Follow the Money

Locally based SkySafe just raised $3 million in their quest to take down rogue drones. The deal was led by Chris Dixon for Andreesen Horowitz. TechCrunch has a Q&A with CEO Grant Jordan, where you can learn how drones are being used for questionable activities at prisons, among other places.

Reputation Matters

Sony placed 7th in a recent survey by the Harris Poll, examining the public perceptions of some of the biggest tech companies. Google, Amazon, and Apple lead the pack of the 12 tech companies presented by Baseline. The companies were measured in several categories including social responsibility, emotional appeal, products and/or services, vision and leadership, financial performance, and workplace environment.

The Best Comments Money Can Buy

Michael Robertson, of MP3.com fame, has a new endeavor— helping news sites create new revenue and think differently about how to manage their comments sections. SolidOpinion.com puts a point value on activity on the news site and allows readers to purchase points. Commenters can then use points to get their comments more prominently placed below a news story. Tribune Publishing, which owns the San Diego Union Tribune and the Los Angeles Times, is one of Robertson’s first customers. Here is the Bloomberg take with all the details.

Pivots and Opportunities

• The Startup Leadership Program (SLP) is accepting applications for the fall. SLP is a 6 month program for founders and innovators in early stage startups. Apply here.
• Deadline this week: San Diego Venture Group is accepting applications for the 2016 Cool Companies. Applications are due by noon on April 27. Apply here.

Be There or Be…

• TSW San Diego 2016
  Technology Services World: Winning in the Cloud is designed to help those who want to create a tech-as-a-service business.
  May 2-4
  Hilton San Diego Bayfront
• Startup Grind Hosts Melani Gordon of TapHunter
  May 12, 6-8 p.m.
  The VineSD, 101 West Broadway

Tags: Blogs, Downtown Buzz