LA Tech Updates: LA's Largest VC is Now a Public Benefit Corp; Treehouse Games Raises $2.6M
Sam Blake
andSam primarily covers entertainment and media for dot.LA. Previously he was Marjorie Deane Fellow at The Economist, where he wrote for the business and finance sections of the print edition. He has also worked at the XPRIZE Foundation, U.S. Government Accountability Office, KCRW, and MLB Advanced Media (now Disney Streaming Services). He holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson, an MPP from UCLA Luskin and a BA in History from University of Michigan. Email him at samblake@dot.LA and find him on Twitter @hisamblake
Ben Bergman
Ben Bergman is the newsroom's senior reporter, covering venture capital. Previously he was a senior business reporter and host at KPCC, a senior producer at Gimlet Media, a producer at NPR's Morning Edition, and produced two investigative documentaries for KCET. He has been a frequent on-air contributor to business coverage on NPR and Marketplace and has written for The New York Times and Columbia Journalism Review. Ben was a 2017-2018 Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Economic and Business Journalism at Columbia Business School. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, playing poker, and cheering on The Seattle Seahawks. Follow him on Twitter.
Here are the latest updates on news affecting Los Angeles' startup and tech communities. Sign up for our newsletter and follow dot.LA on Twitter for more.
Today:
- LA's Largest VC is Now a Public Benefit Corp
- Treehouse Games Raises $2.6M
'Collaborative' Game-Maker Treehouse Games Raises $2.6M
Treehouse Games, founded by former Riot Games product lead Michael Chu and indie games studio veteran Ryan Sullivan, has raised $2.6 million in seed funding. The studio will focus on making collaborative games "to serve a growing, global audience of millions of people who use games as their favorite way to hang out," the company said in a statement.
London Venture Partners (LVP) led the funding round. Bay Area-based Transcend Fund and Super Evil Megacorp CEO Kristian Segestrale also participated.
Chu and Sullivan told dot.LA that "it's too early to go into specifics about the game, but our team is hard at work building an innovative cooperative game to bring friends and family together."
"We want to create games that give you that feeling of camaraderie during a road trip, or the sense of generosity you get when buying your friend a cup of coffee," the founders said.
Fifth Wall Venture Firm Is Now a B Corporation
Fifth Wall announced this week it is now a Certified B Corporation or "B Corp," which means it is legally required to consider the impact of its decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.
Fifth Wall is the largest venture capital firm focused on real estate tech, known as proptech. It announced the close of its second real estate technology fund last year, with $503 million in dry powder, making it the largest VC fund in Los Angeles.
"It is incumbent upon all of us to take actionable steps towards building a more equitable and sustainable society," said Brendan Wallace, co-founder and managing partner at Fifth Wall. "We're grateful to the resources and community offered by B Lab to help our firm as we continue to educate ourselves and make changes within our own organization."
Fifth Wall is now part of a cohort of 3,939 other B-Corps that include names like Ben & Jerry's, Allbirds, and Patagonia.
The real estate industry accounts for 40% of the world's consumption of energy and Fifth Wall says it is ready to help make construction more sustainable. Earlier this year, the firm announced a new carbon impact fund.
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Los Angeles is home to around 5,000 startups, the majority of which are in their young, formative years.
Which of those thousands are poised for a breakout in 2021? We asked dozens of L.A.'s top VCs to weigh in. We wanted to know which companies they would have invested in if they could go back and do it all over again.
<p>Yesterday, <a href="https://dot.la/search/?q=%22state+of+play%22" target="_blank">our investors picked their favorite Series-A or later startups,</a> and not surprisingly there was more consensus, with familiar names like PopShop Live and Scopely leading the way. </p><p>But the most lucrative returns come from identifying companies in their infancy, as recent blockbuster IPOs vividly demonstrate. For instance, <a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/airbnbs-biggest-ipo-winners" target="_blank">Sequoia's $600,000 seed check to Airbnb in 2009</a> accounted for 70% of its shares in the company and helped it get into competitive later rounds. When the vacation rental service went public last month, Sequoia's stake was worth $4.8 billion.</p><p>What will be the next breakout? The complete list is below and is ranked in random order except for the first three, which stood out by virtue of getting multiple votes: Pipe enables companies with recurring revenues to tap into their deferred cash flows with an instant cash advance. Clash App, Inc., is a TikTok alternative launched by a former employee of the social network in August. And <a href="https://www.x-claim.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">XCLAIM</a> allows bankruptcy claims to be digitally traded.</p>
<p class=""><em>Lead art by Candice Navi.</em></p>
Boiling
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGaW1hZ2VzJTNGcSUzRHRibiUzQUFOZDlHY1EwRjdlRzlxY3JFd1lNVS12T2VTWng1NFd6VFdWUktaMFpyQSUyNnVzcXAlM0RDQVUmaG89aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZlbmNyeXB0ZWQtdGJuMC5nc3RhdGljLmNvbSZzPTEwMDImaD1jOGIyM2Y5YWNhNGNhNDY3NzZhNmUzNTU3MWI2YzAzNjcwOTU1Nzg0ODQxZDdiZGIyZjAxMzUxNjdkN2I5NWY2JnNpemU9OTgweCZjPTE2MDM4MjI5MTgiLCJleHBpcmVzX2F0IjoxNjY1MTY5NTcxfQ.iTVRhSe0UulUxSyMUZ4QA7_0njADdWe3QEJ28-xW6m0/img.jpg" id="a03b9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="03faa4898896a9ce5be09d51dc104b73" alt="Pipe logo" />Pipe
<p><a href="https://www.pipe.com/" target="_blank">Pipe</a> provides financial services to help cloud service companies tap into their deferred cash flows, allowing them to continue growing without taking on debt or giving up ownership. For subscription-based businesses, this makes it "as if all of your customers converted to annual plans overnight," according to the company.</p><p>Founded by Harry Hurst, Josh Mangel and Zain Allarakhia, the company <a href="https://dot.la/pipe-taps-60-million-seed-extension-2646245409.html" data-linked-post="2646245409" target="_blank">raised $66 million of seed funding earlier this year</a> in a deal led by Craft Ventures and Fin Venture Capital.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5Mzg3Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NTg2NDI3N30.HLTMa7Z7nCKfQe7R-dKmMt26hCQBzXG2J9EtAaq648k/img.jpg?width=980" id="6a1af" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d3f1fca2a7f229c7a3c5a8b0f6fb00cc" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="clash logo" data-width="600" data-height="200" />
Clash App Inc.
<p>Created by former Vine-r Brendon McNerney and entrepreneur and marketing expert P.J. Leimgruber, <a href="https://www.clashapp.co/" target="_blank">Clash App</a> is a short form video platform similar to TikTok, but without built-in sound libraries. It's geared toward empowering creators with innovative monetization options and inclusive communities.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGaW1hZ2VzJTNGcSUzRHRibiUzQUFOZDlHY1IxTFExRWJzblJEZTI0NFNtUW40Y2txOERNaE1PQ21kYndMQSUyNnVzcXAlM0RDQVUmaG89aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZlbmNyeXB0ZWQtdGJuMC5nc3RhdGljLmNvbSZzPTM4MCZoPTIxOGVmMjA0ODQwYjE0ZjZlYzNhMTdlOWZlZGFjNzM3NDFkZGRmZjBmZTNmYzU2ZjQwOWQ1ZGZkZmE5Y2JkZGImc2l6ZT05ODB4JmM9MTE4MzE1MDAyOSIsImV4cGlyZXNfYXQiOjE2MjE2MTcwODR9.PsGcdVg3kWIxjAtOw9jaM7S17iPNX90ilN04MEsmxCw/img.jpg" id="9ace7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="53f00e4a1cd4b49eeda93e7d28342414" alt="xclaim logo" />
XCLAIM
<p><a href="https://www.x-claim.com/" target="_blank">XCLAIM</a> has created an electronic platform where bankruptcy claims that take a notoriously long time to process can be digitally traded. Founded in 2018 by Matthew Sedigh, who has operated in the corporate restructuring field for more than a decade, the company says "rather than wait years for the bankruptcy court process to issue payment distributions, creditors can now access immediate liquidity by selling their claim to interested buyers." Earlier this year, it raised a $4 million seed round led from Luma Launch, First Round Capital and Freestyle Capital.</p>Simmering
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGaW1hZ2VzJTNGcSUzRHRibiUzQUFOZDlHY1JlR3QzLWlHSmFtYVJnLXNwSXVYcDc5N0xOdnpTYWhYYVloQSUyNnVzcXAlM0RDQVUmaG89aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZlbmNyeXB0ZWQtdGJuMC5nc3RhdGljLmNvbSZzPTYwNiZoPWU3NzNhYTkwODZkNmE4OWQwMWU0ZjZkODk0ODU1ZWEyZDIzMmU3YTYyNzJjYTU3Mzk3MmI0NmQ0NjAxMDY3YzMmc2l6ZT05ODB4JmM9MjQ3NDg5MDE0MiIsImV4cGlyZXNfYXQiOjE2NzAzMzU0NjB9.iqCUfvVUI22AGAz-QYPiS7XFb26sw3mGaU8seorLqxQ/img.jpg" id="44f84" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="cbdc9b0cdf21d3873eef2a40647ae810" alt="Freck Beauty logo" />Freck Beauty
<p><a href="https://freckbeauty.com/" target="_blank">Freck Beauty</a> manufactures beauty products intended to make the user feel seen. Remi Brixton, the company's chief executive officer, founded the startup in 2015 when she was in search of a freckle makeup product. When she couldn't find one, she launched her own, the FRECK OG. The East Los Angeles-based company raised an undisclosed amount of seed funding in a deal led by KarpReilly and Stage 1 Fund earlier this year.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGaW1hZ2VzJTNGcSUzRHRibiUzQUFOZDlHY1RyZDZmWGZuWjFEZXFhVk96bjl0OHJVSGxNWWJidkhpb2NFQSUyNnVzcXAlM0RDQVUmaG89aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZlbmNyeXB0ZWQtdGJuMC5nc3RhdGljLmNvbSZzPTI5NiZoPTcyMDkzNGM4YzZkMzcyMzgzOWE3NTczNmVkMDkwNzc5ZDBkNTUzNzNmY2NkNzk5ZjE4M2I1Y2RhNWQ2Mzg1Mjkmc2l6ZT05ODB4JmM9MjU0NTUxOTYxNSIsImV4cGlyZXNfYXQiOjE2MzkyMzk5MjV9.4OYosv5rWnk6Qh7LAKGGM4kh7J-9-P_2XLlHqO_Fjms/img.jpg" id="556b7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="2240a27f660ed4c9dce54f0b5891466e" alt="The Skills logo" />
The Skills
<p><a href="https://www.theskills.com/" target="_blank">The Skills</a> wants to be the <a href="https://dot.la/the-skills-2649267338.html" target="_self">master class on sports </a>and life. The Los Angeles-based startup launched two months ago and offers classes from gold medal Olympians — including swimmer Michael Phelps and volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings — and Grand Slam tennis Champion Maria Sharapova. In December, it closed a $5 million seed round backed by Boston-based Will Ventures, Global Founders Capital, 8VC, Maveron, Hack VC and Correlation VC.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://dot.la/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDE1Ni9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2ODk2NjQ2MX0.L0qrps-ewV8jpdJrkQ8k3niKRQ7rKsR_Yizn2O1Myws/image.png?width=600&coordinates=24%2C28%2C24%2C28&height=600" id="baee1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e2b71929b16c093d1a409a5a174b4b8a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="mapped logo" data-width="600" data-height="600" />
Mapped
<p>Founded by Shaun Cooley, former chief technology officer of Cisco's Internet-of-Things (IoT) and Industries division, <a href="https://www.mapped.com/" target="_blank">Mapped</a> provides IoT services in El Segundo.</p><p>The company raised $3 million of seed funding in a deal led by Greycroft earlier this year, putting its pre-money valuation at $9 million. </p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDE1Ny9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNjk1NDE5NH0.6QCj5_BHRuIHmW7AigWat3hhCDLp-22tgZibA0GWID4/img.png?width=980" id="50bf4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7e59defd6b014dc28181a5567b3967db" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="dataplor logo" data-width="200" data-height="200" />
DataPlor
<p>Created in 2016 by Geoffrey Michener, <a href="https://www.dataplor.com/" target="_blank">Dataplor</a> indexes micro-businesses in Mexico (and will soon be expanding to other countries in Central and South America) and sells the data to larger companies.The company relies on contractors in those countries to collect the information from local businesses. It raised $4 million from ff Venture Capital, Quest Venture Partners and Space Capital earlier this year and expects to use it to expand into more Latin American countries. </p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDE2MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTM2MTE0OH0.aM3pIjwt9sMZwLktYTEGBvWAI1IhsdgROpDdtRce5uQ/img.png?width=980" id="dece8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="500ba3fe5e101b050db785ab2a111ca8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Grow Credit logo" data-width="432" data-height="96" />
Grow Credit
<p>Launched by serial entrepreneur <a href="https://joebayen.medium.com/a-black-founders-guide-to-raising-a-2m-institutional-seed-round-a8687f95087f" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Joe Bayen</a>, <a href="https://growcredit.com/" target="_blank">Grow Credit</a> helps customers improve their credit score by providing credit for subscription services like Netflix and Spotify. Their MasterCard can help consumers with thin or damaged credit scores and the small line of credit can be upgraded for a fee. The company closed a $2 million seed round earlier this year with participation from Mucker Labs.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDI0MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzA3NzI1MX0.5MINHvBD1qwM7RXJdqGUZd4KhSXm39Br23rO75Gr-zc/img.png?width=980" id="c44de" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c04cb12c9556f173fd8d35cbc1479bcc" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="outer logo" data-width="400" data-height="400" />
Outer
<p>The two-year-old Santa Monica-based company has seen business boom during the pandemic as retail stores shut down and online orders surged. The direct-to-consumer outdoor furniture brand <a href="https://dot.la/outer-furniture-raise-2646187491.html" data-linked-post="2646187491" target="_blank">uses backyards as showrooms</a> and <a href="https://dot.la/how-outer-aims-to-disrupt-the-outdoor-furniture-industry-2647872107.html" data-linked-post="2647872107" target="_blank">raised $4.3 million in a seed round</a> earlier this year led by Mucker Capital. Founded by Jake Liu and Terry Lin, a former designer at Pottery Barn, <a href="https://liveouter.com/" target="_blank">Outer</a> aims to appeal to Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn shoppers. </p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDIzOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMDc3OTMxNX0.eFi3LlmuNi2TbKLS1SnGNyelWtnATDyv5OvCiRbmogU/img.jpg?width=980" id="f9a65" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4af9a17c01b1bbfe762d9612f76f56b7" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="386" />
WhatNot
<p>A livestreaming reseller of collectibles like FunkoPop vinyl figurines, Pokémon cards and sports cards, <a href="https://www.whatnot.com/" target="_blank">WhatNot</a> taps into a growing retail trend and promises that the collectibles are verified, much like sneaker reseller GOAT. </p><p>The startup secured $4 million in seed funding this month from Scribble Ventures, Wonder Ventures, Operator Partners, Y Combinator, Liquid 2 Ventures, Twenty Two Ventures and other investors. The company plans to use the funds to expand into video games, comics books, designer toys and vintage fashion.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://dot.la/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDE2OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMzk4MzQ4M30.fCpK6QDUqfs4OdnxuqkH3U0J8zl7wSMQoYS_xShYKb4/image.jpg?width=600&coordinates=0%2C106%2C0%2C106&height=600" id="82934" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b0458504cabec7c014cd35bd5a4baec5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="600" data-height="600" />
Fourthwall
<p><a href="https://fourthwall.com/" target="_blank">Fourthwall</a> is the developer of an internet platform that helps content creators launch fully-branded websites focused on interacting with fans. Their website tag phrase is "Make a living doing what you love," which is complemented by their model, which provides creators 100% ownership of their website and brand.</p><p>Founded by Walker Williams and Will Baumann, the company has raised $4 million to date, from investors Defy Partners, Lightspeed Venture Partners and Initialized Capital Management.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDE5MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0ODAxMTMwMn0._fMorCcyG1j4erjC10bcWX89kYPwVQjH2V-ZRzAeLYc/img.png?width=980" id="286ad" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="bb54203b45b981c87bda3e9c2420c918" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="shop latinx logo" data-width="357" data-height="141" />
Shop LatinX
<p><a href="https://shoplatinx.com/" target="_blank">Shop LatinX</a> calls itself the "leading beauty, fashion, and lifestyle ecommerce designed by and made for Latinas." The brainchild of two Los-Angeles-based Latinas, Brittany Chavez and Raquel Garcia <a href="https://dot.la/techstars-la-2646304264.html" data-linked-post="2646304264" target="_blank">launched their website</a> before Black Friday in 2016. It features more than 200 brands.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDI0NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MTAzNDExN30.lbK6TnPm_7BWMy2XWgxEDkhp1apNI6Ao-cp80SYhTYM/img.jpg?width=980" id="cfc65" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4d1871e800ce552ae99be8476f6f7c68" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="First Resonance logo" data-width="1920" data-height="1080" />
First Resonance
<p>Founded by former SpaceX software engineer Karan Talati and Neal Sarraf, <a href="https://www.firstresonance.io/" target="_blank">First Resonance</a> promises to ease the workflow for manufactures with software intended to provide greater visibility into production and test product development lifecycle. The company raised $1.75 million of seed funding last year from Wavemaker Partners, Stage Venture Partners and PLG Ventures, among clothes.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDE3MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2OTE1OTE2MX0.NfsJ5BmvRDZE1oQJqAdSfsJGdVcl06stTFdrhaHw0Dg/img.png?width=980" id="3124d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c2265860af61dafbc8191e3e8b0cfaa1" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="vurbl logo" data-width="1280" data-height="720" />
Vurbl
<p><a href="https://vurbl.com/" target="_blank">Vurbl</a> offers curated, one-stop-shop of what it calls the best audio on the internet, which can include podcasts but also goes well beyond that from religious sermons to court arguments. The new platform founded by CEO Audra Gold is being built with the <a href="https://dot.la/vurbl-raises-1-3-million-to-build-the-youtube-of-audio-2647713757.html" target="_self">$1.3 million pre-seed round Vurbl closed in September</a> led by AlphaEdison with participation from Halogen Ventures and Ten13.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vbWVkaWEucmJsLm1zL2ltYWdlP3U9JTJGaW1hZ2VzJTNGcSUzRHRibiUzQUFOZDlHY1FTbUMwSl9YVFk5ZzNZTEZ3TkFvbmEzU29Fejdia3pfcmRtdyUyNnVzcXAlM0RDQVUmaG89aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZlbmNyeXB0ZWQtdGJuMC5nc3RhdGljLmNvbSZzPTk1MCZoPWU0OWIzMTU4ZDYyZGZkNGU1OTZkMTY4NmY5MWJhYjg4MzU2ZDQ2MzAyMWFhZGQzNTU4NDFmYWY3ZTYxYjI3ZjQmc2l6ZT05ODB4JmM9MTAzMDQzOTAyNSIsImV4cGlyZXNfYXQiOjE2MjU0ODQ5MDl9.yYwWFf9VU--hQfrlR3BMgcai4P_AHuZ_WdWk-Hz9Loc/img.jpg" id="7e4e0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a8ce52d1d8e8e92dae1c2d2075dc745c" alt="pocketwatch logo" />
PocketWatch
<p>Former Disney executive Chris Williams founded <a href="https://pocket.watch/" target="_blank">the studio</a> that produces family-focused content from YouTube stars. This year it launched clock.work, an advertising agency designed to help major brands reach kids. Investors include Viacom, Greycroft, Third Wave Digital and United Talent Agency, along with strategic angels including Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Landau.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDE4OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNjcyMDA3NX0.bsOhi9nfSQjyqMSfSR8iqVXavorm4p-TAgCaWF7Dhds/img.jpg?width=980" id="2421c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="61065e55cb050c8ec8774ca4d7cad72e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="pocketlist logo" data-width="678" data-height="246" />
PocketList
<p><a href="https://pocketlist.app/" target="_blank">The app</a> allows renters to see and share apartments that will soon be available before they're listed — reducing the time properties sit vacant and potentially heating up competition among apartment hunters. It launched <a href="https://dot.la/renter-app-2646416605.html" data-linked-post="2646416605" target="_blank">earlier this year</a>. The company has $2.8 million in seed funding led by David Sacks' Craft Ventures along with Abstract VC, Wonder Ventures and angel investor Spencer Rascoff, co-founder of Zillow and dot.LA.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDE4MC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMDQ3MTMzMX0.iQG6DpQIF0ZE5pa3L3qO5mqnvBmq0O0MiD4RDFx3Jb0/img.png?width=980" id="c91d1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a4f28d182708090acd75232f28d3d095" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Quilt logo" data-width="1012" data-height="506" />
Quilt
<p>The audio-based social platform promises to be the spot for "live, supportive, feel good conversations—just like hopping on the phone with a friend when you need it most." It lets people start a conversation around any topic or join by listening. <a href="https://www.beta.wearequilt.com/" target="_blank">Quilt</a> raised an undisclosed amount of venture funding from Freestyle Capital in 2019.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDI0Ni9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NTY4MzA0M30.EHbUY8MWp-MBJgWuPsmZLqQfB-xstR33hKGZjPnvmaQ/img.png?width=980" id="885f5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="884a3173eda4507605b2138b1fdfe9d3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="tonebase logo" data-width="300" data-height="300" />
Tonebase
<p>Founded by Abhi Nayar, Chris Garwood and Igor Licthmann, <a href="https://www.tonebase.co/" target="_blank">Tonebase</a> provides high-level music education online. Yale School of Music alumnus Garwood and Lichtman<a href="https://news.yale.edu/2018/01/22/first-person-how-we-are-bringing-high-level-music-education-masses" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> told their alma mater that it built with the idea </a>that it was "a way for people everywhere to learn from the very best musicians around the world — individuals who, due to their busy performing and teaching careers, are traditionally accessible to only a select few." The company has raised an undisclosed amount from Launch fund, e.ventures and other undisclosed last May. </p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://dot.la/media-library/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDE4NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NzE1ODQ3NH0.1P0e8iu5KI73fOSk-5KX3kPLYhahmq-Fzy4si2zpmno/image.jpg?width=600&coordinates=310%2C0%2C310%2C0&height=600" id="7f079" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="aa1ca8d066edae39def7ef46bde55be3" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Second Spectrum logo" data-width="600" data-height="600" />
Second Spectrum
<p>Launched in 2013 by Jeff Su, Yu-Han Chang and Rajiv Maheswaran, <a href="https://www.secondspectrum.com/index.html" target="_blank">Second Spectrum</a> already has deals with the NBA and English Premier League. This year it scored another one with Major League Soccer to use its optical tracking system to evaluate and analyze performance. </p><p>Second Spectrum puts their tracking cameras inside the stadium. Machine learning and AI-powered analytics provide detailed data that helps coaches and others better understand the game from player speed and deceleration to shot velocity in near real time. That technology can also be used on broadcast platforms to give fans more insight. The company raised about $20 million backed by CAA Ventures, Raine Ventures and The Chernin Group in 2018.</p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDE4Ny9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1OTE1ODU3Mn0.Jz6GnIH2lXx_9b86HKnJzqA14UaP1TqebuTVxONzyYM/img.png?width=980" id="b8a90" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b60d9df69c73b6c740ee01b622ad924a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Toucan logo" data-width="268" data-height="188" />
Toucan
<p>Founded by CEO Taylor Nieman, Shaun Merritt and Brandon Dietz, <a href="https://dot.la/slingshot-aerospace-ceo-2646797521.html" data-linked-post="2646797521" target="_blank">Toucan</a> is a Chrome browser extension that lets people learn a new language. It scans websites you visit and translates some words into the language you want to learn. The Santa Monica-based company most recently raised a $3 million round backed by GSV Ventures, Amplifyher Ventures, and Wonder Ventures, among others. </p><img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yNDk5NDE2NS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTcxMzUzOX0.oukFWLBcPwPYCXSB7nvw9XZTlCITMpJjD5eCV1389w0/img.png?width=980" id="7c5bb" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a5870682bd8e3990a8cfeaf036357c02" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Serve Automation logo" data-width="1245" data-height="1086" />
Serve Automation
<p>Created by former SpaceX engineers, <a href="https://serveautomation.com/" target="_blank">Serve Automation</a> aims to change the way foods get delivered. It has secured $7 million in a seed round and is operating in stealth mode. </p>From Your Site Articles
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On this week's episode of Office Hours, you'll hear from Gregg Renfrew, serial entrepreneur and founder of clean beauty company, Beauty Counter. She also serves on the board of directors of Supernova, my special purpose acquisition company.
<p>Gregg has lived a life full of entrepreneurial endeavors starting in college when she started a house-cleaning business. We had a free-flowing conversation where we swapped lots of entrepreneurial learnings. Hear her insight about what to look for in an investor, ideas about scaling, her sensible passion for multi-channel business -- and why people should get rid of non-stick pans (which was news to me!).</p><div class="horizontal-rule"></div><p><em>Want to hear more episodes? Subscribe to Office Hours on <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/show/office-hours-with-spencer-rascoff" target="_blank">Stitcher</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/office-hours-with-spencer-rascoff/id1124608295" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5mXgvbUsaOv7JJQRecBdYw" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-office-hours-with-sp-28214033/" target="_blank">iHeart Radio</a> or wherever you get your podcasts.</em><br/></p>
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