Ozmo Devices recently announced that they have received $7.5 million in their latest round of funding. The funding comes from current investors including Intel Capital, Granite Ventures and Tallwood Venture Capital.
Ozmo Devices provides low-power Wi-Fi PAN solutions. Their specialty is providing wireless connectivity to something like a mouse or headset to platforms that are Wi-Fi enabled.
Len Rand of Granite Ventures points to Ozmo Devices’ growing list of relationships as a sign that the company has a bright future.
Said Rand: “Ozmo Devices has gained market traction and forged key relationships with noteworthy companies including Intel, Avago Technologies, and Wolfson Microelectronics. We …read more

Most of the time, online startup companies just don’t make it. SplashCast, a relatively popular Social TV network, recently announced that it will be shutting down. After originally receiving $4 million in venture funding, the startup couldn’t get another round of funding and was forced to close its doors.
Mark Berkley, the founder and CEO of SplashCast, had a classy goodbye message.
Said Berkley in a SplashCast farewell blog post: “We have a lot to be proud of. In addition we have a lot of lessons learned to humbly take with us as we move on. I want to personally thank all …read more

While venture capitalist investments are down compared to recent years, there was good news in the second quarter. According to a report from the National Venture Capital Association and PricewaterhouseCoopers, there was a 15% increase in the amount of money invested by venture capitalists.
Mark Heesen, the president of the National Venture Capital Association, pointed out the good and the bad.
Said Heesen: “Halfway through 2009 we are seeing more positive signs than at the beginning of the year, including an overall increase in investment levels and an ongoing interest in seed and early stage funding. However, until we see notable upticks …read more

A lot of startups believe that the more funding you can get, the better. It’s not uncommon for startups to go after millions of dollars (if not tens of millions) in hopes of creating a successful startup company.
However, those experienced in the startup world will tell you funding is not always healthy for a startup. Here are four reasons to think twice:
1) Wasted Energy
Getting funding for a startup company is a whole lot of work. Sometimes, that effort could be better utilized by the startup itself.
2) Too Many Chiefs
Once you get funding, you’ll have a lot of people with …read more

Female business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are coming together to learn more about raising capital for their new startup business ventures. Put on by Springboard Enterprises, the Equity Matters Seminar Series provides attendees with information on sources for capital, tips on what lenders and investors are looking for, and other financial and business planning resources.

Equity Matters: The Route to NASDAQ will take place on April 3, 2009 in New York City at Columbia University Business School.
The seminar curriculum features:

Opening Session: The Capital Landscape
What We Look For: The Lender and Investor Perspective
How We Did It: The Entrepreneur …read more

You have spotted an scarcely inhabited business niche. Your business model appears to be a surefire hit. You have gone through your business plan with a fine-toothed comb. However, you still have a problem — where are you going to find startup business funding?
That problem has kept umpteen potentially successful businesses on the ground. Arguably, nothing is as difficult in the startup world as getting the needed funding. Where should you look for the funding for your startup business?
1. Your personal bank account. While it’s never a good idea to spend your last dollar on a startup business, a vast …read more

It’s exciting to dive into a new business. But there’s one thing most startups forget: to have a cushion.
I know you know that building up an emergency fund is important, but how many of you really have done it.
After all, when you’re bootstrapping a business, it’s hard to scrape a few more pennies in to the rainy day piggy bank.
Here are some ideas to help:
1) Start small. Even a few dollars a week can add up. I round up all my bills, and put the change into the saving account.
2) Reduce an expense and using the savings to fund the …read more