House File 2461, which passed the Iowa House unanimously March 2, would make the development and deployment of ransomware illegal in Iowa except in cases of testing or research. The bill defines ransomware as “a computer or data contaminant, encryption or lock that is placed or introduced into a computer, computer network or computer system […]
The fund raised $250 million in assets, made 11 fintech investments in 2021 Next Level Ventures launched the Curql Fund (pronounced “circle”) early in 2021 as a national group of credit unions was expressing interest in a nationwide credit union-led venture capital fund that invests in fintech companies that serve credit unions and their members. […]
City pays $595K, provides Mediacom access to conduit network The city of West Des Moines will pay Mediacom $595,000 and allow the internet service to license parts of its conduit network, resolving a lawsuit filed more than a year ago, according to the settlement agreement reached by the two parties. Under the terms of the […]
The Technology Association of Iowa announced Jan. 26 that Laura Smith, chief information officer at UnityPoint Health Systems, will serve as chair of the board of directors in 2022. TAI’s three new board members are Michelle Bates, chief innovation officer at Revology Inc., Jason Katcher, vice president and chief information officer at ITA Group Inc., […]
The U.S. Small Business Administration is launching the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program and allocating $3 million in new funding to help emerging small business owners develop their cybersecurity infrastructure, SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced Friday. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses have adopted technology at high rates to survive, operate and grow […]
The Angel Capital Association, a collective of accredited angel investors, announced Tuesday it has formed the Angel Investor Foundation. The foundation was created as an effort to expand the association’s angel investing education program, the Ann and Bill Payne ACA Angel University, renamed for the foundation’s first major donors, according to a news release. Delivering educational […]
More than $210 million has been awarded to grant applicants to further expand high-speed internet across Iowa, the governor’s office announced Tuesday. According to a news release, the funding was awarded to more than 160 applicants as part of the investment to expand broadband across the state. “Our commitment to high-speed, reliable broadband for all Iowans continues to […]
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller announced Dec. 30 three consumer protection priorities the office will pursue in 2022, including investigating the effects of Facebook’s algorithms on consumers. Miller said at the press conference that it’s important to address consumer protection in Big Tech because of technology’s “incredibly important place in our lives today.” “So much […]
The Business Record began releasing results from the 2021 Leader’s Survey in the Nov. 26 print edition. Our annual survey asks business leaders to share what they feel are some of the top issues affecting business in Central Iowa, and in particular the Greater Des Moines region. The following is a selection of responses from leaders who […]
The Technology Association of Iowa released Wednesday the following legislative priorities for 2022: Connectivity: Facilitate high-performance internet connectivity using the best available technologies for all Iowans. Education access: Support programs, such as Future Ready Iowa, that connect Iowans to the training and education required for good-paying jobs and careers to improve people’s lives. IEDA funding: […]