Welcome to our new daily series: DC Download. This post will hit bright and early Monday through Friday, with a curated list of news you need packaged in a way that's easy to digest. We'll be updating it throughout the day, so check back often. Let's kick things off with...
RideScout buys GlobeSherpa
RideScout announced on Tuesday that it has bought mobile transit ticketing startup GlobeSherpa. It's the latest extension of the company's efforts to offer streamlined and improved transportation solutions. The purchase will see GlobeSherpa's technology applied to RideScout's plans to become the platform for mass transit ticketing and booking. Keep an eye on DC Inno for a more in-depth look at the deal and an interview with RideScout CEO Joseph Kopser.
Discovery Communications wins $1.45B Olympics broadcasting contract
Silver Spring-based Discovery Communications won a $1.45 billion contract to broadcast the Olympics in Europe on Monday. The International Olympic Committee granted discovery the rights to broadcast both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games starting in 2018 and running through 2024 through its Eurosport division. The two companies will also work on the new Olympic Channel, which will run Olympics-related programming year-round. You can read the whole announcement here.
Google cybersecurity expert heads to the White House
Google computer security expert Peiter Zatko is headed to the White House to run a new agency, probably related to cybersecurity. Zatko, better known by his nickname Mudge, announced his plan on Twitter, saying he would be creating a cybersecurity version of products safety test company Underwriters Laboratories. It's an idea that's been played around with for years in D.C., but Zatko, and the urgency lent by recent cybersecurity attacks on the U.S., could make it a reality. (Recode)
Apple Music starts streaming Tuesday morning
Apple Music will launch Tuesday morning at 11 a.m., marking the start of a new era in music streaming competition. Following a free three-month trial period that current customers with an Apple ID can opt into, the service will cost $9.99 per month and will be available on iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac and PC. Finding an audience and linking to Apple's other offerings won't be a cakewalk though, as Chris Bing reports. Read his full report on what Apple Music could mean for the future of the company, and music services, here.
Maryland is giving $1 million to grow a local cybersecurity firm
Tenable Network Security is getting more than $1 million from Maryland and Howard County to expand the cybersecurity startup's workforce with hundreds of new employees, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced on Monday. Maryland's Department of Business and Economic Development will offer a $1 million loan and the Howard County Economic Development Authority is offering a $100,000 workforce training grant to Tenable. The full announcement is here.
Distil Networks raises $21 million
Arlington-based cybersecurity firm Distil Networkshas raised a $21 million Series B round led by Bessemer Venture Partners. The funding round is the latest win for the four-year-old company. Distil has raised $38 million to date. You can read more in Chris Bing's full report here.
Top cybersecurity names are joining Invincea
Fairfax-based cybersecurity startup Invincea has added some big names to its Advisory Board. AT&T's Chief Security Officer Ed Amoroso, former Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary and Deputy Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Rand Beers and Rhett Hernandez, the former head of the U.S. Army Cyber Command, currently the West Point Cyber Chair at the Army Cyber Institute. The prominent names point to Invincea's rapid growth and interest in applying its expertise to national cybersecurity issues. Invincea's announcement is here.
