Healthcare has always been an area of focus in venture capital. In particular, over the last several years, healthcare IT has received a lot of public attention. The recent J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco – focusing on public companies – offers a timely snapshot to compare the healthcare interests of public markets versus venture capitalists.

Interest level in device and equipment companies is significantly higher from VCs than from public markets, and the interest level in healthcare companies is significantly lower by VCs than the public markets. Negative sentiment has recently surrounded the device industry and new regulations and backlash on costs have dampened enthusiasm around the business models and efficacy (perceived long-term financial and clin...

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Despite the sheer size of the transportation and logistics market, there has been limited technology innovation to streamline the process of moving goods from point A to point B. Given that the industry generates $1.3 trillion in business, representing 11% of GDP, companies looking to improve efficiency and reduce cost will continue to drive development of the web-based aspects of the business. Recently, M&A in the sector has been on a run-up and thousands of businesses in the sector will continue to depend on providers of enhanced solutions and services.

The logistics market has historically been controlled by internal shipping departments or asset-based carriers – companies that own fleets of trucks, ships, airplanes, etc. Maximizing asset utilization is obviously crucia...

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Apple has again turned iPhone buzz into gold. Despite all the talk of possible bells and whistles, Verizon Wireless looks to be offering the iconic smartphone on roughly the same terms as AT&T. The only clear winners will be Apple’s masters of hype.

Sure, some AT&T customers would be delighted to say goodbye to the carrier’s patchy network. But the costs of switching to Verizon Wireless could be high. Only a third of AT&T’s iPhone customers have contracts that expire this year, according to UBS. Others would have to pay up to $325 in termination fees and least $199 for a new iPhone from Verizon Wireless, because the two networks run on different standards.

As for Verizon Wireless’s customers, they will now get a chance to carry an App...

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Although online tracking and data collection has largely been a self-regulated industry in the United States, recent developments suggest lawmakers are re-evaluating consumers’ right to privacy with respect to their personal information. New policy initiatives will drastically impact the way advertisers collect, use and disclose consumer information. All companies with a web presence should be aware of developments in this area to ensure their company’s name stays out of the headlines for violating consumer trust and new policies.

-December 1, 2010 - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a proposed framework for the protection of consumer privacy that calls for, among other things, the development of a “Do Not Track” system, notification to consumers of a company’s...

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