‘Snapchat Is the Gun That’s Delivering the Bullet to Our Children.’ Inside a Social Media Safety Rally Outside Snapchat HQ

Samson Amore

Samson Amore is a reporter for dot.LA. He holds a degree in journalism from Emerson College. Send tips or pitches to samsonamore@dot.la and find him on Twitter @Samsonamore.

‘Snapchat Is the Gun That’s Delivering the Bullet to Our Children.’ Inside a Social Media Safety Rally Outside Snapchat HQ
Samson Amore

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On a muggy Friday afternoon, over a dozen parents who have lost children to drug overdose or suicide marched to Snap Inc.’s Santa Monica headquarters to make their grievances against the social media company heard.


Numerous guardians took the mic and shared horrifying stories of finding their teenaged children dead in their own home after taking their own lives because of bullying on the app, or overdosing on illicit fentanyl obtained from drug dealers on Snapchat. The grieving parents carried bright yellow signs designed to look like Snapchat friend codes, with faces of their dead children in the center. Each poster displayed the date the child passed and noted they were “forever 17,” or the age when they died. They also had a slogan: “Snapchat is an accomplice to my murder.” The ages of the dead children ranged from 14 to 19 years old.

These protests have been happening for a while; dot.LA covered a similar march in June 2021.

Jeff Johnston, Sr., spoke about losing his son Jeffrey Johnston, Jr., to drugs he obtained via Snapchat. Johnston angrily took the mic and demanded CEO Evan Spiegel come out and face him. He also publicly encouraged Spiegel’s wife, Miranda Kerr, to divorce him, saying Spiegel was a “weak and evil man.”

Representatives from nonprofits including the Organization for Social Media Safety (OSMS) and ParentsTogether were also in attendance.

According to Snap spokesman Peter Boorgard, the company is working hard to stop dealers from abusing our platform. “We do this by employing certain technologies, working closely with law enforcement, collaborating with other technology companies, and by having a zero-tolerance policy where we shut off the infringer's account,” Boorgard said.

To his point, just last week, Snap announced it was a “founding partner” of National Fentanyl Awareness Day. And in 2021, Snap told Congress that banning drug sales on Snapchat is a “top priority.” But numerous parents told me that they feel Spiegel treats the problem of illicit drug sales on his app as “a PR problem,” and doesn’t view the situation as they do: A crisis.

As the modest group marched towards Snap’s inconspicuous headquarters at Donald Douglas Loop, I spoke with Amy Neville, the event organizer. She lost her son, 14 year-old Alexander Neville, in June 2020 to an overdose. Alexander unwittingly took fentanyl he thought was a pill of OxyContin or Xanax that he had received from a dealer that he’d connected with via the Snapchat app.

Samson Amore

Legal relief

In attendance were Glenn Draper and Laura Marquez Garrett, attorneys for the Seattle-based Social Media Victims Law Center, who are representing the parents of Sammy Chapman who died at age 16 after he took Fentanyl he thought was Oxycodone. The Chapman family is working to pass Sammy’s Law, sponsored by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Shultz of Florida, which would require social media companies to integrate third-party softwares that would allow parents to track their kids’ usage and interactions.

“If fentanyl is the bullet, Snapchat is the gun that's delivering the bullet to our children,” Samuel Chapman, Sammy Chapman’s father said.

Draper is working with both the Berkman and Chapman families along with roughly 65 others, and filed a lawsuit against Snap on January 3 in LA Superior Court. He's optimistic that once that case progresses to discovery, the public could learn a lot about how Snap’s algorithms work.

Draper also said that he thinks Section 230, which protects tech companies from the consequences of their users’ behavior, needs to change, and noted that Congress is moving to consider federal legislation to change the statute to hold tech companies accountable.

Parental controls

Last August Snap created a feature called Family Center, which allowed parents to see their teen’s friend list, and who they’re speaking with (if the child consents). But Neville and Marc Berkman, CEO of the OSMS, said that wasn’t enough.

Neville said that the Family Center “means that you have to create an account, [so] now they’ve got increased usership. You can see who your kid’s talking to, but not what they’re talking about,” she added. “They [Snap] equate that to, ‘you don’t listen to their private conversations.’ Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. But that option’s there, as a parent,” she said.

Disappearing content

One of Snapchat’s core features is the disappearing message. It’s been baked into the app since it launched in 2011, and it’s a key reason why people use the app. But the vanishing messages disturb parents who literally can’t see if their children are talking about drug sales, or being bullied. They’re asking for this data to be kept and accessible to users, a direct opposition to the app’s core function. The parents also allege the disappearing messages are why drug dealers prefer Snapchat to other platforms, since they can erase traces of their sales.

“This really isn’t a social media problem, this is a Snapchat-specific problem,” Draper said of the app’s unique functions. “You can use AI and all the most advanced moderation techniques to try and get drug dealers off of your site after the fact, but until you change the features that are attracting the drug dealers to your site in the first place, they're going to keep coming.”

Geolocation

Snap introduced a geolocation feature in 2017 called Snap Maps, which much like Apple’s FindMy app, lets Snapchat users see where their friends are. The feature was criticized almost immediately after launch, as parents raised concerns about it being perfect fodder for stalkers.

Users can turn this off, or choose to have only specific friends view their location. There’s also an option to go into “ghost mode,” which makes their location invisible. But parents argued that teens who might not know about these features’ settings and are liable to accept friend requests from strangers might misuse the feature. “They [dealers] use geolocation to find children in areas where they might be able to pay for the drugs, they solicit those children and then they use Snapchat to connect the dealer with the child and to make the arrangements for the drug deal,” Berkman argued.

Third-party monitoring

Neville and other parents also said they want neutral parties to be tasked with monitoring the company’s progress. “As far as our government and legislation are concerned, I really want that duty of care followed by third party auditing, because at this point, so much crime has happened on their platform,” Neville said. “We’re just supposed to take their word for it nowadays, we need third party auditing.”

These third parties, Neville suggested, could be law enforcement, the Organization for Social Media Safety, or anyone “who really can take a hard look at it and don't have any financial ties.”

Back in 2021, Snapchat said it was “generally open” to using third-party software, but Spiegel’s also said that it might not work, citing user privacy and scalability issues.

“We would take that on so long as we were completely independent of Snap,” Berkman said of being a Snapchat auditor. “The arrangement would have to enable complete independence and the funding for that process would have to be independent of a specific platform or the [tech] industry general.”

Editor's Note: Snap Inc. is an investor in dot.LA.

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This LA Startup Wants to Make It Rain and Just Raised $25M to Do It

🔦 Spotlight

Hello LA!

While most tech headlines are busy chasing AI chatbots and flying taxis, one startup in El Segundo is aiming a little higher. Literally.

Rainmaker just secured$25 million in Series A funding to expand its cloud-seeding drone technology. The round was led by Lowercarbon Capital, with participation from Starship Ventures, 1517 Fund, Long Journey Ventures, Naval Ravikant, and others.

Their idea is simple but urgent. Instead of relying on old-school aircraft to spray rain-making particles across the sky, Rainmaker uses AI-powered drones that find and seed clouds with pinpoint accuracy. It is faster, more affordable, and could reshape how regions fight back against droughts.

California's ongoing water struggles have made it clear that simply "saving" water is not enough. Cities and entire economies need new tools to create it. Rainmaker plans to use the funding to grow its fleet, invest in atmospheric science, and expand commercial partnerships with utilities and governments searching for solutions.

Bigger picture, Rainmaker is part of a growing shift in LA's tech ecosystem. While software remains dominant, more investors and founders are quietly betting on "hard tech" that addresses real-world problems like water, energy, and infrastructure.

It is not just about apps anymore. It is about survival tech.

With the skies getting hotter and the reservoirs getting lower, the next great tech export out of LA might not be entertainment or social media. It could be rain.

Stay tuned…

🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

    • SimpleClosure, a Santa Monica-based startup that automates the business shutdown process, has raised a $15M Series A funding round led by TTV Capital. The company, which launched publicly in late 2023, helps startups and businesses navigate legal, regulatory, and compliance hurdles when closing down, using AI to streamline paperwork and communications. The new funding will support SimpleClosure’s platform growth and product expansion, as rising economic pressures create heightened demand for efficient dissolution solutions. - learn more

      LA Venture Funds

      • Alexandria Venture Investments participated in Haya Therapeutics’ $65M Series A funding round. Haya Therapeutics, which is developing precision RNA-guided medicines for chronic and age-related diseases, will use the capital to advance its lead therapeutic programs targeting heart failure and fibrosis. The company plans to expand its pipeline, invest in its discovery platform, and grow its team to accelerate clinical development. - learn more
      • Griffin Gaming Partners led a $7M funding round for Fuse Games, a gaming studio focused on developing new original IP. Fuse Games, founded by industry veterans with experience at major gaming companies, plans to use the funds to accelerate production of its first title and expand its team as it builds ambitious new gaming experiences. - learn more
      • Shamrock Capital has made a strategic growth investment in Neocol, a leading consulting platform that specializes in sales and AI-driven software solutions for subscription businesses. Neocol, which helps companies optimize revenue operations and digital transformations, plans to use the investment to accelerate its growth, expand its services, and further strengthen its leadership position in the Salesforce ecosystem. - learn more
      • Trust Fund participated in a $7.2M seed funding round for Agree.com, an all-in-one platform that combines e-signature and integrated payments, aiming to streamline and speed up service agreements. The company plans to use the new capital to grow its engineering team, expand integrations, and enhance payment capabilities to help service providers close deals faster. - learn more
      • Hyperlink Ventures participated in Orca AI’s $72.5M funding round. Orca AI, headquartered in London, develops AI-based navigation and collision-avoidance solutions to improve safety and efficiency for commercial shipping fleets. The funding will help Orca AI scale its autonomous shipping technologies, expand its team, and support global growth efforts. - learn more


      LA Exits

      • StoryFire, a social storytelling and video platform with over 2.5M users, has been acquired by Flashy Finance to launch a new platform called Flashy Social. The move aims to merge content creation with blockchain-powered financial tools, allowing creators to monetize through token incentives, streaming features, and community engagement. This acquisition supports Flashy Finance’s broader vision of building a cultural, creator-led financial ecosystem. - learn more
      • Jaanuu, Inc., a Los Angeles-based medical apparel brand known for its stylish and functional scrubs, has been acquired in an asset sale by VentureOn Management, LLC. The acquisition includes substantially all of Jaanuu's assets, encompassing its intellectual property, inventory, and customer relationships. VentureOn Management plans to continue Jaanuu's operations, focusing on delivering high-quality medical apparel to healthcare professionals. - learn more
      • Skechers has agreed to be acquired by 3G Capital in a deal valued at approximately $9.4 billion. Shareholders will receive either $63 per share in cash or $57 plus an equity unit in a new private parent company. Following the acquisition, Skechers will become privately held, maintain its Manhattan Beach headquarters, and continue to be led by its current management team. - learn more

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        Biometrics, Crypto, and Comfort: New Tech Lands in LA

        🔦 Spotlight

        Happy Friday, Los Angeles!

        This week, it's all eyes, quite literally, on LA's latest tech headlines.

        Image Source: World

        First up, World has officially touched down in the U.S., launching its ambitious biometric crypto project in six cities, including right here in Los Angeles. Cofounded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, World is betting big on a future where proving you're human is just a blink away. Their tool? An orb-shaped device that scans your eyes to create a "World ID," a decentralized digital passport built for the AI era. Verified users can then claim Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency aiming to become the first truly global digital currency. To tie it all together, World has rolled out the World App, a wallet to manage your ID and crypto and World Chain, a new blockchain designed to prioritize real people over bots. The ambition is bold. The stakes are high. And the question still lingers: How much privacy are we willing to trade for convenience?

        Image Source: Lyft

        Meanwhile, Lyft is rolling out the red carpet, or perhaps a comfortable seat cushion, for LA’s senior citizens. The rideshare giant just launched Lyft Silver in Los Angeles, offering older adults personalized support, live phone assistance, and specially trained drivers. It's a savvy play into an often-overlooked demographic, combining technology and empathy to serve a growing market of tech-savvy seniors. Will Lyft’s new approach give them an edge in LA’s competitive rideshare market? Stay tuned, and maybe text your grandma… she just might become Lyft’s latest power user.


        🤝 Venture Deals

        LA Companies

          • True Classic, a Los Angeles-based apparel brand known for its better-fitting basics, has received its first institutional investment from 1686 Partners. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate True Classic's global expansion and diversify its product offerings to include women's and children's lines. The investment will also support enhancements in supply chain, logistics, and omnichannel retail operations, positioning the brand for continued growth in the global market. - learn more
          • Chaos Industries, a Los Angeles-based defense technology startup, raised $275M in a Series C round led by Accel and New Enterprise Associates, valuing the company at $2N. The company develops advanced detection, monitoring, and communication systems for defense and commercial sectors. The funds will be used to expand product development, grow the team, and scale manufacturing operations. - learn more
          • Apex, a Los Angeles-based spacecraft manufacturer, raised $200M in Series C funding to scale production of its productized satellite bus platforms. The company will use the funds to expand operations at its 50,000-square-foot facility and increase manufacturing capacity to meet demand from government and commercial customers. Apex aims to accelerate delivery timelines and support national security initiatives like the U.S. Department of Defense’s Golden Dome program. - learn more
          • Deferred, a technology-driven Qualified Intermediary, has raised $3.6M in seed funding to modernize and democratize 1031 exchanges for everyday real estate investors. The funding round was led by B Capital and Fika Ventures, with participation from strategic investors. Deferred's platform offers AI-driven compliance, robust fund security, and a no-fee exchange model, aiming to make tax-deferred real estate transactions more accessible, secure, and efficient. The funds will be used to expand access to 1031 exchanges, ensuring that every investor, not just institutional players, can leverage this powerful wealth-building tool. - learn more

          LA Venture Funds

          • Village Global participated in Stately Bio's $12M seed funding round. Based in Palo Alto, Stately Bio is a biotech startup developing an AI-powered live-cell imaging platform that enables non-invasive, real-time analysis of cell behavior, enhancing regenerative medicine and cell therapy development. The funds will be used to scale the platform and expand its pipeline of stem cell-derived therapies. - learn more
          • Riot Ventures participated in True Anomaly's recent $260M Series C funding round. Based in Centennial, Colorado, True Anomaly develops advanced spacecraft and software systems for U.S. national security missions, including its flagship Jackal vehicle designed for close-proximity operations in orbit. The funds will be used to support upcoming space missions, expand manufacturing capabilities, and grow the company's workforce. - learn more
          • Navitas Capital led a $10.5M Series A funding round for Field Materials, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based startup that automates construction material and equipment procurement using AI. Field Materials' platform leverages proprietary large language models to process vendor quotes, delivery slips, and invoices, integrating the data into major construction accounting systems. This approach reduces purchase order and invoice processing time by 90%, improves margins, and helps construction companies secure volume pricing. The funds will be used to double Field Materials' team and triple its revenue in 2025, accelerating the delivery of AI capabilities to meet growing demand in the construction industry. - learn more
          • Bold Capital Partners participated in Near Space Labs $20M Series B funding round. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Near Space Labs deploys helium balloon–lifted "Swift" robots to capture ultra-high-resolution aerial imagery from the stratosphere. The company plans to use the funds to expand its fleet and increase coverage, aiming to provide 7cm-resolution images to 80% of the U.S. population twice annually. - learn more
          • Alexandria Venture Investments participated in a $15M Series A funding round for Hoofprint Biome, a Raleigh, North Carolina–based agtech startup. Hoofprint Biome develops enzyme-based feed additives aimed at reducing methane emissions from cattle while enhancing productivity. The company plans to use the funds to advance product development, conduct on-farm trials, and prepare for commercial launch. - learn more
          • Finality Capital Partners participated in a $25M seed funding round for Miden, a privacy-focused blockchain protocol spun out of Polygon. Miden leverages zero-knowledge technology to offer fast, confidential transaction processing tailored for large institutions handling sensitive payment flows. The funding will support the development of Miden's ecosystem and developer tools, with plans to launch its main network by the end of the year. - learn more
          • Overture VC participated in Glacier's $16M Series A funding round. Glacier, a San Francisco-based startup, develops AI-powered robotic systems designed to automate and enhance the efficiency of recycling processes at material recovery facilities (MRFs). The funds will be used to expand Glacier's operations, deploy its technology to more MRFs across the U.S., and further develop its AI and robotics capabilities to improve recycling rates and reduce environmental impact. - learn more
          • Powerhouse Capital and Rideback participated in a $10M funding round for Cheehoo, a Los Angeles-based startup developing AI-powered tools to streamline 3D animation workflows. Cheehoo's platform integrates with industry-standard software like Maya and Unreal Engine, offering features such as AI-assisted character animation, speech-to-motion capabilities, and real-time collaboration tools. The company plans to use the funds to enhance its technology and expand its reach to a broader range of creators, from major studios to independent animators. - learn more
          • Village Global participated in P-1 AI's recent $23M seed funding round. Based in Henderson, Nevada, P-1 AI is developing an artificial general intelligence (AGI) platform named Archie, designed to automate engineering tasks for physical systems. The company plans to use the funds to advance Archie's capabilities, starting with applications in data center cooling systems, and eventually expanding into sectors like industrial systems, automotive, and aerospace. - learn more
          • TenOneTen Ventures led a $3.3M seed funding round for Domos, a startup developing an AI-powered workforce to streamline property management operations. Based in New York City, Domos' platform automates routine communications and workflows, enabling property managers to focus on higher-value tasks. The funds will be used to expand the company's engineering team and further develop its AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and resident experience. - learn more
          • Leap Venture Studio participated in a $1M seed funding round for Buddy Bites, a Hong Kong-based dog food brand that donates to shelters with every order. The funds will support Buddy Bites' expansion in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK, with plans to enter Taiwan and launch new products later this year. Additionally, Buddy Bites joined Leap Venture Studio's 12-week accelerator program, gaining mentorship and access to a network of industry experts to further its mission of providing premium dog food while supporting animal shelters. - learn more

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          From Metro Rails to Blended Wings: LA’s Transportation Era

          🔦 Spotlight

          Hello Los Angeles,

          Move over Coachella, hello Stagecoach. With crowds headed east, LA might feel a little quieter this weekend, but beneath the surface, the city is busy making moves that could shape the future of travel.

          Image Source: Metro

          First up: a major milestone at LAX.

          This June, the new LAX/Metro Transit Center Station will officially open, finally linking Metro's C and K Lines to a new ground hub near the airport.

          It marks the first real rail connection to LAX in the airport’s history, a major step for a city that has long been synonymous with gridlock.

          While the fully Automated People Mover system connecting the station to the terminals is still under construction and expected to open in 2026, the launch of the transit center is a critical piece of LA’s broader infrastructure upgrade ahead of the 2028 Olympics.

          Even if most travelers will still rely on cars or rideshares for now, it is a sign that even the most car-centric corners of the city are starting to shift.

          Image Source: JetZero

          Meanwhile, in Long Beach, a local aerospace startup is aiming to transform air travel altogether and just got a major boost.

          JetZero, a stealthy aviation company based in Long Beach, announced a new investment from United Airlines to advance its radical new aircraft design: the blended wing body.

          Unlike traditional tube-and-wing planes, JetZero’s blended design integrates the wings and fuselage into a single structure, reducing aerodynamic drag and dramatically improving fuel efficiency.

          United's investment is more than just financial support. It is a strategic bet on JetZero’s vision for cutting long-haul flight emissions in half, a critical goal as the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize.

          JetZero plans to have its first full-scale prototype flying by 2027, and if successful, it could set a new blueprint for the next generation of commercial aircraft.

          For Los Angeles, it is another reminder that some of the boldest ideas shaping the future of mobility are being built right here in our own backyard.

          Planes, trains, and a city learning to move a little differently. Just another week in LA.

          🤝 Venture Deals

          LA Companies

          • Durin, an El-Segundo startup aiming to automate drilling for critical minerals exploration, has secured $3.4M in a pre-seed funding round led by 8090 Industries. The company is developing a sensor-equipped drilling rig capable of drilling 300 meters deep, gathering data to build an automation model. The funding will support the development of this technology, with the goal of enabling unattended drill rigs within two to three years. - learn more
          • Altruist, a Los Angeles-based custodian and software platform for registered investment advisors (RIAs), raised $152M in a Series F round led by GIC, bringing its valuation to $1.9 billion. The platform streamlines account opening, trading, reporting, and billing for over 4,700 advisors. The new funding will be used to accelerate product development, expand the team, and scale enterprise capabilities. - learn more
          • Sesh, a superfan engagement platform that connects artists with fans through interactive experiences, exclusive content, and live events, has raised $7M in funding led by Miura Global. The funds will be used to expand platform capabilities, onboard more artists, and enhance technology for deeper insights and engagement opportunities. - learn more
          • Khloud, a new consumer brand founded by Khloé Kardashian, has raised $12M in an oversubscribed funding round with participation from Jessica Bixby, Serena Ventures, William Morris Endeavor (WME), and Shrug Capital. The Los Angeles-based company is debuting with a protein-rich popcorn made from whole-grain corn and its proprietary “Khloud Dust” seasoning, delivering 7 grams of protein per serving. The funds will be used to expand into additional snack categories and scale retail distribution, beginning with a Target launch on April 29. - learn more

          LA Venture Funds

          • Anthos Capital co-led a $20M funding round for Theo, a New York-based crypto trading infrastructure startup. Theo enables retail investors to access institutional-grade trading strategies—such as high-frequency arbitrage and cross-chain funding rate optimization—through strategy-specific vaults, eliminating the need for technical expertise. The platform operates on a custom validator network that facilitates real-time execution across centralized and decentralized exchanges, enforcing margin requirements and system-wide overcollateralization. The funds will be used to expand Theo's validator infrastructure, integrate with additional financial platforms, and grow its user base. - learn more
          • Pinegrove Capital Partners participated in a $70M Series B funding round for Nourish, a New York-based startup offering AI-powered, insurance-covered virtual nutrition counseling. Nourish connects patients with registered dietitians to manage chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes, boasting a network of over 3,000 dietitians across all 50 states. The funds will be used to expand its provider network, enhance AI tools, and deepen partnerships with healthcare organizations. - learn more
          • Mantis VC participated in Chainguard's $356M Series D funding round. Based in Kirkland, Washington, Chainguard secures software supply chains by offering tools like secure containers, virtual machines, and libraries for open-source development. The funding will be used to expand product offerings, grow the go-to-market team, and support its expanding customer base. - learn more
          • Clocktower Technology Ventures participated in a $30M Series C funding round for Steadily, a landlord insurance provider based in Austin, Texas, and Overland Park, Kansas. Steadily offers tailored insurance solutions for rental property owners, serving policyholders across all 50 U.S. states. The funds will be used to expand operations, enhance technology, and grow the team, aiming to streamline the insurance process for landlords. - learn more
          • Blue Bear Capital participated in Ocient's recent $42.1M Series B extension, bringing the Chicago-based data analytics company's total funding to $159.4M. Ocient specializes in high-performance, energy-efficient analytics solutions for large-scale, complex data and AI workloads, leveraging its proprietary Compute Adjacent Storage Architecture® and Megalane™ technology. The new capital will be used to advance the development and delivery of energy-efficient solutions for costly, complex, and operationally burdensome data and AI workloads. - learn more
          • Group11 participated in Healthee's $50M Series B funding round, supporting the New York-based company's mission to simplify health benefits through AI. Healthee offers an AI-powered platform that helps employees and employers navigate complex healthcare systems, enhancing user experience, reducing costs, and improving care outcomes. The funds will be used to expand Healthee's product suite, scale go-to-market operations, and accelerate the development of its AI-powered tools. - learn more
          • Sum Ventures participated in Irrigreen's $19M Series A funding round. Headquartered in Edina, Minnesota, with operations in San Francisco, Irrigreen develops robotic irrigation systems that utilize digital mapping and AI to optimize water usage for residential lawns. The funds will be used to advance product development, expand manufacturing in the U.S., and enhance the company's smart lawn care solutions. - learn more
          • Ventek Ventures participated in Recce's $4M funding round. Based in San Francisco, Recce offers data-native code review tools designed to enhance data validation in AI and software development workflows. The funds will be used to advance Recce's open-source toolkit and launch its collaborative SaaS platform, Recce Cloud, aiming to streamline data validation processes across the software lifecycle. - learn more
          • B Capital led an $87M Series C funding round for Omnidian, a Seattle-based provider of performance assurance services for residential and commercial solar and energy storage systems. Omnidian offers comprehensive protection and performance plans, ensuring optimal operation and maintenance of clean energy assets. The funds will be used to scale core operations, expand into high-potential markets like Australia and Europe, and explore new product lines such as electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and commercial energy storage solutions. - learn more
          • Overture VC participated in PHNX Materials' $2.5M seed funding round. Based in the U.S., PHNX Materials has developed a process to purify coal fly ash by removing impurities like sulfur and carbon, making it suitable for use in concrete production. This approach not only repurposes industrial waste but also reduces the carbon footprint of concrete by replacing a portion of cement. The funds will be used to scale PHNX's purification technology and expand its operations to meet the growing demand for sustainable construction materials. - learn more

          LA Exits

          • Maza, a fintech startup catering to Spanish-speaking consumers in the U.S., has been acquired by Flex for $40M. Originally focused on helping immigrants open bank accounts and obtain ITINs, Maza shifted its services toward small business owners, such as landscapers and construction subcontractors. This pivot aligned with Flex's mission to provide comprehensive financial tools for business owners. Post-acquisition, Maza will rebrand as Flex Consumer, with its founders assuming executive roles within the combined company. The merger aims to accelerate their shared roadmap in delivering integrated financial solutions. - learn more
          • Moondust Management, a talent agency known for representing creators in travel, lifestyle, wellness, and purpose-driven content, has been acquired by Fixated, a digital entertainment platform. This acquisition aims to enhance Fixated's capabilities in content creation and brand partnerships by integrating Moondust's expertise and creator network. - learn more
          • ClaimShark, a provider of payment integrity solutions, has been acquired by Lyric, a leader in healthcare payment accuracy and integrity solutions. ClaimShark's innovative tools, including the Virtuoso command center and Replay audit platform, will be integrated into Lyric's AI-driven Lyric42 platform. This acquisition aims to enhance payment accuracy, transparency, and efficiency across the healthcare ecosystem by streamlining and simplifying healthcare transactions to eliminate waste. - learn more

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