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📺 'Charter'ing a Course Towards a Post-Cable Era?

Christian Hetrick

Christian Hetrick is dot.LA's Entertainment Tech Reporter. He was formerly a business reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer and reported on New Jersey politics for the Observer and the Press of Atlantic City.

📺 'Charter'ing a Course Towards a Post-Cable Era?
Image Source: Los Angeles Times

🔦 Spotlight

The ongoing dispute between Burbank-based Walt Disney Co. and Charter Communications (parent of Spectrum cable/internet) regarding the distribution of Disney's channels, particularly ESPN, could potentially unravel the cable TV business as we know it. 🖥️🤺📺

The dispute between Walt Disney Co. and Charter Communications resembles a high-stakes chess match. Disney's CEO, Bob Iger, has publicly revealed Disney's intention to bring ESPN channels directly to consumers, signaling a strategic move away from classic cable. Charter, whose distribution agreement for Disney channels was set to expire, responded with a bold move of its own by initiating a blackout of Disney's channels for its Spectrum customers.

This battle is seen as a proxy war for the future of pay-TV. While Charter has largely agreed to Disney's financial demands, it insists on gaining more flexibility in how it delivers Disney's channels and streaming apps. This strategic standoff mirrors the dynamics of a chess match, with both sides carefully weighing their moves and considering the long-term consequences.

The broader context reveals the challenges faced by pay-TV providers as the industry shifts towards streaming. Many subscribers have cut the cord in favor of streaming services, and cable companies are grappling with the increased programming fees. This dispute exemplifies the evolving landscape of entertainment distribution.

So what does this all mean…

The outcome of this game hinges on the decisions made by both sides. If Charter agrees to Disney's terms, it may secure access to Disney's content but could face higher fees and reduced flexibility down the road. Conversely, if Charter stands firm and rejects Disney's terms, it risks losing access to highly popular channels and streaming content, potentially alienating its customer base. Will Charter flip the board and begin an entirely new type of game without cable TV? ♟️

🤝 Venture Deals

LA Startups

  • Santa Monica-based Simple Closure, a platform to help automate the shut-down process, raised a $1.5M Pre-Seed Round led by Vera Equity and Cambrian Ventures, with participation from a group of executives at various startups including Brex, Gusto and Nvidia. - learn more
  • Santa Monica-based Zeeve, a blockchain infrastructure management platform, received a $1M follow-on investment from Expert Dojo, also based in Santa Monica. - learn more

✨Featured Event (9/14)✨

Plug In South LA is hosing its Accelerator Cohort 4 Founder Showcase on September 14th (This Thursday!).

Hosted by our friends at Plug In, this event will showcase Early Stage Black and Brown Founders rolling out new service and platform solutions in Digital Health/Healthcare Tech, FinTech, Digital Media, PropTech, and EdTech.

🚀 For Early Stage Investors looking to diversify their portfolios with high-potential companies led by Black and Brown Entrepreneurs, this showcase is a must-attend. We also extend a warm welcome to the LA Tech community, including LPs, Corporate Executives & Foundations, and Family Offices.

🎟️ Secure your spot now and immerse yourself in a night of innovation, inspiration, and boundless opportunities. Register for the Plug In Accelerator Cohort 4 Founder Showcase here.


📅 LA Tech Calendar

Sunday, September 10th

  • The Data Scientist Hangout 🗽 - Ex-Amazon data scientist and podcast host, Daliana Liu, and ex-Meta machine learning engineer, Damien Benveniste, will be hosting a hangout at Royce Hall in UCLA Sunday morning.

Tuesday, September 12th

Wednesday, September 13th

  • Startup Cafe🗽 - Meet and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals while enjoying a nice cup of coffee Wednesday morning in Venice.
  • LA Tech Happy Hour 🗽 - Meet and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals after work while enjoying refreshing drinks in Culver City.
  • Originate Poker Night & AI Cocktail Event 🗽 - Come and see what Originate has to offer you and your business at their first ever Poker Night and AI Cocktail Event in Playa Vista.

Thursday, September 14th

Other events to add to the calendar

🗽 - Free

🌍 Around The Internet

LA’s Top Tech Funding Rounds of the Summer

As summer temperatures soared in Los Angeles, the city's tech companies found themselves navigating a funding landscape that, while still dynamic, showed signs of cooling down. Nevertheless, noteworthy funding rounds took place, illustrating the resilience and adaptability of LA's tech ecosystem. Here are the top five funding rounds between Memorial Day and Labor Day that provided a glimpse into the shifting dynamics of the city's tech scene.

  1. Q-CTRL: $54M in JulyQ-CTRL, a startup that has built quantum-sensing software that helps reduce errors on quantum computers, closed out its $54M long-running Series B led by Morpheus Ventures. The funds will go toward fostering technical innovation, expanding Q-CTRL’s product portfolio and scaling the company’s operations. - Read More
  2. Impulse Space: $45M in JulyImpulse Space, the space logistics startup, raised a $45M Series A led by RTX Ventures joined by Founders Fund, Lux Capital, Airbus Ventures and Space Capital. The funds are intended to further develop Helios, it’s largest orbital maneuvering vehicle to date, into a high-energy kick stage that will be capable of bypassing geostationary transfer orbit and taking payloads directly to geostationary orbit. - Read More
  3. Karat Financial: $40M in JulyKarat, a startup building financial tools for content creators, raised a $70M Series B a combination of debt ($30 million, led by TriplePoint Capital) and equity ($40 million, led by SignalFire joined by Union Square Ventures, CRV, GGV, Commerce Ventures as well as actor Will Smith via Dreamers VC, Twitter co-founder Biz Stone and YouTube co-founder Steve Chen). The funds are intended to help scale existing products and continue to build tools to help creators manage money. - Read More
  4. Mythical Games: $37M in JuneMythical Games, a next-generation gaming studio, secured $37M as part of its C1 led by Scytale Digital joined by ARK Invest, Animoca Brands, PROOF, Stanford Athletics, MoonPay, Andreessen Horowitz, Gaingels, Signum Growth, Struck Capital, and WestCap. The funds will be used to achieve profitability within 12 months and follow through Mythical’s mission of providing innovation to video games through web3 infrastructure to mainstream gamers through new economy and game models. - Read More
  5. Gardens: $31.3M in JulyGardens, a new independent game studio focused on fantasy adventure video games raised a $31.3M Series A led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Krafton and joined by Dreamhaven, TIRTA, Rendered VC, Transcend Fund, Funplus and others. Gardens, founded in the summer of 2021, will use the funds to create a fantasy action role-playing game. - Read More

📙 What We’re Reading

  • AI-Curious, a new podcast exploring applications of AI, interviews Hollywood producers who are pioneers of using AI, not to replace writers and actors, but to optimize production and build communities: the cofounders of Toonstar Studios, CEO John Attanasio and COO Luisa Huang. - listen here
  • An increase in Los Angeles' data center demand is largely driven by artificial intelligence requirements and the continued adoption of cloud services. - read more
  • ESPN and Fanatics join the sports betting market and will challenge the FanDuel-DraftKings duopoly that currently dominates the online sports betting industry. - read more
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los angeles tech news

Momentum in Motion: IPOs, Partnerships, and Innovation

Grace Lee
Momentum in Motion: IPOs, Partnerships, and Innovation

🔦 Spotlight

Happy Friday, Los Angeles!

Last week, we dove into some of the major moves shaping LA’s tech scene, from ServiceTitan’s IPO ambitions to Anduril’s AI advancements. This week, the story continues with new milestones and updates that reveal how quickly the landscape is evolving. Here’s what’s happening now:

ServiceTitan’s IPO: A Fintech Spark

ServiceTitan’s initial public offering has proven to be a resounding success.The Glendale-based company priced its IPO at $71 per share, significantly above the anticipated range of $52 to $57. On its first trading day, shares opened at $101 and closed at $101.20, marking a 43% increase and valuing the company at nearly $9 billion. This impressive debut underscores ServiceTitan’s growing influence in the trades software space and signals a potential trend for other fintech leaders to watch closely. Read more about ServiceTitan's IPO success here.

Anduril Industries: Expanding the Horizon

We recently covered Anduril’s groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, emphasizing the growing role of AI in defense. This week, Anduril continues to make headlines with new developments and collaborations that underscore its commitment to reshaping national security and autonomous technology:

  • Partnership with Palantir:Anduril and Palantir are teaming up to accelerate AI capabilities in defense. Together, they aim to integrate Palantir’s advanced data analytics with Anduril’s autonomous systems, creating a platform capable of delivering actionable intelligence in real time. This partnership is expected to enhance battlefield decision-making, reduce operational risks, and maintain U.S. leadership in defense technologies. Read more about the partnership here.
  • Dive XL Autonomous Submarine: Anduril’s Dive XL submarine is setting new standards for maritime autonomy. This long-endurance unmanned vehicle can operate in harsh underwater environments for extended periods, providing capabilities for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance. With its modular design, Dive XL supports a range of payloads, making it a versatile asset for maritime security. Learn more about Dive XL here.
  • Archer VTOL Aircraft Partnership: Anduril’s collaboration with Archer Aviation is pushing the boundaries of autonomous flight technology. This partnership leverages Archer’s expertise in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to complement Anduril’s advanced defense systems. By integrating Anduril’s cutting-edge AI capabilities with Archer’s innovative designs, the companies aim to create next-generation solutions for tactical military operations. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and positions both companies as leaders in reshaping the future of aerial defense. Details about the partnership are available here.

Writers Guild Challenges AI in Hollywood

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) continues its efforts to address the growing influence of AI in entertainment. In recent negotiations, the Guild has pushed for clear boundaries on the use of generative AI in scriptwriting, emphasizing the need to protect writers’ rights and creative integrity. As the industry grapples with the implications of this technology, the WGA’s stance highlights an ongoing effort to balance innovation with fairness in Hollywood. Read more about the Guild’s actions here.

Our thoughts are with the residents of Malibu as they face wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds, which have displaced many and disrupted communities, including Pepperdine University. For resources during emergencies, explore ourguide to the top tech apps for natural disasters, highlighting tools to support preparation and safety.

From tech breakthroughs to creative industry challenges, the region’s innovation engine shows no signs of slowing. As 2024 approaches, one thing is clear: the momentum isn’t slowing down.


✨ Featured Event ✨

2024 PledgeLA Catalyst Awards

Image Source: Instagram: PledgeLA

Catalyst Awards to Honor Inspiring Entrepreneurs and Emerging Managers in Venture Capital, Catalysts Improving Access to Capital Across Los Angeles

PRINCIPALS AND HOSTS: The Annenberg Foundation and PledgeLA, the initiative launched in 2018 by the Annenberg Foundation and the City of Los Angeles to promote equity and increase access to capital for L.A.-based startups and investors from underrepresented backgrounds.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. PST.

WHERE: Register to See Address Los Angeles, California

RSVP HERE

🤝 Venture Deals

    LA Venture Funds
      • Alpha Edison led a $27M Series A funding round, joined by Acre Venture Partners, ReMY, among others, for One Bio, a UC Davis spinoff based in California that is developing biotech solutions to bridge the dietary fiber gap, with plans to scale production and expand its product offerings. - learn more
      • Gideon Strategic Partners participated in a $110M Series C funding round for Capstan Medical, a Santa Cruz-based company developing robotics technology for heart disease treatment, with the funds aimed at advancing clinical trials and preparing for commercialization. - learn more
      • Riot Ventures led a $10.1M Seed funding round for Deterrence, a company developing automated solutions for energetics production, including explosives and propellants, with participation from Impatient Ventures and others, to scale its technology, improve manufacturing efficiency, and meet growing industry demands. - learn more
      • Chapter One Ventures participated in a $12M Series A funding round for Hyperbolic, a San Francisco-based AI company specializing in predictive analytics for supply chain optimization, with plans to use the funds to enhance its technology platform and expand its team. - learn more
      • Blue Bear Capital participated in a $35M Series C financing round for Raptor Maps, a Boston-based company that provides software solutions for solar asset management. The funds will be used to enhance their AI-driven platform, expand global operations, and support the growing needs of the renewable energy industry. - learn more
      • Behind Genius Ventures and Night Ventures, among others, participated in a $3M Pre-Seed funding round for Moldco, a Boston-based company providing digital, evidence-based care, treatments, and lab testing to help individuals reclaim their health from mold toxicity, with plans to use the funds to expand operations nationwide in 2025. - learn more,
      • Regeneration.VC co-led a €8M Series A funding round for Orbisk, a Netherlands-based company that develops AI-powered food waste monitoring systems for the hospitality industry, with plans to use the funds to expand internationally and enhance their technology platform - learn more
      • Mucker Capital participated in a $17M Series A funding round for Ask Sage, an Arlington, VA-based company offering a generative AI platform for government and commercial sectors, with plans to use the funds to expand its AI capabilities, drive growth, and increase its workforce. - learn more
      • Magnify Ventures participated in a $8M Series A funding round for MiSalud Health, digital health platform offering affordable, same-day bilingual telehealth consultations in Spanish and English to better serve Hispanic communities in the U.S. and Mexico. With a focus on improving access for Spanish-speaking individuals, the company aims to address the growing demand for culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare solutions as the Hispanic population continues to expand rapidly in the U.S.. - learn more

        LA Exits

        • Elios Vision, a company specializing in innovative glaucoma treatment technologies, has been acquired by Bausch + Lomb to strengthen its portfolio in addressing the needs of glaucoma patients. The acquisition brings Elios Vision's cutting-edge solutions into Bausch + Lomb's comprehensive eye health offerings, expanding its capabilities to provide advanced care for this critical condition. - learn more
        • OceanX, a provider of subscription-focused fulfillment and logistics solutions, has been acquired by Cart.com to enhance its end-to-end e-commerce platform and expand its capabilities in subscription management and order fulfillment. - learn more

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          Mars, Money, and Makeovers : LA’s Big Week

          Grace Lee
          Mars, Money, and Makeovers : LA’s Big Week

          🔦 Spotlight

          Happy Friday, LA!

          This week has been full of energy in LA’s tech world, with some big moves that are hard to ignore. From a local company going public to bold partnerships and exciting projects, here’s a look at the stories driving conversations and shaping what’s happening right now.

          ServiceTitan's IPO Ambitions

          Image Source: ServiceTitan - Cofounders Ara Mahdessian & Vahe Kuzoyan

          ServiceTitan, a Glendale-based software leader for tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians, is gearing up for a major step forward: its initial public offering. The company plans to offer 8.8 million shares priced between $52 and $57, targeting a valuation of up to $5.16 billion. Trading under the ticker “TTAN” on the Nasdaq, ServiceTitan’s IPO is backed by financial heavyweights Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. ServiceTitan’s software simplifies essential tasks such as scheduling and payments for trades professionals, providing much-needed solutions in an industry frequently underserved by technology. The IPO reflects both the company’s rapid growth and a broader trend of integrating advanced tools into foundational industries.

          SpaceX: Shooting for the Stars (and $350 Billion)

          Image Source: SpaceX

          SpaceX is on the verge of solidifying its place as the world’s most valuable startup, with insiders estimating a valuation of $350 billion, according to Forbes. It’s not just about rockets anymore; this company has its sights on global internet domination with Starlink and a future where Mars isn’t just science fiction. Investors are clearly betting big on SpaceX’s ability to pull off the impossible—time and time again. The company’s achievements not only redefine the limits of private enterprise but also establish SpaceX as a key player in reshaping humanity’s relationship with space. For the LA tech scene, SpaceX’s valuation is more than a number; it’s a reminder of what’s possible when ambition meets execution. The question isn’t “what’s next?”—it’s “what’s not?”

          Anduril x OpenAI: The Future of AI Defense

          Image Source: Anduril

          In a move that underscores the rapid convergence of defense and cutting-edge AI, Costa Mesa-based Anduril Industries announced a partnership with OpenAI. This collaboration aims to bolster U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence while enhancing national security capabilities. Anduril, known for its autonomous defense technologies, is leveraging OpenAI’s advanced AI systems to supercharge its offerings. The implications? Think faster decision-making and smarter tech on the battlefield. This partnership not only signals Anduril’s commitment to innovation but also highlights the growing importance of AI in reshaping defense.

          The Rose Bowl Legacy: Preserving an Icon

          Image Source: VisitPasadena

          The Rose Bowl, Pasadena’s iconic stadium and a symbol of Southern California’s rich history, is gearing up for an $80 million transformation as part of its "Lasting Legacy Campaign." This effort isn’t just about preparing for the 2028 Olympics—it’s about enhancing the fan experience while staying true to the venue’s historic roots. From new field-level club seats to a cutting-edge videoboard, upgraded Wi-Fi, and even a refurbished marquee sign, this project balances nostalgia with modern innovation. The Rose Bowl has always been more than just a stadium—it’s a cultural landmark that represents LA’s ability to honor its past while embracing the future. If there’s a place that embodies where history meets progress, it’s here.

          2024 Wrapped: Your Year in Music

          Image Source: Spotify

          As the year winds down, music lovers are diving into Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay 2024. These features don’t just highlight our favorite tracks; they showcase how deeply music integrates into our daily lives and memories. For anyone in the tech or startup world, these features are a masterclass in how data-driven personalization can deepen user loyalty and turn casual interactions into powerful engagement.

          Whether it’s setting the stage for the next space frontier, advancing national security with AI, or revitalizing a cultural landmark, this week’s stories remind us that progress is as much about preserving what matters as it is about reaching for what’s next.


          🤝 Venture Deals

          LA Companies

          • Nectir, an educational technology company that allows educators to design customized AI teaching assistants providing students with 24/7 personalized support, has raised a $4M Seed funding round led by Long Journey Ventures to develop new features and expand its team. - learn more
          • Talus Network, a blockchain platform merging AI and decentralized tech to create smart agents, has raised a $6M Strategic funding round led by Polychain Capital at a $150M valuation to advance its ecosystem, including Protochain, Nexus, and an AI dating app. - learn more
          LA Venture Funds
          • Plus Capital participated in a $35M Series B funding round for Sage, a New York-based company specializing in senior living operations, to enhance its technology platform and expand its services across the U.S. and internationally - learn more
          • Supply Chain Capital led a $4.5M Seed funding round for Celleste Bio, a cocoa tech company specializing in cell-cultured cocoa production, to scale its manufacturing capabilities and accelerate sustainable cocoa innovation. - learn more
          • Village Global co-led a $5.75M Seed funding round for Across AI, a San Francisco-based startup developing AI-driven enterprise solutions, to accelerate product development and expand its team. - learn more
          • M13 led a $5.4M Seed funding round for Cat Labs, an Austin-based startup focused on combating crypto and AI-enabled crime, with the funds being used to develop tools and services that address digital asset security threats. - learn more
          • Chapter One Ventures participated in a $4M Seed funding round for Fiamma, a Singapore-based startup focused on decentralized finance infrastructure, with the funds being used to develop innovative tools for secure and efficient on-chain lending. - learn more
          • The Games Fund participated in a $3M funding round for Playgama, a gaming platform that simplifies the distribution and monetization of HTML5 games across various platforms; the investment will be used to enhance their Platform-as-a-Service ecosystem, including monetization, quality assurance, and management tools. - learn more
          • Fika Ventures led a $6M Seed funding round for StretchDollar, a Pittsburgh and San Francisco-based fintech startup that simplifies health benefits for small businesses through a self-service platform; the funds will be used to enhance their platform and expand their team. - learn more
          • OCV participated in a $27.6M funding round for OSSIO, a Woburn, Massachusetts-based medical device company specializing in bio-integrative orthopedic implants; the funds will accelerate commercial efforts, including new product development and establishing a manufacturing and training center in Florida. - learn more
          • Avalaunch participated in a $6.5M Seed funding round for Avant, a Palo Alto-based decentralized finance protocol that issues a "stable-value" token called avUSD, to scale its crypto yield products. - learn more
          • Rebel Fund participated in a $2.5M Seed funding round for Circleback, a San Francisco startup that uses AI to generate meeting notes and action items, integrating with platforms like HubSpot and Notion; the funding will support expansion and development. - learn more

          LA Exits

          • Of Kos, formerly VMed, a healthcare marketing agency specializing in digital and creative solutions, has been acquired by ONAR, a global network of marketing agencies, as part of its expansion into the healthcare marketing sector. - learn more
          • Rhapsody Voices, a boutique podcast network representing leading content creators and offering tailored solutions for revenue growth through sponsorship representation, content creation, strategy, and marketing, has been acquired by Evergreen Podcasts. - learn more
          • TEDIVO, a Long Beach-based software provider specializing in container supply chain tools like BAPLIE Viewer Online, has been acquired by Lynxis to enhance its port orchestration products and improve cargo management efficiency. - learn more

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          🚀 Inversion Secures $44 Million to Pioneer On-Demand Delivery from Space

          Grace Lee
          🚀 Inversion Secures $44 Million to Pioneer On-Demand Delivery from Space

          🔦 Spotlight

          Happy Friday, LA!

          This week, Southern California's thriving space tech scene celebrated another milestone as Inversion, an El Segundo-based startup, announced a $44 million Series A funding round. The investment, co-led by Spark Capital and Adjacent, with participation from Kindred Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures and Y Combinator, underscores the growing appetite for innovative solutions in aerospace, logistics, and beyond. To date, they’ve raised $54 million, including a $10 million seed round in 2021. In September, they also secured a $71 million STRATFI agreement with the Space Force’s SpaceWERX to develop reentry vehicles for military applications, funded through a mix of government and private investment.

          Image Source: Inversion

          Inversion is pioneering a new frontier: reusable vehicles capable of rapidly returning payloads from orbit to Earth. Their "Earth Return Capsules" are designed to deliver within as little as an hour, enabling everything from rapid-turnaround experiments in microgravity to the delivery of critical medical supplies across the globe.

          Building on this vision, a key focus for Inversion, as noted by SpaceNews, is the development of Arc, a reentry vehicle designed to provide "precision delivery on-demand" from space to Earth. With its first flight planned for 2026, the company is using the Series A funding to move Arc through its full product cycle, including design and development. This funding will also support Inversion's growth from its current 25 employees to a team of around 70, as well as their move into a new facility. Co-founder and CEO Justin Fiaschetti emphasized that the funding is sufficient to bring Arc through its inaugural flight.

          Adding to the excitement, Inversion recently achieved a critical regulatory milestone in October by receiving a re-entry license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This license is a pivotal step in their journey, allowing the company to safely and legally return payloads from orbit to Earth. It positions Inversion among a select group of companies capable of operating in this emerging sector and demonstrates their readiness to bring the concept of space-based logistics into reality.

          This isn’t just a win for Inversion—it’s a win for the Los Angeles aerospace ecosystem, which continues to attract top-tier talent and funding. With giants like SpaceX and Relativity Space already calling the region home, Inversion is further cementing LA’s status as the nation’s space tech hub.

          As Southern California continues to lead the way in space innovation, Inversion is one to watch. Their vision for merging cutting-edge aerospace technology with real-world logistics solutions may not just change how we view space—it might transform how we interact with it.

          Stay tuned for more updates from LA’s tech and startup scene. For now, keep your eyes on the skies—Inversion is bringing them closer to Earth.


          🤝 Venture Deals

          LA Companies

          • Seen Health, a company enhancing healthcare for seniors, has raised a $22M Series A funding round led by 8VC to support the opening of its first center in California and drive the development of the company’s technology. - learn more
          LA Venture Funds
          • Theory Forge Ventures participated in a $30M Seed funding round for San Francisco-based Wordware, a startup developing a full-stack operating system for AI development that enables users to create sophisticated AI agents using natural language; the funds will be used to expand their platform and accelerate growth. - learn more
          • Clocktower Ventures participated in the most recent funding round for OpenYield, a New York-based company revolutionizing bond trading with its automated, equity-like marketplace, bringing the company's total funding to $7M to date. - learn more
          • Bonfire Ventures led a $4.25M Seed funding round for KeySavvy, a Seattle-based platform that simplifies and secures private-party car transactions; the funds will be used to expand their operations and engineering team, support new partnerships, enhance platform automation, and launch a fast-financing product for buyers. - learn more
          • Aliment Capital led a $42M Series C funding round for OneRail, an Orlando-based company specializing in last-mile delivery logistics software; the funds will be used to enhance their platform's capabilities and expand market reach. - learn more
          • UP.Partners led a $7M second-extension Series A funding round for Teleo, a Palo Alto-based company specializing in autonomous construction equipment; the funds will be used to expand their product offerings and accelerate market adoption. - learn more
          • Alexandria Venture Investments participated in a $30M Seed funding round for Valora Therapeutics, a San Diego-based biotechnology company developing novel immunotherapies using their proprietary AbLec platform; the funds will be used to advance their research and development efforts, optimize the platform, and progress AbLec therapeutics toward clinical trials. - learn more
          • Progression Fund participated in a $1.5M Pre-Seed funding round for GetMyHome, a Redondo Beach-based real estate service provider that offers a full rebate of seller-paid agent commission fees, charging clients a flat fee for the services they need, and employs agents who receive flat-fee compensation to help clients secure their dream homes without the incentive to push for overbidding. - learn more
          • Hyperlink Ventures participated in a $33M Series B funding round for Selector, a Santa Clara-based company specializing in AI-driven solutions that provide comprehensive visibility and intelligence for complex networks, infrastructure, and applications; the funds will be used to accelerate the development of their AIOps, Large Language Model (LLM), and Digital Twin technologies, as well as to expand their global presence. - learn more
          • Bonfire Ventures and Impulsum Venture Colab participated in a $5.25M Seed funding round for CalmWave, a Seattle-based health-tech startup specializing in reducing non-actionable ICU alarms to alleviate clinician fatigue; the funds will be used to boost market growth and expand partnerships with GPO channels like Premier, Inc. and Partners Coop. - learn more
          • Wavemaker 360 participated in a $14.5M Seed funding round for Citizen Health, a San Mateo, CA-based company with an AI-powered consumer health platform designed to support individuals managing rare and complex conditions; the funds will be used to enhance their platform and advance research in rare disease drug development. - learn more
          • B Capital led a $25M Series A funding round for Synapticure, a Chicago-based virtual care company specializing in neurodegenerative diseases; the funds will be used to expand partnerships, invest in technology, accelerate clinical research, and scale their medical group to enhance care for patients and caregivers nationwide. - learn more
          • Amboy Street Ventures and Emmeline Ventures participated in a $16M Series A funding round for Alloy, a New York-based menopause care startup that offers personalized treatments, including hormone therapy and symptom management, through telemedicine consultations and home delivery of medications. - learn more
          • Morpheus Ventures participated in a $28M Series A funding round for Goodstack, a SaaS and fintech platform that helps businesses integrate charitable giving, and the funds will be used to expand services for corporates, build technology for nonprofits, and hire across the team in 2025. - learn more
          • Trousdale Ventures participated in a Series B funding round for Anello Photonics, a Santa Clara, CA-based company specializing in silicon photonic optical gyroscopes (SiPhOG™); the funds will be used to improve navigation and positioning in GPS-denied environments for industrial and defense uses. - learn more
          • Cultivate Next participated in a $30M Series B funding round for Plantible Foods, a San Diego-based biotechnology company that creates sustainable, plant-based protein ingredients, starting with Rubi Protein™ from the aquatic plant Lemna, will use its investment to expand manufacturing at its first commercial plant, "The Ranchito," a 100-acre facility in West Texas. - learn more
          • Bonfire Ventures led a $4M Seed funding round for Mithrl, a San Francisco-based company providing an AI-powered platform to accelerate scientific research; the funds will be used to expand their go-to-market team and further develop the platform. - learn more
          • Upfront Ventures led a $15M Seed funding round for BrightAI, a San Francisco-based company specializing in AI-powered sensor technology for real-time monitoring across various industries; the funds will be used to enhance their technology and meet growing customer demand. - learn more

              LA Exits

              • Brainjolt, a Pasadena-based digital media company that creates and curates engaging content across various platforms and reaches millions of users monthly, has been acquired by Centerfield. - learn more

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