Wednesday, April 23, 2008

The Ozzie Memo - Microsoft's software and services strategy for the future

Read this doc on Scribd: Services Strategy Update

Monday, April 21, 2008

Channel M Receives Investment from Intel Capital

Out-of-Home Video Advertising Market Estimated to Reach $2.25B by 20111

Channel M, a leading out-of-home video advertising company, today announced it has completed Series C financing from Intel Capital. Funding will be used to expand Channel M’s digital content distribution network, as well as expand the sales and marketing infrastructure.

“Retailers and advertisers are continually searching for better ways to connect with and influence consumers while they are shopping and Channel M’s out-of-home network of branded original content satisfies this demand,” said David Teichner, CEO of Channel M. “One of our national retailing clients has seen an average of 79 percent ad recall and brand recognition, leading to a 20 percent sales increase in stores that have adopted a Channel M network. With Intel Capital’s investment in Channel M, we will be able to enhance and expand our networks through digital distribution to help us continue to develop the most effective in-store programming for our retail clients and advertisers.”

“The out-of-home video industry has developed into a unique media category with growth potential,” said Gustavo Aray, senior investment manager, Intel Capital. “Intel Capital’s investment in Channel M will drive ongoing development of its digital distribution network as well as support program content development.”

Channel M is the nation’s largest in-store media company, working with more than 20,000 locations in the United States. Channel M’s national ad supported retail networks reach more than 100 million consumers each month, serving as key vehicles for retail branding as well as third party advertising to highly targeted demographics at more than 7,500 points of purchase around the country. The Company’s clients include national retailers such as Macy’s, Ashley Furniture and Blockbuster. Channel M pioneered out-of-home narrowcasting with its unique mix of custom-developed content and advertising that educates consumers, impacts sales, enhances the store environment and drives incremental revenue for retail partners.

1According to market analysts eMarketer and PQ Media, the out-of-home video industry is expected to grow to $2.25 billion and $3.22 billion, respectively, by 2011. To capitalize on the growth potential of the market, Channel M will use the Intel Capital funding to migrate its distribution network to a digital platform. Through digital distribution of its programming, Channel M will be able to offer advertisers the ability to customize delivery of ad content to localize ads or service campaigns nationwide. Digital delivery will also enhance metrics information for Channel M networks, helping to move the industry towards universal reporting standards.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Wipro Chairman, Azim Premji, launches $1B PE fund focussed on India

Wipro chairman Azim Premji, among the richest Indians, is casting his net wider. Known as an astute investor who picked stocks in his personal capacity across an array of undervalued but promising companies, Mr Premji is now launching a private equity fund with an investible corpus of at least $1 billion. The fund, PremjiInvest, is expected to be sector-agnostic. And if insiders are to be believed, it may even shun pure-play IT services companies.

As a first step, Mr Premji named Sudip Banerjee, who till recently was president of the enterprise solutions business, as director on the advisory board of PremjiInvest. This is probably the biggest private equity play by a domestic corporate honcho.

However, there are India-origin funds that are bigger—ICICI Ventures, for instance. With about 80% stake in Wipro, Mr Premji’s wealth in terms of market capitalisation is pegged at around Rs 68,000 crore. And the 61-year-old promoter is believed to be taking home well over Rs 500 crore in dividends and salary annually.

Click here to read the complete story at economic times

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Intel Capital Announces New US$500 Million China Technology Fund II

Here's the direct link to the press release

BEIJING, April 8, 2008 -- Intel Capital, Intel Corporation's global investment organization, today announced its second China investment fund, the Intel Capital China Technology Fund II. The new US$500 million fund will be used for Intel Capital investments in wireless broadband, technology, media, telecommunications and "clean tech" that complement Intel's corporate initiatives and help expand technology market segments in China.

"The establishment of our China Technology Fund II, which is more than double the size of the original China Fund, is the ideal way to celebrate 10 years of Intel Capital activity in China's vibrant economy," said Arvind Sodhani, president of Intel Capital. "Since 1998, Intel Capital has invested in more than 70 companies across China and Hong Kong. We aim to foster innovation and local entrepreneurship, while enriching the technical capabilities and global competitiveness of technology companies in the region."

Intel Capital's first US$200 million Intel Capital China Technology Fund has been fully invested in local Chinese companies. In connection with the announcement of the Intel Capital China Technology Fund II, which comes during Intel Corporation's 40th anniversary, Intel Capital announced two new Chinese investments with the fund:


Holdfast Online Technology Co. Ltd. provides a platform to host third-party operator LAN-based or console games so gamers can play against each other in a wide area network.
Newauto Video Technology Inc. manufactures and sells video equipment, network solutions and system integrations for TV stations across China. Newauto also provides digital content editing and sports program live-broadcasting services. Newauto is a service provider for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Given the success of the original China Fund -- with investments in more than 28 companies -- it is time to renew our commitment," said Cadol Cheung, managing director, Intel Capital Asia Pacific. "Intel Capital expects to further increase our investment in China by pursuing business opportunities and participating in larger deals with an eye on leading rounds. As a stage-agnostic global technology investor, Intel Capital invests consistently across all economic landscapes and has a unique advantage in providing value-added benefits."

The Intel Capital China Technology Fund, established in 2005, was intended to help Chinese businesses nurture important technologies and develop innovative products. Examples of investments include: Neusoft Group, Supcon Group, A8 Music, Chinacache International, Chipsbank Microelectronics, DAC, HiSoft Technology International, Kingsoft, Legend Silicon, Montage Technology, and Palm Commerce. Notable liquidity events involving portfolio companies from the first fund include: Actions Semiconductor, Kingsoft and Neusoft Group.

The Intel Capital China Technology Fund and Fund II are part of Intel's overall presence and investment in the Chinese market.

"2008 is of great significance for Intel in China, marking the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening up policy, and witnessing the Beijing Olympic Games," said Ian Yang, vice president of Intel Corporation and general manager of Intel China. "Whether it is talent cultivation or industrial innovation, in cities or rural areas, Intel will continue to support and promote the development of China's IT industry."

About Intel Capital
Intel Capital, Intel's global investment organization, makes equity investments in innovative technology start-ups and companies worldwide. Intel Capital invests in a broad range of companies offering hardware, software, and services targeting enterprise, home, mobility, health, consumer Internet, semiconductor manufacturing and cleantech. Since 1991, Intel Capital has invested more than US$7.5 billion in approximately 1,000 companies in 45 countries. In that timeframe, 168 portfolio companies have gone public on various exchanges around the world and 212 were acquired or participated in a merger. In 2007, Intel Capital invested about US$639 million in 166 deals with approximately 37 percent of funds invested outside the United States. For more information on Intel Capital and its differentiated advantages, visit www.intelcapital.com.