Internet Start-Up Partnership Formed

The founder of one of the hottest online retailers has joined forces with one of the world’s biggest Internet investment companies to form a venture capital firm in Dana Point that initially will invest $220 million in Internet start-up companies. ThinkTank.com is the product of Scott Blum, the founder of Aliso-based Buy.com Inc., and Japanese investment giant Softbank Corp. Blum chipped in $20 million, while Softbank has committed to providing $200 million. ThinkTank.com will invest in four Internet-related start-up companies a year, helping each to develop business strategies and partnerships as well as taking equity stakes in them.

Neither Blum nor Softbank officials could be reached for comment.