The iBeat Heart Watch , a heart and blood flow monitoring smartwatch that will engage the user and can notify first responders for immediate medical aid if something appears to be wrong, is now available for sale on the iBeat web site.
Portfolio News: Future of Farming: Crop One’s Joint Venture Will Be The Largest Vertical Farm In the World
Band portfolio company Crop One and Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) have launched a $40 million joint venture to build the world’s largest vertical farming facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Vertical farming produces crops in indoor farms using technology to ensure, pesticide-free, optimal growing conditions with digital and mechanical, rather than chemical or genetic, plant control. The farms can be located anywhere because temperature, humidity, light, water and plant nutrients are all provided in a controlled environment. Plants are grown in a soil-less growth medium using nutrient solutions that produce fast-growing, healthy plants.
Faces of Entrepreneurship: Christopher Hussain, Founder & CEO of RealKey
Christopher Hussain is the CEO & Founder of San Francisco-based startup, RealKey, a centralized mortgage and real estate automation software today after two years of preparation, it accelerates loan processing and drastically shortens property transaction closing times.
"Entrepreneurship means having the willingness to take "calculated" risks. So many people try to start businesses without understanding the risks, steps, and resources needed, which is a large part of why so many businesses and startups fail. You learn a lot through making mistakes. You should not be an entrepreneur if you cannot take a beating (consistently), learn from those mistakes, get back up, and don’t make those mistakes again. "
Read full article by the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center
Portfolio News: Drink-a-day startup Hooch raises $5M as it plans blockchain initiative
Right on the heels of launching its concierge service Hooch Black, Hooch announced today that it has raised $5 million in seed funding.
The company’s basic subscription of $9.99 gets you one free drink per day from a variety of partner bars and restaurants. Hooch Black (which you have to apply for, and which costs $295 per year) adds hotel deals, concierge service and other perks on top.
Band of Angels VC SiG
Very interactive Band of Angels VC SIG meeting with the CEOs of Band portfolio companies Paul Fulton, Nwave (Smart Cities Solutions) and Sara Schaer, Kango (Rides and Care for Kids). The VC SiG enables closer collaboration between the Band and participating VCs. Thanks to Band members Jack Guedj and Bill Loesch for being co-chairs, and the many Band members for their engaged participation.