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What Are LA’s Hottest Startups of 2022? See Who VCs Picked in dot.LA’s Annual Survey
Harri Weber
Harri is dot.LA's senior finance reporter. She previously worked for Gizmodo, Fast Company, VentureBeat and Flipboard. Find her on Twitter and send tips on L.A. startups and venture capital to harrison@dot.la.
In Los Angeles—like the startup environment at large—venture funding and valuations skyrocketed in 2021, even as the coronavirus pandemic continued to surge and supply chain issues rattled the economy. The result was a startup ecosystem that continued to build on its momentum, with no shortage of companies raising private capital at billion-dollar-plus unicorn valuations.
In order to gauge the local startup scene and who’s leading the proverbial pack, we asked more than 30 leading L.A.-based investors for their take on the hottest firms in the region. They responded with more than two dozen venture-backed companies; three startups, in particular, rose above the rest as repeat nominees, while we've organized the rest by their amount of capital raised as of January, according to data from PitchBook. (We also asked VCs not to pick any of their own portfolio companies, and vetted the list to ensure they stuck to that rule.)
Without further ado, here are the 26 L.A. startups that VCs have their eyes on in 2022.
1. Whatnot ($225.4 million raised)
Whatnot was the name most often on the minds of L.A. venture investors—understandably, given its prolific fundraising year. Whatnot raised some $220 million across three separate funding rounds in 2021, on the way to a $1.5 billion valuation.
The Marina del Rey-based livestream shopping platform was founded by former GOAT product manager Logan Head and ex-Googler Grant LaFontaine. The startup made its name by providing a live auction platform for buying and selling collectables like rare Pokémon cards, and has since expanded into sports memorabilia, sneakers and apparel.
2. Boulevard ($40.3 million raised)
Boulevard’s backers include Santa Monica-based early-stage VC firm Bonfire Ventures, which focuses on B2B software startups. The Downtown-based company fits nicely within that thesis; Boulevard builds booking and payment software for salons and spas. The firm has worked with prominent brands such as Toni & Guy and HeyDay.
3. GOAT ($492.7 million)
GOAT launched in 2015 as a marketplace to help sneakerheads authenticate used Air Jordans and other collectible shoes. It has since grown at a prolific rate, expanding into apparel and accessories and exceeding $2 billion in merchandise sales in 2020. The startup sealed a $195 million funding round last summer that more than doubled its valuation, to $3.7 billion.
The Best of the Rest
VideoAmp ($578.6 raised)
Nielsen competitor VideoAmp gathers data on who's watching what across streaming services, traditional TV and social apps like YouTube. The company positions itself as an alternative to so-called "legacy" systems like Nielsen, which it says are "fragmented, riddled with complexity and inaccurate." In addition to venture funding, its total funding figure includes more than $165 million in debt financing.
Mythical Games ($269.4 million raised)
Seizing on the NFT craze, Mythical Games is building a platform that powers the growing realm of “play-to-earn games.” Backed by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Andreessen Horowitz, the Sherman Oaks-based startup’s partners include game publishers Abstraction, Creative Mobile and CCG Lab.
FloQast ($202 million raised)
FloQast founder Michael Whitmire says he got a “no” from more than 100 investors in the process of raising a seed round. Today, the accounting software company is considered a unicorn.
Nacelle ($70.8 million raised)
Nacelle produces docuseries, books, comedy albums and podcasts. The media company’s efforts include the Netflix travel series “Down To Earth with Zac Efron.”
Wave ($66 million raised)
A platform for virtual concerts, Wave has hosted performances by artists including Justin Bieber, Tinashe and The Weeknd. The company says it has raised $66 million to date from the likes of Warner Music and Tencent.
Papaya ($65.2 million raised)
Sherman Oaks-based Papaya looks to make it easier to pay “any” bill—from hospital bills to parking tickets—via its mobile app.
LeaseLock ($63.2 million raised)
Based in Marina del Rey, LeaseLock says it’s on a mission to eliminate security deposits for apartment renters.
Emotive ($58.1 million raised)
Emotive sells text message-focused marketing tools to ecommerce firms like underwear brand Parade and men's grooming company Beardbrand.
Dray Alliance ($55 million raised)
Based in Long Beach, Dray says its mission is to “modernize the logistics and trucking industry.” Its partners include Danish shipping company Maersk and toy maker Mattel.
Coco ($43 million raised)
Coco makes small pink robots on wheels (you may have seen them around town) that deliver food via a remote pilot. Its investors include Y Combinator and Silicon Valley Bank.
HiveWatch ($25 million raised)
HiveWatch develops physical security software. Its investors include former Twitter executive Dick Costollo and NBA star Steph Curry’s Penny Jar Capital.
Popshop ($24.5 million raised)
Whatnot competitor Popshop is betting that live-shopping is the future of ecommerce. The West Hollywood-based firm focuses on collectables such as trading cards and anime merchandise.
First Resonance ($19.4 million raised)
Founded by former SpaceX engineer Karan Talati, First Resonance runs a software platform for makers of electric cars and aerospace technology. Its clients include Santa Cruz-based air taxi company Joby Aviation and Alameda-based rocket company Astra.
Open Raven ($19 million raised)
Founded by Crowdstrike and Microsoft alums, Open Raven aims to protect user data. The cybersecurity firm’s investors include Kleiner Perkins and Upfront Ventures.
Fourthwall ($17 million raised)
When an actor faces the camera and speaks directly to the audience, it’s known as “breaking the fourth wall.” Named after the trope, Venice-based Fourthwall offers a website builder that’s designed for content creators.
The Non Fungible Token Company ($15 million raised)
The Non Fungible Token Company creates NFTs for musicians under the name Unblocked. Its investors include Jay Z’s Marcy Venture Partners and Shawn Mendez.
Safe Health Systems ($15 million raised)
Backed by Mayo Clinic Ventures, Safe Health develops telehealth software and offers tools for enterprises to launch their own health care apps.
Intro ($11.6 million raised)
Intro’s app lets you book video calls with experts—from celebrity stylists, to astrologists, to investors.
DASH Systems ($8.5 million raised)
With the tagline “Land the package, not the plane,” DASH Systems is a Hawthorne-based shipping company that builds hardware and software for automated airdrops.
Ettitude ($3.5 million raised)
With a focus on sustainability, Ettitude is a direct-to-consumer brand that sells bedding, bathroom textiles and sleepwear.
Afterparty ($3 million raised)
Along similar lines as Unblocked, Afterparty creates NFTs for artists and content creators such as Clay Perry and Tropix.
Heart to Heart ($0.75 million raised)
Heart to Heart is an audio-focused dating app that “lets you listen to the story behind the pictures in a profile.” Precursor Ventures led the pre-seed funding round.
Frigg (undisclosed)
Frigg makes hair and beauty products that contain cannabinoids such as CBD. The Valley Village-based company raised an undisclosed seed round in August.
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Harri Weber
Harri is dot.LA's senior finance reporter. She previously worked for Gizmodo, Fast Company, VentureBeat and Flipboard. Find her on Twitter and send tips on L.A. startups and venture capital to harrison@dot.la.
⚠️📲🌩️ Your Digital Lifeline: Top Tech Apps for Natural Disasters
06:22 PM | October 02, 2024
Living in LA means being ready for anything—quakes, wildfires, crazy weather, you name it. Luckily, there’s a suite of tech apps designed to keep you informed, connected, and safe when disaster strikes. From real-time alerts to staying in touch with loved ones, these apps have you covered. Here’s the ultimate list to help you handle whatever chaos comes your way in LA County.
Get Real-Time Alerts
Image Source: MyRadar
FEMA App
- What it does: Provides real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, along with shelter and disaster recovery info.
- Key features: Weather alerts, shelter locator, and preparedness resources.
- Available on:iOS | Android
MyRadar Weather Radar
- What it does: Offers real-time, animated radar for tracking severe weather and storms.
- Key features: Live radar, storm tracking, and severe weather alerts.
- Available on:iOS | Android
Clime: NOAA Weather Radar
- What it does: Delivers real-time radar and weather updates, with wildfire and flood tracking.
- Key features: Customizable weather alerts, disaster tracking.
- Available on:iOS | Android
American Red Cross Emergency App
- What it does: Provides real-time alerts for over 35 types of emergencies, plus disaster preparedness tips.
- Key features: Alerts, safety check-ins, and emergency tips.
- Available on:iOS | Android
My Earthquake Alerts & Feed
- What it does: Sends real-time earthquake alerts, with maps and detailed data.
- Key features: Earthquake alerts, customizable notifications, detailed maps.
- Available on:iOS | Android
Citizen
- What it does: Delivers real-time alerts for emergencies, including natural disasters and crime near your location.
- Key features: Safety alerts, live incident reports, and community updates.
- Available on:iOS | Android
Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Image Source: Life360
While social media apps like Facebook and X provide real-time updates, additional tools can help with communication and location sharing, ensuring you stay connected and safe.
Nextdoor
- What it does: Connects neighbors with real-time local updates on emergencies and community events.
- Key features: Neighborhood alerts, local info, resource sharing.
- Available on:iOS | Android
- What it does: Enables secure messaging, location sharing, and video/voice calls with family and friends.
- Key features: End-to-end encryption, location sharing, voice/video calls.
- Available on:iOS | Android
Zello Walkie Talkie
- What it does: Turns your phone into a push-to-talk walkie-talkie for communication in low-signal areas.
- Key features: Push-to-talk, works over Wi-Fi/data, group communication.
- Available on:iOS | Android
Glympse – Share Your Location
- What it does: Lets users share real-time locations with family and friends without needing an account.
- Key features: Location sharing, ETA updates, private tracking.
- Available on:iOS | Android
Life360
- What it does: Tracks real-time location of family members and provides emergency SOS alerts.
- Key features: Family location tracking, emergency alerts, crash detection.
- Available on:iOS | Android
Stay Mobile
Image Source: PlugShare
For navigating road closures and traffic during disasters, Google Maps and Waze are essential tools that offer real-time updates and alternate routes. Along with these go-to options, there are additional apps that can help you stay mobile when it matters most.
GasBuddy
- What it does: Locates nearby gas stations and provides real-time updates on fuel availability and prices.
- Key features: Gas station locator, fuel prices, availability checks.
- Available on:iOS | Android
PlugShare
- What it does: Provides a comprehensive map of public EV charging stations worldwide. It offers real-time availability, pricing, user reviews, and photos of charging stations, helping you find the best nearby options.
- Key features: Real-time station availability, detailed station info, user reviews, and trip planning.
- Available on:iOS | Android
Traditional Preparedness Tips
In addition to these tech apps, it’s crucial to prepare for natural disasters with traditional methods:
- Build a disaster kit: Gather essential supplies like food, water, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
- Develop an evacuation plan: Determine where you will go and how you will get there in case of an emergency.
- Keep emergency contacts handy: Make a list of important phone numbers.
Maximize Battery Life and Data During Emergencies
During disasters, power outages and increased network traffic can affect your device's battery life and data usage. Consider the following:
- Keep your devices charged: Use portable or solar-powered chargers to extend battery life.
- Conserve data: Use Wi-Fi hotspots when available to avoid excessive data charges.
These apps are your go-to tools for staying informed, connected, and ready for anything in Los Angeles County. Whether you need real-time alerts, navigation assistance, or ways to keep in touch with loved ones, having these apps on hand can make all the difference when it matters most.
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Office Hours Podcast: Why Buy Costly Outdoor Gear When Arrive Outdoors Lets You Rent It?
05:30 AM | July 23, 2020
Stripped of their outdoor gear before their move to Los Angeles, Rachelle Snyder and her husband, Ross Richmond, arrived, surrounded by tantalizing outdoor adventure, but unprepared to enjoy it — and nowhere to turn. That problem led them to co-found Arrive Outdoors, a company that rents camping and skiing gear and attire.
On today's episode of Office Hours, hear Rachelle dig into the details of partnering with brands, how best to service the consumer — and why running the business with her husband works.
Want more? Subscribe to Office Hours on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Spencer Rascoff
Spencer Rascoff serves as executive chairman of dot.LA. He is an entrepreneur and company leader who co-founded Zillow, Hotwire, dot.LA, Pacaso and Supernova, and who served as Zillow's CEO for a decade. During Spencer's time as CEO, Zillow won dozens of "best places to work" awards as it grew to over 4,500 employees, $3 billion in revenue, and $10 billion in market capitalization. Prior to Zillow, Spencer co-founded and was VP Corporate Development of Hotwire, which was sold to Expedia for $685 million in 2003. Through his startup studio and venture capital firm, 75 & Sunny, Spencer is an active angel investor in over 100 companies and is incubating several more.
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