Networks and wireless sensors have been used for years — by companies like Lighting Science Group, Arch Rock (acquired by Cisco) and D-Link — in a variety of smart building, smart grid and security applications. Their systems can sense occupancy, control lighting and temperatures, and make energy-sucking devices a little more efficient, or make buildings a little easier to patrol and keep safe.
Now, a startup called Insight Innovation & Technology Ltd. (a.k.a. Insight) is using wireless sensors and networks in the wild to predict, prevent and track forest fires. The company installed its technology in Hong Kong’s Tai Lam Country Park with the cooperation of the Guangdong Forestry Department… → Read More
Insight Venture Partners, the NYC-based investment firm that has backed companies like Twitter, Chegg, Flipboard and HauteLook, this morning announced the closing of two new funds with a combined $2 billion in commitments.
One fund, Insight Venture Partners VII, has received approximately $1.5 billion of institutional commitments and roughly $70 million of additional affiliate and friend commitments. Insight Venture Partners Coinvestment Fund II, which the firm explains was established for co-investments in larger deals, received $450 million in commitments. → Read More
OverDrive, which provides infrastructure and services for the distribution of digital content such as ebooks, audiobooks, music and videos, has raised capital from PE firm Insight Venture Partners, the New York-based backer of the likes of Twitter, Chegg, Privalia, Newegg and HauteLook.
The size of the financing round remains undisclosed, but OverDrive says it concerns a “major investment” and the provision of additional resources and capital by the investment firm is subject to regulatory approval. → Read More
The latest Honda Insight goes on sale tomorrow. We spied the inexpensive hybrid at the North American International Auto Show and liked what we saw. Unfortunately, the sales are limited to Japan for the time being, but eventually American ecofreaks will be able to prance with unicorns too. → Read More
Honda recently unveiled the second generation Honda Insight and we spend sometime with the Prius-look alike. The interior has a futuristic look that you know was done on a budget thanks to the cheap plastic. The dash cluster is not only fun, but functional, with the tach center located and the speedo housed alone above the main instruments. The radio and HVAC controls continues the plastic and functional feel but keep in mind this hybrid has a EPA mileage estimates of 40 mpg city, 43 highway, and 41 combined for less than the Prius so high-quality material probably wasn’t a top priority. Photo gallery after the jump. → Read More
