Daily Business Report-March 9, 2016
Utilizing beacon technology, Guru creates a customized app for each museum that turns the ever-present smartphone into a personal concierge, expert tour guide, map and interactive tool
CONNECT Accepts 4 Companies
Into New CapitalMatch Program
Start-ups needing funding will get exposure to investors
Four local start-up companies have been accepted into CONNECT’s new CapitalMatch program, which introduces investors to companies in the tech and life sciences sectors that are seeking funding.
The four companies — Fragmob, GRI Bio, Guru, and Jaan Biotherapeutics –are the first companies to pass the vetting process of the CapitalMatch program. As CapitalMatch companies, they will now be supported with a variety of introductions and interactions with suitable potential investors.
“Our goal with CapitalMatch is to develop relationships with a large network of investors across the country,” said Shawn Richardson, senior director of match programs at CONNECT. “We work to understand their investment interests and then introduce them to the vetted San Diego companies that meet their investment criteria. We believe that being a part of the CapitalMatch program will be impactful for Fragmob, GRI Bio, Guru, and Jaan Biotherapeutics as they raise capital in the coming months.”
The four start-ups, as described by the program:
• Fragmob — An international mobile sales automation software provider, Fragmob instigates action through technology that enables Direct Selling companies to realize the benefits of a powerful mobile solution. The Fragmob mobile platform drives Direct Selling sales reps towards the most focused, effective actions for their business in real-time and delivers actionable metrics so clients and users can achieve higher sales in less time. Raised funding will provide working capital as Fragmob builds its team to meet the growth in new clients and execute upon a strong sales pipeline.
• GRI Bio — GRI Bio is a clinical stage drug development company targeting NKT cells to treat various inflammatory diseases including liver disease and autoimmune conditions. Its lead asset, GRI-0621 is currently in a Phase IIA study with a targeted indication of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The company is currently seeking equity financing to fund a Phase IIB, proof of concept trial that would complete in late 2017.
• Guru — Guru is revolutionizing the way visitors experience museums acting as the technological bridge to the 21st century audience. Utilizing beacon technology, Guru creates a customized app for each museum that turns the ever-present smartphone into a personal concierge, expert tour guide, map and interactive tool that connects the visitor with the museum. Guru is in the process of raising $750,000 with $500,000 still open.
• Jaan Biotherapeutics — Jaan Biotherapeutics L.L.C. is a life science company that is focused in developing first-in-class therapies that regenerate damaged heart muscle and could potentially treat heart disease, the largest single cause of death in the world. Heart disease does not discriminate by gender or race and is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Their fundraising efforts will assist in developing new treatments for heart disease.
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Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood
Suites Scheduled to Open in Summer
Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites announced their joint Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside hotels — currently under construction — are scheduled to open this summer.
“Our new Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites will bring modern amenities and a personalized hotel experience to one of San Diego’s most vibrant and up-and-coming neighborhoods,” said Mark Ziomek, general manager. “Whether guests are joining us for a weekend getaway at Hilton Garden Inn or an extended stay at Homewood Suites, our unique dual property will offer all travelers the impeccable service for which Hilton is known.”
The new build will include 204 guest rooms at Hilton Garden Inn and an additional 160 guest suites at the attached Homewood Suites. Both hotels will be serviced by a shared front desk, shared public guest areas — including two open air courtyards and living area with fire tables — and a new restaurant concept.
The hotel will partner with the Little Italy Association to create a Tom Fat Memorial Plaza, honoring the businessman and second-generation restaurateur. It will be located near the entrance of the hotel’s restaurant. The Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside campus also offers 2,300 square feet of flexible meeting space to accommodate up to 300 people.
Each of Hilton Garden Inn’s guest rooms features a king or two queen beds as well as free high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access, a microwave, flat screen television, coffeemaker with complimentary coffee and tea service, and a mini-refrigerator. Each of Homewood Suites’ studio and one-bedroom suites has a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, stovetop, full-size refrigerator, and dishwasher.
USS Rushmore Enters San Diego
Shipyard for Systems Overhaul
Amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore is scheduled to spend the next 11 months overhauling its engineering, weapons and shipboard systems at the BAE Systems shipyard in San Diego. The crew also will be working to refurbish many of the ship’s common spaces.
“During the availability period, we make sure our spaces are good to go,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Leandris Frisone. “We have to take ownership of the ship and make sure the work is being done in order to meet the deadline that the commanding officer has set forth.”
Rushmore recently returned from a seven-month Western Pacific deployment where the ship provided aid and assistance to 65 people on sinking bamboo rafts in the waters between the Indonesian islands of Kalimanatan and Sulawesi.
“It is an older ship, but we are in pretty decent shape right now,” said Lt. Jason Pirrallo, Rushmore’s supply officer. “We are anticipating being even better when we come out of the yards.”
Rushmore is named after the Mount Rushmore National Monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
— Reported by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Hooper
Navy Appoints Rear Adm. John Neagley
to Head Littoral Combat Ship Program Office
Navy Rear Adm. John Neagley, deputy commander of fleet readiness for the U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego has been appointed program executive officer for Litto
ral Combat Ships and will transfer to Washington for his new role.
Neagley, a 32-year military veteran, served as LCS program manager for five months prior to SPAWAR and his prior Littoral Combat Ship roles include lead requirements officer, principal assistant program manager and director of sustainment.
Neagley transferred to SPAWAR in September 2012 after service as executive assistant to Naval Sea Systems Command. Prior to NAVSEA, he served as a program manager for explosive ordnance disposal and counter-improvised explosive device systems for two years and focused on deployment of EOD and IED systems in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Air & Space Museum Acquires Collection
From Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation
The San Diego Air & Space Museum has acquired the Vought archive collection from the Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation in Arlington, Texas, the Museum announced today. The San Diego Air & Space Museum’s Library & Archives houses the largest private nonprofit collection of its type in the nation.
The collection is the largest component of the surviving archive of the Vought Aircraft companies. For 70 years, Vought was one of the prime contractors providing fighter aircraft to both the U.S. Navy and other naval forces around the world. Vought’s more famous aircraft designs include the F4U Corsair, the F7U Cutlass, the F8U Crusader and the A-7 Corsair II. Vought was also a major subcontractor for other prime contractors.
The collection was assembled over a 50-year history and spans the entire evolution of aeronautics, encompassing records well beyond those of Vought Aircraft. The collection includes a library and photography collection for virtually every aircraft designed or built around the world, from the earliest aircraft designs to gliders, helicopters, missiles, spacecraft and satellites.
The Vought collection acquired by the San Diego Air & Space Museum consists of hundreds of thousands of photographic images, as well as a broad spectrum of other technical reference material, currently housed in 500 storage containers on 30 pallets. It is one of the largest known privately held collections of aviation history.
SDSU Athletic Director Starks
Honored by National Association
San Diego State Athletic Director Jim Sterk has been named a 2015-16 Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Director of Athletics. The award will be presented on June 15 at the annual convention in Dallas.
Currently in his seventh season at SDSU, the national recognition for Sterk comes at a time when Aztec athletics continues to enjoy record-breaking successes. On the competition field and court, academic and community service or fundraising, San Diego State is enjoying unparalleled success in school history.
Since Sterk’s tenure at SDSU began in February 2010, 52 San Diego State teams have advanced to NCAA postseason play, with 17 top-25 finishes and six teams finishing in the top 10. Since the beginning of the 2012-13 academic year, the Aztecs have claimed 30 team conference titles.
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San Diego Women’s Week Events
Monday, March 14: Opening Day
California Center for The Arts Escondido
2 -7:30 p.m.
• Breakout Sessions
• Tanya Brown, 7 Sneaky Characters of Abuse
• Mallika Chopra, Living with Intent
• Arielle Ford, Finding the Soul in Your Mate
• Deborah Scott, Chef and Entrepreneur, A Dog and a Suitcase
• Dr. Nick Yphantides, How the Health Are You
• Pat Reno, Tackling the Last Taboo, Talk About and Managing Our Money
• Liz Goodgold, Killer First Impressions
• Make-overs
• Swag Bags
• Vendor Village
• Finance Village
Tuesday, March 15: An Evening of Girlfriends and Health!
Sharp Rees-Stealy Scripps Ranch. 10670 Wexford St. San Diego
6-8 p.m.
Join us for “The Girlfriend’s Guide to Good Health.” This two-hour evening will feature Sharp Rees-Stealy physicians, clinicians and experts who will give short, informative and entertaining talks on all the health issues women discuss with their girlfriends; from skin care to eye care, nutrition tips to keep the family healthy and contraception and sex through the stages of a woman’s life.
Attendees will also enjoy free health screenings, demonstrations, refreshments and giveaways. The event begins at 6 p.m. and will end at 8 p.m.
• Health Screenings
• Consults with the Doctor
• Demonstrations and Giveaways
Wednesday, March 16, Women and Wine
Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte, San Diego
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Enjoy this hugely popular evening with women from the region while sipping wine and pairing food samples. This beautiful venue will have you feeling like you have entered Tuscany while making connections that empower and inspire you.
• Wine Tasting and Food Pairings
• Fashion Show
• Unique Shopping
Friday March 18, Inspiration Conference
Harrah’s Rincon Casino and Resort,, 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Speakers include Amy Cuddy, Elizabeth McCormick, Kim Coles, Frank Shankwitz, Naomi Tutu and others
Panels:
Empowering the Next Generation of Female Leaders
Breaking Barriers
Six powerfu keynote speakers, two panels will leave you feeling like you can conquer the world.
• Beautiful Swag Bags with upscale goodies
• Complimentary copy of Amy Cuddy’s new book “Presence”
• Complimentary copy of Kim Coles’ “Gratitude Journal”
