Webware Radar: WeddingBook launches directory
Also: Synchronica launches service that pushes social networks and news updates to mobile phones; Phreesia raises $11.6 million in funding; and TradeKing launches education platform.
WeddingBook, which allows engaged couples to search through the site's free directory to find local wedding vendors--ranging from reception locations to photographers to entertainers--launched in public beta Wednesday. According to the company, it will list each vendor for free on its site and the business owner can claim their listing and input specific details of their service, as well as upload photos and outline pricing information. Each listing also includes reviews, so the bride and groom can tell engaged couples what they thought of the company.
In what may add some drama to this announcement, popular wedding source The Knot announced last month that it acquired WedSnap, which was the developer of an online wedding planning app known as Weddingbook. Weddingbook is the most popular wedding Facebook application and is still in operation. WeddingBook, the online directory that launched in public beta Wednesday, claims to hold the trademark to its name.
Synchronica, a company that develops mobile e-mail and synchronization tools, announced Wednesday that its new Mobile Gateway 4.0 service will push social networking and news updates to any mobile phone. According to the company, Mobile Gateway 4.0 will support Twitter, Flickr, Picasa, LinkedIn, and Plaxo, as well as "thousands" of news, financial, and sporting feeds. All updates will be pushed to the user's mobile phone whenever new content is made available.
Phreesia, a company that provides an online patient-intake service, announced that it has closed a round of funding worth $11.6 million. According to the company, BlueCross BlueShield Venture Partners led the funding round. As part of the investment, Paul Brown, Managing Director of BlueCross BlueShield Ventures, will join the Phreesia board of directors. The company plans to use its funding to improve its patient check-in technology.
Online broker dealer TradeKing, launched an education platform Wednesday that offers any of its clients access to its Online Learning Center. The company says it wants to "equip clients at every level" with the information they need to succeed in the financial markets. The company's new Learning Center features basic information in its Rookie's Corner for beginner traders and a series of lessons on topics ranging from option trading to taxes. The Learning Center is free and available now.