We Watch the Trend

Woome-Online Speed Dating

noreply@blogger.com (Ardhi) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 05:31:00 +0000

Woome is an online introduction platform that allows users to meet, see and hear people live in 1-minute conversations. Using a webcam and WooMe's optimized in-browser video and voice capability, users congregate online for five-minute "speed sessions" in which everyone gets to meet five new people. Users can create their own session focusing on a particular topic, or they can join one that's already scheduled. Either way, they decide whether they've been "woo'd" or not by each member they meet and pursue the connections with those they like. San Francisco-based WooMe is backed by the founders of Skype (Atomico Investments), Mangrove Capital Partners and Klaus Hommels, and its service is free.

Founded in 2006, WooMe's management team has experience in bringing innovative web applications to market for companies including: AltaVista, CMGI, BT, Accenture, Qwest, Shopzilla, Trilogy. Stephen Stokols, Co-Founder/CEO, successfully sold an internet start-up and went on to become BT's youngest VP, growing their eCommerce revenues over 300% to over $1bn in his first 12 months. George Berkowski, Co-Founder/Product Director, brings extensive technical and marketing experience in the online space and in outer space (he played a role in sending the first tourist to the Space Station).
check out http://www.woome.com

Start-up phone provider Ribbit aims to offer solutions

noreply@blogger.com (Ardhi) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 05:25:00 +0000

Additional applications will come from independent developers using Amphibian’s API. These developers—more than 600 have signed on so far—can sell the tools they create via Ribbit’s online store. That’s where the opportunity for tech-savvy entrepreneurs may lie. Ribbit itself will create revenue through access fees to its API, along with support services and sales of applications developed both in-house and by third parties. Ribbit isn’t alone in this space, of course. Heavyweight Google recently announced its open model Android operating system for mobile phones. Another major player, eBay, is under pressure to wring more profits from its Skype subsidiary. And Apple has plans to further open up its iPhone to third party developers.

Bottom line: the telecom industry is about to get even more lively, with lots of opportunities for small-scale developers to create their own profitable niches that serve consumers like never before.
source: www.ribbit.com

Nike: made from scraps

noreply@blogger.com (Ardhi) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 05:15:00 +0000

Nike generated copious amounts of street cred with techies when it partnered with Apple and released its Nike + iPod Sport Kit, which allowS gadget-loving runners to synch their iPods via a special sensor placed inside their Nike shoes.

Trash Talk is the brainchild of Nike celebrity endorser Steve Nash.The All-Star guard for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns is a committed green-living advocate. And a retail price of USD 100 aptly illustrates how a company can turn garbage to gold. That’s a lesson which should be well taken by beleaguered manufacturers in the US and other developed nations. As these manufacturers look for ways to compete with lower-cost producers in Asia, they might find the secret to reinventing themselves is stacked up in the trash bins of their own factories
source: www.nike.com

Top 10 lifestyle & leisure business ideas in 2007from Springwise: Promising new business ideas for entrepreneurial minds

noreply@blogger.com (Ardhi) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:02:00 +0000

We're deviating from our regular schedule to bring you the best new business ideas of 2007, featuring our personal favourites. This isn't a trip down memory lane—all of these smart concepts will continue to provide entrepreneurs with plenty of opportunities in 2008. Next up: lifestyle & leisure.

1.Fresh & frozen gourmet baby food: While organic and gourmet baby food aren’t new, they’ve mostly been limited to jarred varieties. Start-ups in two categories are widening the options for parents who want to feed their infants something fresh, but don’t have the time or talent to prepare their own gourmet purées. They also provide ... More »

2.Vending goes organic: Combining three unremitting consumer trends—convenience, organics and health—YoZone by YoNaturals is a vending machine dedicated to organic products. Based in San Diego, YoNaturals offers an alternative to vending machines that are typically stocked with junk food. Its vending machines are stocked with a wide range of items, from fresh fruit to products by ... More »

3.Mixed-to-order muesli: As much choice as there may be in the cereal aisle, nothing beats made-to-order, especially if you can mix and match 70 different ingredients. Which is what Mymuesli offers through its online cereal store. Using a simple and user-friendly interface, customers build their own personal muesli. First, they pick ... More »

4.Brighton and Brooklyn grocers stick to local products: The supermarket business is about as mature as an industry can get. Giant chains with centuries-worth of collective management knowledge compete fiercely in hundreds of markets for margins amounting to just pence on the pound. Even so, entrepreneurs have succeeded in nibbling away at mega chains. From online grocery ... More and more »

5.Mini size me!: Bucking the trend of ever-expanding dining portions, Chicago-based Minnies is out to prove that bigger isn't always better. Featuring a wide selection of bite-size gourmet burgers and sandwiches—including traditional favorites such as grilled cheese and Reubens, alongside the more inventive Mykonos (roast chicken, tzaziki sauce and kalamata tapenade) and ... More »

6.Bringing transparency to restaurant kitchens: Only the most fastidious are likely to look up the health inspection records of restaurants before deciding on a place to dine. And even if they are curious enough to look, actually finding those records could be a chore, since they’re often buried deep within a government agency website. ... More »

7.Halal baby food: Two British companies are bent on closing a gap in the prepared foods market—halal baby food. Up until recently, certified halal meat-based baby foods weren’t available. Because of this, Muslim mothers often delayed the switch from milk to solids, leading to babies developing iron and protein deficiencies. This isn't ... More »

8.Beach barbecue on call: Appealing to a 'not leaving the beach yet' kind of spontaneity, Danish Sommergrill offers seaside barbecue on speed dial. Consumers can call or SMS Sommergrill from the beach, and the service will deliver a ready-to-go bbq set: marinated meat, salad, bread and dessert, plus a disposable barbeque, plates, napkins, ... More »

9.Sommelier, go away! Food pairing made easy: For consumers who aren't interested in delving into a wine's expressiveness or pinpointing whether a Mourvèdre's hints of blackberry are outweighed by its overtones of black pepper, what matters most is how well the wine goes with their food. Making it as simple as possible, the Amazing Food Wine ... More »

10.Ultra premium organic juice: While there's no shortage of premium juice brands, Wild Bunch & Co. still caught our eye with its ultra premium approach. The Singaporean company, which launched in January 2007, sells 100% organic juice in distinctive bottles and offers home delivery within ... More »