Indiana Technology Networking

Live Streaming Mobile Application Lets Indie Radio 'Go Where You Go'

Monday, February 21, 2011 by Community Blogger

Independent radio stations find digital foothold with emerging business technology -- new live streaming mobile app

MyStationApp (www.MyStationApp.com) is a new Indiana technology innovation designed to connect fans to their favorite radio station live no matter where they are, by porting PLS streams (multimedia files) onto their smart phones.

The app has struck a chord with independent stations such as WTTS in Indianapolis, which believes apps are a technology business trend that can enrich the relationship with their audience.

“Our goal is to be part of our listeners’ lifestyle. Our mantra is to think like listeners first and foremost, and MyStationApp nailed it,” says Brad Holtz, program director for Indiana-based AAA station WTTS.

MyStationApp is favored by indie radio stations because it features a low implementation cost and a short development time—under a week in many cases—yet can be completely customized by each station to create a one-of-a-kind product.

MyStationApp was developed by Indiana information technology company, digital marketing agency and software developer Boost Media & Entertainment (www.BoostMediaEntertainment.com) in Indianapolis.

· WTTS racked up 1,500 downloads of its app in one week.
· MyStationApp uses streams with the AAC+ codec for Apple iOS devices.
· For Android devices, the app streams a 64k MP3.
· Complete apps are under 1 MB, meaning ultra-fast download and install times.
· App integrates with stations’ social networking efforts in Facebook and Twitter.

About Boost Media & Entertainment:

Boost Media & Entertainment is an Indianapolis-based digital marketing agency and software developer specializing in mobile and web-based applications. Boost created MyStationApp with guidance from Strategic Advisor Jason Acquisto. Acquisto has several years of experience in programming and sales at number of independent radio stations. Visit Boost’s website at www.boostmediaentertainment.com.

Name: Jason Zickler
Company: Boost Media Entertainment
E-mail: jason@zickler.com
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

The New Era of Relationship Management - Social. Mobile. Integrated. Innovative.

Monday, January 31, 2011 by Community Blogger

The golden ticket in 2011 will belong to those organizations that understand the fast track to growing a sustainable competitive advantage is directly linked to improving and investing in their Relationship Management strategy and supporting technologies. Although competitive advantage is defined and measured in numerous ways, the companies that are answering their consumers and employees demands to create unique and engaging relationships are the ones attracting, winning and retaining loyal advocates for their brand.

However, the continual evolution of social media, mobility and improved web technologies radically challenges traditional relationship management strategies as consumers and employees are enabled now more then ever to interact with your brand, for good or for bad, 24/7 and at lighting speed. In order to create innovative ways to meet their consumer and employee demands for engaging, interactive experiences, many organizations became early adopters of social networking and mobility platforms for internal and external communications and have indeed found a “competitive advantage” in several areas as the McKinsey’s Quarterly stated in their Dec 2010 issue, The rise of the networked enterprise. McKinsey reported that of the organization’s that are leveraging social networking to improve customer relations, 50% reported increased customer satisfaction, 63% reported increased marketing effectiveness and 24% reported increasing revenue.

So, the real question when evaluating emerging business technology and your relationship management plan for 2011 is two-fold … 1) How and where are you engaging your customers and employees to help you define truly interactive experiences so their ideas can be heard and put into action?, and 2) Do you have the right technology, and staff in place to manage it, to collect, analyze and convert multiple sources of information into actionable knowledge that allows you to react quickly to their requests with bona fide personal experiences?

Join the conversation March 1 at the Indianapolis Hilton North for The New Era of Relationship Management, a half day event designed for business and technical executives to quickly gain high level insights into these evolving technology business trends and new tools being released in 2011 that can help you improve your approach to relationship management. Expert presentations and panel discussions will include Indiana tech sector executives from ExactTarget, Allegient, CWR Mobility, Scribe and Microsoft. Keynote speaker, Jeff Rohrs, ExactTarget’s Principal of Marketing Research will also reveal recent results from their acclaimed research series, Subscribers, Fan & Followers.

Take your relationship management from good to great in 4 hours. Make time March 1 and be apart of the technology sector trends discussion. Info and Registration: http://crm2011launch.eventbrite.com/

Name: Andy Brockett
Company: Allegient
E-mail: abrockett@allegient.com
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

The Tech Rush In Indiana

Thursday, January 27, 2011 by Community Blogger

We started 2011 with news around the proverbial water cooler focused on Facebook's $50 billion valuation. According to the Associated Press, the social networking site's value is about equal to the open market value of more well-established companies like Boeing and Kraft. The terms of the private offering of as much as $1.5 billion in shares of Facebook have changed as Goldman Sachs Group Inc., recently announced that it was restricting the offering of Facebook shares to non-U.S. citizens due to concerns that the media spotlight surrounding the private offering might violate U.S. securities laws and expose the firm to legal action. While the terms of the Facebook deal continue to evolve, there is little doubt that companies in the tech sector will continue to make front page headlines in 2011.

Recently, we've seen a number of Indiana's tech companies rise in prominence. In fact, in December 2010, Lead411 announced its list of the Technology 500. To be eligible, companies must be privately held, headquartered in the U.S. with over $1 million in revenue in 2009. The rankings were determined by calculating the highest percentage revenue growth between 2007 and 2009. Seven Indiana companies made the list to include Scale Computing (ranking an impressive second overall), BlueLock, Vontoo, Iasta, ExactTarget, Angie's List and Delivra.

So, what makes the Crossroads of America so attractive to emerging tech companies and what drives their growth? Some of the contributing factors are: access to capital, competitive tax credits/incentives and a commitment to develop and commercialize advanced technologies in Indiana.

Access to Capital

The Facebook deal redefined "alternative financing strategies." The cash infusion from Goldman Sachs enabled Facebook to delay an initial public stock offering (and the heightened scrutiny and regulation that comes along with it) while simultaneously allowing it to make valuable improvements in its technology. Capital is the key component to success for emerging and entrepreneurial companies looking to grow and gain market share.

Today, private companies in Indiana have a variety of resources in the financing arena available to them. A number of angel investor groups consisting of current and former entrepreneurs have come to fruition and are looking to make investments in early stage technology companies. In addition, Indiana has a broad representation of private equity funds focused on investing in areas such as technology, health care and life sciences. The banks are also starting to get back into the game with Small Business Administration-backed loans for smaller companies.

Competitive Tax Credits/Incentives

The leadership in Indiana has also recognized the importance of creating new jobs for Hoosiers through the development and growth of entrepreneurial companies by supporting their growth from small start-up companies to significant employers within our state's economy. It has become more expensive and competitive for the state to incentivize companies to move their businesses to Indiana. As such, Indiana has focused on fostering an entrepreneurial culture where individuals are encouraged to start businesses which leverage the talents and strengths that are already inherent in the state's economy as well as the current workforce. One such method used by the state is the Indiana Venture Capital Tax Credit, which provides a tax credit for investors making an investment in privately held companies in Indiana. In addition, the Indiana Research and Development Tax Credit provides a tax credit for certain expenses spent on research and development. These tax credits were designed to encourage investors to provide capital to emerging growth companies and the activities that may be conducted by them.

Commitment to Develop and Commercialize Advanced Technologies

Government, business and education leaders within the state are committed to working together to foster an "entrepreneurial friendly environment." Programs like the state's 21st Century Research and Technology Fund were created in an effort to diversify the state's economy by focusing on developing and commercializing advanced technologies. According to research by Ball State University, the 21st Century Fund has given 188 awards of $238.5 million spread across 10 rounds. Award amounts experienced a few peaks and valleys until Round 6, peaking in Round 7 then gradually declining.

Programs like TechPoint's HALO Capital Group also provide funding opportunities for early stage companies. The group, comprised of over 20 former and current executives, assists with investments between $250,000 to $2 million.

The tech rush in Indiana has already begun. Fortunately, the state is well-armed and eager to attract the next generation of entrepreneurs. If you think you can wait another 10 years to bring that great idea to market, think again. A decade is a millennium in tech time. Just ask Mark Zuckerberg.

If you have questions regarding Ice Miller's entrepreneurial services please contact Kristine C. Danz. Danz is a partner in the Firm's Business Group. She focuses her practice on entrepreneurial legal issues, start-up commercialization, private equity/venture capital financing transactions, and mergers and acquisitions.

This publication is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The reader must consult with legal counsel to determine how laws or decisions discussed herein apply to the reader's specific circumstances.

Name: Kristine Danz
Company: Ice Miller LLP
E-mail: kristine.danz@icemiller.com
City: Indianapolis
State: IN

Kristine Danz is a partner in Ice Miller's Business Group. She focuses her practice on entrepreneurial legal issues, start-up commercialization, private equity/venture capital financing transactions, and mergers and acquisitions.

US Private Equity: Top Ten Things to Look For In Angel Investors

Thursday, October 28, 2010 by Community Blogger

The last couple of years have been strange. With the change in the economy, many early stage companies are looking for anybody, and I mean anybody, to invest in their capital round.

As the economy rebounds (which we are seeing in technology markets), business owners are again able to be picky when considering angel investors.

An angel investor, angel investor group or private equity firm should be more than just a liquid wallet. He/she should be a strategic member of your team. They should be useful, ethical and valuable.

Here are ten questions to ask when considering an angel investor:

1.) Does the investor offer cash without ridiculous conditions?

2.) Is the investor interested in future rounds?

3.) Does the investor understand your market?

4.) Can the investor assist in developing customers or networks within your market?

5.) Does the investor bring a necessary skill set to the company?

6.) Is the investor honest?

7.) Is the investor respectful?

8.) Does the investor have a good reputation in the community?

9.) Will the investor be a time suck on you and/or key employees?

10.) Is the investor an a#*hole?

For the next few years these folks will be in your life – so make sure you want them there!

Attorney David Castor concentrates his practice on advising and serving Indiana businesses and their owners through their legal matters. Mr. Castor’s practice is focused largely on representing SaaS and Internet based companies as general counsel.

Name: David Castor
Company: Alerding Castor Hewitt LLP
E-mail: dcastor@alerdingcastor.com
City: Indianapolis
State: Indiana

Why should you attend TechPoint's Innovation Summit?

Wednesday, October 20, 2010 by Joshua Hall

We posed the question of why Indiana technology and business professionals should attend TechPoint's Innovation Summit and a few other questions to three Hoosier experts. These three individuals are at the top of their game and they also happen to be presenters on panels for the event (so they know a little something about the valuable nuggets of business knowledge they plan to espouse).

The video speaks for itself. Visit the TechPoint website for more information about Innovation Summit. There you can download the full event agenda with the topics of all four breakout sessions and the participating panelists; find out about the "Funding Innovation" plenary panel; and which venture capital, angel and seed funding firms are scheduled to attend the "Capital Connection" venture networking event.

You won't want to miss the keynote address from iconoclast technology author Nicholas Carr. Carr is famous for his controversial articles "Does IT Matter?" and asking the question "Is Google making us stupid?" in his new book The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains. Agree or disagree with him, Carr makes us think – and that’s the first step towards innovation.

Of course, one of the best parts about Innovation Summit is the "Innovation Exhibition" trade show floor where you can browse booth after booth after booth filled with new technologies and business opportunities. Make sure you have a healthy supply of business cards, make note of the #Summit10 Twitter hashtag, and prepare yourself for Indiana's largest assembly of technology professionals and entrepreneurs.

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LAUNCH OF STEELCASE MEDIA SCAPE - CLOSING THE GAP

Monday, September 20, 2010 by Community Blogger

media:scape is reshaping the way people collaborate in a networked world. Furniture and technology merged to help teams access and share information – boosting collaboration to help teams excel. DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR WORKPLACE EFFECTIVENESS ? ASK ME ABOUT OUR FREE STEELCASE Work Ways Survey: Steelcase’s patented research has uncovered six patterns in the ways people work alone, with others and how they manage their information. Understanding the individual work patterns of employees enables designers to create workspaces that best fit the ways people really work.

Name: SHELLEY GULLEY
Company:
E-mail: GULLEYS@BUSINESSFURNITUREINDY.COM
City: INDIANAPOLIS
State: INDIANA

Indiana companies take home top technology honors

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 by Joshua Hall

An elegant black-tie event filled with awards, food, beverages and Indiana tech sector networking, took place Saturday evening at the 2010 TechPoint Mira Awards – An event where the top individuals in the Indiana technology world come together to celebrate a night of their last year’s accomplishments. This year’s event was held at The Westin in downtown Indianapolis.

Now in its 11^th year, the Mira Awards highlight Indiana’s technology sector growth and success stories as well as recognize the most innovative and fast-growing companies, institutions and individuals, who are leading the way in the state’s high-tech economy.

PHOTO CAPTION: James Mason of OrthoX receives TechPoint Mira Award, Innovation of the Year, from TechPoint President and CEO Jim Jay.

This year was the biggest year for the Mira Awards, having attracted a record number of nominations for the prestigious and high-status awards that are presented at the distinguished event.

Watch funny video from Mira Awards gala.
Read official winners press release.

FormSpring's John Wechsler to speak at next Tech Thursday

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by Dane Benton

John Wechsler, President of FormSpring, will be the guest speaker at TechPoint's Tech Thursday tomorrow, January 21.

Not familiar with Tech Thursday? Watch this short video:

Tech Thursday is sponsored by LightBound and hosted at Baker & Daniels - Indianapolis North. Each month, Tech Thursday is an opportunity for professionals from Indiana technology companies (and technology professionals from companies in other industries) to come together for networking and insights into new products or developments in the market.

WHAT: Tech Presentation, Networking, Drinks and Hors d'oeuvres

WHEN: Thursday, January 21, 2010, from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Baker & Daniels LLP, Indianapolis North
600 E. 96th Street, Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46240

There is no charge to attend, but please register so that we are able to provide adequate supply of drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHN WECHSLER | REGISTER FOR TECH THURSDAY | ADD TO CALENDAR

Indiana Companies Continue to Raise Capital, Approaching $205 Million

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 by Joshua Hall

With the announcement yesterday that mobile answer service Cha Cha has raised another $7 million in its latest round of funding that closed in December, the state of Indiana's venture capital funding total for 2009 is rapidly approaching $205 million.

That number is based on $128 million confirmed for the first three quarters of 2009 by the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), and adding up those deals we know about from the fourth quarter, including Cha Cha.

Of course, for those of you keeping score, you know that ExactTarget alone raised $145 million in 2009 -- $70 million in May and another $75 million in December.

Securing venture capital during a time of economic expansion is not easy. Securing venture capital during a recession -- the greatest economic decline since the Great Depression -- is considered a monumental task, even by optimistic experts.

Indiana companies, however, were able to increase the state's venture capital funding by a whopping 78 percent, compared to the $115 million secured in 2008, as reported by the NVCA.

Also, it's worth noting that the numbers reported by the NVCA do not include angel investments, such as the $12.6 million invested by HALO Capital Group in Nico Neuro and Spine; BidPal Network, LLC; Oxygen Education LLC; Weblink International; Genitor Therapeutics, Inc.; and others.

Here's the question of the day:

What is it about Indiana companies (particularly Indiana technology companies) that are making them more attractive to venture capitalists?

Leave your answer(s) in the comments section and please remember to use the Share feature to Tweet this blog to your friends or share it on Facebook, etc.

IU School of Informatics' Dean Bobby Schnabel to Speak at Next Tech Thursday

Thursday, December 3, 2009 by Joshua Hall

Bobby Schnabel, Dean of the Indiana University School of Informatics will be the guest speaker at TechPoint's Tech Thursday on December 10th.

Not familiar with Tech Thursday? Watch this short video:

Tech Thursday is sponsored by IQuest Internet and hosted at Baker & Daniels - Indianapolis North. Each month, Tech Thursday is an opportunity for professionals from Indiana technology companies (and technology professionals from companies in other industries) to come together for networking and insights into new products or developments in the market.

WHAT: Tech Presentation, Networking, Drinks and Hors d'oeuvres

WHEN: Thursday, December 10th, 2009 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Baker & Daniels LLP, Indianapolis North
600 E. 96th Street, Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46240

There is no charge to attend, but please register so that we are able to provide adequate supply of drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Dean Bobby Schnabel | REGISTER

Aprimo's GM Robert Boehnlein to Speak at Next Tech Thursday

Friday, November 6, 2009 by Joshua Hall

Robert C. Boehnlein, General Manager of Aprimo's Enterprise Business Unit will be the guest speaker at TechPoint's Tech Thursday on November 19.

WHAT: Tech Presentation, Networking, Drinks and Hors d'oeuvres

WHEN: Thursday, November 19, 2009 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Baker & Daniels LLP, Indianapolis North
600 E. 96th Street, Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46240

There is no charge to attend, but please register so that we are able to provide adequate supply of drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Robert C. Boehnlein | REGISTER

AIT Labs' VP & CIO Ron Thieme to Speak at Next Tech Thursday

Friday, October 9, 2009 by Joshua Hall

Ron Thieme, Ph.D., Vice President and CIO for AIT Laboratories will be the guest speaker at TechPoint's Tech Thursday on September 17.

WHAT: Tech Presentation, Networking, Drinks and Hors d'oeuvres

WHEN: Thursday, October 15, 2009 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Baker & Daniels LLP, Indianapolis North
600 E. 96th Street, Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46240

There is no charge to attend, but please register so that we are able to provide adequate supply of drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Ron Thieme | REGISTER

Next Tech Thursday: Lilly VP of Discovery Chemistry Research & Tech

Thursday, September 10, 2009 by Joshua Hall

Alan D. Palkowitz, Ph.D., Vice President of Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies for Lilly Research Laboratories at Eli Lilly & Company (Phew! Now that's a title ...) will be the guest speaker at TechPoint's Tech Thursday on September 17.

Not familiar with Tech Thursday? Watch this short video:

Tech Thursday is sponsored by IQuest Internet and hosted at Baker & Daniels - Indianapolis North. Each month, Tech Thursday is an opportunity for professionals from Indiana technology companies (and technology professionals from companies in other industries) to come together for networking and insights into new products or developments in the market.

WHAT: Tech Presentation, Networking, Drinks and Hors d'oeuvres

WHEN: Thursday, September 17, 2009 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Baker & Daniels LLP, Indianapolis North
600 E. 96th Street, Suite 600, Indianapolis, IN 46240

There is no charge to attend, but please register so that we are able to provide adequate supply of drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Alan D. Palkowitz | REGISTER