Firefox 3 Customizations Now Available by Patrick Murphy

It’s been a frenetic few days getting our products in line with the Firefox 3 launch, but we’re happy to say we made it.

Our staff has rolled a single installer that will deliver the right browser customization whether you’re on Firefox 2 or Firefox 3. The single install is great from an end user perspective and great from a business perspective. The more you can reduce decision points during software installation, the more you can increase adoption of your product. That may be an obvious point, but it’d be a shame to overlook it.

Try the new installers for any of our current partners on our Media page:

· CoachTressel.com, site for head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team
· Go Big Network, an entrepreneurs network site
· NLT, an Universal Music artist
· The Washington Capitals, a top NHL team

Posted in News | Tags: extension, firefox, nhl, osu, theme, universal music | No Comments »

Initial Funding and Three Unexpected Lessons Learned by Patrick Murphy

We’re happy to announce our initial funding from TechColumbus (full press release). It’s truly a great moment that’s helping make browser customizations a more available marketing tool. As a quick reflection, and for the benefit of other startups working toward their funding, here are three unexpected lessons learned from this process.

1. Coach-ability – Our investors wanted us to listen more than we talked. From the Entrepreneurs in Residence to the investment advisors, they all stated they looked for entrepreneurs that could take advice. Too many startups ask for advice, but then refuse or ignore it. They want to help you succeed. And early on, they look for that willingness to accept the help.

2. The Story in 10 Minutes or Less – It’s got to be a refined story, and that happens over a lot of lunches and phone calls. It starts with close friends and family, evolves to the professional network and gets polished with the investors. Ten minutes is the most time we had in a formal presentation. It forced us to be clear and concise – and ultimately, it worked.

3. Validation – It takes a lot of thick skin to keep the drive to build an unproven and unknown product – and there are moments the confidence wanes. This initial investment is concrete proof that others see the potential of our idea. Now, we not only have funds in the bank to build the product, we’ve received an emotional deposit that’s fueling our energy and spirits. Coming into this, we didn’t realize the importance of the psychological victories.

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Brand Thunder Receives Initial Funding from TechColumbus by Brand Thunder

For Immediate Release

COLUMBUS OH (June 11, 2008) — Brand Thunder LLC, specialists in internet browser customizations, announced today it received an investment from the TechColumbus Regional Commercialization Fund. The $250,000 investment will allow Brand Thunder to build out its technology platform and develop its client base.

Brand Thunder creates a more persistent presence between corporate brands and their internet consumer through its browser customization which leads to increased web site visits and revenue. Through a software installation, end users change the look and feel of their internet browser into an immersive experience from their favorite sports team, entertainment franchise or internet site. The customized browsers feature official logos, colors, content and functionality, but can also extend capabilities including video, music players or other internet widgets. Current business partners and clients include the The Huffington Post, NCAA, NHL, Starpulse and Universal Music.

The TechColumbus Regional Commercialization Fund is designed to invest services and money in companies that exhibit the best opportunities to build a scalable, high-growth company that can attract follow-on capital. This investment is part of a $22.5 million initiative – known as TechStart – that will drive the launch of new technology-based companies in Central Ohio over the next three years.

“It’s a great endorsement,” says founder Patrick Murphy. “I’ve believed browser customizations are a tremendous asset to brands and their consumers, and now I’ve received material validation of that vision.”

“Our goal is to identify and assist companies that have high-growth potential to be very successful, to generate substantial revenue, to attract further investment, and to create high-wage jobs throughout the region,” said TechColumbus. “Brand Thunder has a unique product in a market that continues to reveal new opportunity.”

About Brand Thunder

Formed in April, 2007, Brand Thunder creates a more persistent presence between corporate brands and their internet consumer through its browser customization which leads to increased web site visits and revenue. Through a software installation, end users change the look and feel of their internet browser into an immersive experience from their favorite sports team, entertainment franchise or internet site. The customized browsers feature official logos, colors, content and functionality, but can also extend capabilities including video, music players or other internet widgets. Current business partners and clients include the The Huffington Post, NCAA, NHL, Starpulse.com, Universal Music and Yahoo!. Samples found at http://brandthunder.com/gallery/.

Contact

Patrick Murphy, CEO
Brand Thunder, LLC
614-408-8202

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Posted in Press Releases | Tags: custom browser, funding, techcolumbus | No Comments »

Mossberg on Firefox 3 by Patrick Murphy

It goes without saying we are huge fans of Firefox here at Brand Thunder. As we prepare to migrate our clients to FF3, we wanted to share Walt Mossberg’s (Wall Street Journal columnist) review of FF3. To sum it up, he thinks it the BEST web browser (for now). I think he is referring to a Brand Thunder-themed version of FF3 !! Read the full review here…

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