Venture Deals in LA Rebound Slightly in Q3, but VCs Remain Cautious

Samson Amore

Samson Amore is a reporter for dot.LA. He holds a degree in journalism from Emerson College. Send tips or pitches to samsonamore@dot.la and find him on Twitter @Samsonamore.

Venture Deals in LA Rebound Slightly in Q3, but VCs Remain Cautious

As the rest of the United States remains in a slowdown for venture capital investing, Los Angeles is slowly rebounding from a previous quarter slump but remains far off the record-breaking year it saw in 2021.


Analysts at PitchBook Data Inc. and the National Venture Capital Association found that nationwide, investors are still skittish, investing in fewer deals and cutting smaller checks. Total money invested in the U.S. in the third quarter reached a nine-quarter low of $43 billion, and deal counts also fell across all sectors, down 20% from the first quarter of this year, according to PitchBook’s most recent Venture Monitor report for the months of July through September.

Companies that target sales are seeing exit activity fall, too. PitchBook noted that 2022’s exit activity has been “lethargic,” and reported the combined value of company sales so far this year is on pace to fall below $100 billion for the first time since 2016. Of all the exit revenue generated so far this year across the country, PitchBook found that almost 50% of that value came from acquisitions.

Only 59 public listings have happened so far this year, compared to a record 303 VC-backed companies that went public last year. PitchBook reported only five companies went public through traditional IPOs in this third quarter.

In Los Angeles, however, there might be some light at the end of the tunnel for investors and startup founders. The number of deals conducted in the third quarter totaled 321, and the overall deal value was $7.1 billion. That’s up roughly 39% from the previous quarter, which saw VCs invest a combined $4.8 billion in L.A. startups across 278 deals.

“I think a lot of capital is on the sidelines,” said Tarek Waked, founding partner of West Hollywood-based Type One Ventures. “Things are slowing down, people are spending less. [Limited partners] are being more risk-averse with their money.”

Nonetheless, according to PitchBook, L.A. saw some of the highest valued deals last quarter. Its average deal size was around $15 million, slightly behind the Bay Area, but more than other key metro areas like New York or Boston.

But not everyone is feeling the momentum. Los Angeles' women founders have had a tough year so far. PitchBook recently began tracking capital raised by companies with all-female founding teams and found they only raised a combined $1.9 billion so far since 2019, far behind New York and the Bay Area, where female founders raised $4.9 billion and $5.5 billion, respectively. PitchBook reported that “amid economic downturn, female-founded companies are receiving less capital.”

“The VC slowdown narrative that has been pervasive in the market this year has finally materialized in the data, with nearly every metric aside from fundraising falling sharply in Q3,” PitchBook CEO John Gabbert said in a statement Thursday. “The VC ecosystem, however, has shown remarkable resilience in the face of continued economic headwinds, raising record levels of capital and closing an unexpectedly high number of deals.”

This so-called downturn might just be a correction, or regression to the norm, after 2021’s record highs.

“In many ways, 2021 was an outlier year, and the VC market is now returning to pre-pandemic levels and long-term trends of steady growth,” Gabbert added.

Anna Barber, partner at Santa Monica-based VC M13, said she agreed that last year's boom in activity was outside the norm.

"I think the venture market of 2021 was the anomaly and we'll see venture activity return to a measured pace given all the money sitting on the sidelines right now," Barber told dot.LA. She added that M13 expects residential property tech companies in particular to be in for a rough ride given rising interest rates which could cause a slump in home sales, but noted some industries M13 is targeting as potential growth sectors include financial services, identity management, ecommerce and Web3 consumer technology and developer tools and platforms. (Disclosure: M13 is an investor in dot.LA).

"Many VCs, including us, have been focused for the past few months on our own portfolio and ensuring our companies are well-positioned and well-capitalized. But no one should expect a massive rush of VC funding all of a sudden," Barber cautioned. "What's more likely to happen is that deployment timelines will be extended... Meaning VCs will take slightly longer to invest the capital they currently have rather than going back to the market to raise more when the market is challenging."

Even if they aren’t doling out checks at the same generous rate in the past, VCs still continue to raise funds at a rapid pace. So far this year, VC fundraising nationwide already surpasses last year’s record high – PitchBook found that VC funds set a new annual high of roughly $151 billion raised throughout 2022, compared to $147 billion raised throughout all of 2021.

"I agree that there is a lot of VC money that has been raised and needs to be deployed," said Minnie Ingersoll, partner at Los Angeles-based TenOneTen Ventures. "Personally, I think that as valuations come down and we get back to 'normal' multiples, then this should be a great time to be deploying capital."

According to Waked, some investors seem to be trying to wait out the storm, because markets have been subject to so much volatility in the past year. But he expects that to rebound soon, adding that, “once that uncertainty is quelled, I think you're going to see an uptick.”

While the overall venture community might be hitting a speed bump, Waked said that in his specific areas of investment, including space and deep technology, investment isn’t showing signs of slowing down.

“I'm not blind to the state of the world and the market,” he noted. “But I think as a VC, you're ultimately an optimist… You're investing in the potential upside, not the potential downside.”

Ingersoll said the slowdown seems to be hitting later stage companies in particular.

"We have not seen a slowdown in our pipeline or in our pace of deployment, but I see it and hear about it from later stage companies -- both in our portfolio and outside our portfolio," Ingersoll told dot.LA. "In the growth stages it's more obvious which are the breakout companies and most of the really good growth companies raised in 2021. Also, if a company has plenty of runway, then they wouldn't choose to go to market to raise now."

Ingersoll predicted that more layoffs could hit tech in the near future; she added, "another round is coming and so there is going to be more pain before we get back to the go-go days. That said, entrepreneurship continues to be a bright spot in our country and a less tight labor market may enable more startup growth as we know that times of change and turbulence do lead to innovation."

This story has been updated to reflect additional comment from M13.

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A Strong Finish to 2024 for LA Tech: Crosscut Ventures Leads the Way

🔦 Spotlight

Happy Friday LA!

As we close the book on 2024, Los Angeles has had a remarkable year in tech and venture capital. From groundbreaking funding rounds to industry-defining innovations, the city’s tech ecosystem has showcased its ability to adapt and thrive. Among the year’s final highlights was the announcement that Crosscut Ventures, one of LA’s premier early-stage venture capital firms, has added Jon Ylvisaker as its newest Partner.

Crosscut Ventures’ Bold New Direction

Announced in late December, Jon Ylvisaker’s appointment reflects Crosscut Ventures’ commitment to advancing its focus on the energy transition. Ylvisaker brings decades of experience in driving investments in energy technologies and digital infrastructure. As the founding partner and managing director of Yield Capital Partners, he led investments in startups and established companies shaping the future of sustainability. At Wolfacre Global Management, a Tiger Management hedge fund, he further honed his expertise in supporting impactful climate-focused solutions.

Brian Garrett, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Crosscut Ventures, said, “Jon's extensive experience in climate and digital infrastructure investments, coupled with his impressive track record of bringing groundbreaking technologies to market, makes him the ideal partner to help lead our focus.”

Since its founding in 2008, Crosscut has played a key role in shaping LA’s tech landscape. Ylvisaker’s addition reinforces the firm’s commitment to addressing global challenges like energy transition and sustainability, further solidifying its leadership in venture capital innovation.

What’s Next for LA Tech in 2025

The momentum from 2024 has set the stage for an even bigger year ahead. Entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators in LA are poised to take on new challenges and create meaningful change across industries.

As we step into 2025, we want to thank everyone who helped make 2024 such a standout year. Here’s to another year of progress, innovation, and success. From all of us at dot.LA, Happy New Year!

🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • First Resonance, a company specializing in digital manufacturing software through its ION Factory OS, has raised a $20M funding round led by Third Prime with participation from Blue Bear Capital and others. This brings its total funding to $36M and will be used to accelerate product development, grow its customer base, and enhance support for advanced manufacturing sectors like aerospace, robotics, and clean energy. - learn more
LA Venture Funds
  • Finality Capital Partners led a $17M Seed funding round for ChainOpera AI, a California-based company developing blockchain networks for AI-powered agents and applications, to accelerate product development, expand its team and enhance its blockchain and AI integration capabilities. - learn more

LA Exits

  • Thirteen Lune, an inclusive beauty e-commerce platform, has been acquired by SNR Capital, marking a significant milestone in the platform's mission to amplify underrepresented beauty brands while fueling its next stage of growth. - learn more
  • Ergobaby, a leading brand in juvenile products known for its high-quality baby carriers, has been acquired by Highlander Partners. The acquisition aims to bolster Ergobaby’s growth, expand its product offerings, and strengthen its position in the parenting solutions market. - learn more

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Salt AI’s $3M Bet, Snapchat’s Creator Cash, Rivian’s EV Tech, and ŌURA’s $200M Win

🔦 Spotlight

Happy Friday, LA - let’s dive right in to this week’s highlights:

Salt AI, a forward-thinking AI startup based in Los Angeles, has secured a $3 million seed funding round led by Morpheus Ventures with participation from Struck Capital, among others, to tackle the complexity of managing workflows.Salt AI's blog details how its platform centralizes tools like CRM systems, project management software, and data trackers into one interface, eliminating inefficiencies and freeing up teams to focus on meaningful work. With new funding in hand, Salt plans to scale its platform and expand its reach, a move that underscores how AI can solve everyday business challenges.

Image Source: Salt AI - Aber Whitcomb

While Salt AI focuses on the workplace, Snapchat is doubling down on creators, with its latest updates introducing revenue-sharing opportunities and direct monetization features. The company’snewsroom update outlines how enhanced analytics will help creators better understand their audiences and sustain their work. The platform's latest updates introduce revenue-sharing opportunities and direct monetization features, along with analytics that give creators deeper insights into their audience. By making it easier for creators to grow and sustain their work, Snapchat positions itself as a key player in the creator economy, offering features that rival platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Image Source: Snap

On the roads, Rivian is redefining what it means to drive an electric vehicle. The company’s latest software update includes advanced route planning, energy management tools, and customization options that make every trip more intuitive and efficient. Additionally, Rivian has introduced new entertainment features, including Google Cast, YouTube, and SiriusXM, as featured in Rivian’ssoftware spotlight, enhancing the in-cabin experience for drivers and passengers alike. This isn’t just about convenience; Rivian is showing how thoughtful software design can elevate the entire EV experience, blending practicality with sophistication.

Image Source: Rivian

ŌURA is making headlines with a fresh $200 million Series D funding round, with participation from Fidelity Management & Research Company and Dexcom, which now values the company at $2.55 billion. This investment, as reported byBusiness Wire, highlights the growing demand for wearable health technology and positions ŌURA as a leader in the space. With its sleek design and emphasis on actionable health insights, the funding will enable ŌURA to expand its reach and further integrate wearables into daily health management, strengthening its position in the competitive health tech market. With this funding, ŌURA aims to reach more users and expand its capabilities, further embedding wearables into daily health management.

Image Source: ŌURA

Stay tuned as Salt AI, Snapchat, Rivian, and ŌURA continue to evolve, offering us new ways to work, connect, and live better.

🤝 Venture Deals

    LA Venture Funds
      • Undeterred Capital participated in a $7M Seed funding round for Portal, a Watertown, Mass.-based biotech company specializing in advanced intracellular delivery technology to drive innovations in biological research and cellular therapeutics. - learn more
      • Vamos Ventures participated in a $7.9M Series A funding round for Culina Health, a Hoboken, NJ-based company that provides personalized, science-based virtual nutrition care by connecting patients with registered dietitians, with plans to use the funds to expand its offerings for dietitians and patients, implement AI-driven tools to enhance care efficiency, and strengthen its leadership team through key hires. - learn more
      • Humans Ventures participated in a $3.8M Seed funding round for Hamming.ai, a San Francisco-based company specializing in automated tools for testing and optimizing voice agents, with plans to expand its platform, enhance reliability and perform, and accelerate product development. - learn more
      • Fifth Wall led, with participation from Starshot Capital and others, in a $9.5M Series A funding round for Mojave, a Sunnyvale, CA-based company developing energy-efficient commercial air conditioning technology. The funds will be used to accelerate the adoption of its innovative systems and reduce energy consumption in the cooling industry. - learn more
      • ReMY Investors participated in a $17M Series B funding round for Scripta Insights, a company that leverages data analytics to help employers and healthy plans reduce prescription drug costs, with the funds aimed at expanding its platform and scaling operations. - learn more
      • Mantis VC participated in a $16.5M funding round for Nuon, a company specializing in Bring Your Own Cloud (BYOC) solutions that streamline AI, data, and infrastructure software deployment. The funds will support product development, readiness for general availability in 2025, and efforts to expand customer acquisition. - learn more
      • B Capital participated in a $102M Series C funding round for Precision, a company developing minimally invasive brain-computer interfaces to treat neurological disorders, with plans to use the funds to expand its team, advance clinical research, and refine its AI-powered brain implant for helping users with severe paralysis operate digital devices using their thoughts. - learn more
      • The Games Fund led a $3M Seed funding round for Dark Passenger, a Poland-based game studio founded by veterans of The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, to create an unannounced, innovative, first-person multiplayer PvPvE stealth-action game set in a distinctive universe inspired by feudal Japan and martial arts cinema. - learn more

          LA Exits

          • Calliope Networks, a generative AI company providing licensed media content like movies, TV shows, and news, has been acquired by Protege to strengthen its platform’s capabilities in advancing AI development. - learn more

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              Momentum in Motion: IPOs, Partnerships, and Innovation

              🔦 Spotlight

              Happy Friday, Los Angeles!

              Last week, we dove into some of the major moves shaping LA’s tech scene, from ServiceTitan’s IPO ambitions to Anduril’s AI advancements. This week, the story continues with new milestones and updates that reveal how quickly the landscape is evolving. Here’s what’s happening now:

              ServiceTitan’s IPO: A Fintech Spark

              ServiceTitan’s initial public offering has proven to be a resounding success.The Glendale-based company priced its IPO at $71 per share, significantly above the anticipated range of $52 to $57. On its first trading day, shares opened at $101 and closed at $101.20, marking a 43% increase and valuing the company at nearly $9 billion. This impressive debut underscores ServiceTitan’s growing influence in the trades software space and signals a potential trend for other fintech leaders to watch closely. Read more about ServiceTitan's IPO success here.

              Anduril Industries: Expanding the Horizon

              We recently covered Anduril’s groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, emphasizing the growing role of AI in defense. This week, Anduril continues to make headlines with new developments and collaborations that underscore its commitment to reshaping national security and autonomous technology:

              • Partnership with Palantir:Anduril and Palantir are teaming up to accelerate AI capabilities in defense. Together, they aim to integrate Palantir’s advanced data analytics with Anduril’s autonomous systems, creating a platform capable of delivering actionable intelligence in real time. This partnership is expected to enhance battlefield decision-making, reduce operational risks, and maintain U.S. leadership in defense technologies. Read more about the partnership here.
              • Dive XL Autonomous Submarine: Anduril’s Dive XL submarine is setting new standards for maritime autonomy. This long-endurance unmanned vehicle can operate in harsh underwater environments for extended periods, providing capabilities for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance. With its modular design, Dive XL supports a range of payloads, making it a versatile asset for maritime security. Learn more about Dive XL here.
              • Archer VTOL Aircraft Partnership: Anduril’s collaboration with Archer Aviation is pushing the boundaries of autonomous flight technology. This partnership leverages Archer’s expertise in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to complement Anduril’s advanced defense systems. By integrating Anduril’s cutting-edge AI capabilities with Archer’s innovative designs, the companies aim to create next-generation solutions for tactical military operations. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and positions both companies as leaders in reshaping the future of aerial defense. Details about the partnership are available here.

              Writers Guild Challenges AI in Hollywood

              The Writers Guild of America (WGA) continues its efforts to address the growing influence of AI in entertainment. In recent negotiations, the Guild has pushed for clear boundaries on the use of generative AI in scriptwriting, emphasizing the need to protect writers’ rights and creative integrity. As the industry grapples with the implications of this technology, the WGA’s stance highlights an ongoing effort to balance innovation with fairness in Hollywood. Read more about the Guild’s actions here.

              Our thoughts are with the residents of Malibu as they face wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds, which have displaced many and disrupted communities, including Pepperdine University. For resources during emergencies, explore ourguide to the top tech apps for natural disasters, highlighting tools to support preparation and safety.

              From tech breakthroughs to creative industry challenges, the region’s innovation engine shows no signs of slowing. As 2024 approaches, one thing is clear: the momentum isn’t slowing down.


              ✨ Featured Event ✨

              2024 PledgeLA Catalyst Awards

              Image Source: Instagram: PledgeLA

              Catalyst Awards to Honor Inspiring Entrepreneurs and Emerging Managers in Venture Capital, Catalysts Improving Access to Capital Across Los Angeles

              PRINCIPALS AND HOSTS: The Annenberg Foundation and PledgeLA, the initiative launched in 2018 by the Annenberg Foundation and the City of Los Angeles to promote equity and increase access to capital for L.A.-based startups and investors from underrepresented backgrounds.

              WHEN: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. PST.

              WHERE: Register to See Address Los Angeles, California

              RSVP HERE

              🤝 Venture Deals

                LA Venture Funds
                  • Alpha Edison led a $27M Series A funding round, joined by Acre Venture Partners, ReMY, among others, for One Bio, a UC Davis spinoff based in California that is developing biotech solutions to bridge the dietary fiber gap, with plans to scale production and expand its product offerings. - learn more
                  • Gideon Strategic Partners participated in a $110M Series C funding round for Capstan Medical, a Santa Cruz-based company developing robotics technology for heart disease treatment, with the funds aimed at advancing clinical trials and preparing for commercialization. - learn more
                  • Riot Ventures led a $10.1M Seed funding round for Deterrence, a company developing automated solutions for energetics production, including explosives and propellants, with participation from Impatient Ventures and others, to scale its technology, improve manufacturing efficiency, and meet growing industry demands. - learn more
                  • Chapter One Ventures participated in a $12M Series A funding round for Hyperbolic, a San Francisco-based AI company specializing in predictive analytics for supply chain optimization, with plans to use the funds to enhance its technology platform and expand its team. - learn more
                  • Blue Bear Capital participated in a $35M Series C financing round for Raptor Maps, a Boston-based company that provides software solutions for solar asset management. The funds will be used to enhance their AI-driven platform, expand global operations, and support the growing needs of the renewable energy industry. - learn more
                  • Behind Genius Ventures and Night Ventures, among others, participated in a $3M Pre-Seed funding round for Moldco, a Boston-based company providing digital, evidence-based care, treatments, and lab testing to help individuals reclaim their health from mold toxicity, with plans to use the funds to expand operations nationwide in 2025. - learn more,
                  • Regeneration.VC co-led a €8M Series A funding round for Orbisk, a Netherlands-based company that develops AI-powered food waste monitoring systems for the hospitality industry, with plans to use the funds to expand internationally and enhance their technology platform - learn more
                  • Mucker Capital participated in a $17M Series A funding round for Ask Sage, an Arlington, VA-based company offering a generative AI platform for government and commercial sectors, with plans to use the funds to expand its AI capabilities, drive growth, and increase its workforce. - learn more
                  • Magnify Ventures participated in a $8M Series A funding round for MiSalud Health, digital health platform offering affordable, same-day bilingual telehealth consultations in Spanish and English to better serve Hispanic communities in the U.S. and Mexico. With a focus on improving access for Spanish-speaking individuals, the company aims to address the growing demand for culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare solutions as the Hispanic population continues to expand rapidly in the U.S.. - learn more

                    LA Exits

                    • Elios Vision, a company specializing in innovative glaucoma treatment technologies, has been acquired by Bausch + Lomb to strengthen its portfolio in addressing the needs of glaucoma patients. The acquisition brings Elios Vision's cutting-edge solutions into Bausch + Lomb's comprehensive eye health offerings, expanding its capabilities to provide advanced care for this critical condition. - learn more
                    • OceanX, a provider of subscription-focused fulfillment and logistics solutions, has been acquired by Cart.com to enhance its end-to-end e-commerce platform and expand its capabilities in subscription management and order fulfillment. - learn more

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