In today’s Triangle headlines, a wrapup of stories about RTP-related technology news:

  • Automated Insights unveils new software for creating a spreadsheet narrative
  • Startup Spiffy raises $1.6 million
  • A former transportation secretary offers advice to the Triangle
  • Alook at the winner of the N.C. Biotechnology Center’s ag tech showcase winner

The details:

  • Automated Insights’ new release

Automated Insights unveils new software for creating a spreadsheet narrative, The News and Observer reports.

“With the ExplainIt feature in the new Wordsmith for Excel and Wordsmith for Sheets, users can automatically create narratives that describe the data contained in charts and graphs to make them easier to understand,” says reporter David Ranii.

Read more at:

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article78927682.html#storylink=cpy

  • Startup Spiffy raises $1.6 million

Spiffy, a startup backed by investors Scot Wingo and Karl Murphy, has raised cash.

“Spiffy has closed on $1.6 million in new debt financing from two investors, according to a securities filing disclosed Friday. The company is listed as “Get Spiffy” in the filing,” reports the Triangle Business Journal.

See the details at:

http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/blog/techflash/2016/05/wingo-startup-spiffy-scores-1-6m.html

  • LaHood offers advice

Transportation is a key to the Triangle’s future. So says former federal transportation chief Ray LaHood.

“The key to attracting talent in the Research Triangle region lies in planning for the future of transportation, addressing infrastructure needs and offering affordable housing,” reports Alex Dixon of the Durham Herald Sun about LaHood’s recent appearance in the Triangle.

Read more at:

http://www.heraldsun.com/business/ex-transportation-chief-ray-lahood-addresses-challenges-facing-rtp-region/article_4b8487d4-2134-11e6-9085-676c2dee7476.html

  • Magnomics wins ag tech showcase

Frank Vinluan, reporting for xconomy, notes this about the company that won last week’s ag tech showcase at the N.C. Biotechnology Center:

“For developing a new diagnostic for farm animals and taking on an infection that costs the global dairy industry billions of dollars each year, Magnomics was named the winner of the Ag Biotech Entrepreneurial Showcase, an annual event held by the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. Magnomics beat out 11 other companies from around the country who presented at the event last week.”

Read more at:

Magnomics Mastitis Diagnostic Lands Prize, Finds Potential NC Partner