Flying Bytes is a recurring roundup of innovation and quick updates on the people and companies we're covering:
SEPTA launches TransitViewBack in January, we
reported that SEPTA was weeks away from launching a real-time, system wide tracking program. The future is finally here. Like SEPTA's TrainView for regional rail, the new
TransitView provides live updates on the whereabouts of buses and trolleys throughout the city. Also launched:
SMS Transit Schedule Information, allowing customers to receive a text with the next four scheduled trips, and
Schedules to Go, a mobile website function that provides information on the next ten scheduled trips.
Shah closes $72 million IPO with Universal Business Payment Solutions Following a hot tip, we learned that Bipin Shah, creator of the MAC, was
seeking $72 million for payments startup
Universal Business Payment Solutions. On May 13, UPBS (NASDAQ: UBPSU) got its money. According to Shah's partner Peter Davidson, "we closed on 12 million shares at $6.00 per share. The underwriters have a 45 day option to cover any over-allotments, which they have not exercised to date." Investors include hedge fund magnate
J. Kyle Bass, who purchased about 800,000 shares.
Philadelphia Printworks up, running, finding its marketThe lovely ladies at the helm of
Philadelphia Printworks are going full speed with their new T-shirt business. Co-founder April Pugh reports that most of PPW's customer base has come from custom work, particularly from local indie rock artists. PPW loves its rockers right back and offers a band discount. Pugh says she and partner Ruth Paloma Rivera-Perez are now seeking partnerships with retail outlets and will be selling at upcoming summer festivals.
Specticast expands with EuroArts partnershipDigital entertainment distribution company
Specticast continues to widen its reach. The company, which we originally
profiled back in April, announced an exclusive partnership with
EuroArts, bringing live and pre-recorded events from Berlin's Philharmonie, The Sheldonian Theater at Oxford University, and Madrid's Teatro Real, according to Mark Rupp, SpectiCast president.
Source: Andrew Busch, SEPTA; Peter Davidson, UBPS; April Pugh, PPW; Mark Rupp, Specticast
Writer: Sue Spolan