"It will drive more content creators to focus on the platform."
TikTok struck an agreement with one of the world's largest advertising and public relations holding companies to provide them exclusive collaborations with their creators. The move could further cement the social media player's growing role in the influencer economy, reports Entertainment Reporter Sam Blake.
Some entrepreneurs are fleeing, but California is still the 'unicorn' capital of the world.
As Virgin Galactic gets swept up in GameStop mania, it gets back to flying.
Elon Musk says he wired up a monkey's brain to play video games.
Sony Music acquires Kobalt's label and neighboring rights for $430 million.
Robinhood reportedly explores raising more debt to fulfill Reddit-fueled order frenzy.
Facebook to counter Apple privacy update with its own prompt.
Google to pay $3.8 million to settle pay gap and hiring bias claims.
Elon Musk led a bizarre interview with Robinhood's CEO.
Databricks raises $1B funding round at $28B valuation.
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Backstage Capital Opens Fund to Retail Investors
The Los Angeles venture firm, founded in 2015 by Arlan Hamilton to focus on underrepresented founders, flung itself open to mom-and-pop investors and they quickly smashed down the doors. Read more>>
SpaceX Will Launch Four Civilians Into Orbit This Year
Billionaire Jared Isaacman, CEO of Pennsylvania-based payment technology firm Shift4 Payments Inc., is financing the trip, chartering the Dragon rocket and donating three seats. The people joining Isaacman will be announced in coming weeks. Read more>>
TikTok Is Partnering with Ad Behemoth WPP
A partnership with advertising behemoth WPP signals how TikTok is moving to beef up its appeal to brands, as social media stars become increasingly important to advertisers. Read more>>
The Honest Co. Reportedly to File for IPO
Jessica Alba's The Honest Company is reportedly quietly preparing to file an initial public offering. The personal and baby care products brand could seek a valuation of $2 billion. Read more>>
SpaceX Will Have to Explain Why It's Blocking a Federal Subpoena
A federal judge wants SpaceX to explain next week how it will defend its decision to block a federal subpoena of hiring documents. Judge Michael Wilner has set a video conference hearing with lawyers for both sides on Feb. 8. Read more>>
Strategy Session: The Future of Content Moderation Online
Join us Wednesday, February 10th at 11:00 a.m. PT for a conversation about the future of content moderation online, in partnership with Fenwick. dot.L.A. Managing Editor Rachel Uranga will have a one-on-one conversation with a leading social media company (to be announced). Afterward, dot.LA CEO Sam Adams will speak with Fenwick Partners Tyler Newby and Andrew Klungness for a legal perspective. Register here - space is limited!
Sign Up For Our Virtual Pitch Showcase
Our next virtual pitch showcase will be broadcast live at 11:00 a.m. PT on Thursday, February 4th. Hosted in collaboration with Bank of America, the event will shine a light on three startups, each led by entrepreneurs from communities traditionally underrepresented in tech. The pitches will be judged by Ajay Relan, partner at Slauson & Co, Camden McRae, investor at Industrious Ventures and Redonna Carpenter Woods, senior vice president at Bank of America. Register for the event here >>