Workstreamer, a business listening platform company defining a new category - business information as a service, today announced that the company has secured $3.5 million in funding in their Series A round. The new funds will be used to accelerate user growth, generate sales and meet the increasing demand for workstreamer across enterprise customers and anyone interested in listening to and monetizing real-time business information.

"Having received rave reviews from our thousands of users, we are ready to execute the next leg of our journey and excited to have Austin Ventures as our financial partner," said Hank Weghorst, Co-Founder and CEO of workstreamer.

With the explosion of online information sources, business professionals today are overwhelmed by the breadth and velocity of the new information economy. Workstreamer users are able to "listen" to a myriad of information sources about businesses, including prospects, customers, clients, suppliers, competitors, and partners. Workstreamer collects and filters content from thousands of sources including news, blogs and social collaboration, financial, jobs data and contact networks and delivers only the most relevant business information in real-time, resulting in an information advantage for the business professional.

Tom Ball, Partner at Austin Ventures, said, "We know there is a next-generation information horizon emerging. Workstreamer is well positioned to capitalize on the distinct need for more relevant and timely business information."

Workstreamer is currently in public beta and available today for FREE.  

About workstreamer:

Workstreamer is a real-time business listening platform, tailored for business professionals looking to stay informed, relevant and competitive. With its one-click business listening platform, professionals begin listening to customers, prospects, competitors, partners and vendors immediately. Workstreamer adds a layer on top of the social Web, providing significant business intelligence. The company was founded in 2009 by Co-Founders Hank Weghorst and Suaad Sait.

For more information, visit: http://www.workstreamer.com.  

About Austin Ventures:

Austin Ventures ("AV") has worked with talented entrepreneurs to build valuable companies for over 25 years. With $3.9 billion under management, AV is the most active venture capital and growth equity firm in Texas and one of the most established in the nation. With an investment focus on Internet and information services, software, new media, business services and supply chain, and financial services, AV invests at all stages of company development, from $100,000 in "planned experiments" in early-stage ideas to $100+ million investments in expansion rounds, minority recapitalizations, and buyouts of lower middle market growth companies. AV's strategy is to partner with talented executives and entrepreneurs through its CEO-in-Residence and Entrepreneur-in-Residence programs. Visit http://austinventures.com for more information.

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE workstreamer

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EcoMotors International CEO Don Runkle announced today that the Company has secured substantial Series B funding – sufficient to complete engineering and testing of the opoc® engine.  

The two exclusive investors in EcoMotors' Series B are Khosla Ventures of Menlo Park, California and Bill Gates. The two principals, Vinod Khosla and Bill Gates, indicate their stakes in EcoMotors reflect a shared belief in the global potential of the opoc® technology and the impact it can have on transportation emissions because of its cost effectiveness.

"opoc® is precisely the kind of game-changing innovation that we at Khosla Ventures are passionate about," said Khosla.  "The only truly disruptive technologies are those that can provide not only payback in months but also economic and carbon benefits to large segments of the world's population without the need for subsidies or massive infrastructure investments. Among next-generation propulsion systems, the opoc® engine is broadly applicable and can provide lower carbon emissions than almost any other technology."

"The opoc® engine can be an important step in providing affordable, low-emission transportation for the developing world," said Gates.  "EcoMotors has developed a promising technology that could help reduce levels of greenhouse gas emissions in a low-cost, globally relevant way."

The revolutionary opoc® architecture of opposed pistons and opposed cylinders provides unparalleled benefits:

High Efficiency:  The unique engine architecture – which offers true modular displacement capability — delivers up to 50% greater fuel efficiency compared with conventional engines of similar output, along with a corresponding reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Half the weight and half the size of conventional engines: The opoc® engine provides unparalleled power density and flexibility in automobile and truck design as well as other engine applications.  

Low Cost: With 50% fewer parts than a conventional engine, the opoc® is less expensive to manufacture, to purchase, to operate and to tool up.

Established in early 2008, EcoMotors is quickly achieving critical mass in terms of changing the landscape of internal combustion power. Based in Troy, Mich., EcoMotors is commercializing the unique opoc® engine for use in cars, light trucks, commercial vehicles, aerospace, marine, agriculture, auxiliary power units, generators, etc.  Anywhere conventional gas or diesel power is currently utilized, opoc® represents a better propulsion solution.

EcoMotors is led by Don Runkle (Chief Executive Officer) and Prof. Peter Hofbauer (Chairman and Chief Technical Officer).

opoc®  was conceived by Prof. Peter Hofbauer – who formerly as Head of Powertrain Development at VW designed the original VW high speed diesel engine that became the foundation for the Jetta Clean Diesel that won 2009 Green Car of the Year honors.  Don Runkle, as former VP of N.A. Engineering at GM, spearheaded the GM EV1 electric car along with countless other innovations.

EcoMotors is a Khosla Ventures portfolio company. Khosla Ventures offers venture assistance, strategic advice and capital to entrepreneurs. The firm helps entrepreneurs extend the potential of their ideas in breakthrough scientific work in clean technology areas such as solar, battery, high efficiency engines, lighting, greener materials like cement, glass and bio-refineries for energy and bioplastics, and other environmentally friendly technologies as well as traditional venture areas like the Internet, computing, mobile and silicon technology arenas. Vinod Khosla founded the firm in 2004 and was formerly a General Partner at Kleiner Perkins and founder of Sun Microsystems. Khosla Ventures is based in Menlo Park, California.

SOURCE EcoMotors International

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-- "from portal to platform" strategy is declared, Mr. Tian Suning, "the first person in China's information industry", is announced on the board of directors -- The "golden combination" including Tian Suning, Xiong Xiaoge, Yang Fei, Zhang Ying etc., creates strong support for the Platform Strategy -- 3G.CN commitments to make Mobile Internet a mission of national industry

On June 6, 2010, 3G.CN, the pioneer of the Mobile Internet mode, held a strategy conference "from portal to platform", announcing its media platform, application platform and business platform for the "platform" strategy. Meanwhile, Mr. Tian Suning, "the first person in China's information industry", chairman of China Broadband Capital, was announced on the board of directors officially.

IDG founder, global chairman Mr. Patrick McGovern attended the press conference with Mrs. Lore Harp McGovern.

3G.CN has finished the third round of financing by China Broadband Capital, IDGVC, JAFCO Asia and WI Harper Group, amounting to tens of millions of dollars -- for the Mobile Internet -- the largest single round of financing so far.

Mr. Tian Suning has a deep background in the telecom industry and was former CEO of China Network Communications Group and the founder and CEO of China Netcom. Xiong Xiaoge, Yang Fei and Zhang Ying have rich experience in venture capital in the information industry. All of the above convert into the "golden combination", which creates strong support for the Platform Strategy.

Mr. Tian Suning said Internet Technology has played a great role in promoting economic development, and the IT field should have this responsibility, but also has the ability to lead a new round of economic development in China's ideological emancipation. The Mobile Internet is a special opportunity for China, and it is the hope of the industry to catch up with European countries, the United States and other developed countries. 3G.CN is committed to making the Mobile Internet a mission of national industry.

Mr. Xiong Xiaoge, "the first person of China venture capital", and IDG Capital's founding partner, looks upon the Mobile Internet with great interest. China has 740 million mobile phone users and 230 million Mobile Internet users. Since 3G has been licensed, developments and changes from users and the market have had positive impacts on the industry. Based on recognition of this, IDG has been actively involved in three rounds of financing 3G. From Mobile Internet Portal, "evolved to" Mobile Internet "platform", the value is becoming increasingly clear.

3G.CN CEO Mr. Deng Yuqiang said, mobile phones are becoming the first access terminal of the internet, and the trend of this being the core terminal is increasingly apparent. Based on the users and mobile experience, becoming the platform for the Mobile Internet is 3G.CN's own position.

3G.CN has received the "Dissemination of audio-visual programs information network license" by the government, and is also the first company recognized by the government in the Mobile Internet field.

Since the start of formal operations on March 16, 2004, 3G.CN's cumulative registered users have reached 140 million, day active users more than 20 million, and day PV over 1.1 billion, becoming the biggest portal website both in user number and website flow of the Mobile Internet field. 3G.CN is also a full line of mobile application developers, owns 14 series of mobile phone software including GO browser, GGBook, GGLive, and its YY search ranks as the third largest mobile search engine in China's Mobile Internet. The previous two rounds of financing finished in 2005 and 2006, amounting to over 10 million dollars.

SOURCE 3G.CN

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Venture capitalists from around the world invested $10.3 billion in 1,160 deals for companies based in the U.S., Europe, Canada, Israel, Mainland China and India, according to industry tracker Dow Jones VentureSource. This represents a 29% increase in capital invested and a 14% rise in deals over the $8 billion invested in 1,022 deals during same period last year.

"Almost every major venture hub saw an increase in deal activity and capital raised," said Jessica Canning, global research director for Dow Jones VentureSource. "While some regions are still well below pre-recession levels, the growing investment numbers are a positive sign of recovery for the global economy."

North America: U.S. Sees Strongest Quarter Since Recession; Deal Activity Picks Up for Canadian Companies

Venture investors put $7.7 billion to work in 744 deals for U.S.-based companies during the second quarter of 2010. This is the highest quarterly total for capital invested since $8.4 billion was put into 699 deals during the third quarter of 2008. A detailed report of U.S. venture financing is available at http://bit.ly/2Q10US.

Venture-backed companies in Canada raised $114 million for 19 deals in the second quarter of 2010. This marks an increase in deals but a slight drop in capital raised from the same period last year when 15 deals garnered $120 million. The majority of investment went to Information Technology (IT) companies, which raised $71 million for nine deals.

Europe: Growth Returns After Record Low a Year Ago

Venture investors put $1.4 billion* (euro 1.1 billion) into 289 deals for European companies during the second quarter of 2010, a 40% increase in investment from the year-ago period which saw record low investment levels.  

"It's reassuring to see European venture investment beginning to bounce back after the record lows of 2009," said Arno Castanet, research manager, Dow Jones VentureSource. "After the debt crisis, cautious optimism is emerging about the economic outlook. Investors are refocusing their goals, going back to what they know and investing in areas and industries where they have seen previous success including information technology, software and healthcare."

In Europe, the IT industry, which bore the brunt of the venture market's losses during the economic downturn, was the star performer in the most recent quarter. IT companies raised $428 million (euro 334 million) for 90 deals and garnered 31% of the region's venture investment. Taking 30% of the region's investment, the Healthcare industry grew by 50% to $417 million (euro 317 million) for 65 deals.

A detailed venture financing report on Europe is available at http://bit.ly/2Q10EUR.

Asia: Record Healthcare Investment in China; Services are Biggest Draw in India

Venture investment in Mainland China during the second quarter of 2010 rose 52% over the same period last year to $689 million for 58 deals. Capital invested, however, was still well below levels seen in 2008, when the second quarter saw $1.8 billion put into 96 deals. In China, the Healthcare industry saw an unprecedented $125 million put into seven deals during the most recent quarter. A detailed venture financing report on China is available at http://bit.ly/2Q10China.

In India, venture capitalists invested $182 million in 23 deals, almost double the $95 million put into 15 deals during the same period last year. The Services industries were the big winners as Business & Financial Services companies collected $81 million for 10 deals and the Consumer Services industry garnered $61 million for six deals.

Israel: Investment Jumps Despite Drop in Deal Activity

In the second quarter of 2010, investors put $220 million into 27 deals for Israel-based companies. While this represents a 21% drop in deal activity from the year-ago period, capital invested jumped 57% thanks to a trend toward more capital-intense second- and later-stage rounds.

Deals Sizes in Asia Spike

Mainland China and India saw the greatest increases in median deal sizes. In China, the median deal size jumped 59% to $10 million. In India, the $8.7 million year-to-date median was more than double the $3.9 million median seen in 2009.

The median deal sizes in North America were essentially flat. The U.S. saw a median of $4.9 million, a slight decrease from the $5 million median in the year-ago period. Canada's median deal size was $4.8 million, the same as the 2009 median.

Europe's median deal size was the smallest of any region, with $2.7 million (euro 2.1 million) in the most recent quarter. In Israel, the median deal size rose to $4 million, from $3.5 million in the year-ago period.

For information on Dow Jones VentureSource's research methodology, visit http://bit.ly/VSFAQs. 

For general information about Dow Jones VentureSource, visit http://www.dowjones.com/privatemarkets. Journalists can contact Kim Gagliardi at +1 (603) 864-8873 or kimberly.gagliardi@dowjones.com.

*All investment figures are converted to USD using the exchange rate on the first day of the month in which the round closed.

About Dow Jones

Dow Jones & Company (www.dowjones.com) is a News Corporation company (Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV; www.newscorp.com) and a leading provider of global news and business information. Its principal products include The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones Newswires, Dow Jones Factiva, Barron's and MarketWatch. Through its Local Media Group, Dow Jones operates community-based newspapers and Web sites. Dow Jones also provides news content to television and radio stations.

SOURCE Dow Jones & Company

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According to statistics from Dow Jones VentureSource, venture investors put $7.7 billion to work in 744 deals for U.S.-based companies during the second quarter of 2010. This is the highest quarterly total for capital invested since $8.4 billion was put into 699 deals during the third quarter of 2008.

"Fueled by investors' need to keep current portfolio companies funded and to begin investing from new funds, venture capital financing had a strong quarter," said Jessica Canning, global research director for Dow Jones VentureSource. "Deal activity and capital invested in venture-backed companies is once again near levels seen before the start of the economic recession in 2008."

The second quarter's deal count represents a 13% increase from the 656 deals closed during the same period last year, and capital raised is up 26% from the $6.1 billion invested in the year-ago period.

IT Sees Highest Deal Count, But Healthcare Garners More Dollars

Information Technology (IT) and Healthcare continued to be the strongest industries for deals closed and dollars invested though no clear leader emerged as IT garnered the largest proportion of deals but Healthcare claimed more dollars.

Scott Austin, editor of Dow Jones VentureWire, said: "Venture investment in healthcare companies has gained momentum over the last several years, a trend that is likely to continue. One catalyst for recent growth is venture firms placing a premium on drug development companies nearing commercialization, requiring large sums to get their drugs through Phase III trials."

Healthcare companies raised $2.7 billion for 201 deals, a 13% increase in capital raised from the $2.4 billion put into 189 deals during the second quarter of 2009. Within Healthcare, the Biopharmaceuticals sector continued to see the highest level of activity. Ninety-five Biopharmaceuticals deals raised $1.2 billion, a 30% increase in deals but slight drop in capital raised from the same period last year.

In IT, 231 deals raised $1.9 billion, up from the second quarter of 2009, which saw 208 deals raise $1.6 billion. Software garnered the largest slice of capital as 156 deals raised $908 million, up from the 132 deals that raised $761 million in the second quarter of last year.

Energy and Services Industries See Growth

The Energy & Utilities industry garnered $1.1 billion for 26 deals during the second quarter. Deals were on par with the year-ago period, but capital raised jumped 86% thanks to a few large, later-stage deals. The Energy & Utilities industry claimed the nation's largest deal in the second quarter — a $350 million round raised by Better Place, a Palo Alto, Calif.-based company that provides support infrastructure for electric vehicles.

The Business and Consumer Services industries also saw growth. In Business and Financial Services, 117 deals raised $814 million, up from 96 deals that raised $707 million in the year-ago period. In Consumer Services, 120 deals raised $847 million, up from 89 deals that garnered $644 million during the second quarter of 2009.

Investment in the Web-heavy Consumer Information Services sector, part of the Consumer Services industry, rose 45% as 92 deals raised $710 million. This sector also bucked the trend toward later-stage deals as 57% of Consumer Information Services deals were for seed- and early-stage rounds, making Consumer Services the only industry group with over half of investments going to early-stage deals.

Later-Stage Deals Pick Up, Claim More Capital

Later-stage deals accounted for 44% of the second quarter's deals and 62% of total capital raised. This is up from the 39% of deals and 56% of capital that later-stage deals claimed in the same period last year. Seed- and first-rounds accounted for 32% of deals and claimed 15% of capital raised during the most recent quarter, down from the same period last year when early-stage rounds accounted for 35% of deal activity and 19% of capital raised.

The median deal size for the second quarter of 2010 was $4.9 million, down slightly from the $5 million seen in the same period last year.

For information on Dow Jones VentureSource's research methodology, visit http://bit.ly/VSFAQs.

For general information about Dow Jones VentureSource, visit http://www.dowjones.com/privatemarkets. Journalists can contact Kim Gagliardi at +1 603-864-8873 or kimberly.gagliardi@dowjones.com with questions or requests for more information.

About Dow Jones

Dow Jones & Company (www.dowjones.com) is a News Corporation company (Nasdaq: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV; www.newscorp.com) and a leading provider of global news and business information. Its principal products include The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones Newswires, Dow Jones Factiva, Barron's and MarketWatch. Through its Local Media Group, Dow Jones operates community-based newspapers and Web sites. Dow Jones also provides news content to television and radio stations.

SOURCE Dow Jones VentureSource

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