Irvine-based software maker Cylance Inc., which recently raised $100 million in a Series D round, is using some of the funds to boost its international marketing initiatives.
The software security provider combines machine learning, artificial intelligence algorithms, and the cloud to thwart new and evolving threats and cyberattacks before they hit targets, such as servers, desktops and virtual desktops.
Its promotion efforts in newly opened markets in France, Germany, the Middle East, Latin America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand will include regional Unbelievable Tours, or live malware download and cyberattack defense showdowns between its CylancePROTECT and products by competitors.
Cylance, which posted $100 million in revenue, also plans to localize website and marketing content for the new market areas and set up public relations support there.
Its airport advertising, currently in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, Australia, will expand globally, according to company officials. The ads were created by Sublime Communications in Stamford, Conn.
Audio Blizzard
Did you catch the first podcast by Blizzard Entertainment Inc. on iTunes? Yes, podcast, or more specifically a free four-episode audio drama that debuted Aug. 1. “Tomb of Sargeras” will promote the “World of Warcraft: Legion” expansion pack for Blizzard’s popular game, which will be available Aug. 30. The episodes were written by Story Developer Robert Brooks and narrated by Steven Pacey.
The gaming company also marked its 25th anniversary by casting one of its popular characters, Arthas, in a 14-foot, 4,000-pound bronze statue that was installed at a public park in Taichung, Taiwan. The effort, which according to the company also aimed to “recognize and celebrate the incredible Taiwanese gaming community,” involved 30 people and took nine months to complete.
Trippin’ With Toshiba
Ten high school students and four teachers returned this week from the TOMODACHI Toshiba Science & Technology Leadership Academy in Tokyo. The group kicked off its weeklong journey at Toshiba America Business Systems in Irvine.
Their experiences included working with Japanese counterparts in small teams to develop solutions to global issues using Toshiba Corp.’s products as tools. The trip was designed to foster closer cross-cultural ties among participants.
“By going to a different country, students exchange ideas, and amazing things can come out from this collaboration,” said Mizuho Fischer, manager of corporate communications at Toshiba Corp. subsidiary Toshiba America Inc., which makes a variety of electronics, printing and storage systems products through a number of locally based business units. The students were chosen to participate through a competitive selection process based on their response to an essay question.
MX-5 Roadshow
Mazda North American Operations in Irvine plans to hold a “Millionth Miata Celebration Tour,” an 18-stop event “to thank fans and owners for their loyalty toward making the MX-5 the best-selling roadster of all time.”
The tour begins Aug. 18 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey and will return to the racing venue in October after visiting Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Atlanta, Houston and New York, among others.
At each stop, the first 240 owners and fans will have the opportunity to sign the 1 millionth MX-5—a right-hand-drive, Japanese-specification soft-top vehicle. Locations were chosen based on MX-5 sales history and requests from owners’ clubs that expressed interest when Mazda announced the tour.
Bits & Pieces
Kate Dagger joined Rauxa in Costa Mesa as chief creative officer. The agency has a staff of about 230 in six offices and posted $56 million in revenue. Its marquee clients include Gap Inc., Allergan PLC, Verizon and Alaska Airlines. … Yogurtland in Irvine hired Chad Bailey as senior director of marketing. He most recently served in a similar role at the Los Angeles-based Robeks juice chain.
