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To many outsiders, the Web3 community can feel like a bunch of crypto bros in Patagonia jackets. Enter Hola Metaverso, a new project that aims to educate the Latino community about today's rapidly emerging digital realms.
The organization is planning an inaugural one-day tech conference on April 30 at the Avenida Productions studio in Historic Filipinotown, where topics like the metaverse, crypto and NFTs will all up for discussion—with the goal of increasing awareness and participation within the community. “There's a big push from Latino communities... to want to be a part of Web3,” Tameron McGurren-Leal, one of the event's organizers, told dot.LA.
Here’s What Happened in LA’s Entertainment Tech World This Week 🍿
Activision may be giving nearly 1,100 video game testers full-time positions and pay raises, but the move notably excludes employees looking to unionize.
This comes after Activision rolled back its vaccine mandate, spurring a virtual walkout by its workers Monday that prompted the company to backtrack.
From Olivia Rodrigo to “The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical,” TikTok was the real Grammy winner.
Director Kevin Smith is returning to the world of horror with an NFT-exclusive film release.
L.A.-based Plex created a one-stop shop that condenses multiple streaming services into one platform.
Netflix will release roughly 40 anime selections, ranging from sci-fi to romance, this year amid rising viewership for the genre. The streaming giant has also reportedly discussed media partnerships with the NFL.
Transportation 🚗
A new UCLA study published this week shows that L.A. e-scooter riders have a higher rate of injury than motorcycle riders nationally.
The newly renamed Kia Forum in Inglewood is getting new electric vehicle charging stations.
Faraday Future is inching closer to producing and delivering electric vehicles despite its legal and financial troubles.
Venture Capital 💰
EDO, an adtech firm co-founded by actor Edward Norton, raised $80 million from L.A.-based investment firm Shamrock Capital.
Loaded, a gaming-focused talent and marketing agency, has secured a fresh $20 million growth equity round led by Coral Tree Partners.
Cloud database startup ReadySet secured $29 million in venture funding to get its first product out of the door.
Emmeline Ventures, a new all-female, minority-led venture capital firm, has early plans to back as many as 20 female founders via its initial fund.
Global venture capital funding declined by more than 13% from the fourth quarter of 2021, when it reached an all-time high.
🎧 Listen Up
On this episode of Office Hours, Philip Rosedale discusses the metaverse’s rise in prominence and what the future may hold for immersive, virtual online worlds.
Amanda Schutzbank talks about guiding subscription-based brands, fostering sustainable companies and her unique investment approach on the latest episode of LA Venture.
From giving out free nutrition advice to helming a wellness brand with $100 million in revenue, founder MaryRuth Ghiyam talks about finding solutions in times of adversity in this week's Behind Her Empire.
Also...
Reporter David Shultz discusses how new import tariffs may hamstring the U.S. solar industry.
CAR-T cell therapy is now an increasingly viable option for cancer treatment, with several local biotechs staking their claim.
PopID's facial recognition payment software will be making its debut in the Middle East.
Check out this week's venture capital raises and tech industry people moves.
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