup that has been making the rounds in search of funding for the past several weeks, was hard at work over the holiday.  “Of course I’m working over the Thanksgiving weekend!” he wrote in an email. He was so busy, in fact, that he didn’t have time to be interviewed. Friday, not technically a holiday, is generally a day off for many. Mobile technology, however, has made it easier than ever to stay in touch with work from anywhere, any time. Mr. Norlin said that he was having no trouble getting through to a number of people Friday, though most of the emails were coming from BlackBerry devices.  “Wherever they are, they’re sitting there staring at their portable devices and responding,” he said. 

Contact the writer: SMugrabi@RedHerring.com

 

And here is a picture of the sunrise this morning,

as I waited to board my plane back to London.  Pretty cool? huh?

 

Private Equity Venture Struggles to Navigate European Disdain

A cheery hello from Manhattan where its surprisingly warm, sunny, blue skyed and all around perfect weather. 

First, Americans never seize to amaze me.  Despite the fact that most people are on holiday, I have back to back meetings with possible future investment companies and meetings with the current portfolio.  Just amazing.  Don't worry, I have plenty of time tomorrow for shopping.

But the point of this short post.  There is a pretty interesting story in the New York Times around how private equity in Europe is changing the landscape of business.  It provides some interesting facts on the fact that France represents the third most active country for private equity deals.  France lags behind Britain and the US, which as of Wed had 1,038 buyouts worth a total of $352.96Billion so far this year, up from $130.21 billion in all of 2005.  WHAT A YEAR!

I must now get back to meetings.  But, here is the link to the article if you wish to read it for yourself.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/23/business/worldbusiness/23eurodeal.html?ref=business

Thats it for me - a more details blog when I get back on Sun. - Shamsa

Searching for the next Google: Google shares pass $500 mark!

I am searching for the next Google.  If there are any possible new Google's out there - please call me.  On that note, see article below:  

Google shares pass $500 mark

By Richard Waters in San Francisco, Financial Times

Published: November 21 2006 18:29 | Last updated: November 21 2006 22:28

Google’s shares topped $500 for the first time on Tuesday, as Wall Street put aside the qualms about excessive valuation that have dogged the stock for nearly a year and looked ahead instead to another burst of growth from the world’s biggest internet company.  The latest surge in Google’s shares, which have jumped by 37 per cent from a summer low, also caps the company’s emergence as the chief rival to Microsoft and confirms how far its fortunes have now eclipsed those of Yahoo.

Google shares ended Tuesday’s session 3 per cent higher at $509.65.  At $153bn, Google’s stock market value has now risen to more than half that of Microsoft, while its fast-growing revenues and cashflow already equal a quarter those of the tech industry’s most profitable company. Meanwhile, the latest rally means it is now worth more than four times as much as Yahoo!, which has struggled this year to build a search engine advertising system capable of keeping pace with Google.

Google

Katrina Mehta passes away at 45: Egg, Vodafone, First Direct - mover & shaker

Received quite saddening news this morning.  Katrina Mehta passed away yesterday at the age of 45.  A wonderful mother and a great friend.  She leaves behind her daugher Natasha and her partner, Terry.  Efforts are being made to hold the funeral in the UK rather then Amsterdam. 

Funeral details update:

Please find below details of Katrina's funeral:

Funeral: 10:40AM, Sat, 2nd Dec, 212 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton Manchester M217GL

Reception: 12Noon, Marriot, Victoria & Albert, Water Street, Manchester

Please do not send flowers, contribution details will be provided for the charity Katrina established before she passed away.

Forward onto anyone who would like to attend.

Women in Politics!

We live in interesting time, Hillary Clinton's potential run for the American Presidency and the recent victory of Segolene Royal.  Very interesting times. One should never discuss politics, sex and religion in a public forum; well, that is what I have been advised, anyway.  Howevever, I think its interesting times we live in and as to whether women have a more difficult time in the world of politics and/or business.  I can only speak from personal experience, I don't think one can say it is more difficult then for men - it is simply different. One simply has to deal with a different set of issues.  Nothing more, nothing less.  On that note - here is an interesting article on Segolene Royal worthy of a quick read.

Style, substance and France’s third way, Herald Tribune, Nov 18th, 2006

It’s not easy being a woman in politics. For all that the glass ceiling has been broken by people as different as Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi, there’s still a suspicion in men’s minds that a politician wearing a skirt or a sari is lightweight, feather-brained or too focused on unwelcome matters such as women’s rights. And if she happens to be attractive and charismatic then the criticism is usually much shriller.

Take the case of Segolene Royal, who finally got the nod as the Socialist candidate in next year’s French presidential elections. It was quite a feat. Running against her were Dominique Strauss-Kahn, a reforming moderate, and Laurent Fabius, a hardline leftist who wants to renationalise.

Both were dangerous opponents: Strauss-Kahn appealed to the younger Socialists who are akin to our New Labour while Fabius, a former prime minister, is a protectionist who wants to punish French companies if they start outsourcing their workforces.

Somewhere between those extremes Royal managed to get over 60% of the votes and in so doing avoided the necessity of a second vote. Her supporters were in raptures; here was a new Joan of Arc, a Marianne for the 21st century who would bring a breath of fresh air to the stale French political scene.

Her enemies were not so pleased. Throughout the campaign they had portrayed her as an airhead with no political ideas or as a pretty face with good legs who attracted votes for no other reason that she herself is attractive.

To be fair to both sides there is some truth in their points of view. A new generation of French socialists regard Royal as the future and are hoping that her forthcoming contest with interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy, the most likely centre-right candidate, will open a new chapter in French politics. Perhaps it will. Royal is an experienced politician who is currently the president of the regional government in Poitou- Charentes and has worked in the past as an aide to President Mitterand. An unabashed fan of Tony Blair, like him she believes there is a third way that can modernise socialism. If that concept succeeds in catching on she should present a formidable challenge to Sarkozy, who has been blamed for much of the recent social unrest in France.

However, the hard-left hate her like she was the very devil. Not only has she dared to question the wisdom of a 35-hour working week but she has been a keen supporter of boot camps as an alternative to custodial sentencing for young delinquents. Her critics have not yet forgiven her for her condemnation of French teachers who work an 18-hour week and then skive off to boost their incomes by working as private tutors. Although she didn’t say as much in public she was caught on camera musing on the subject and, of course, the video was quickly pirated and put on general release, much to her discomfort.

Dirty tricks of that kind are 10-a-penny in politics but there was more. Throughout the campaign Royal was criticised for being an eye-catching woman, as if being in her 50s and keeping in good shape were heinous crimes. Being attractive didn’t harm leaders like John F Kennedy. The trouble is that the disparagement of her looks masked a more serious flaw.

Segolene Royal has a great deal to offer French politics. She is committed, energetic and a good communicator but, truth be told, some of her utterances have been on the other side of banal. When Royal shapes up to Sarkozy let’s hope that the election produces more concentration on substance and less nit-picking over style.

 

BSkyB and what's getting funded!

In London, I can't believe how happy one can be to be home.  It's short-lived as I am off to the US next week.  But still home, sweet home!  I am still buzzing from Paris, did I mention that the light on Wed night at sunset was just amazing.  There is something very special about the light in Europe...no wonder some of the greatest artists have emerged from that corner of the world. 

Onto things I am thinking about.  I am currently working with our portfolio companies and also looking into a few new investments, its really an interesting and exciting time in the world of convergence.   Although, the nature of this upswing has a bit of bubble feeling...I had a few meetings in Paris which have left me believing perhaps there is more staying power to this upswing then I had originally thought.  There definitely is far more of a focus on revenue models and cash flow; however, perhaps I am focusing on companies with good business models and there is a lot of less good stuff out there.  Who knows, I have decided to stop second-guessing the future.  Its too time-consuming and well, focusing on the present requires all my energy and time, for now anyway.

  • BSkyB has bought a 17.9 percent stake in ITV, worth about $1.8B - now thats an interesting chess move, perhaps thwarting NTL's efforts.  As I noted before, we are in a very interesting period with respect to convergence and IPTV.  Therefore, not overly surprised.
  • Universal Music Group is suing Myspace. Watch this carefully because what happens here will have wider implications for Web 2.0
  • Otherwise, the President of Fox Interactive Media, Ross Levinsohn has resigned, he comprises part of the division of News Corp that has made some of the largest acquisitions of the past two years including MySpace, IGN etc.  I found this news rather interesting and wonder where he is off to next...interestingly, he is being replaced by his cousin.  However, I am quite interested in finding out where he is headed to...so if anyone knows drop me an email! 
  • Yahoo is buying talent competition site Blix.com - movement to become an entertainment company continues;
  • Some start-ups in social networking and VOD receive cash...am sure I am not stating the obvious...but has no one heard about first mover advantage and its implications when it comes to social networking websites? 

Have a great weekend and enjoy this fine autumn weather - shamsa!

Back in the real world and bravo to Benchmark Europe!

I have returned to the world of real life again, and its back to the slog of work.  Super Investor on the whole was a worthwhile conference for the opportunity to meet some Limited Partners (READ: People who invest in venture and private equity).  There were lots of highlights and lowlights to the programme.  The highlight being expressions by some LPs that venture capital may receive increased commitments in the New Year. 

Of course this was balanced by a rather larger proportion of LPs that would not be considering venture capital and the horror-stories of GPs of some venture capital firms raising funds.  It kind of left one either hopeful or taking a step back to consider a fall-back career if one's efforts to raise a first venture capital fund fails.  The only conclusion that I have reached is that it takes about 100% sheer risk taking, and a great deal of passion to do this.  Either that, or its basic sheer madness & stubborness.  I have a feeling that people that know me might think its more the latter rather then the former.  Anway, enough of a rant. I would just like to thank Michaela Virtue and the rest of the ICBI team for putting together a fantastic conference, per usual and finally, I'd like to say - Paris as always was in a word, magical per usual.

Good news on the venture capital fund raising front:

There was some good news which is that both Benchmark and Atlas ventures have or are closing rather large funds.  The Benchmark news is public so please news below and Atlas will be announcing soon.

Benchmark Europe to unveil $550m fund!

Financial Times
Published: November 14 2006
By Philip Stafford

Benchmark Capital Europe, the venture capital group, is set to announce on Wednesday it has raised $550m (€430m) for its latest European venture capital fund.  The total raised matched the $500m it generated for the group’s first fund at the height of the dotcom boom in May 2000 and the $375m from July 2004.

Barry Maloney, partner at Benchmark, said the offer had been significantly oversubscribed but the group had kept the total down so it would not be under pressure to invest.  Benchmark’s best-known current investment is bebo.com, the social networking site. Mr Maloney said the group would look to make similar investments “There’s still a lot of interesting deals in that area,” he said. “It’s very capital-efficient.”

Other Benchmark investments include Betfair, the online betting exchange, and Setanta, the Ireland-based pay TV sports broadcaster.  “We think the environment in Europe couldn’t be better at the moment,” said Mr Maloney. “There’s a lot of open-source software and web 2.0 [second generation of Internet-based services — such as social networking sites and communication tools] companies,” he said. “The US market is a little cluttered for venture capital right now.”

He said that the Benchmark would also look to invest in larger, more mature companies that have never had venture capital investment – as it did with Codemasters, Europe’s largest independent video games developer – and clean energy technology.

Funds raised for European private equity houses rose dramatically in the first half of the year, according to the European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, with clean energy among the more fashionable areas to invest.

This week,Credit Suisse, the Consensus Business Group and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, a unit of Abu Dhabi investment arm Mubadala Development Company raised $250m to launch a fund investing in clean energy technology and sustainable development.

Other things making the news, all sourced from Digital Wire.

Clear Channel Accepts $18.7 Billion Buyout; Will Sell 448 Radio Stations

San Antonio, Texas - Clear Channel, the nation's largest radio station owner, announced on Thursday that it has agreed to be acquired by two private equity firms for $18.7 billion. Separately, the company announced plans to sell 448 of its 1,150 radio stations and all of its 42 TV stations. Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital Partners will acquire Clear Channel Communications in a deal valued at $26.7 billion, which includes $8 billion of net debt. The deal must still be approved by Clear Channel's shareholders and federal regulators; Clear Channel may also solicit competing bids through Dec. 7, 2006. "Clear Channel is one of the nation's truly great companies that has the finest collection of outdoor and radio assets in the industry," said Scott Sperling, co-president of Thomas H. Lee Partners. Under the proposed merger, Clear Channel CEO Mark Mays and his brother Randall, the company's CFO, will retain their positions. The company said that the radio stations -- all of which are outside the top 100 markets -- and TV stations for sale contributed less than 10% of its revenue last year. "These are profitable and well-managed properties in excellent markets," said CEO Mark Mays. "We believe that the sale of these stations will allow us to position our business to provide even greater value to our listeners and shareholders."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/061116/20061116005477.html?.v=1
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/061116/20061116005481.html?.v=1
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4340241.html (AP)
http://www.clearchannel.com
_____________________________________________

o Randy Falco to Replace Jonathan Miller as Chairman and CEO of AOL

Dulles, Va. - Time Warner has officially named Randy Falco as the new chairman and CEO of AOL, replacing Jonathan Miller, who is leaving the company. Falco, who has served as the president and COO of NBC Universal Television Group since last year, is being tabbed to lead AOL into its next stage of development, following the company's transformation from a dial-up Internet provider to a web content firm largely supported by ad revenue. "AOL is showing early success in transitioning to an advertising-focused business model, and Randy is a first-rate choice to ensure AOL realizes its promise," said Dick Parsons, the chairman and CEO of Time Warner. Falco has held numerous executive positions since joining NBC in 1975, including president of the NBC Universal Television Network Group, group president of the NBC Television Network and president of the NBC Television Network. Miller, who joined AOL in 2002, gave no indication about his future plans. "Rarely do you come into an organization with as many challenges as AOL faced when I arrived and then have the great satisfaction of putting it on sound footing," he said in a statement.
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1559998,00.html 
____________________________________________

o NYPD Busts $3.3 Billion Gambling Ring That Used Website to Track Bets

New York - The New York Police Department has arrested more than two dozen people and shut down a $3.3 billion illegal gambling operation that let bettors track their wagers and monitor point spreads on a secured website, the Associated Press reported. According to police, the head of the operation was 52-year-old pro poker player James Giordano, who won a $100,000 tournament in Las Vegas earlier this year; also arrested was 52-year-old Frank Falzarano, a current scout for the Washington Nationals. The sports gambling ring reportedly took bets through bookies, but then provided bettors with access to a secure website, Playwithal.com, where they could track their wagers. Three companies were also charged in connection with helping Giordano create the website. NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly said the operation took in more than $3.3 billion in cash wagers since 2004, and Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said that prosecutors will seek the forfeiture of $500 million in assets.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061116/ap_on_hi_te/internet_gambling_arrests
http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd
http://www.playwithal.com
____________________________________________

o Discovery Names NBC Exec David Zaslav as New President and CEO

Silver Spring, Md. - David Zaslav, the current president of NBC Universal Cable and Domestic TV, has been named president and CEO of Discovery Communications, the large television and media company. Zaslav, who replaces Judith McHale, will assume his new duties in early 2007. In the interim period, founder John Hendricks will serve as acting CEO. McHale had earlier announced that she would be stepping down. Zaslav has directed NBCU's new media strategy, leading efforts to sell the company's content on various platforms. Hendricks chaired the company's CEO search committee, which was comprised of representatives from Discovery's shareholders -- Discovery Holding Company, Advance/Newhouse Communications, and Cox Communications. "He is a passionate, inspiring leader who is the perfect choice to steward the valuable stable of Discovery brands and to guide our global company into the digital future," said Hendricks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061116/dcth050.html?.v=71
_____________________________________________

o Retailer GameStop to Host Midnight Launches for PlayStation 3, Wii

Grapevine, Texas - GameStop, the world's largest video game retail chain, announced on Thursday that it will host midnight launch events at over 2,000 of its GameStop and EB Games stores for the release of Nintendo's next-generation Wii video game console. The company will also host hundreds of midnight launch events for Sony's PlayStation 3. Gamers are expected to line up outside of stores tonight to purchase a PlayStation 3 at midnight, and on Saturday night to purchase a Wii. GameStop also partnered with Nintendo to host the official Wii midnight launch party at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/061116/20061116005165.html?.v=1
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/061115/20061115006162.html?.v=1
http://www.gamestop.com
_____________________________________________

o Report: 9 Million Next-Gen Game Consoles Will Sell in Fourth Quarter

Boston - Nearly 9 million next-generation video game consoles -- PlayStation 3s, Xbox 360s and Nintendo Wiis -- will be sold during the fourth quarter of 2006, according to a projection from market research firm Strategy Analytics. Microsoft's Xbox 360 will remain the leading system through most of 2007, but Sony's PlayStation 3 will catch up by the end of next year and become the dominant platform of the next-generation of consoles. The report predicts that more than 120 million PS3s will be sold through 2012, compared to 60 million Xbox 360s and 23 million Nintendo Wiis. "Sony will sell everything it can make of its new system," said Strategy Analytics principal analyst David Mercer. "But Microsoft has already had a year in the market to cream off early adopters, so the next few weeks will demonstrate how much pent-up demand there really is for the Xbox 360, and how many disappointed PS3 buyers are willing to switch camps." Strategy Analytics also forecasts that more than 50% of all next-generation console sales through 2012 will be in North America.
http://tinyurl.com/y2nsnr
http://www.strategyanalytics.com
_____________________________________________

o Activision Receives Nasdaq Delisting Notice

Santa Monica, Calif. - Video game publisher Activision announced that it has received a notice from the Nasdaq that it is in danger of being delisted from the exchange, due to its failure to file its quarterly report on time. The company had anticipated the notice, having delayed its quarterly report while it investigates its historical stock option grant practices. Activision plans to request a hearing with the Nasdaq at which it will put forth a plan for making all required filings and regaining compliance with Nasdaq listing rules. The company is one of more than 180 that have come under either internal or federal scrutiny over the practice of "backdating," where the dates on which employee stock options were granted are changed in order to increase their value for employees.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/061115/20061115006131.html?.v=1
http://www.activision.com 
_____________________________________________

o Nielsen to Launch Video-on-Demand Ratings Service Next Month

New York - Nielsen Media Research announced on Thursday that it will launch a national video-on-demand measurement service next month. Among other things, the service will allow clients to compare the broadcast ratings of a program with that same program's video-on-demand performance. The company will be able to track programs for clients who have embedded audio watermarking into their on-demand programming, which can be picked up by Nielsen's People Meters. The data will also include household and demographic information on the video-on-demand audience. "Because video-on-demand is a growing business and a potentially valuable new revenue stream for programmers, it is increasingly important for them to understand who is watching their shows and to be able to compare the viewing that is being done via traditional television and VOD," said Nielsen senior vice president Scott L. Brown. The company also told The New York Times that it is working on another VOD rating system based on information provided directly from cable TV providers, which is expected to launch in mid-2007.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061116/nyth179.html?.v=49
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/16/business/media/16adco.html
http://www.nielsenmedia.com
_____________________________________________

o Comedy Central to Allow Embedded Video Clips

Los Angeles - Viacom's Comedy Central plans to integrate its Motherload broadband site more tightly with its online platform, showcasing a new Flash video player that lets users embed TV show clips on their own websites, blogs and social network profiles, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Last month, Viacom asked video-sharing site YouTube to remove all of its copyrighted Comedy Central programming, including clips of "The Daily Show" and "South Park." Clips offered through Motherload's new Flash player will include attached advertising; the company is still determining how to handle ad revenue. "We are working out a model to incorporate users into the process and finding the best way possible to get our content where they want it," Michele Ganeless, executive vice president and general manager at Comedy Central, told THR.
http://tinyurl.com/y7mmjy (Hollywood Reporter)
http://www.comedycentral.com/motherload
_____________________________________________

o HBO and AOL to Debut New Comedy Website in January

Dulles, Va. - HBO said that it will team with AOL to launch a new broadband website focused on comedy. The "This Just In" site will feature extensive video content, as well as blogs, and will replace AOL's current comedy channel when it launches early next year. "This venture will leverage AOL's online expertise and HBO's established reputation for comedy to provide a unique engaging site for audiences across the Web," said Jim Bankoff, AOL executive vice president of consumer and publisher services.
http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1559802,00.html
_____________________________________________

o Sling Media Expands Portable TV Service to Mobile Phones

London - Sling Media, the developer of a device that lets users access premium home TV channels while away from any Internet-connected device, announced on Thursday that it has developed a new version of its service for mobile phones. The company partnered with European mobile network operator 3 Group to develop the SlingPlayer Mobile service, which will be available exclusively to 3 subscribers with an X-Series handset -- such as the Nokia N73 and Sony Ericsson W950i. The service will allow 3 subscribers who also purchase a Slingbox to view any of their premium home satellite or cable TV channels, as well as recorded programs from a DVR, on their mobile phones. The SlingPlayer Mobile service will be launched by 3 in the U.K. in December, and in 3's other markets in early 2007.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061116/ukth015.html?.v=59
http://xseries.three.com
http://www.slingmedia.com
_____________________________________________

o Mercora Brings 100,000 Web Radio Stations to Mobile Phones

Santa Clara, Calif. - Mercora, a provider of user-programmed Internet radio stations, announced on Thursday the worldwide launch of its M application, which allows Windows Mobile-based smartphones and Pocket PC phones to access over 100,000 channels of streaming Internet radio. In addition to its members' stations, M allows users to stream their PC music libraries to their mobile phones. The service is available for owners of devices like the Motorola Q, T-Mobile Dash and Palm Treo 700wx for $4.99 per month, or $49.99 for an annual subscription. Santa Clara, Calif.-based Mercora also announced that it has signed agreements with mobile content providers Handango, MobiHand, Mobile & Wireless Group, and Motricity. Under the deals, the Mercora M application will be broadly distributed to Windows Mobile smartphone and Pocket PC users.
http://tinyurl.com/ymssoy
http://tinyurl.com/yanm4c
http://www.mercora.com/M
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o Canada Launches $2 Million Competition for Game Developers

Toronto - The Canadian government has announced the launch of a video game development competition that will award a total of $2 million in financing to start-up studios. Telefilm Canada, a government agency that promotes the country's audiovisual industry, hopes its "Great Canadian Video Game Competition" will help bring more of the $20 billion video game market to the country. Big-name video game publishers with presences in Canada, including Electronic Arts, Ubisoft and Radical Entertainment, will mentor smaller developers seeking the financing. The initial round of the competition will provide 10 companies with $50,000 to develop a concept; four companies will then receive $250,000 each to create a playable prototype; and a winner will be awarded $500,000 to support commercialization of the game.
http://www.telefilm.gc.ca/03/vgabout.asp
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o Mobile Search & Advertising Firm Medio Systems Raises $30 Million

Seattle - Medio Systems, a provider of mobile search and advertising technologies, announced on Thursday that it has raised $30 million in its second round of venture capital financing. Accel Partners led the investment round, which also featured participation from previous investors Mohr Davidow Ventures, Frazier Technology Ventures and Trilogy Equity Partners. Wireless network operators including Verizon and Telus Mobility use Seattle-based Medio's mobile search technology, which can also place ads next to mobile search results. The company will use the funds for product development, to add to its sales and operations for wireless operators and advertisers, and to expand its presence in European and Asia-Pacific markets.
http://www.mediosystems.com/company/press/20061116.php
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o Chinese User-Generated Content Search Firm Qihoo Secures $25 Million

Beijing - Chinese search engine developer Qihoo announced that it has raised $25 million in its second round of venture capital financing. Highland Capital Partners led the investment round; Redpoint Ventures and previous investors Sequoia Capital China, CDH, Matrix Partners and IDG Ventures also participated. Beijing-based Qihoo offers an Internet and mobile search engine for user-generated content, and aggregates content from news sources, blogs, online communities, bulletin board services, videos and photos.
http://tinyurl.com/ygkpes
http://www.qihoo.com
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o Digital Signage Ad Sales Firm SeeSaw Networks Raises $10 Million

Chicago - SeeSaw Networks, a provider of digital signage advertising sales, announced on Thursday that it has raised $10 million in its first round of venture capital financing, led by Sutter Hill Ventures. San Francisco-based SeeSaw's website allows advertisers to play, buy and measure advertising on a network of digital venues. The company will use the funds to develop and operate SeeSawAds.com and to expand its sales force and nationwide network of affiliates.
http://www.seesawnetworks.com/2006/09/09/sutter-hill-invests-in-seesaw  _____________________________________________

o Online Publishing Firm Real Girls Media Network Lands $6 Million

San Francisco - Real Girls Media Network (RGM), an online publishing company that combines editorial, user-generated content and community, announced on Thursday that it has raised $6 million in its first venture capital round, from 3i and WaldenVC. The online network aims to build ad-supported sites focused on "the totality of women's lives, not just specific life events," and will allow women to publish their own opinions and stories. The company's first website, DivineCaroline.com, targets women ages 25-54 and is set to launch in early 2007. RGM plans to launch sites aimed at other age groups later next year.
http://www.realgirlsmedia.com/press.htm
http://www.divinecaroline.com



Money raised this week: Photo Search Startup Raises $5.1M

Swedish Startup Polar Rose Develops New Approach to Finding Photos on the Web.
November 14, 2006, Red Herring.

Polar Rose, a Malmo, Sweden-based company which uses a combination of automatic facial recognition with 3D modeling to look for photos on the Internet, announced Tuesday it has received initial Series A funding of $5.1 million from Nordic Venture Partners in Copenhagen.  Polar Rose’s technology aims to revolutionize how people sort and find photos of friends, celebrities or family on the Internet, regardless of whether the photos are in an individual web album or anywhere on the Internet, said Danish economist and serial tech entrepreneur Nikolaj Nyholm, Polar Rose’s CEO.  Unlike major image search engines such as Google and Yahoo!, Polar Rose harnesses collective intelligence to improve on what can be done with algorithms alone, according to the company’s founder and CEO and Chief Technology Officer Jan Erik Solem. The company, which is named after a flower-shaped mathematical curve, said further details on the technology and product will be disclosed by the end of the year, with an open beta trial available in Q1 2007.

 

SuperInvestor panel - thanks & well done

My panel at Super Investor on why LPs should take European venture seriously went very well.  Just a short note to thank all the participants.  A job well done!

 

 


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