Lot to get to today. Here we go.

The Big One

Apple’s stepping up on the security issues and taking a page out of N.W.A’s playbook on police. Moving forward they will not turn over data from most devices to police, meaning that only the phone or iPad’s owner can get access to the data stored on the device. Apple’s been in hot water on security issues of late and the tech industry is consistently under fire for cooperation with the government and use of personal information. The major message here is that they are trying to move away from this image as data overlords and separate themselves from others. Gotta give it to Cook, pretty good attack on Google stating “When an online service is free, you’re not the customer, you’re the product.” Burn.

Making Moves

There’s been a lot of movement in the events space (everyone’s after Eventbrite) and DC has quite a bit of action. The latest is Event Farm’s partnership with Evite to launch their new check-in app, Listly, which is targeting consumers. Basically it provides users with list management tools and real-time analytics on their guests. Partnering with Evite to reach a larger audience is smart, but I’m struggling to see independent consumers paying money to see analytics and check-in their friends.

1776 announced year two of the Challenge Cup with the same format: 16 regional sites, four winners from each, culminating in the finals in DC next spring. They’ve added in a new regional feeder program, “ChallengeX”, to reach more startups around the world. I like the idea and added depth, but down on the kitschy name. It’s the same tournament, just a play-in game.

Community

I’m not a festival-goer, but I know that Firefly is a big deal and is about to get bigger. Red Frog, the Chicago company that produces the festival, has partnered with the team behind Coachella to take Firefly to the next level. Likely means more top names and adding on a second weekend in June.

Goss

Online healthcare company WiserTogether has raised at least 2/3 of their ~$9M offering. Will check back with more details as I’m able to confirm. Grotech led the companies $3M Series A in 2011.

Player Personnel

Airbnb’s CFO is out. Andrew Swain was asked to leave in a swift move with very few details. According to the TC report Swain “wasn’t the right fit” but the move will not change Airbnb’s to hold off the public market.

What I’m Reading

You can read more stories on DC startups, technology and innovation at https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/inno