AAA June 2012

Trice leaves SK Telecom Ventures

Rob Trice (pictured), senior managing director of South Korea-based phone operator SK Telecom’s corporate venturing unit in the US, has left after nearly four years to work at least part time for peer Swisscom. Swisscom Ventures in Silicon Valley, California, had worked in the same building as SK Telecom Ventures (SKTV). Trice, who declined to… Continue reading Trice leaves SK Telecom Ventures

The Big Deal: Xiaomi

The fifth anniversary of Apple’s disruptive innovation of the mobile phone market with its launch of the iPhone seems an appropriate time to look at the explosive success of one of its imitators. US-based media’s fixation on communications platforms – last week’s sale of Yammer to Microsoft for $1.2bn just being the latest – has… Continue reading The Big Deal: Xiaomi

Corporations join statistical fold

Corporate venturing is starting to take its place in the light of statistics collected about the broader venture industry. This has many positive implications, as firms can track their positioning, entrepreneurs can judge where potential sources of funding might come from and senior management can gain the comfort blanket of knowing they are not stepping… Continue reading Corporations join statistical fold

DramaFever subtitles extra $1.5m

DramaFever, a US-based online video platform, has increased by $1.5m its $4.5m series B round that initially closed in March with a host of media companies joining the syndicate as strategic investors. Cable network AMC, Germany-based media group Bertelsmann’s Digital Media Investments corporate venturing unit and NALA Investments, the family office for the Diez Barroso… Continue reading DramaFever subtitles extra $1.5m

EXA floats on Nasdaq

EXA, a US-based provider of simulation software and services for vehicle manufacturers, raised $62.5m in its Nasdaq stock exchange flotation. The company priced 6.25 million common shares at $10 each, which was below its planned $11 to $13 range and for an initial market capitalisation of $132m.  EXA’s shareholders include mutual fund manager Fidelity’s Ventures… Continue reading EXA floats on Nasdaq