Startup Talk: Realtors seeking applications for tech startup fund
by November 12, 2015 7:03 am 120 views
Editor’s note: Each Thursday, Talk Business & Politics provides “Startup Talk,” a round-up of startup, technology and entrepreneurial news.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR TECH STARTUP FUND: Second Century Ventures, the National Association of Realtors’ strategic investment arm and early-stage venture fund, recently announced it is accepting applications for its 2016 REach accelerator class, a nine-month program that offers education, mentorship and exposure for technology companies to enter into the real estate market, advance their businesses, and expand into adjacent markets such as insurance, mortgage and financial services. REach has attracted technology startups of all types, ranging from big data and marketing automation to business productivity and lead generation companies. The program accepts organizations in a wide variety of growth stages, not just early-stage companies.
The early application deadline is December 20, 2015. Companies selected early into the program are given the opportunity to kick-start their entries into the marketplace. The final deadline for applications is January 31, 2016. Companies will be selected by the end of February 2016, with the 9-month program kicking off at the end of March and running through November 2016. To submit an application, visit www.narreach.com.
GOLDMAN SACHS CREATES INTERACTIVE ONLINE PORTAL ON AUTO INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION: Investment giant Goldman Sachs has created a new infographic-rich, interactive online portal that is dedicated to the belief that the auto industry will undergo a profound transformation in the next 10 years, from smarter cars that drive themselves to green-friendly vehicles that run on electricity and other alternative fuel sources besides gasoline.
The site, called “Cars: 2025,” points out that technology is driving the current shift in the global auto industry, shaped by demographic, regulatory and environmental pressures. Check out the Wall Street behemoth’s eye-opening site here.
CALIFORNIA STARTUP UNVEILS HUMANLIKE ROBOT: California startup firm UBTECH Robotics announced the launch of its new Alpha 2 humanoid robot, the first ever designed for practical household service and companionship. The Alpha 2 provides cloud services and leverages intelligent voice & perceptual systems to receive commands and execute corresponding behaviors.
The robot is capable of simultaneous interpretation, voice search, visual interaction and providing verbal reminders. The robot also enables sensor-based interaction; insert with acceleration sensor, ultrasonic, touch and pressure sensors; and a built-in camera backed by robot visual computing systems. The robot’s accompanying both iOS and Android systems that provide everyday remote communication and control.
To encourage feedback and interest in the Alpha 2 from both consumers and developers, UBTECH is unveiling the robot through the crowdsource platform Indiegogo at less than $500 for early birds, a fraction of its retail price point. Check out a view of Alpha 2 here.