Starto Competitors

Bill Gross started Idealab in 1996 to create and operate pioneering technology companies. The structure of Idealab has allowed us to test many ideas at once and turn the best of them into companies, attracting the human and financial capital necessary to bring them to market. Many of these companies were among the first to introduce new business ideas to the market. CitySearch, now a part of IAC, established the category of local online community directories. eToys demonstrated the tremendous potential for online consumer retail and became one of the most recognized brands during the early days of e-commerce. Overture Services, which began life as GoTo.com, was the first company to introduce the concept of paid search — the business model that powers the multibillion-dollar online search market. Idealab continues to explore a range of technology frontiers. New models for improving the search experience are at the core of several companies currently growing inside of Idealab. Moving beyond the Internet, we have spawned companies with breakthrough technologies in robotics, renewable energy and automotive design and production among others. Idealab also continues to partner with leading venture capital firms and other strategic investors to provide the resources to maximize the potential of these companies. In addition to capital, Idealab provides a full range of resources to infuse start-ups with the support they need to rapidly introduce innovative products and services. Resources include office space and the accompanying office services, development and technology, product and graphic design, marketing, financial advice, human resources, competitive research, legal, accounting and business development support and services. In addition, Idealab provides advice on strategy, branding and corporate structure.

Foundry has a 30-year heritage in developing creative software for the Media and Entertainment industry, and a portfolio of award-winning products. It advances the art and technology of visual experience with creative leaders around the globe, including major feature film studios and post-production houses such as ILM, DNEG, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Wētā FX, Pixar, Marvel, Netflix, Framestore and Skydance Animation. In partnership with these companies, Foundry solves complex visualization challenges to turn incredible ideas into reality. Its products are used to create breathtaking visual effects and animation on a wide range of feature films, episodic content, and commercials. Foundry software was integral in the making of every VFX Academy Award-winning film since 2007. The company has been recognized and honored at the highest level in the industry, including four Academy Sci-Tech Awards for Mari, Katana, Nuke and Furnace, two HPA Engineering Excellence awards for Flix and Nuke respectively, and an Engineering Emmy for Nuke. Founded in 1996, Foundry is headquartered in London, with over 275 people worldwide and a presence in the US, Canada, China, Japan, Australia, and Ireland.

Innovent is an engineering and manufacturing company delivering innovative product and service solutions to hygiene, aerospace, and industrial clients around the world. Innovent is part of Standex International Corporation, a diversified manufacturing company with operations in five product segments: Food Service Equipment Group, Air Distribution Products Group, Engineering Technologies Group, Engraving Group and Electronics and Hydraulics Group.