There is no doubt that technology stepped up its game and met the challenge when the pandemic forced schools to shut its doors. Last year alone, investors sunk $2.2 billion into edtech companies, according to EdSurge. And data from PitchBook show the first half of this year has already surpassed that, reaching $3.6 billion. Reporter Sarah Favot explores the questions rising in the edtech boom and its impact on children's learning.
⏳ Hulu faces a content crisis as the streaming platform approaches the end of its licensing contracts with CBS, NBC and FOX.
📆 Snap is seeking applicants for Yellow, its three-day bootcamp for early stage entrepreneurs, by September 17.
🥬 L.A.-based restaurant chain Sweetgreen has acquired Spyce, a Boston food startup known for its automated kitchen.
🛻 Irvine-based Alpha Motor has unveiled its electric truck, Wolf.
🎞 L.A.-based cable and streaming channel The Africa Channel has entered a deal with THEMA TV to bring ROK studio feature films to U.S. and global audiences.
💡 Executives from Apple, Google, Microsoft and elsewhere met with President Biden, committing to beef up their cybersecurity.
💰 Someone just paid $1.3 million, or 400 ether, for an NFT of a 2017 clip art of a rock.
What's Missing In Learning Apps? Research
In the absence of research, educators must evaluate whether children are actively engaged in the content or view it as just a game. And with the edtech market continuing to boom, academics say it's important for investors to know whether the companies they back are truly educational.
USC Just Got $15 Million Grant To Help Universities Create New Startups
The University of Southern California was among a group of universities awarded a $15 million grant from the National Science Foundation to invest in and incubate startups.
Chevy Bolt Recall Comes As Mainstream EVs Enter the Spotlight
Just as electric vehicles enter the mainstream, Chevrolet hits a setback: Its recent Bolt EV and Bolt EUV models are being recalled due to a series of battery fires.
Rocket Lab Sputters In Its Wall Street Debut
Rocket Lab stock closed down in the company's Wall Street debut on Wednesday, as it joined a clutch of aerospace companies going public via SPAC. Trading under the ticker, RKLB shares dropped 9.85% to $10.43.
Headspace Health Merges With Ginger
Headspace Inc. and Ginger are merging together to offer a variety of services, such as meditation and video calls with therapists, boosting its client base to over 2,700.
How Ariel Kaye Launched Parachute With Zero Experience
On this episode of the Behind Her Empire, Ariel Kaye discusses her entrepreneurial rise from zero experience to founder and CEO of Parachute, a direct-to-consumer home essentials brand.