"We know that watching your favorite shows and movies has always been a social experience."
Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and Sling all rolled out new features, enabling groups of people to watch shows and films at the same time. They are crucial as streamers battle to attract and retain viewers, reports Correspondent JP Mangalindan.
TikTok is laying off employees in India as ban becomes permanent.
Tesla posts first full year of profitability.
Electric first-to-last-mile ecosystems is a new GM focus.
What we learned from Apple's new privacy labels.
Bird is nearing deal for a $100 million in debt financing and considered a SPAC.
Facebook's ad business lifts social media giant to record revenue.
Robert Downey Jr. is launching a new 'rolling' venture fund to back sustainability startups.
AT&T eats a $15.5 billion impairment charge as DirecTV debacle continues.
The rise of one of the first video game workers' unions.
Apple revenue tops $100B for first time on iPhone sales.
HBO Max gains traction after 'Wonder Woman' premiere, Roku deal.
One Way Ventures, a firm focused on immigrant founders, closes second fund.
On our One Year Anniversary, let us know what you think in our brief survey.
Column: A Year Together and Apart
"We at dot.LA are proud of the work that we have done to chronicle a slice of this city and we hope in some ways, even help catalyze changes that will come in 2021 and beyond," writes dot.LA CEO Sam Adams as he reflects on our first year. Read more>>
Why Streamers Don't Want You Watching TV Alone
Even before the pandemic took hold Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and Sling had been working on virtual watch parties. It's all part of an effort to keep users returning. Read more>>
At UCLA, Robots Are Delivering Groceries, Pizza and Coffee
San Francisco-based robotic food delivery service, Starship Technologies, is adding the leafy Westwood campus to its roster of delivery locations. Launched by two Skype co-founders, the company recently raised $17 million in funding. Read more>>
Bracket's New Fund Aims to Buy Up Employees' Pre-IPO Shares
The Beverly Hills-based investment management firm, focused on acquiring secondary shares in later-stage tech companies like SpaceX and Bird, has raised nearly half a billion dollars in equity. Read more>>
Virgin Hyperloop Aims to Get Angelenos to San Francisco in 45 Minutes by 2030
The Richard Branson-owned company unveiled its hyperloop concept video. These renderings put it yet another step ahead of Elon Musk's The Boring Company. Read more>>
Streaming's Rise and the Pandemic Are Changing Film Production in LA
Streaming is sidelining TV pilots. That's one of the many findings in a pair of new reports that document how the pandemic and the rise in streaming services are changing film production in L.A. Read more>>
Our Most-Read LA Startup and Tech Stories of 2020
This year was filled with pivots, pauses and restarts for L.A.'s tech and startup world. In dot.LA's first year, our most-read stories reflect the strangeness of 2020, and go some way in predicting some big questions for 2021. Read more>>
Last Chance to Nominate Companies for Our Virtual Pitch Showcase
We are thrilled to announce the next virtual pitch showcase, which will be broadcast live at 11:00 a.m. PT on Thursday, February 4th. We're looking for Southern California startups in any industry founded by entrepreneurs of color and/or women, or by entrepreneurs from low-income or underrepresented communities. Submissions are now open for company nominations to present at the live event. Submissions will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Please contact annie@dot.LA with any questions.