October 12, 2009
What you need to know - Wednesday 10/20/10
SkillSlate raised $1.1 million; Solar Components $2.8 million; Optify $6.1 million
Mozilla gives developers the means to make their own app stores. They have released technical documentation for a proposed ecosystem centered around web apps. The design standards supported include HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Facebook is removing some photos from the photo memories sidebar of the site. If you have been in a previous relationship, then photos from that user will not show up in your photo memories anymore. The change was made in response to user protests.
Microsoft is making changes to xbox.com in order to support the use of new Windows 7 phones. Changes will include bringing Xbox Live avatars to the phones and the creation of new regions for users.
Facebook is forming a "Network of Support” for its lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender users in an attempt to end cyberbullying. The site will be working with MTV's A Thin Line campaign; the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD); the Human Rights Campaign (HRC); the Trevor Project; the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN); and Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
SkillSlate raised $1.1 million. This first round of funding was led by Canaan Partners and First Round Capital. SkillSlate helps users find local service providers for hire.
Solar Components raised $2.8 million from undisclosed investors. Solar Components makes the JOOS Orange, a waterproof charger.
Optify raised a $6.1 million Series B round of funding led by Triangle Peak Partners, with participation from Madrona Venture Group.
Related Companies, Investors, and Entrepreneurs
SkillSlate
Startup/Business
Joined Vator on
Have you ever had trouble finding a mover, handyman, dog walker, or any other service provider? If you search on Google, you’ll end up with a lot of big (expensive) companies. If you go to Craigslist, you’ll find plenty of inexpensive service providers, but you won’t know who’s good and who isn’t. SkillSlate is going to change that. By allowing service providers to easily create an online business presence, and by aggregating thousands of providers in each vertical, we leverage the collective power of individuals to rank highly in search, bringing more exposure and business to the ‘little guy.’
SkillSlate helps consumers find the best individual service providers by allowing them to search and refineme thousands of business profile pages complete with pictures, prices and reviews. These one-person businesses often provide great service at highly competitive prices, but, until SkillSlate, have been hard to find online.
Example service provider profile: http://www.skillslate.com/stevehall
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