WRAL Tech Wire

Durham web optimization tools startup seeking beta users

BoostSuite, which was launched by iContact co-founder Aaron Houghton, is rolling out a set of tools it says will help clients build web traffic and convert more visitors to buyers.

BoostSuite

Durham semiconductor startup Sarda lands IDEA Fund as investor in $3M round

The venture capital firm follows up on a $36,000 grant its not-for-profit arm NC IDEA Fund awarded Sarda last June. Sarda, which was co-founded by two chip industry veterans, focuses on improving energy efficiency and reducing the size of power components in mobile devices.

Attention, startups: NC IDEA grant applications are due

The Durham-based firm awards non-dilutive cash grants to startups twice a year. To apply for the next round, firms must submit applications today. A Charlotte entrepreneur and grant winner encourages others to apply.

Groundwork Labs refocuses mission as Triangle Startup Factory nears launch

The environment for new and emerging companies continues to evolve as the collaborative venture of Capitol Broadcasting and NC IDEA drops funding plans. It will focus on mentoring and other services. Meanwhile, the Startup Factory draws over 60 applicants for its first round of funding. TSF has already closed on $5.5 million from an undisclosed California investment group.

Groundwork Labs

NC IDEA sets office hours for entrepreneurs

The Durham-based economic development firm sets aside two hours of time for discussions and guidance on Friday mornings.

Five startups receive $192,000 in grants from NC IDEA

Two Chapel Hill, two Charlotte and one Durham ventures win the non-dilutive grants in a competition that drew 175 applicants from across the state.

NCIDEA getting in on ground floor of more startups with Groundwork Labs

Veteran investor Dave Rizzo says the tech accelerator set to launch next spring won't detract from the economic development group's mission of growing new companies. He also says an angel fund may provide additional support.

RTP's new tech accelerator aims to spark 'creative cauldron'

John Austin, the veteran software and videogame executive who will run "Groundwork Labs," says an accelerator fills a void in the Triangle's entrepreneurial community for building new companies.

Launchbox is out, Groundwork Labs is in

NC IDEA, Capitol Broadcasting launch tech startup accelerator

"Groundwork Labs" will be based at the American Underground in Durham. John Austin, who already runs Joystick Labs, will direct the new operation.

Social media startup Argyle Social lands $1.24M in venture funding

The Durham-based company lands backing from Madison River Ventures, IDEA Fund partners and angel investor Greg Cangialosi.

Argyle Social sample page

Tech startup StatSheet raises $4M, changes name

The Durham-based company is now called "Automated Insights," reflecting plans to expand its technology beyond sports.

NC Biotech Center loans $30,000 each to three startups

The "company inception loans" are designed to help new businesses fund non-scientific startup costs.

Semiconductor firm HexaTech closes on $3.1M, wants another $1.1M

The venture capital backed startup, which has been funded locally by Intersouth Partners and NCIDEA, is commercializing technology developed at NC State.

NC IDEA awards five tech startups $205,000 in grants

The non-dilutive awards go to Keona Health, Loyalese, NanoForge, OtherScreen and Sarda Technologies. NC IDEA has now poured $2.1 million into new firms since 2006.

Spring Metrics, a website analytics startup, raises $635,000

LaunchBox Digital, CBC New Media Group, Zelkova Ventures and individuals lead the seed round.

A sample of Spring Metrics analytics