Modern Sprocket LLC http://modernsprocket.com Technology Venture Catalysts Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:36:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Portfolio Update: Tingz http://modernsprocket.com/2009/12/portfolio-update-tingz/ http://modernsprocket.com/2009/12/portfolio-update-tingz/#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 13:36:41 +0000 Patrick http://modernsprocket.com/?p=171 Tingz has more or less been on hold for the better part of 2009. After announcing at TechCrunch50 in September 2008, we garnered some serious publicity and interest in our product vision and approach. We spent the fourth quarter of 2008 attempting to raise our next round of investment capital, but the global economic collapse complicated matters. While we had some offers, the terms were not acceptable. So we took a wait-and-see-approach instead.

This has proven to be advantageous. The landscape for device-based applications has changed dramatically. The iTunes App Store has exploded in popularity, and Android is gaining momentum. New TV models with Internet apps are on the market, and more TVs and other devices are on the way. Rumors about an Apple tablet are so strong that an announcement appears to be coming in January. Those who have followed us from our earliest days know that Tingz was originally named Modern Sprocket, a company that set out to build an Internet tablet with a dead-simple user interface and modular apps, or widgets. Our original plan was developed about 9 months before the iPhone was announced.

The decision to sit on the sidelines has been difficult, but has proven correct. We have recently developed a new strategy for compelling applications that require far less capital to launch. The first of these will be ready in the first quarter of 2010. While we are putting the finishing touches on it and our broader strategy, we’ll be repositioning Tingz as an app company. We expect great things in 2010.

Be sure to sign up for the Modern Sprocket email newsletter or check back here for further updates on Tingz, or visit the Tingz.net site and do the same. Thanks for your interest!

]]> http://modernsprocket.com/2009/12/portfolio-update-tingz/feed/ 0 MSQ Studio http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/msq-studio/ http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/msq-studio/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:21:21 +0000 Patrick http://modernsprocket.com/?p=95 What: Internet Media Production Studio

When: April 2009

Status: Operating

Description:

MSQ Studio is an Internet media production studio and unique event venue rolled into one. Located on the public square in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee, MSQ Studio is an affordable, accessible media studio for creating Internet videos, podcasts, video podcasts, and live Internet broadcasting events. Modern Sprocket launched and manages MSQ Studio.

]]> http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/msq-studio/feed/ 0 Welcome to Modern Sprocket http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/welcome-to-modern-sprocket/ http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/welcome-to-modern-sprocket/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:28:14 +0000 Patrick http://modernsprocket.com/?p=82 Modern Sprocket was the original name for Tingz, Inc., but we liked it so much we kept it for ourselves! Modern Sprocket is a technology venture catalyst firm that owns, operates, advises and/or invests in a variety of companies. Our website is almost exclusively a showcase for our portfolio companies. Take a look, and if you or your company needs a catalyst, contact us today.

]]> http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/welcome-to-modern-sprocket/feed/ 0 Tradingo http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/tradingo/ http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/tradingo/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:22:12 +0000 Patrick http://modernsprocket.com/?p=76 What: Website for Trading Stuff

When: January 2009

Status: Development

Description:

Tradingo is a website where users can trade stuff they don’t want for things they do. Tradingo has some very innovative features, which will become apparent at launch in the near future. Modern Sprocket created the user experience design and serves in a strategic advisory capacity.

]]> http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/tradingo/feed/ 0 Strategux Consulting http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/strategux-consulting/ http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/strategux-consulting/#comments Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:57:06 +0000 Patrick http://modernsprocket.com/?p=38 What: Internet Strategy & User Experience Consulting Firm 

When: July 2000

Status: Active

Description: Strategux Consulting is a boutique user experience firm established in July 2000 that specializes in internet strategy, user experience design and usability testing. The company’s clients include AOL, Capital One, Fannie Mae, Simplexity, Software AG (formerly WebMethods), and Vovici. Strategux is a Modern Sprocket creation, and we continue to own and operate it, with an emphasis on usability testing services.

]]> http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/strategux-consulting/feed/ 0 Tingz http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/tingz/ http://modernsprocket.com/2009/04/tingz/#comments Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:18:16 +0000 Patrick http://modernsprocket.com/?p=8 What: Internet Software

When: July 2006

Status: Development

Description:

Tingz is software that allows you to have the same experience on all your connected devices, and easily share and synchronize your content across devices and among friends. In 2008, Tingz was recognized as one of only 50 finalists of over 1,000 companies that applied for TechCrunch50. Tingz is a Modern Sprocket creation, and we continue to own and operate it.

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