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On the heels of a record-setting year for Southern California’s startup environment, we asked more than 30 leading Los Angeles-based investors for their take on the city’s top venture capitalists. (Specifically, we prompted: “Which L.A.-based VCs impress you the most?”) They responded with the names of 45 peers that they admire—14 of whom made the following list by receiving two or more votes.
The results offer an insider’s view of the L.A.’s startup scene in 2022—which, even as it rapidly expands, remains an insular world led by a handful of key dealmakers, like the venture capital industry at large. This year, TenOneTen partner Minnie Ingersoll and Bonfire Ventures managing director Mark Mullen tied for the top spot, with five votes apiece; they were followed by Wonder Ventures managing partner Dustin Rosen, who received four votes. Behind them, five VCs tied for third place with three votes each, while another six investors round up the list with two votes apiece.
Like last year’s list (which also featured Bonfire’s Mullen in the top spot), the below results are sorted by the number of votes each VC received; where there were ties, we list the investors alphabetically by their last names. As always, we asked survey participants not to vote for any of their colleagues—and vetted the list to ensure they stuck to that rule.
Without further ado ado, here are LA’s top VCs of 2022, as judged by their peers.
Minnie Ingersoll, TenOneTen Ventures
Minnie Ingersoll is a partner at early-stage venture firm TenOneTen, whose recent investments include crypto travel rewards startup FlyCoin. Prior to TenOneTen, she co-founded Shift Technologies, an online marketplace for buying and selling used cars. Ingersoll also spent more than a decade at Google, where she focused on the tech giant’s fiber optic, advertising and charitable efforts. (She also hosts dot.LA’s LA Venture podcast.)
Mark Mullen, Bonfire Ventures
Mark Mullen is co-founder and managing director of Bonfire Ventures, an early-stage venture firm that backs business-to-business (B2B) software startups. (Recent investments include cloud communications startup Telgorithm.) Mullen previously managed venture funds Double M Partners and Mull Capital. In January, an SEC filing revealed that Bonfire aimed to raise $165 million for its third fund. (Disclosure: Mullen is an investor in dot.LA.)
Dustin Rosen, Wonder Ventures
Dustin Rosen is the founder and managing partner of Wonder Ventures, an early stage investor in companies including L.A.-based unicorns Whatnot and Bird. Earlier in his career, Rosen founded the fashion app Pose and was a senior associate at the Mail Room Fund. Last month, Wonder launched a $31 million fund focused exclusively on early-stage L.A. startups.
Jim Andelman, Bonfire Ventures
Alongside Mark Mullen, Jim Andelman is a co-founder and managing director at Bonfire Ventures, an early-stage venture firm focused on B2B software startups. Previously, he oversaw software deals for Bay Area investment firm Broadview Capital Partners.
Anna Barber, M13
Anna Barber is a partner at M13, a venture firm focused on early-stage consumer tech companies. (Recent investments include NFT startup Unblocked.) Barber is also an advisor to the USC Marshall Venture Fund. She previously led Techstars LA as its managing director and co-founded Scribble Press, a New York-based book publishing startup. (Disclosure: M13 is an investor in dot.LA.)
Eva Ho, Fika Ventures
Eva Ho is a general partner at Fika Ventures, a seed-stage firm that focuses on sectors including AI, automation and big data. Ho formerly worked at Google and served as entrepreneur-in-residence for the city of Los Angeles.
Jeff Morris, Chapter One
Jeff Morris is the founder and managing partner of Chapter One, a venture firm targeting early-stage web3 startups. The former Tinder executive’s previous investments include Dapper Labs, Lyft, Cameo and PearPop.
Dana Settle, Greycroft
Dana Settle is a co-founder and managing partner at Greycroft, which has backed consumer-focused startups including Acorns, Goop and Bumble. The Lehman Brothers alum helped Greycroft close two funds worth nearly $700 million combined in late 2020. (Disclosure: Greycroft is an investor in dot.LA.)
Josh Diamond, Walkabout Ventures
Josh Diamond is a general partner at Walkabout Ventures, a seed-stage venture firm that primarily targets fintech startups. Diamond previously served as a principal investor at Clocktower Technology Ventures.
Buck Jordan, Wavemaker Labs
Buck Jordan is the founder and CEO of Wavemaker Labs, which funds and incubates startups in partnership with larger corporations. Wavemaker has especially targeted the food industry supply chain space—backing automated technologies at both the agricultural and food preparation stages that deploy AI and robotics.
Kara Nortman, Upfront Ventures
Kara Nortman is a managing partner at Upfront Ventures. An alum of IAC, Battery Ventures and Microsoft, Nortman previously co-founded children’s ecommerce startup Moonfrye and also helped launch women’s professional soccer club Angel City FC. Upfront raised $177 million for a new fund in January; local portfolio companies include GOAT, Creator Now and Endgame. (Disclosure: Upfront Ventures is an investor in dot.LA.)
Spencer Rascoff, 75 & Sunny
Spencer Rascoff is a co-founder and general partner at 75 & Sunny, a venture firm and startup incubator. Focused on sectors including proptech and ecommerce, Rascoff previously co-founded Zillow, Hotwire.com and real estate platform Pacaso (Disclosure: Rascoff is the co-founder and executive chairman of dot.LA.)
Adriana Saman, Clocktower Technology Ventures
Adriana Saman is a principal at Clocktower Technology Ventures, a venture firm investing in early-stage fintech startups across the U.S., Europe and Latin America. Saman was previously an analyst at JPMorgan Chase.
Sara Zayani, Global Founders Capital
Sarra Zayani is a partner at Global Founders Capital. The Greycroft alum has led Global Founders’ investments in local startups including Cann, Universal Hydrogen and Pacaso.
In today's competitive business landscape, team building activities have emerged as a crucial tool for fostering a positive work environment, enhancing productivity, and crucially, improving employee retention. Studies have shown that such activities help employees feel valued, with one report indicating that 93% of those who felt appreciated were more motivated at work. Importantly, team building events may improve retention rates, as employees who feel connected to their colleagues and company culture are more likely to stay long-term. With these benefits in mind, let's explore some of the most engaging and effective team building activities available in Los Angeles.
Image Source: Modern Luxury Angelino
Pickleball is a fantastic team bonding activity because of the easy-to-grasp rules and gentle pace make it perfect for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. The game thrives on communication and teamwork, as players must collaborate and strategize to outplay their opponents, boosting team cohesion. Plus, the lively, fast-paced action sparks friendly competition and laughter, creating a fun and spirited atmosphere that brings everyone closer together. Los Angeles boasts numerous pickleball courts that are easy to rent if you have your own equipment. If you need additional assistance organizing your pickleball outing, there are plenty of full-service companies ready to handle every detail for you.
Resources: Pickle Pop, Corporate Pickle
Image Source: The Escape Game
Escape rooms are a great way to build camaraderie. They require participants to work together, combining their problem-solving skills and creativity to overcome challenges and puzzles. The immersive and time-sensitive nature of escape rooms fosters collaboration and communication. Additionally, the shared experience of tackling complex tasks and reaching a common goal helps build trust and foster positive emotions among colleagues.
Resources: The Escape Game, 60Out
Image Source: Love Catalina
Catalina Island is a perfect day trip for a team because it provides a break from the usual work environment, allowing team members to relax and connect in a new setting. Shared experiences during the trip, such as exploring new places and participating in fun activities, help build stronger relationships and foster a sense of camaraderie. There are numerous team-building activities such as an arboreal obstacle course, an island tour, scavenger hunts and more.
Resources: Catalina Island Group Activities
Image Source: Topgolf
Topgolf is an excellent team building event because it provides an inclusive, relaxed atmosphere that accommodates players of all skill levels, fostering personal connections and improving team morale. The unique blend of competition and entertainment creates an ideal setting for building trust, enhancing communication, and revealing hidden skills among team members. Additionally, Topgolf offers structured team building packages with guided activities, discussion prompts, and lessons on culture, change, collaboration, and strategy, making it a versatile and effective platform for strengthening relationships and boosting overall team performance.
Resources: Topgolf El Segundo
Image Source: Discover LA
A SoFi Stadium tour offers a unique, behind-the-scenes experience of one of the world's most advanced sports venues, allowing team members to explore exclusive areas like premium suites, team locker rooms, and the player tunnel together. The tour provides a shared, memorable experience that can foster camaraderie and spark conversations among team members, regardless of their interest in sports. Additionally, the stadium's state-of-the-art features and impressive architecture can inspire creativity and innovation, while the group setting encourages interaction and collaboration, making it an engaging and enjoyable activity for teams of various sizes and backgrounds
Resources: SoFi Stadium Group Tours
Image Source: L.A. Works
Volunteer work serves as an excellent team building activity by uniting employees around a shared, meaningful cause, fostering a sense of purpose and collective accomplishment. It provides opportunities for team members to collaborate in new ways, often revealing hidden strengths and leadership qualities that may not be apparent in the regular work environment. Additionally, engaging in community service can boost morale, enhance the company's reputation, and instill a sense of pride among employees, leading to improved workplace relationships and increased job satisfaction.
Resources: Habitat for Humanity, L.A. Works, VolunteerMatch
Image Source: Improv for the People
A corporate improv class encourages spontaneity, creativity, and quick thinking, skills that are valuable in the workplace. It promotes active listening and collaboration, as participants must work together to create scenes and respond to unexpected situations, fostering better communication and trust among team members. Additionally, the playful and often humorous nature of improv helps break down barriers, reduces stress, and creates a shared positive experience that can improve team morale and cohesion long after the event.
Resources: Improv-LA, Groundlings, Improv for the People
🇺🇸 Happy (almost) Fourth of July Angelinos!
Whether you're a health and wellness die-hard who follows every Huberman protocol out there or a complete newbie, Los Angeles offers a workout class tailored just for you. From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to hip-hop dance classes, each studio provides a unique space to prepare for or sweat away the tensions of the workday and find renewed energy amidst the urban hustle.
Image Source: Bünda
Neighborhood: West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Mid-City, Encino, Woodland Hills & Studio City
Class Details: The Bünda workout class is designed by two trainers. It focuses on lower body strength, particularly targeting the glutes and legs. It combines high-intensity interval training with resistance exercises to tone and sculpt the lower body. Half of the class is on the stairclimber and the other half is strength training on the floor. This kick as* (pun fully intended) workout is best to avoid if you have any knee issues.
Image Source: LEKfit
Neighborhood: Mid-City
Class Details: LEKfit is a high-energy fitness studio founded by celebrity trainer Lauren Kleban. The workouts blend cardio, strength, and flexibility training, often using trampolines and resistance bands. Not sure if you caught that, but this class features trampolines! It hardly feels like a workout except for the fact that your legs genuinely feel like they are on fire (in a good way).
Image Source: Hollywood Reporter
Neighborhood: Santa Monica, West Hollywood & Sherman Oaks
Class Details: BoxUnion offers dynamic boxing-inspired workouts that combine shadowboxing, heavy bag work, and high-intensity interval training. The classes focus on building strength, endurance, and mental clarity, all set to upbeat music. Known for its inclusive community and supportive atmosphere, BoxUnion provides a full-body workout that's both challenging and empowering. Punch your stress in the face (I really feel like there's an opportunity for a Liquid Death collab).
Image Source: AIR Aerial Fitness
Neighborhood: Santa Monica
Class Details: AIR Aerial Fitness offers unique aerial fitness classes that use silk hammocks to provide a full-body workout. The classes combine elements of strength training, flexibility, and aerial acrobatics to build core strength and improve overall fitness. Known for its innovative approach and supportive instructors, AIR Aerial Fitness provides a fun and challenging workout experience suitable for all fitness levels.
Image Source: Playground LA
Neighborhood: Melrose
Class Details: Playground LA is a renowned dance studio offering a variety of high-energy dance classes led by top industry choreographers. The classes cater to all skill levels, providing a fun and supportive environment for learning all types of dance styles. Playground LA teaches hip-hop choreography, heels classes, and even ballroom. This is the go-to spot if you want to have some fun and are looking for something outside the normal fitness classes!
Image Source: Concrete Playground
Neighborhood: Hollywood, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Studio City, Brentwood, Venice, El Segundo, Santa Monica & Long Beach
Class Details: Barry’s Bootcamp, a global fitness phenomenon, is especially beloved in LA where it began with its first location in West Hollywood. As the original HIIT workout, it pushes you to your limits with high-intensity cardio and weight sessions, targeting specific muscle groups in each class. First-timers can expect a mix of running, lifting, and recovery circuits, with instructors who motivate you to perform your best. After class, head to Barry’s Fuel Bar for custom protein shakes tailored to your post-workout needs.
Image Source: Classpass
Neighborhood: Glendale, Studio City, West Hollywood, Culver City, Santa Monica & Redondo Beach
Class Details: Training Mate offers HIIT classes infused with a lively, Australian-inspired atmosphere. Founded by former rugby player Luke Milton, the studio combines functional fitness with a sense of community and humor, making workouts both challenging and enjoyable. Known for its supportive and friendly vibe, Training Mate uniquely emphasizes camaraderie and fun, ensuring every session is a positive experience.
Image Source: Mighty Pilates
Neighborhood: Santa Monica & Westwood
Class Details: Mighty Pilates incorporates the foundations of Classical Pilates, while upping the intensity factor for an invigorating workout. The studio focuses on building core strength, flexibility, and overall body tone through personalized instruction and small group sessions. They offer a huge schedule of classes – from Foundations classes for beginners to Power classes for the more advanced pilates enthusiasts.
Image Source: The Studio (MDR)
Neighborhood: Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Culver City & Playa Vista
Class Details: The Studio (MDR) offers a full-body workout, blending Pilates with the Lagree Method developed by fitness expert Sebastien Lagree that will have you shaking from head to toe. Suitable for all fitness levels, their classes focus on strengthening, tightening, and toning the entire body through innovative, safe training techniques. The program integrates traditional lengthening and stretching methods to enhance flexibility and achieve comprehensive fitness goals.
