WRAL Tech Wire

Looking for better nightlife? There's an app for that

A new app - SceneTap - launched this weekend that will scan the faces of patrons in 25 bars across the city to determine their ages and genders. Would-be customers can then check their smartphones for real-time updates on the crowd size, average age and men-to-women mix to decide whether the scene is to their liking.

App checks venues for size, age, gender

SceneTap FAQ: How venue technology works

A new website, SceneTap, uses facial recognition software placed in a bar or other venue to calculate approximate ages as well as gender and to count the number of people inside. An FAQ at the firm's website explains how the technology works.

Tracking nightlife scene via web

Duke professor, billionaire debate higher education's value on '60 Minutes'

Vivek Wadhwa, a former high-tech entrepreneur in the Triangle, and billionaire Peter Thiel debate whether the cost of a college education outweighs the benefits. Thiel is paying 20 students $100,000 a year not to go to college while pursing ideas for business. Wadhwa says Thiel's plan sends the wrong message.

Graduation day: 13 startups could be on fast track to success

In front of more than 80 members of the entrepreneurial community, 13 local entrepreneurs pitched their business, marking the completion of CED's business-basics program FastTrac.

Like Facebook's Zuckerberg, more tech founders keeping company control

At least 10 of last year's technology initial public offerings included a special class of shares that give the founders more votes than new shareholders, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Mark Zuckerberg on Time's cover

Entrepreneurs: Government must act to boost 'innovation economy'

Entrepreneurs are positive about the tech sector but also say the government could boost the potential for growth and success by addressing specific policy needs, says a new survey from Silicon Valley Bank.

Graphic on Innovation Economy from SVB

Bioptigen eye imaging system receives FDA approval

Bioptigen's devices use a technology called optical coherence tomography. The company's non-invasive device scans the eye without touching it.

Inside the eye as seen by Bioptigen

NC Biotech Center awards more than $3M in grants, loans

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center has provided $3.38 million in loans and grants to emerging life science companies, educators and researchers so far this year in efforts to grow the state's life science industry.

The elite: Full Steam Ahead Award nominees

Join us May 24 at the Fullsteam Brewery in Durham, for the first annual Full Steam Ahead Awards. More than 150 tech leaders are in the running for 10 individual awards.

40+ companies up for 'Full Steam Ahead' awards

More than 40 companies, from startups to global power players, are in the running to receive one or more of five corporate awards in WRAL Tech Wire's first "Full Steam Ahead Awards," a salute to North Carolina's tech and life science industries or companies using tech to help recreate the way they do business.

Facebook set to price its stock for IPO tonight

Facebook will likely price its IPO late Thursday, meaning that the investment banks orchestrating the offering will determine the price at which they plan to sell the stock to their clients. Facebook's stock is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market on Friday.

Facebook markets its network.

Graduation day set for Triangle Startup Factory firms

The six companies currently involved in the new business accelerator Triangle Startup Factory will make pitches to investors on June 7.

Triangle StartUp Factory

Don't miss a chance to toast NC's tech best

Join us May 24 at the Fullsteam Brewery in Durham, for the first annual Full Steam Ahead Awards. We're naming the finalists on Friday.

TearScience, eyeing possible IPO, names a CFO

The medical device company has promoted Nicole Wicker from vice president of finance to CFO. Wicker joined TearScience in 2008 and guided the Morrisville-based company through its $44.5 million series C round of fundraising in 2010.

A patient is examined with a TearScience device

Appia expands revenue opportunities for apps developers

The Durham-based provider of a global marketplace and storefronts for mobile application developers is offering more ways for developers to cash in on their creations.