Netflix and Google Are Poised to Dominate L.A. After the Pandemic

Ben Bergman

Ben Bergman is the newsroom's senior finance reporter. 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.

Netflix and Google Are Poised to Dominate L.A. After the Pandemic

In the next few years, as the world emerges from the novel coronavirus, Netflix will lay claim to nearly as big a footprint in Los Angeles as the most iconic of the city's entertainment companies, Disney. Google, another Silicon Valley implant, will not be far behind.

The pandemic will delay some expansion but likely not diminish it because increased time at home is only increasing the popularity of streaming, and the crisis is expected to make tech giants even more dominant.


Though it is officially headquartered in Los Gatos, Netflix is increasingly -- for all intents and purposes -- an L.A. company, a quick rise considering it had little presence in the city before 2017. The streaming giant has already signed commitments for an additional 826,000 square feet of office space and sound stages in Hollywood, meaning that it will have twice the footprint in L.A. as in the Bay Area. Already, Netflix has more than 3,000 employees here, considerably more than it has at headquarters, according to someone familiar with the company.

All together, the so-called FAANG companies – Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Alphabet (formerly known as Google) plus Hulu – will occupy nearly six million square feet of office space on the Westside by 2023, gobbling up 10% of all commercial real estate there. The figures come from a review compiled for dot.LA by the tech office broker HelloOffice, which uses proprietary data to track real estate listings and trends in real time. (None of the companies would comment on their real estate activity.)

HelloOffice

The analysis reveals that a city known globally as the movie capital of the world for the last century has rapidly transformed itself in just the few years to be the streaming capital. They also show the increasing influence of the biggest tech behemoths in L.A. and the extent to which scores of smaller but still significant players are forming an expansive reach over the area; almost half the tenant base on the Westside is made up of companies combining technology and entertainment.

"Tech has now become the bedrock of Los Angeles," said Petra Durnin, head of market analytics at HelloOffice. "Every kind of industry has a tech component."

It might seem incongruous to be talking about office space at a time when nearly every workplace sits empty as employees stay quarantined at home. But while more work will be remote, experts predict most people will return to the office, eventually. A recent study by the University of Chicago found only a third of work could be done remotely. "We will get back to business but with necessary adjustments," Durnin said.

FAANGs are expected to come out stronger on the other side of the crisis as many less-capitalized businesses go under. Meanwhile, stuck at home with little else to watch with sports and live events on hold, people are binging shows like Tiger King and Ozark at record rates. "Like other home entertainment services, we're seeing temporarily higher viewing and increased membership growth," Netflix recently told shareholders, after announcing 15.8 million new subscribers in the last quarter, more than double what it expected.

Rapid growth expected to continue

Google is emblematic of the trend of the last decade that is expected to accelerate, tech giants constantly outgrowing ever bigger L.A. offices.

Google quickly outgrew the trendy 100,000 square feet Frank Gehry-designed offices at Venice's so-called Binocular Building, and expanded a short distance south.

The search giant had a small presence in Los Angeles starting in 2003, but its first major office did not open until 2011 in Venice. It quickly outgrew the trendy 100,000 square feet Frank Gehry-designed offices there and expanded a short distance south to Playa Vista, snapping up 12 acres of vacant land for $120 million in 2014. In 2018, the company moved into a vast four-story, 450,000 square-foot hangar where Howard Hughes built the Spruce Goose during World War II. Last year, Google signed a 14-year lease to take over 585,000 square feet of office space at a transformed Westside Pavilion, starting in 2022. It will be the company's third L.A. campus.

Meanwhile, Amazon and Apple have staked claims on Culver City, which for the last century has been dominated by movie studios MGM and Sony Pictures Entertainment. It's as stark an illustration as any of the transformation from film to streaming.

In 2018, Amazon announced it was leasing 530,000 square feet at a revamped Culver Studios, scheduled for completion next year. Apple has said it expects to have 1,000 employees in Culver City by 2022, working on the company's increasingly important entertainment properties such as Apple TV, Apple Music, and Apple Podcasts. Before the pandemic, the company had started moving employees in stages to a sleek new 125,000 square foot complex next to the Expo Line, a move that is expected to resume when employees are allowed to return to work.

The coronavirus will also delay major expansions from Facebook and Netflix.

The social network was due to move into new offices in Playa Vista this year while the streamer was preparing to move into two large offices in Hollywood that total nearly 700,000 square feet.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said last week that the company would begin to open its offices July 6, though any employee who wants to can continue working remotely through the end of the year. Google CEO Sundar Pichai told employees that some essential workers can return in June but the majority who can work from home will likely do so through 2020.

"The stay-at-home mandate has dampened some companies' immediate plans for expansion and construction delays could push some move-ins to mid 2021, but collectively these companies are still expected to occupy an additional one million square feet over the next one to two years," said Durnin.

https://twitter.com/thebenbergman
ben@dot.la
⏳Top Productivity Techniques for Entrepreneurs

In the busy world of entrepreneurship, staying productive is crucial for achieving success. With numerous tasks (and social media) competing for your attention, it can be tough to stay organized and focused. Fortunately, several proven productivity hacks can help you manage your time effectively and prioritize your workload. These strategies are backed by research and have been used by successful individuals in various fields. In this listicle, we’ll explore five effective productivity hacks, including the Pomodoro Technique and the Eisenhower Matrix, that can improve your work habits and enhance your entrepreneurial efforts.


The Pomodoro Technique

Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, the Pomodoro Technique uses a kitchen timer to break work into intervals, typically 25 minutes long, followed by short breaks. Cirillo named the method after the tomato-shaped timer he used as a university student, and it has since been adopted by many professionals and students to enhance focus and productivity. To implement it:

  • Choose a task to work on
  • Set a timer for 25 minutes
  • Work on the task until the timer rings
  • Take a short 5-minute break
  • After 4 pomodoros, take a longer 15-30 minute break

The Eisenhower Matrix

Named after former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this prioritization method helps individuals categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. Eisenhower famously stated, "What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important," which underscores the value of distinguishing between these two aspects to effectively manage time and tasks. This prioritization method helps you focus on what's truly important by categorizing tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance:

  1. Urgent and important: Do immediately
  2. Important but not urgent: Schedule for later
  3. Urgent but not important: Delegate if possible
  4. Neither urgent nor important: Eliminate

Time Blocking

Time blocking is a technique used by many successful entrepreneurs, including Jack Dorsey and Cal Newport, to allocate specific periods for different types of work. By scheduling tasks in advance, individuals can minimize distractions and ensure they dedicate focused time to their most important responsibilities. This creates structure and helps minimize context switching. For example:

  1. 9-11 AM: Deep work on top priority project
  2. 11 AM-12 PM: Respond to emails/messages
  3. 1-3 PM: Meetings
  4. 3-5 PM: Administrative tasks

The Two-Minute Rule

Popularized by productivity expert David Allen in his book "Getting Things Done," the Two-Minute Rule states that if a task can be completed in two minutes or less, you should do it immediately. This approach helps prevent small tasks from piling up and cluttering your to-do list, allowing for a more organized workflow.


Batching Similar Tasks

Batching tasks is a technique used by many high-performing individuals, including writer Tim Ferriss, who advocates for grouping similar activities to minimize context switching. By focusing on one type of task at a time, such as responding to emails or making phone calls, you can increase efficiency and reduce mental fatigue.


Download the dot.LA App

LA Startups Supercharging Cars and Dating 🚗⚡💑

🔦 Spotlight

Happy Friday Los Angeles!

EVgo Inc., a leading Electric Vehicle (EV) charging company based in West Los Angeles, has seen substantial growth under CEO Badar Khan. The company now operates over 3,400 fast chargers across 1,000 sites nationwide, strategically placed in high-traffic urban and suburban areas to enhance convenience for EV users. EVgo’s model focuses on owning and managing its charging stations to ensure a seamless experience, reflecting its commitment to supporting the mass adoption of electric vehicles and facilitating the transition to cleaner transportation.

In a different electrifying market, Joe Feminella, inspired by his own successful dating journey, launched the dating app, First Round’s On Me in El Segundo with $5 million in funding. This app differentiates itself by requiring users to schedule a date within 24 hours of matching, and after a soft launch in select markets, it expanded nationwide in 2024. As the dating app market faces criticism over algorithmic practices and premium features, First Round’s On Me aims to offer a more genuine and immediate dating experience. Both EVgo and First Round’s On Me exemplify how companies in different industries are addressing their respective market challenges with innovative approaches to improve user experience and engagement.


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • 3DEO, a startup that specializes in 3D printing small, high-volume metal parts, raised a $3.5M Strategic Investment Round from Mizuhio Bank. - learn more
  • Spotter, a startup that underwrites creators and offers AI tools, raised a $7.4M Funding Round. - learn more
  • Cashmere, a lead generation startup for wealth managers, raised a $3.6M Seed Round. Canapi Ventures led, and was joined by Benchstrength, Plug and Play, The House Fund, and Courtyard Ventures. - learn more

LA Venture Funds

  • Crosscut Ventures participated in an $8.9M Series A Extension for Nostra AI, a startup that helps e-commerce businesses improve their website performance by speeding up load times. - learn more
  • Fika Ventures, an eight-year-old Los Angeles venture capital firm, has raised a fourth fund in the amount of $160 million to invest in early-stage B2B startups. - learn more

      ✨ Featured Event ✨

      LA TECH CEO SUMMIT

      LA’s tech leadership is set to reunite after a long break! This two day summit will focus on building strong connections, sharing insights, and fortifying the local tech community.

      Learn More Here

      Register Here


      Download the dot.LA App

      🍵☕️Top 6 Coffee Alternatives for Enhanced Productivity

      In the fast-paced world of startups and venture capital in Los Angeles, maintaining peak productivity is essential for founders and investors alike. As the hustle intensifies, many are seeking alternatives to traditional coffee that not only provide a sustained energy boost but also support overall health and well-being. The following list highlights some of the top-rated coffee alternatives that can enhance focus and productivity while minimizing the adverse effects of caffeine. These options incorporate adaptogens, superfoods, and gut-friendly ingredients, making them ideal choices for those looking to optimize their performance without the afternoon crash.


      Matcha

      Image Source: Jade Leaf Matcha

      Matcha is a finely ground green tea that offers a moderate amount of caffeine, along with L-theanine, which promotes relaxation without drowsiness. This combination can enhance focus and concentration, making matcha a suitable alternative for those looking to boost productivity without the jitters of coffee.

      Popular Brands: ReNude Chaga Matcha (60 mg caffeine), Golde Pure Matcha (60 mg caffeine), Organic Ceremonial Matcha - Teahouse Edition (30 mg caffeine)


      Dandelion Root Coffee

      Image Source: Amazon

      Dandelion root coffee is a caffeine-free alternative that mimics the taste of coffee. It is known for its potential to support liver health and digestion, which can contribute to overall well-being and productivity. The drink can help avoid the acidity and jitters that often accompany regular coffee, making it a gentler option for those sensitive to caffeine.

      Popular Brands: Dandy Blend (0 mg caffeine), Teeccino Dandelion Dark Roast (0 mg caffeine)


      Adaptogenic Drinks

      Image Source: MUD\WTR Masala Chai

      Adaptogenic beverages, which include ingredients like ashwagandha, reishi, and maca, are designed to help the body adapt to stress and promote mental clarity. These drinks can provide a sustained energy boost without the crash, supporting productivity throughout the day. They are often made with superfoods and spices that enhance both physical and mental performance.

      Popular Brands: MUD\WTR Masala Chai (35 mg caffeine), Four Sigmatic Think Coffee (150 mg caffeine), ReNude Chagaccino (0 mg caffeine)


      Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

      Image Source: Golde

      Golden milk, made from turmeric, ginger, and milk (or a milk alternative), is a caffeine-free option that can improve mood and reduce inflammation. The calming properties of this drink can help maintain focus and clarity, making it a great addition to a productive morning routine.

      Popular Brands: Golde Turmeric Latte Blend (0 mg caffeine), Blume Turmeric Blend (0 mg caffeine), Four Sigmatic Golden Latte Mix (0 mg caffeine)



      Chicory Root Coffee

      Image Source: Teeccino

      Chicory root coffee is an excellent alternative that satisfies the desire for a warm beverage without caffeine. It is rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that aids in digestion and promotes gut health by supporting beneficial bacteria. Chicory coffee has a nutty, earthy flavor and can help control blood sugar levels, contributing to overall energy and productivity throughout the day.

      Popular Brands: Anthony’s Instant Chicory Root (0 mg caffeine), Teeccino Chicory Coffee Alternative (0 mg caffeine)


      Yerba Mate

      Image Source: Guayaki Yerba Mate

      Yerba mate is a traditional South American herbal tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains about 40-80 mg of caffeine per serving, which is less than a standard cup of coffee but enough to provide a gentle energy boost. Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and users often report feeling energized without the jitters or crashes associated with coffee. It has a unique, slightly bitter flavor and can be enjoyed in various forms, including loose-leaf tea and pre-brewed options.

      Popular Brands: Guayaki Yerba Mate (40-150 mg caffeine)


      Download the dot.LA App

      RELATEDEDITOR'S PICKS
      Trending