The Big Pipe Dream
Why are "intertainment" delivery companies such as Movielink betting business models on an ascent of broadband-connected households? Because the old high-speed dream had it backwards.
full article >

Movielink CEO to Deliver First Keynote At This Year's Venture Forum
No Silver Bullet: Asset Security Technology
Keynote speaker: Jim Ramo, CEO, Movielink
The issues that face the entertainment industry, as it grapples with how to deliver content securely over the Internet, are applicable to many types of businesses trying to secure assets and protect the exchange of information and property while making it more accessible.
SCTVF Keynote presentations >

~Other Articles

Create Channel Harmony, Not Channel Conflict (Larraine Segil)
The Web worries the middleman--and for good reason. Because the Internet moves, receives, and processes information needed for business transactions so efficiently and effectively, it is quickly becoming THE channel for marketing, purchasing and distributing goods and services. The Web has a unique ability to close the gap between buyer and seller, thereby enabling manufacturers and service providers to use the Internet to by-pass traditional distribution channels. Where does that leave the middleman?
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JVC's New Camera For Digital Cinematography
An announcement that drew perhaps the most attention at NAB 2002 was in the digital cinematography field when JVC gave details of its 8.3 million pixel" QuadHDTV" camera. While primarily targeted at digital cinematography and studio broadcasting, JVC also envisages use in security, biometrics, scientific analysis, industrial quality inspection and other high resolution demanding applications.
read the full announcement >

Still Waiting as Shift to Digital TV Struggles (Los Angeles Times)
Despite some advances and pressure from regulators, broadcasters find themselves in a bind. Digital TV has made so little headway with the masses that a top federal regulator tried to light a fire under the industry last week by proposing a new set of "voluntary" deadlines. Meanwhile, more than 80% of the commercial TV stations are about to miss a real federal deadline for launching their digital channels.
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Lawsuit Could Stunt Online Games (Wired)
In a move that could ultimately make it harder for online gamers to compete against one another, Vivendi Universal filed suit against a small ISP that helps distribute an open-source software application. At issue is whether players should be allowed to bypass sluggish corporate servers, where games are hosted, and create their own networks.
full article >

Northrop Raises Bid for TRW by $758 Million (New York Times)
The Northrop Grumman Corporation raised its hostile offer for TRW Inc. by $758 million, to $6.7 billion in stock, last night in a last-ditch effort to pressure TRW to engage in talks. TRW, the satellite and missile contractor based in Cleveland, has twice spurned offers from Northrop, the big military contractor based in Los Angeles. Northrop first approached TRW in February with a friendly bid of $5.9 billion, but that offer turned hostile in March after TRW's board rejected the deal.
full article >

~Larta Announcements

Only One Day Left for Online Pre-Registration!

April 18th: Southern California Technology Venture Forum
Knowledge and Investment Conference
Come to SCTVF 2002 to learn about emerging markets--including nanotechnology, security technologies, and bioscience. Renowned keynote speakers will present industry analyses on these emerging markets, followed by a select group of companies representing the best technologies in Southern California. SCTVF is the meeting point for anyone who needs to know about the state of cutting-edge technology--venture capitalists, corporate investors, private investors, analysts,corporate executives, and entrepreneurs. 7:30 am-2:30 pm, Regent Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, California.
more information >

CalTIP solicitation Open
California technology companies can receive up to $250,000 in state venture funds to bring their products to market. If you have been awarded or have applied for a federal R&D grant, you are eligible for the California Technology Investment Partnership (CalTIP) matching grant. Last help award $2.4 million in grants. There is no cost to apply, and Larta can assist you with your application.

CalTIP Workshops
These hands-on workshops will help guide you through the CalTIP application process and increase your chance for success. You will receive:

~Essential tips that are not in the solicitation
~Information on the application process
~Advice from a former CalTIP winner: how the company applied, won and benefited
~Details about the review process, and tips to increase your chances for success

CalTIP Workshop Schedule

~Available now from Larta:

Hollywood Unstrung 2

Historically, the real power in the entertainment industry has always resided where most of the capital strength is centered-the major film studios, TV networks, and "big" recording labels. However, over the last few years, the development of new digital technologies has given way to the possibility of a shift in the control of power in Hollywood. The creative and production processes have already been influenced deeply by digital technology. Distribution is next. While the paradigm shifts, new concerns arise.
free executive summary >
purchase the report >

The Sand Dollar Report 2002: An Analysis of Venture Investing in Southern California (featuring Data from the MoneyTree survey)

sponsored by

This report on the venture capital industry of Southern California features comprehensive new information and data (including regions of San Diego and Santa Barbara), with interviews from leading investors in the region.
free executive summary >
purchase the report >

This events calendar is provided as a service by Larta about events vetted and endorsed by Larta.

April 15-17: UCLA Extension Course: Integrating BioMEMS and Nanotechnology into a Commercial Product
This comprehensive course presents state-of-the-art research and technology in the MEMS and nanotechnology areas, with specific emphasis and applications in the biomedical field. The course also looks at research into the construction of a hybrid organic/ inorganic nanoscale system, the basic mechanics of motor protein motion, and the technological foundation for functionally integrating manufactured devices.
more information >

April 16: Caltech-MIT Enterprise Forum, Financing the Southern California New Technology Company in 2002: Demonstrating Your Business Model
There is more institutional venture capital under management by companies in Los Angeles than ever before in history, yet venture capitalists are investing in new Los Angeles companies at a virtually glacial rate. Some of that capital is going unused, while the same funds are finding opportunities elsewhere. In some industry sectors, however, investment activity is accelerating. This Caltech/MIT Enterprise Forum will bring together a panel of venture capital investors and experienced entrepreneurs to give you their perspectives, and discuss what kinds of risks are now acceptable to venture capitalists and angels.
more information >

April 18: WITI Los Angeles Regional Chapter Meeting: My Path to the CEO’s Office
Carol Bartz, CEO of AutoDesk, is a member of a select group–highly successful female Chief Executive Officers. Learn how she rose to this position and the key issues she faced on this path.
more information >

April 23: Jetro 4th Tuesday Technology Exchange
This event, Development and Manufacturing of High Reliable Rechargeable Batteries for Implantable Medical Devices, will be hosted by Mr. Paul Beach Director of Business Development, Quallion LLC and Mr. Naoki Ota Manager of Advanced Material & Technology Resources, Quallion LLC. 6-8:30 PM, JETRO Los Angeles Conference Room.
more information >

April 24: The Los Angeles Empowerment Symposium, featuring Tony Brown
On the campus of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), Moore Hall, the Institute For Strategic Thinking and Technology Development (ISTTD), in partnership with the Center For Communication Policy, Anderson School, UCLA, New Millennium Communications, Inc. and Tony Brown Enterprises, Inc., will present an unprecedented discussion. This exciting and important event will examine the paths of opportunity that reside in the transfer of new technology to urban communities, entrepreneurial development, the impact of culture, capital formation, quality of life issues and perhaps most importantly, the impact of leadership in an extraordinary dialogue. The event takes place from 6-8:30 PMAdmission is $10 (cash only - no checks) payable at the door. Advance registration is required. To register email name, organization affiliation, physical address, email address and telephone number.
more information >

April 29-May 1: National Nanotechnology Initiative: From Vision Towards Commercialization, in Washington D.C.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative, the Federal government's investment in the future of nanotechnology, serves as a major force in shaping the direction of the nation's nanotechnology research and development activities. Dr. Michael Roco and key representatives from the departments and agencies participating in the NNI, the six nanoscale science and engineering centers, and several important government laboratories will provide a comprehensive, in-depth status report and outlook for NNI research, including budgets, priorities, research projects, outcomes and prospects for commercialization at the upcoming conference. Speakers include Lynn Foster, Larta's Director of Technology Consulting.
more information >

May 7 - June 14: Meeting the Growth Challenge: A Map Through No Man's Land
Starting this May, the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership will sponsor a seven-session workshop, live over the Internet, to help growing companies take control of their operations and successfully continue their growth. The program, Meeting the Growth Challenge: A Map Through No Man's Land, is based on a highly successful seminar developed by the Tatum CFO and on several Kauffman Center resources. It includes live sessions in which entrepreneurs can interact with a rapid growth expert and one another in a workshop format. The program also includes an organized library of materials that entrepreneurs can use on their own time, as well as 20 minutes of personal consultation with the expert.
more information >

May 13: Tech Coast Angels Fast Pitch Competition
Tech Coast Angels are hosting their second annual Fast Pitch Competition. The top 15 applicants will present live to a panel of TCA members and business professionals who will rate them on presentation and business opportunity. The winner will be scheduled for a full screening session of Tech Coast Angels and receive three 2-hour coaching sessions by TCA. Second place will receive two 2-hour coaching sessions, and third place one 2-hour coaching session; both will be eligible for a full screening after coaching if their presentations.
more information >

Larta's full event calendar >