Read about betaworks, the new business creation platform I’m involved with based in NYC:
TheDeal.com: Twitter acquires Summize, first exit for Betaworks
Twitter Inc. has indeed acquired New York conversation search engine startup Summize Inc., confirming a rumor that Tech Confidential had previously reported on. Terms are undisclosed….
Silicon Alley Insider: Betaworks Launches Bit.ly, A Smarter TinyURL
Launching today: Bit.ly, a new Web URL-shortening tool from NYC-based tech shop Betaworks. What is it? Like TinyURL, is.gd, and others, Bit.ly takes a long URL and makes it shorter, ideal for Twittering, emailing, IMing, whatever….
CenterNetworks: The Bit.ly Interview: “No Comment” on Twitter URL Switch and Yes, They Have a Business Plan
This morning I headed down to the Apple Soho neighborhood to meet with the team at Betaworks. I wanted to find out more about the URL shortener that’s apparently a tech blogger’s dream. The name of the URL shortener is bit.ly and bloggers including Marshall Kirkpatrick were in love with the tool like nothing else….
Silicon Alley Insider: Borthwick, Betaworks, and the Search for the Incubator Holy Grail
Since time immemorial (late 1990s), venture capitalists and entrepreneurs have sought the Holy Grail of start-up value creation: the perfect “incubator” model. This hypothetical wealth machine lies somewhere between “venture capital firm” and “operating company,” combining the best attributes of each….
TheDeal.com: Betaworks under the microscope
Betaworks might be the most influential early-stage investment firm no one’s ever heard of. If it’s take on Web 2.0 is right, that’s sure to change. Tech Confidential takes an in-depth look at the innovative New York firm and the business model co-founders John Borthwick (pictured) and Andrew Weissman are experimenting with….

Los Angeles, CA (July 17, 2008) — FanLib®, the People Powered Entertainment™ company, has been recognized as a Finalist for the 2007-2008 PRIMETIME INTERACTIVE EMMY AWARD along with Showtime Networks, OurChart.com and Electric Sheep for its work on Showtime’s interactive programs for the hit drama, THE L WORD. The honor was announced today at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in Los Angeles.
FanLib and OurChart.com’s “You Write It” event invited fans to re-imagine a scene from previous seasons of THE L WORD. Fans rated the submissions and a team of judges headed by series creator and executive producer Ilene Chaiken chose 10 finalists. One Grand Prize Winner, Molly Fisher, was selected and her experience as the winner was chronicled in a series of short videos that aired online and on-air. This groundbreaking program culminated with Molly’s scene, entitled “Is She, or Isn’t She,” being produced as part of an episode of THE L WORD that aired in January 2008.
“The ‘You Write It’ event realized the vision of seeing fan stories incorporated into Hollywood productions for the first time,” said Chris M. Williams, co-founder and CEO of FanLib. “I’m thrilled to see the Academy taking interactivity so seriously, and proud to share this honor with Showtime and OurChart who have been outstanding partners throughout this exciting process.”
The first episode of the online series chronicling Molly’s winning adventure can be seen at the below web page:
http://nohiatus.fanlib.com/archives/298
About FanLib
FanLib, Inc. is the People Powered Entertainment® company. Since 2003, FanLib has been producing participatory online events that bring fans together with well-known writers, publishers, and media companies including CBS Interactive, Showtime Networks, Simon & Schuster, Warner Bros. and HarperCollins. FanLib, Inc. is a private, venture-funded company based in Los Angeles.

To all, adding a new category for pointing to when there are news about the startups I’m working with. Enjoy!