![The Company That Will Take Bird Public](https://dot.la/media-library/exclusive-bird-plans-to-go-public-via-spac-at-2-3-billion-valuation.jpg?id=26259452&width=1200&height=600&quality=85&coordinates=0%2C160%2C0%2C160)
Bird Rides, the Santa-Monica e-scooter company that was once a startup darling but saw ridership plunge during the pandemic, is planning to go public through a so-called blank-check company, dot.LA Senior Finance Reporter Ben Bergman has learned. Get to know the special purpose acquisitions company that will take it public, Switchback.
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Exclusive: Bird Plans to Go Public at $2.3B Valuation
Bird is preparing to merge with Switchback II Corporation, a Dallas-based blank check company focusing on companies reducing carbon emissions, according to documents reviewed by dot.LA. Bird will receive hundreds of million in cash through the deal, which it can use to fund its operations as it struggles to achieve profitability, which it expects to do in 2023.
Meet the San Diego Startup That's Making Seafood from Cell Cultures
The first cell-cultured hamburger — a five-ounce patty that cost more than $300,000 to produce — was made in 2013. BlueNalu aims to use the technology to help the seafood industry recover from overfishing and environmental pressures.
NBC Won't Air Next Year's Golden Globes
The stunning development comes amid growing controversy surrounding the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's lack of diversity and questions regarding its policies.
Snap Sued Over Cyberbullied Teen Who Took His Life
The family of 16-year-old Carson Bride alleges Snap Inc. was negligent in safeguarding against cyberbullying after the Oregon teen committed suicide last year.
How Pacaso Makes It Easier for More People to Own a Second Home
The concept of co-ownership isn't new, but unlike "DIY" shared ownership arrangements among family members or friends, Pacaso manages all the details for potential home buyers and then handles ongoing maintenance, LLC oversight, bill payment and scheduling. Read more >>
Join Us at the Motivate SOCAL Emerging Mobility Summit
Southern California is beginning to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and new job opportunities in advanced industries, including mobility and transportation, are on the way. dot.LA is partnering with CoMotion to host "Motivate SOCAL," a half-day virtual event, set for May 19, 2021. Register here.