Finovate: Xero Archives

Peter Thiel's Valar Ventures Contributes to Xero's Recent $16.6 Million in Funding

By Julie Schicktanz on February 15, 2012 3:51 PM

Earlier this month, online accounting software Xero announced a $16.6 million round of financing, funded partially by Peter Thiel's Valar Ventures. This is not this first time the famed investor has funded Xero.

TechCrunch reports:

"Thiel first invested $3 million in New Zealand-founded Xero back in 2010, with the aim of fueling expansion in the United States. The company says that's also the reason for the latest round."

MYOB co-founder Craig Winkler and Sam Morgan also participated in the round.

To learn more about Xero, watch its FinovateSpring 2011 demo.

Finovate Alumni News-- February 15, 2012

By Julie Schicktanz on February 15, 2012 11:24 AM

American Banker reports SmartyPig adds office in India.

American Banker reports PayPal digs even further into the prepaid card market.

TechCrunch Europe covers ETRONIKA's FinovateEurope presentation.

VentureBeat lists Danny Shader, CEO of PayNearMe, as an entrepreneur using startups to change the world.

Since Aptys Solutions 2010 launch, over 1,000 commercial banks now use PayLOGICS platform to process payments.

Diversinet Corp. appoints Dr. Hon Pak as the company's CEO.

Cartera Commerce named to OnMedia 100 Top Private Companies List.

AccMan looks at how CurrencyFair solves multi-currency cost issues.

INDYCAR partners with Segmint to reward race fans.

MasterCard forms alliance with Silver Tail Systems.

Peter Thiel's Valar Ventures contributes to Xero's recent $16.6 million in funding.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- February 13, 2012

By Julie Schicktanz on February 13, 2012 11:15 AM

Personal Capital launches "Savings Concierge" service for high rates & strong safety.

ProfitStars introduces eCommercial Security Awareness Training.

Nutmeg shares its Finovate experience.

Xero wins 2012 Top New Accounting Product from Accounting Today.

Fox Business News highlights Capital Access Network, Kabbage, and On Deck Capital as non-bank loan resources.

Kapitall Generation enables next-day funds transfer.

Wall Street Journal blog reports TrustedID buys reputation manager, Reppler.

Capital Access Network brings in $30 million from Accel Partners.

Rebirth Financial featured in Forbes.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- February 2, 2012

By Julie Schicktanz on February 2, 2012 8:38 AM

Silicon Prairie News reports Dwolla rolls out Instant feature.

After raising $15 million, Xero acquires Max Solutions for almost $5 million.

Mint.com releases app for Android tablets.

Personal Capital named to Online Banking Report Hall of Fame, for personalized asset management service.

Credit Sesame launches credit card marketplace.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

2011 Funding for Finovate Alumni-- Over $423 Million Raised

By Julie Schicktanz on December 22, 2011 2:06 PM

To wrap up 2011, we've compiled a list of all of the funding Finovate alumni received over the course of the year.

The results were impressive:

A total of 34 companies received funding, some more than once
The companies collectively raised over $423 million dollars
The months with the highest number of companies receiving funding were June August, both with 8 companies
The highest amount of funding came in the month of June, when the alumni brought in over $124.4 million

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of funding received:

January -- $40.8 million raised by 3 companies

Kabbage: $6.7 million -- Blog post

Kony Solutions: $19.1 million -- Blog post

On Deck Capital: $15 million -- Press release

February -- $10.3+ million raised by 3 companies

eToro: $8.3 million -- Press release

Plastyc: $2 million -- Blog post

SecureKey: Undisclosed -- Blog post

March -- $20.4 million raised by 4 companies

Bobber Interactive: $1.4 million -- Press release

Credit Sesame: $6.2 million -- Press release

Finsphere: $1.8 million -- Blog post

Guardian Analytics: $11 million -- Blog post

June -- $124.4 million raised by 8 companies

Balance Financial: $1.5 million -- Blog post

Braintree: $34 million -- Blog post

Dynamics: $35 million -- Press release

eWise: $14 million -- Blog post

Prosper: $17.2 million -- Press release

Silver Tail Systems: $20 million -- Blog post

Ftrans: $650,000 -- Blog post

Lendio: $2 million -- Blog post

July -- $1.1 million raised by 1 company

Continuity Control: $1.1 million -- Blog post

August -- $103.4 million raised by 8 companies

edo Interactive: $20 million -- Press release

Kabbage: $17 million -- Blog post

Lending Club: $25 million -- Blog post

miiCard: $900k -- Press release

On Deck Capital: $19 million -- Blog post

peerTransfer: $7.5 million -- Press release

Simple (Formerly BankSimple): $10 million -- Blog post

Xero: $4 million -- Press release

September -- $33 million raised by 1 company

Cardlytics: $33 million -- Blog post

October-- $22 million raised by 2 companies

BillGuard: $10 million -- Blog post

CashStar: $12 million -- Press release

November -- $16.3+ million raised by 3 companies

Braintree: Undisclosed -- Blog post

Ftrans: $1.3 million -- Blog post

SecondMarket: $15 million -- Press release

December -- $52.2 million raised by 5 companies

Bill.com: $15.5 million -- Press release

Kabbage: $12 million -- Press release

mFoundry: $18 million -- Press release

MOOTWIN: $5.5 million -- Blog post

Plastyc: $1.2 million -- Blog post

Note: Funding that companies received before they demonstrated at Finovate was not counted. If you see any funding that is not on this list, please send the name of the company along with a link to the funding information to julie@netbanker.com and I will add it.

Finovate Alumni News-- December 21, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on December 21, 2011 8:43 AM

Fox News discusses how Prosper & Lending Club help small businesses.

The Chicago Tribune profiles Simple.

BizReport examines card-linked offers from Linkable Networks (formerly CLOVR Media).

Check Point announces Anti-Bot Software.

ReadWriteWeb's Richard MacManus lists Xero as #8 in his 2011 list of top 10 web products.

Inc Magazine lists Expensify as 1 of 8 startups to watch in 2012.

Ping Identity makes the top 10 list of most exciting IT security vendors. Come see Ping Identity's live demo at FinovateEurope.

HelloWallet gives away 20,000 free subscriptions in 2011 to families in need.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- December 20, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on December 20, 2011 8:56 AM

Steven Kietz, former Mobile Money Ventures CEO, joins EDO Interactive as GM & EVP of Strategic Partnerships.

CNNMoney discusses how Simple can provide a no hassle bank account.

Melrose Mutual Insurance Company, Grinnell Mutual, & ID Theft 911 partner to remind shoppers to safeguard identities.

Forbes names Dwolla's Ben Milne to '30 Under 30' list for finance.

BizReport interviews Xero to discover how the cloud is helping small businesses.

Fox Business News recommends visiting Credit Sesame and Credit Karma to check your credit score.

INOVA FCU depicts its success from using Mortgagebot's PowerSite.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- December 12, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on December 12, 2011 9:41 AM

The Wall Street Journal recommends Braintree & PayPal as online payment platforms.

Dwolla reports there are more merchants using Dwolla in San Francisco and New York City than there were in Des Moines 1 year ago.

Accounting web recommends using Xero to automate business accounting.

Street Fight podcast highlights HelloWallet.

Mootwin receives 4 million euro in series B funding round.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- November 28, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on November 28, 2011 10:13 AM

Payments Journal looks at Dwolla's P2P payment platform.

Prosper announces iPod Nano giveaway for borrowers.

Simply Stacie describes BillFloat's daily $50 giveaway.

OnPoint CU debuts Tyfone mobile gift card service.

Active Filings describes how consumers can benefit from BillGuard's fraud-monitoring service.

Freewaregenius describes the Kapitall user experience.

Xero makes BestVendor's list of 25 most beloved web services and work apps with a belovedness score of 38%.

SafetyPay available as payment option for Facebook Credit purchases.

Pageonce sees $1 million in user bill payment, launches iPad app.

Credit Sesame launches free iPhone app.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- November 22, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on November 22, 2011 10:07 AM

Richard Branson follows in the footsteps of Simple by avoiding the word 'bank' when naming his newly acquired FI.

Alkami wins VC backing for online banking technology.

Check Point Software Technologies acquires risk management company.

HelloWallet's iPhone app helps make budgeting advice more relevant.

Equifax partners with data quality and management company Ixsight.

Xero makes receiving overpayments and prepayments easier.

Credit Union Times reports Geezeo adds four credit union clients for its PFM.

Venture Studio interviews Alexa Von Tobel, LearnVest CEO, about how she started her business.

The Social Lending Network looks at Prosper's top P2P lenders.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- November 21, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on November 21, 2011 10:39 AM

BrightScope plans to tweak its blog & redesign its homepage.

SimpliFi wins four Achievement in Marketing awards from Columbus chapter of American Marketing Association.

New York Shop Exchange interviews Brock Blake, Lendio CEO, about small business loans.

MyBankTracker looks at Yodlee's FinApps and the evolution of Mobile Banking.

Fifth Third Bank launches mobile banking apps powered by Clairmail.

TechCrunch reports Braintree receives investment from Capital One co-founder, Nigel Morris.

Currensee launches Trade Leaders Program for institutional clients.

TechCrunch explores the differences between Mint.com and HelloWallet's mobile apps.

Family blogger Darcy shares five of DoughMain's features.

Xero doubles its customer numbers, gains traction overseas.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- November 9, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on November 9, 2011 10:17 AM

Read Write Web argues the mobile payments capital of the US is Des Moines, IA thanks to Dwolla.

Fox Business News reports GoalMine seeks to level the investing field.

PayPal updates its Android app with support for NFC payments.

eWise hires Alexandre Gonthier, former Boku CTO, as new CEO.

Lendio makes its business loan matching service free.

Finextra reports Intuit partners with AT&T to take on Square in the emerging mobile card processing market.

Xero updates its app: increases speed and improves UI.

Business Insider lists Dwolla and Simple as 2 of 20 most innovative startups in tech.

Billeo launches ShopSmart to bring consumers relevant discounts.

Zecco hosts $500 sweepstakes.

miiCard gives first 10,000 users free accounts for life.

Netbanker: Top 10 Reasons Why BankSimple Dropped the Bank.

Expensify creates four pricing plans.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- November 4, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on November 4, 2011 10:28 AM

Plastyc launches UPside Visa Savings Purse.

Diversinet receives U.S. Patent for securely storing information on a mobile device.

American Banker reports Ohio Valley CU is working with Truaxis to offer discounts.

Lifehacker highlights Personal Capital.

Xero calls on UK Gov to deliver better reporting, not simpler reporting for micro businesses.

Lendio adds 40 Banks, offers local business loans to 70% of the U.S.

Lending Club reaches $400 million in loan originations.

Huntington Bank works with Kony to create an iPad app.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- November 3, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on November 3, 2011 7:42 AM

Reuters highlights how ReadyForZero benefits those in debt.

Advise.me partners with Xero.

Braintree continues rapid growth -- now processing $10 million daily.

doxo adds AT&T as a biller and launches new feature.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- October 14, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on October 14, 2011 1:29 PM

AlphaClone launches "Alternative Alpha" index.

Forbes discusses Cardlytics and Offermatic's approach & how they rival GroupOn.

Smart Money Mag details how FeeFighters can help cut costs in small businesses.

Jack Henry ProfitStars announces availability of the Gladiator NetTeller Enterprise Security Monitoring solution.

MyCyberTwin launches DIY Intelligent Virtual Agents.

Tyfone Introduces iCashe Mobile Wallet That Combines Mobile Banking With Digital Commerce.

UseMyServices partners with SafetyPay for mutual network expansion.

NYConvergence reports BankSimple prepares for its New York debut.

Business Insider recommends using BillGuard and Mint.com.

24/7 Wall St looks at the P2P opportunity that Prosper brings.

McGuireWoods consulting is lobbying to Congress for the use of Dynamics smart cards.

Business Insider mentions Xero as a "great Web-based accounting tool."

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- October 6, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on October 6, 2011 2:16 PM

Netbanker highlights BillGuard's monthly credit/debit card scan report.

Offermatic unveils OfferMatch, a pay-for-performance marketing channel that brings customers.

NBC Chicago names Ben Milne, Dwolla CEO, as a person to watch during Ideas Week.

WealthTouch partners with TILE Financial to create portfolio-reporting offerings for high net worth young adults.

Wall Street and Technology lists Zecco as 1 of 6 brokerages leading the way in social media.

New York Times blog reports BankSimple to go live on the Web next month.

HelloWallet announces its fall webinar series.

Business Daily Africa compares Xero and Kashoo accounting services with QuickBooks.

Credit Karma's new feature graphically compares credit card clientele.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- October 3, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on October 3, 2011 12:35 PM

Rebirth Financial introduces its new platform.

FreeCreditScore.net profiles PayNearMe.

Pittsburgh's Smart Business looks at how Dynamics CEO Jeff Mullen has founded and grown the company.

James Varga from miiCard reflects on FinovateFall.

BlueRidgeNow.com recommends using findabetterbank.com to avoid banking fees.

New Zealand Herald discusses Rod Drury's success with taking Xero public.

Entrepreneur looks at how Dwolla's services compare to big bank's small business services.

Bobber Interactive and Bundle are making finance interesting with social engagement.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports LearnVest is 1 of 30 most valuable startups in New York.

Bank Technology News cites that Citi is the first bank to publicly launch a site designed using Yodlee's FinApp platform.

Mint.com discusses the value of CreditSesame's Credit Badge.

The Spokesman-Review discusses the popularity of P2P lending sites Prosper and Lending Club.

The Paypers features Samurai from FeeFighters, an online payment gateway.

Loren's World blog lists Expensify as 1 of 5 best apps for business women.

USA Today lists BillFloat as a good alternative to a payday loan.

DeadlineNews.com names FamZoo as a "site to see."

Balance Financial launches version 1.2 of its mobile app in the Apple app store.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Finovate Alumni News-- September 30, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on September 30, 2011 11:00 AM

Reuters advises opening a BankSimple to avoid bank fees.

Fox Business News interviews Bill Harris, CEO of Personal Capital, on the startup's services.

Digital Stock Market recommends using Yodlee or Mint to help control your spending.

eToro makes its blog available as a WebTrader widget.

SmartMoney discusses Personal Capital's advisor video chat feature.

Q2ebanking adds its mobile app to the Android marketplace.

Xero wins K2 Quality award for SaaS.

SecondMarket puts itself up for sale using its own site, SecondMarket.

Wall Street Survivor announces the winners of the August Stock Game Giveaway.

Lifehacker advises using BrightScope to analyze your 401(k) during a "financial bootcamp day."

eToro wins 3 World Finance Awards.

This post will be updated throughout the day as news and developments emerge. You can also follow all the alumni news headlines on the Finovate Twitter account.

Xero Launches U.S. Version of Accounting Software

By Julie Schicktanz on August 18, 2011 4:16 PM

Cloud-based accounting software company, Xero, announced this week that it has released a version of its software for the United States.

The update includes simple things like spelling differences, ability to generate 1099s, and regional reporting. Larger enhancements include:

"The ability to print checks (cheques for the rest of you). Checks are still widely used in the US (the bigger the better) and while we'd love
to encourage electronic alternatives we accept that there's still a strong demand for paper checks."

Xero also mentions future plans of providing users with an automated way to receive and make payments.

To see Xero's online accounting system in use, check out its FinovateSpring 2011 demo.

Xero Receives $4M R&D Grant from New Zealand Government

By Julie Schicktanz on August 16, 2011 2:00 PM

New Zealand-based accounting software company, Xero, received a Technology Development Grant from its government yesterday. The $4 million will be doled out over the next three years to speed up the startup's research and development. Xero hopes this will, in turn, increase exports.

"Xero contributes significantly to New Zealand exports," says Rod Drury. "The majority of our future growth will come from customers in Australia, the UK, USA and new territories. This grant helps speed up our export drive into these territories and beyond."

For more information on Xero's cloud-based accounting software, check out its FinovateSpring 2011 demo.

Alumni News -- Week of August 1, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on August 8, 2011 2:09 PM

Bobber Interactive

Tech Flash interviewed Eric Eastman, Bobber Interactive's CEO, on how the gamification of money management aims to help Generation Y better manage their money. Link

BrightScope

BrightScope released a report detailing the top 12 small-cap funds in America's 401k plans. This report is part of a series that provides insight into the top funds and managers in the retirement marketplace. Link

ChargeSmart

Discover is offering an instant rebate to customers who pay their utility bills using a Discover Card on ChargeSmart's website. Link

Check Point Software Technologies

Check Point enhanced its Software Blade Architecture by releasing R75.20, a comprehensive approach to security that includes a URL filtering Software Blade, SSL inspection, and data loss prevention. Link
The Wall Street Journal discussed Check Point's ZoneAlarm SocialGuard that helps parents protect children on Facebook in a non-intrusive manner. Link

Clairmail

Clairmail announced record growth this quarter, with more than a 60% increase in bookings from last quarter. Link

Clovr Media

BostInnovation stated that Clovr Media is changing the way consumers collect loyalty rewards through its Card-Linked Ads that allow consumers to access rewards by clicking on an advertisement. Link
Mass High Tech's weekly Startup Watch listed Clovr Media as one of five startups to follow. Link

Credit.com

EQuicknews listed Credit.com as a free way to check your credit score with no strings attached and highlighed the Credit Report Card feature. Link

doxo

The Appvita blog profiled doxo, noting insider tips and practical uses, such as comparing bills on a month-to-month basis. Link

Dwolla

Bank Technology News looked at the players in the mobile payments space and listed Dwolla as a formidable competitor. Link

EDO Interactive

EDO Interactive received $20 million in Series B funding to grow its Prewards platform that enables advertisers to offer digital deals and incentives that consumers redeem by using their existing credit, debit, or prepaid cards. Link

eToro

eToro began a trading contest for users with both demo and live trading accounts. Traders who accumulate the greatest gains will win each round. Link

eWise

eWise added Renasant Bank to its customer base, providing Renasant customers access to Secure Vault Payments, an alternative payment method. Link

Expensify

Expensify added a new feature that provides QuickBooks users a way to easily identify billable expenses to add to invoices. Link
The Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal listed Expensify as one of ten business apps for empowering your inner geek. Link

Kony Solutions

Tower Group, in its Review of North American Consumer Mobile Banking Technology Vendors, ranked Kony Solutions among the top mobile banking technology vendors. Kony excelled in the feature/function and customization categories. Link

Lending Club

TechCrunch highlighted Lending Club's announcement of $25 million in Series D financing from Union Square Ventures and other existing investors. Link

Lendio

Lendio added Cardinal Bank to its network of lenders providing clients with more options in finding equipment loans, business lines of credit, acquisition financing, commercial real estate, SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans. Link

Mitek Systems

Mitek Systems launched Mobile Imaging Cloud Service that captures, extracts, and routes information contained in documents. The service helps app developers create smartphone and tablet apps that use a camera input function. Link

Monitise

Monitise Asia Pacific launched its mobile banking, payments, and commerce services in Indonesia and signed a joint venture agreement with PT Astra Graphia Information Technology, an information and communication business. Link

On Deck Capital

On Deck Capital raised $19 million of its own in a Series C round of funding. Link

RobotDough

RobotDough founder, Wilton Risenhoover, revealed why he started RobotDough and how it works. Link

SafetyPay

SafetyPay received a Payment Services Directive License to provide cross-border payments throughout Europe strengthening its position in that market. Link

SecondMarket

BostInnovation used SecondMarket's alternative investments platform to discover top Boston companies. Link

Striata

Baton Rouge Water Company selected Striata, along with payment services company Western Union, to provide email billing with integrated electronic payment service. Link

The Receivables Exchange

Treasury & Risk profiled The Receivables Exchange, describing the process companies use to sell their receivables on the online platform. Link

TradeKing

TradeKing launched a $100 bonus for new customers who open an account by August 31, 2011. Link

Wonga

Smarta interviewed Wonga director, John Moorwood, about Wonga's growth over the past 12 months. Wonga is now issuing over 1.5 million short-term loans. Link

Xero

Xero released Xero Touch, its new accounting app for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch. Link

Alumni News -- Week of July 18, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on July 25, 2011 12:06 PM

ChargeSmart

AOL's Daily Finance highlighted Chargesmart's secondary gift card market that allows

consumers to pay for bills in exchange for gift cards. Link

CheckFree

Family Wealth Report stated that CheckFree is leading the way in UMA processing. Link

Credit Karma

CBS Money Watch discussed Credit Karma's data on America's debt. Link
Fox Business News listed Credit Karma's credit score simulator tool as a 15-minute fix for your credit score. Link

doxo

Practical Ecommerce listed doxo as one of 17 apps for productivity. Link

Dwolla

Dwolla hit $1 million in payments per day and Ben Milne, CEO, shared a sneak peak of future plans. Link
Ace Community Credit Union provided customers with access to Dwolla through its site.
Dwolla CEO Ben Milne explained why starting a business in Iowa isn't hard. Link
Dwolla introduced a new Autoload feature. Link
Dwolla was listed on The Next Web as one of eight awesome ways to pay with your phone. Link

eToro

eToro Partners began testing a new foreign exchange affiliate tool called Custom Links. Link

Expensify

The Info.rmatics blog testified to Expensify's ease of use. Link
ipCommerce showcased Expensify's innovation. Link

GoalMine

Mango Money added GoalMine to its list of services. Link

HelpMyCash

HelpMyCash revamped its website to be more consumer-friendly. Link

IDTheft 911

Barnstable County Mutual Insurance Company selected Identity Theft 911 for its LifeStages service. Link

iPay Technologies

TechCrunch reported that Bill Ready, former President of iPay Technologies, joined Accel Partners as an Executive in Residence. Link

Lending Club

ATM Options discussed seven good reasons to invest through Lending Club. Link
Netbanker discussed Lending Club's record high growth. Link

Lendio

Lendio added TAB Bank to its network of lenders. Link
Reuters reported that Swift Capital and Lendio partnered to help small businesses. Link

mFoundry

American Banker considered Bank of America's recent investment in mFoundry. Link
Credit Union Journal discussed Colombia Credit Union's adoption of mFoundry's mobile banking. Link

Mint.com

Mint.com introduced a manual transactions feature for its iPhone app. Link
TechCrunch reported Mint.com's debut of a new feature that tracks bills and sends reminders. Link

Monitise

Monitise signed over 6,000 users in Nigeria to a mobile payments trial. Link
TechMarketView discussed Monitise's financial success. Link

peerTransfer

Yahoo! Finance reported peerTransfer's growth in international student payment processing. Link

Prosper

Netbanker discussed Prosper's record high growth. Link
Prosper raised its interest rates by 2.5 percent. Link

SmartyPig

SmartyPig introduced its back-to-school cash giveaway contest. Link

ThreatMetrix

ThreatMetrix announced its upcoming user conference October 9th through 10th. Link

TradeKing

TradeKing launched a new video series to help consumers understand options trading. Link

Tyfone

Oregonlive.com described Tyfone as a major player in mobile payments. Link

Wikinvest

Forex Promos shared an interview with Mike Sha, Wikinvest CEO. Link

Xero

Reuters reported that Xero agreed to acquire Paycycle, a payroll company. Link

Zecco

Wealth Building Tips and Strategies blog shared Zecco's options trading video series. Link

ZimpleMoney

ZimpleMoney adjusted its services in response to the Dodd-Frank reform. Link

Alumni News -- Week of July 4, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on July 11, 2011 10:21 AM

Boku

CNNMoney examined Zong's competition with Boku. Link

BrightScope

The Forbes blog recommended BrightScope as a tool to check your financial advisor's history. Link
The Washington Examiner discussed how BrightScope helps consumers make informed decisions about their 401(k) plan. Link

Clairmail

Clairmail increased its security by using authentication from the RSA Secured Partner Program. Link

Credit Karma

The Forbes blog recommended Credit Karma as a tool to track and monitor your credit score. Link

Credit Sesame

The Forbes blog recommended Credit Sesame as a tool to track and monitor your credit score. Link

Dwolla

Dwolla updated its iPhone app to allow customers to send money via email. Link

Dynamics

American Banker discussed Dynamics' adaptability to the mobile payment world. Link

Enloop

Small Biz Technology outlined three of Enloop's features. Link

eToro

AlphaTrade Finance discussed eToro's CopyTrader network. Link

Expensify

Expensify's app was listed as Gearburn's App of the Week. Link

Finsphere

GeekWire reviewed Finsphere's new round of $1.75 million funding. Link

Geezeo

American Banker reported that Geezeo's partnership with Sharetec Systems will help Geezeo reach more credit unions. Link

Guardian Analytics

The Street reported that Guardian Analytics' Anomaly Detection & Fraud Monitoring will help financial institutions meet updated FFIEC guidelines. Link

Kony Solutions

Kony Solutions announced a partnership with Donriver for the delivery of multi-channel mobile apps. Link

Mint.com

The Quickbooks blog examined Mint.com's PFM tool. Link

Monitise Americas

Monitise developed two banking apps designed for the iPad for NatWest and RBS. Link

PayNearMe

The Paypers interviewed Avangate and PayNearMe regarding their partnership and various future endeavors. Link

PayPal

TechCrunch speculated that eBay's acquisition of Zong will advance PayPal's mobile payments. Link

ProfitStars

Credit Union Times discussed ProfitStars' partnership with Corporate One Credit Union. Link

Prosper

The Social Lending Network reviewed Prosper's new Quick Invest feature. Link

Q2ebanking

Q2ebanking commented on the security implications of the new FFIEC guidelines. Link

RobotDough

The Motley Fool highlighted RobotDough as a powerful new tool for individual investors. Link

SilverTail Systems

Credit Union Times reported that SilverTail Systems' capabilities enable financial institutions to comply with FFIEC guidelines. Link
Homeland Security Television profiled SilverTail Systems. Link

ThreatMetrix

ThreatMetrix enhanced its security in anticipation of FFIEC guidelines. Link

TradeKing

Stockbrokers4u.com analyzed TradeKing's services. Link

Xero

Xero hired a CFO onto to its team. Link

Yodlee

Yodlee released its new MoneyCenter app. Link
Quickbooks' blog examined Yodlee's PFM tool. Link
TechCrunch reported that Yodlee reached 30M users. Link

Alumni News -- Week of June 27, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on July 6, 2011 8:51 AM

ActivePath

A top Brazilian card issuer implemented an ActivePath solution. Link

AlphaClone

AlphaClone incorporated new sentiment scores into its stock view pages. Link

Bills.com

Bills.com released the results from its Consumer Money Survey that gauges money attitudes and behaviors. Link

Blaze Mobile

Blaze Mobile was awarded a patent for NFC on stickers. Link

BOKU

BOKU released 1-Tap Mobile Billing for the Android and took it live in 56 countries. Link

Braintree

Braintree received $34M in Series A funding from Accel. Link

Currensee

Reuters outlined the benefits of Currensee. Link

Credit Karma

Credit Karma CEO Ken Lin advised consumers how they should deal with credit card offers. Link

doxo

doxo won the Stevie Award for New Product of the Year for financial services in the 2011 American Business Awards. Link

Dwolla

Dwolla said its Grid payment network is more secure than Visa and MasterCard's card networks. Link

Dynamics

Dynamics raised $35M for computerized smartcards and payment systems. Link

eToro

Reuters outlined the benefits of eToro. Link

eWise

gotoBilling, Inc. added eWise's Secure Vault Payments as another payment platform. Link

Expensify

The Wall Street Journal listed Expensify as a must-have mobile tech tool for entrepreneurs. Link

Fiserv

Fiserv entered into an agreement to acquire CashEdge for $465 million to advance its digital payments and channel strategies. Link

Guardian Analytics

Yahoo! Finance reported that Guardian Analytics' FraudMAP is helping financial institutions meet FFIEC guidelines. Link

HelloWallet

HelloWallet was added to Mercer's Outsourcing business benefits administration. Link

Intuit

Intuit purchased Mobile Money Ventures' web banking technology to augment its mobile banking capabilities. Link

Kony Solutions

The American Business Awards selected Kony Solutions as the Most Innovative Company of the Year. Link

Lendio

The Launch blog highlighted Lendio. Link

Outright

Outright rolled out a new report function allowing clients to view sales by state. Link

PayPal

PayPal reached 100 million active users. Link

Profit Stars

Profit Stars introduced its new Remote Deposit Anywhere solution. Link

Prosper

Former Lending Club director Joseph Toms joined Prosper as its Chief Investment Officer. Link

The San Francisco Times reported on Prosper's growth. Link

Q2ebanking

Q2ebanking was noted as a service to help community financial institutions meet FFIEC Guidance. Link

SimpleTuition

SimpleTuition expanded its student loan payment options by partnering with Discover Card. Link

SmartyPig

SmartyPig was recommended by Mint.com as a way to save for impulse purchases. Link

TradeKing

TradeKing implemented SunGard's MarketMap to deliver market data to its active trading platform. Link

UBank

Mashable highlighted UBank's feedback forum. Link

Voice Commerce

Voice Commerce launched a payment solution for the iPhone. Link

Wikinvest

PC mag reviewed Wikinvest's mobile app. Link

Xero

Tech Day assessed Xero's Debtor Daddy service. Link

Alumni News-- Week of June 20, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on June 27, 2011 10:11 AM

AlphaClone

AlphaClone launched a new feature that measures sentiment. Link

BillFLO

Taulia acquired BillFLO. Link

Bills.com

Bills.com shared money-saving strategies for recent college graduates. Link

BrightScope

BrightScope was highlighted on the Tuscon NBC news channel series, "4 Your Money." Link

CashEdge

Ally Bank began offering CashEdge's Popmoney service. Link

Continuity Control

LEVERAGE, the Service Corporation for the League of Southeastern Credit Unions, began offering Continuity Control's CreditUnion Assistant program. Link

CreditKarma

Credit Karma introduced its Approval Odds service to help avoid being declined for a card. Link

Currensee

Currensee reached $6 billion in trading volume and $12 million under management. Link

doxo

The MakeUseOf blog reviewed doxo's online filing cabinet. Link

Dwolla

Dwolla CEO commented on the Bitcoin virtual currency debate, exchange, and hysteria. Link
Dwolla's fees were compared to PayPal's. Link
Silicon Prairie News discussed Dwolla CEO's comments on Bitcoin. Link

eWise

eWise Payo's smartphone app won the Editor's Award for Consumer Focus at the 2011 Cards International Awards. Link

Expensify

The Dallas News highlighted Expensify. Link
Expensify was listed as one of 25 tools to help you manage spending by cmvlive.com Link

HelloWallet

HelloWallet posted a short video series explaining its wealth-tracking service. Link

Jwaala

KEMBA Financial Credit Union implemented Jwaala's platform. Link

Lending Club

Lending Club is approaching its financial breakeven point. Link
Reuters commented on Lending Club's P2P marketplace. Link

Lendio

Lendio helped banks increase business loans by finding qualified borrowers. Link

Mortgagebot

Mortgagebot and Business Solutions extended their Tech Alliance to provide mortgage application solutions at preferred terms. Link

PayNearMe

PayNearMe facilitated 7-Eleven's partnership with Greyhound for cash transactions. Link

Prosper

Reuters commented on Prosper's P2P marketplace. Link

Receivables Exchange

The Receivables Exchange won 2011 "Management Team of the Year" at the Stevie Awards. Link

Strands

Strands Personal Finance landed in the 2011 Red Herring Top 100 North America list. Link

TradeKing

TradeKing announced its free webinar series on trading advice beginning July 12th. Link

Voice Commerce

Voice Commerce launched its CashFlows app. Link

Xero

Getapp.com reviewed Xero's cloud-based software. Link

Alumni News -- Week of May 23, 2011

By Julie Schicktanz on May 31, 2011 12:18 PM

Aptys Solutions
Aptys Solutions signed with Banker's Bank, a top check depositor with the Federal Reserve Link

Backbase
Backbase to host webinar on how to use social media in financial services Link

Betterment

Betterment announced a growth of over $10M under management and over 4000 customers in first year Link
Betterment celebrated its first birthday Link

Bill.com
Bill.com is working to improve its mobile offering for small and midsized businesses Link

Boku
Mobile Entertainment explained how Boku will revolutionize pay-by-mobile for digital goods Link

Capital Access Network
CNBC explained how Capital Access Network solves the need to use financial creativity Link

Credit Karma
WiseBread Blog interviewed Credit Karma CEO Link

doxo

doxo's first fan video was posted online Link
Oregon employees were the first to give its members doxo's online file cabinet Link
TechFlash highlighted the benefits of using doxo to achieve paperless business Link
2Minute Finance interviewed doxo at FinovateSpring Link

Dwolla

Dwolla was listed by inc Tech as one of three startups you must know from Big Omaha Link
Credit Union Times listed Dwolla as a new P2P service rivaling 'bank giants' Link

edo Interactive
MyBankTracker interviewed edo Interactive COO about its Prewards service Link

Expensify
Slate explained how Expensify will help the 'frequent flier' Link

Kabbage
Technorati described how Kabbage works with eBay Link

Lending Club

Mint.com's blog covered what you need to know about Lending Club Link
San Francisco Business Times commented on Lending Club's strong backing from both investors and lenders Link
San Francisco Times reported that Lending Club stated it is not planning to go public for several years Link

LendingKarma
Entrepreneur featured LendingKarma as a good tool to use when borrowing money from family or friends Link

Lendio
San Francisco Chronicle reported that Lendio offers funding opportunities for new grads Link

Lodo Software
Lodo Software was described as a startup providing jobs in the "Silicon Prairie" region, a.k.a. Omaha Link

Monitise
Monitise released a report predicting that the majority of consumers will use mobile money services within the next three years Link

Mortgagebot
Mortgagebot reached 1000 clients, one of its goals from the beginning Link

PayDivvy
2MinuteFinanced interviewed PayDivvy about its services Link

PayNearMe
BillShrink examined PayNearMe's cash payment service Link

peerTransfer
Mass High Tech interviewed Iker Marcaide from peerTransfer about becoming an entrepreneur Link

ProfitStars
ProfitStars announced a new version of Margin Maximizer that's now available as a hosted solution Link

Robot Dough
2MiniuteFinance toured RobotDough's demo during interview at Finovate Spring Link

SecondMarket

Wall Street Journal stated that SecondMarket helped fuel the tech boom Link
CNBC interviewed SecondMarket for an explanation of the change in trading numbers Link and Link

Smarty Pig
Smarty Pig launched new sharing features, including activity sharing and goal sharing Link

Striata
Striata will host a June 2 webinar for implementing successful ebilling strategies Link

ThreatMetrix
San Francisco Chronicle covered ThreatMetrix's research around mobile transaction activity Link

TILE Financial
TILE Financial released a Financial Identity Profile to strengthen the connection between advisors and under-30 consumers Link

TradeKing
TradeKing divulged the lineup of its free webinars in June Link

Tyfone
Tyfone won 2010 Asia Pacific Smart Card Association Award for its NFC innovation and implementation Link

Wikinvest
Dow Jones Advisor highlighted Wikinvest as a way to analyze portfolios Link

Wonga

Wonga won 2011 Red Herring Top 100 Europe Award for exceptional accomplishments Link
Wonga won the Media Momentum Awards, a coveted award for digital media companies in Europe Link
Wonga's Errol Damelin discussed consumer-centric credit Link

Xero

Diversity Limited commented on Xero's move to the US markets Link
Xero and Keebo teamed up to help you manage and process receipts Link
New Zealand Herald commented on Xero's surging revenue Link

Zecco

The Wall Street Journal reviewed Zecco's new Facebook app Link
Zecco launched an app for stock trades & viewing realtime market data on Facebook Link

Zopa
Zopa shows how it helps consumers protect against inflation Link

Alumni News -- Week of April 25, 2011

By Jessica Ward on May 2, 2011 11:21 AM

On April 27, Prosper gave 200 new lenders $104 to get started. The company is celebrating the news that prosper lenders are averaging 10.4% returns. http://bit.ly/finovate426111

American Banker on Yodlee and Geezeo growth in the PFM market. Yodlee grows French market, and Geezeo signs more credit unions. http://bit.ly/finovate429111

Author Jean Chatzky opens her Debt Diet Challenge to 5 Credit.com readers who are in debt. http://bit.ly/lDmZ54

Bank Innovations highlights six companies as noteworthy to see at Finovate Spring on May 10th & 11th in San Francisco. http://bit.ly/kqBr39

Bill.com releases site upgrade. The upgrade, made over the Easter weekend, includes improved calendar, a revised mobile application, receivables managements and online payments and more. http://bit.ly/finovate427113

BrightScope featured on TechCrunch. The post highlights BrightScope's launch of advisor pages. http://tcrn.ch/finovate426113

Capital Access Network awarded prestigious award. The company won the 2011 Monarch Innovation Award from Barlow Research Associates. http://bit.ly/finovate425113

CashEdge's Small Business Survey finds that small businesses want electronic payment solutions. http://bit.ly/kmC1lM

Consumer Reports integrates BillShrink's recommendations into reviews. BillShrink has similar affiliate relationships with Walmart.com and T-Mobile. http://tcrn.ch/finovate426112

Credit Karma releases Credit Score Climate Report stating credit scores fell two points in the Q1 2011. http://mwne.ws/lnXZn7

Currensee makes Lead411's Hottest Boston Tech Companies list second year in a row. See them at Finovate Spring. http://bit.ly/lmrLNK

H&R Block names former eBay exec as new CEO. http://buswk.co/ipszZa

Mengia signs with Icelandic banks, Arion and Landsbanki. Mengia will provide PFM services to both banks, which will provide 90% of Icelandic banking customers with access to an integrated PFM platform. http://bit.ly/finovate427112

Monitise launches Hong Kong mobile service with JETCO, which will help it break into the Asia Pacific market. http://bit.ly/kEEcCP

Stock Twits names Francisc Costello chief operating officer. http://bit.ly/finovate429114

Tile Financial releases the "Spend Grow Give" app. Now available free in the App Store. http://bit.ly/finovate425111

USA Today covers BrightScope's new tool for choosing the right financial adviser & informs what attributes to look for. http://usat.ly/msrb7l

Wescom Resources Group offers Geezeo PFM to clients. Wescom will be rolling out Geezeo as a complement to the Credit Union's existing online banking platform. http://bit.ly/finovate425112

Xero releases Xero Touch, its new app built on HTML5 that will run on iPhone, Android, Windows7 and Blackberry. http://bit.ly/eLPrdA

Yodlee holds a mobile banking webinar on May 3. Attendance is free. Details online at http://bit.ly/finovate427111

Alumni News -- Week of March 28, 2011

By Jessica Ward on April 4, 2011 1:32 PM

To follow Finovate alumni news in real time, follow us on Twitter here.

Bill.com and Doxo recognized as "AlwaysOn OnDemand 100 Top Private Company." http://bit.ly/finovate329114 http://bit.ly/finovate329115

Bling Nation launches Social Connect platform. The platform allows Bling users to connect online with social rewards features from their favorite merchants. http://bit.ly/finovate328113

Bobber Interactive garners $1.1 million Series A funding round. This funding round was led by PEAK6 Investments. http://bit.ly/finovate41113

Capital Access expands remittance program to include Puerto Rico and 21 more countries. The Capital Access platform is designed for "daily" remittances and revenue-sharing programs. http://bit.ly/finovate329111

COCC selects mFoundry as mobile banking partners. The company has selected mFoundry's mobile INSIGHT product for multi-mode mobile banking services. http://bit.ly/finovate328114

Mint.com launches "Quest for Money" online game. The game is intended for middle school students and is available to play online. http://bit.ly/finovate411111

Morningstar to provide mutual fund Platform to eRollover. eRollover users will have access to Morningstar's historical information and comparison tools for mutual funds. http://bit.ly/finovate329113

See Betterment.com on NBC New York. http://bit.ly/finovate328111

Silver Tail Systems wins Emergent Technology Award. The award, given by the Merchant Risk Council, is rewarding the company's innovative security systems. http://mwne.ws/finovate328112

Sybase argues NFC is "way overhyped." In VentureBeat Sybase President Marty Beard argues that it isn't proven that NFC really is better than the other technologies available. http://bit.ly/finovate41112

Xero launches integrated payroll solution. http://bit.ly/finovate329112

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