Smartvue gets second look from Angels

Smartvue Corporation's Marty Renkis isn't backing-off his $100 million revenue goal. Renkis (at left) and VP-Sales Bill Hapner -- who was hired this week at Smartvue after a decade at Beacon Technologies -- have their work cut out for them. The interactive video-surveillance and business-intelligence company is now deep into its second round of raising at least $1.5 million in Angel capital. This venture has already attracted at least 18 local angel investors. It was interesting to learn from Renkis how first Nashville and, later, Research Triangle Park captured his imagination and that of his wife, leading him first to found a company here, then move it to North Carolina, sell it years later to a Boston buyer, then return to Nashville to press ahead with Smartvue. Even though he spoke glowingly of the Tarheel State's support of high technology entrepreneurs, Renkis made a point of praising Nashville angels who have supported Smartvue, thus far. Read the full story here.