On Netflix alone, there are 5,800 content titles up for watching. But a newly launched app called Queue — not to be confused for Netflix's own queue app — is aiming to counter the frustration that users may feel from the firehose of content coming out of streaming platforms today. Queue is the creation of Garret Rothstein and investor (and dot.LA co-founder) Spencer Rascoff. Read more >>
Here's what else we're reading in the news:
- Rivian says it is building a $5 billion plant in Georgia to make up to 400,000 electric vehicles per year.
- L.A.-based venture capital firm Fifth Wall has made four new hires: Angela Johnson, Jon Hong, Ofer Harduf, and Tommy Wesely.
- Spotify has unveiled its new Pod City campus for podcast production in downtown Los Angeles.
- AILA is seeking applicants for its Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Allyship in STEAM Workforce Development program by January 7.
- Watch Grid110’s LinkedIn workshop for entrepreneurs on YouTube.
- At least one attendee of the LongLA holiday party has tested positive for COVID-19.
'The Streaming World Has Become So Fragmented'
Garret Rothstein, who previously worked at the now-defunct streaming platform Quibi, says the wide range of streaming options has opened the door to apps like Queue. The iOS app sets itself apart from other "recommendations" apps by leaning on real recommendations from real friends.
“We know that most people turn to their friends when they're looking for recommendations on what it is that they want to watch next,” Rothstein said.
Activision Blizzard’s Executive Leadership Is 15% Non-White, 26% Female
Activision Blizzard released a trove of data on gender representation in its workplace this week that showed that women account for 26% of Activision, Blizzard and King’s executive leadership. It also said underrepresented ethnic groups – non-white staff – make up 15% of Activision Blizzard’s executive leadership.
LA-Based Fraud Prevention Service TeleSign Goes Public
TeleSign, a digital identity verification and fraud prevention company used by companies like TikTok and GoFundMe, plans to go public through a merger with a blank-check firm at an enterprise value of $1.3 billion. The deal with North Atlantic Acquisition Corp. will raise proceeds of $487 billion, including a $107.5 million investment by private investors, and is expected to spark a hiring frenzy, the Marina del Rey-based company announced on Thursday.
This New LA Based App Aims to Get People Offline
In an era where everything is digital and promotes endless scrolling, consumer app developer Sean Conrad and data scientist Jesse Berns co-founded Go Disco to encourage people to shut off the screen and live. The L.A.-based company has raised $8.1 million to create the core consumer app, add more features into the new year based on user research, staff its internal editorial team and drive brand awareness.
Immix Biopharma Receives Tepid Wall Street Reception in IPO Debut
Immix Biopharma Inc., a Santa Monica-based biotechnology company, got slammed in its trading debut this week, losing 27% of its value in its first day of trading on Nasdaq. On Friday, the tiny biotech’s stock closed at $4 a share, a recovery of about 9% from its previous opening day’s close. Immix raised $21 million in its IPO.
How Poppi Co-Founder Allison Ellsworth Survived the 'Shark Tank'
On today's episode of "Office Hours" we talk with Allison Ellsworth, co-founder of Poppi, a soda alternative that promotes gut health. Her company picked up distribution from Whole Foods and made a splash on ABC's “Shark Tank."