In The Know
The Inno stories you need to read today.
Elsewhere in Inno
Stories from around the Inno network we think you’ll dig.
– The U.S. Air Force is Launching a VR-Focused Tech Lab in Austin – Austin Inno
– How Four Brothers Launched SupPorter, the ‘Kickstarter for Political Campaigns’ – Atlanta Inno
– Beacon Seeks Second Cohort for Grant Program Supporting Women Entrepreneurs – DC Inno
Making Moves
Inside the people, companies and organizations making moves in Boston.
Sri: The day after Somerville startup PillPack agreed to be acquired by Amazon, another local company closed an M&A deal worth $1B or so. PE firm Hellman & Friedman announced that it is acquiring a controlling stake in SimpliSafe, a Boston-based home security solutions startup. The terms were undisclosed, but sources estimate the deal to value $1B. This year has been rather eventful for SimpliSafe, which struck many key partnerships including integrations with Alexa and Apple watch. Read more: PE Firm Acquires Controlling Stake in Home Security Startup SimpliSafe
Lucy: From computer chips that mimic the works of human brains to machine learning-powered treatments for Parkinson’s, the list of 35 Innovators Under 35 – published by MIT Technology Review – is a fascinating catalog of ideas and talents. This year, for the first time, it includes more women than men. Check it out.
Sri: Ever dream of a research assistant that resides in your computer who diligently checks your work, even improves it? You might be looking for Diffeo. Cambridge-based startup Diffeo – which bills itself as an artificial intelligence-powered research assistant – is a subscription software connects all the programs running on a user’s computer, such as word processor, file managers and browser to help users find gaps in what he doesn’t know, and then recommend information that will fill those gaps. Read more: Diffeo Might Just Become Your Own Personal Research Assistant
New Money
Your daily funding roundup.
Sri: Yesterday BitSight raised $60M from Warburg Pincus to “rapid global expansion and extend its portfolio of market-leading security risk management solutions.” But this comes at a time when rival FICO is offering free cybersecurity scores to companies worldwide. When launched in 2011, BitSight’s product was first of its kind, but today the company has many worthy opponents, some bigger even. While opportunities abound, there are over a dozen startups in the cybersecurity space, each clamoring for a bigger piece of the pie, especially in Boston, which has emerged as a cybersecurity hub over the last few years. Read more: Cybersecurity Ratings Startup BitSight Raises $60M to Take on FICO
Player Personnel
Who’s moving where.
Lucy: Edtech startup Panorama Education, which closed a $16M Series B round in November, just hired Eric Sargent as its VP of sales. Sargent came to Panorama from SmartBear.
In The Community
The events and happenings to know about tonight and this week.
Lucy: HUBweek’s 2018 Call for Startups officially closes tonight at 11:59 p.m. They are seeking early-stage startups from Massachusetts who are “building a brighter future.” Selected startups will showcase at HUBweek 2018 on Saturday, Oct. 13 and be entered to compete in this year’s pitch competition. Apply here.
Sri: Join the Demo2Win workshop on July 31- August 1st. Demo2Win is a total solution for preparing and executing a winning software or technical demonstration. The workshop will we provide skills strategies that you’ll find essential throughout the demo. Details here.
Random
The fun stuff.
Lucy: The New York Times has the definitive guide on What to Do if You Spill on Your Laptop. Take a look — Better safe than sorry! And remember: the quicker you can turn off the machine, the better chance you have of saving the computer.
 Featured Jobs
Featured startup and tech jobs on BostInno’s new Careers Directory.
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