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Dialog Corp. to Relocate Headquarters from Silicon Valley to Research Triangle Area


Silicon Valley-based Dialog Corp. plans to move its U.S. headquarters to Cary. The company sited tax incentives from the state, the rising cost of California real estate and the high-speed computer networks available in the Triangle as reasons for moving to Cary.

Dialog will initially hire about 200 people but expects the number to grow. The company has 70 employees in Cary, which had been the company's U.S. sales headquarters. The company will consolidate its U.S. marketing, administrative and finance operations here as well.

Dialog has 1,000 employees and has its worldwide headquarters in London. Created in 1972, Dialog provides access to large databases of information to subscribers and competes against such companies as Lexis/Nexis and Dow Jones/News Retrieval.

Inspire Pharmaceuticals Signs Licensing Agreement with Japanese Pharmaceutical Company


Durham-based Inspire Pharmaceuticals Inc. signed a licensing agreement worth as much as $17.5 million with Japanese pharmaceutical company Kissei Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.

The deal licenses to the rights to sell INS365, an experimental drug being developed to treat chronic bronchitis, in Japan. Inspire will receive an up-front cash payment and an equity investment, as well as future payments based on achieving certain development milestones. Inspire also would receive royalty payments based on Japanese sales once the drug reaches the market.

INS365 is an expectorant that patients would inhale, enhancing their ability to cough up foreign matter in their lungs. The experimental drug was licensed from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Inspire has another experimental drug in development. The drug, INS316, would be used to help diagnose lung cancer, tuberculosis and other lung diseases. The company is finishing the second of three phases of clinical trials required by the FDA.

Hottest Technology, Coolest Applications on Display at Software '98


Come see the most innovative technology companies in the Research Triangle area when they display their latest products and technologies at Software '98 on Friday, October 16, 1998, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kenan-Flagler Business School, McColl Building, on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The region's eighth annual software conference is sponsored by CED. Twenty demonstrating companies were named in first round selections; more companies will be named in the coming weeks. In addition to up-and-coming companies and their new products, the conference will offer opportunities to network with potential investors and partners, and lively discussions about hot industry issues. Registration for the conference is required.

Apply Now for STREAK!


Are you seeking early stage capital for your growing company? Do you need mentoring from experts in presenting you company for venture capital Apply now for STREAK, CED's venture forum that provides young potential high-growth companies with access to mentors, potential investors and increased visibility. Application deadline is September 25, 1998.

STREAK is designed for entrepreneurs with exciting ideas who will be seeking an early round of capital in the next six months and who can demonstrate equity investment potential. Prospective STREAK candidates must submit an application and executive summary to be considered for the program. Two companies will be selected each month to submit their business plan to a four person mentoring team consisting of investors, legal advisors, CPA's, experienced entrepreneurs and marketing experts. The team will study the business plan, and the entrepreneurs will give a "behind closed doors" presentation to the team. The team will then candidly critique the business plan and presentation, make recommendations, and will provide ongoing mentoring for the company. For more information, contact Suzanne Cantando at CED.

Check Out Upcoming CED Programs and Events!


New Member Orientation

Date: September 24, 1998
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Location: MD/Win Corporation, Raleigh
Contact: Heather Quinn
Register: http://www.cednc.org/applications/new_member.html

New members are invited to join CED staff and members at bimonthly new member orientations. Take the opportunity to network with veteran members, meet the staff, and learn more about what CED has to offer, as well as tell us more about your business. New CED members are encouraged to attend a New Member Orientation within their first six months of membership but are welcome anytime. The orientations are hosted by CED members around the Triangle area.