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✍️ WGA strike ends: 'Houston, we have a deal.'

Christian Hetrick

Christian Hetrick is dot.LA's Entertainment Tech Reporter. He was formerly a business reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer and reported on New Jersey politics for the Observer and the Press of Atlantic City.

✍️ WGA strike ends: 'Houston, we have a deal.'
Image Source: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

🔦 Spotlight

Happy Friday Los Angeles! And an EXTRA happy Friday to Russell Palmer at CyberFilm AI for referring new subscribers to dot.la.

Unless you are Patrick Star and have been living under a rock for the past week, you are aware that the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Hollywood studios have reached a tentative agreement. As this is a tech newsletter, we will concentrate on two key deal points: streaming topics and artificial intelligence protections, although it's important to note that the main deal points also encompass minimum staffing requirements and pay increases. ✍️🎬🌟

Following a 148-day strike, Hollywood writers are returning to work as the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announces a tentative agreement with studios and streamers. The agreement, which is likely to be ratified by the WGA's 11,500 members, marks a significant moment in the industry's history. Here are the key provisions related to streaming and artificial intelligence (AI):

Streaming Provisions:

  • Streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ will provide transparency by sharing viewership data, both domestically and internationally, for original streaming series with the WGA.
  • New bonus structures for made-for-streaming shows and movies based on viewership.

AI-related Provisions:

  • The agreement clarifies that AI cannot write or rewrite scripts, maintaining the creative role of human writers.
  • Writers have the option to use AI with company approval, but companies cannot mandate its use.
  • Studios retain the ability to train AI using scripts, but writers have the right to challenge this use in the future.

So what does this all mean…

The far-reaching implications of the deal for AI and streaming are significant and have the potential to reshape the entertainment industry:

  1. Increased Transparency in Streaming: The requirement for streaming platforms to provide viewership data for original content brings greater transparency to the industry.
  2. Incentivizing Content with Mass Appeal: The provision for bonuses based on viewership performance incentivizes the creation of content for the masses.
  3. Protection of Creative Control: The stipulation that AI cannot write or rewrite scripts and that writers have the choice to use AI with company approval preserves the creative control of human writers.
  4. Balanced Use of AI: By allowing writers the option to use AI but not requiring its use, the agreement strikes a balance between harnessing AI's potential for efficiency and creativity while respecting writers' autonomy.
  5. Future AI Challenges: The provision that allows writers to challenge the use of AI in the future implies that the role of AI in content creation remains an evolving and debatable issue.
  6. Impact on Industry Standards: This deal sets industry standards for how AI and streaming are integrated into content creation and distribution. This is particularly relevant to the actors union, SAG-AFTRA, which remains on strike and recently authorized a strike against the video game industry.

These provisions reflect the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, providing writers with greater control over their work and more transparency in the age of streaming and artificial intelligence. 🎭📜📺

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🤝 Venture Deals

LA Startups

  • Crediverso, the Spanish and English language consumer technology company dedicated to providing financial and educational resources to underserved communities, raised a $3.5M Seed Round led by Torch Capital and Gaingels, joined by Bessemer Venture Partners and Act One Ventures. - learn more
  • Arc, the electric boat startup, raised a $70M Series B from a slew of investors, including Eclipse, Andreessen Horowitz, Lowercarbon Capital, Abstract Ventures and Menlo Ventures.- learn more
  • Sensible Weather, a climate finance platform raised an undisclosed amount from Amex Ventures, Wonder Ventures, Infinity Ventures and Industry Ventures. - learn more

LA Funds

  • Tech Coast Angels participated in a Seed Round of an undisclosed amount for Giftpack, an AI-powered corporate gifting platform. - learn more
  • M13 participated in a $10M Funding Round for Allocate, a platform that provides investors with a streamlined way to invest and manage private investments. - learn more
  • Griffin Gaming Partners and Courtside Ventures led a $22M Funding Round for Eloelo, an Indian gaming and livestreaming platform. - learn more

📅 LA Tech Calendar

Monday, October 2nd

Tuesday, October 3rd

Wednesday, October 4th

  • The MedTech Conference Kick-Off Mixer - Engage with industry pioneers, discover cutting-edge technologies, forge valuable connections with LA MedTech leaders, LA investment leaders, LA academic leaders and more in Culver City Wednesday night.

Friday, October 6th

🗽 - Free

🌍 Around The Internet

USC Students and Alumni Blend Tech and Wine for Humanitarian Impact with Raise a Glass

Founded by USC students and alumni, Raise A Glass is creating wine with a purpose. They bring innovative storytelling technology to raise awareness for the invisible heroes of global crises. Their mission starts in Ukraine addressing the fact that Americans have become increasingly desensitized to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They pair tales of Ukrainian civilian heroism with wine bottles, curating content from conflict-embedded artists to provide a platform for these stories to reach thousands of consumers. Through QR codes or augmented reality on labels, consumers access these impactful narratives, with proceeds aiding Ukrainians in escaping conflict zones.

Ukraine serves as just the outset, as they plan to employ their storytelling technology to shed light on global crises, amplifying the voices of these unsung heroes.

📙 What We’re Reading

  • Universal Hydrogen kicks off flight test campaign for Its hydrogen regional aircraft at the Mojave Air & Space Port. - read more
  • Waymo begins testing the waters for a robotaxi service in Los Angeles. - read more
  • Social networking club Groundfloor aims to connect professionals at first L.A. location - read more
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🛰️LA Is Emerging as a Space Powerhouse—And Investors Are Lining Up

Grace Lee
🛰️LA Is Emerging as a Space Powerhouse—And Investors Are Lining Up

🔦 Spotlight

Hello, Happy Friday!

This week, Los Angeles proved once again why it's at the center of space, tech, and innovation. From a major satellite funding round to a big push for wildfire relief, the city is making moves across multiple industries.

K2 Space Lands $110M to Build High-Power Satellites

Image Source: K2 Space

Torrance-based K2 Space just raised $110 million in Series B funding, co-led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Altimeter Capital. The company, which has now secured $180 million since its launch in 2022, is working on high-power, multi-orbit satellites designed to make space operations more efficient and affordable.

With a new 180,000-square-foot facility in Torrance, K2 is scaling up production—and a successful in-space demo proves they’re on the right track. As demand grows for more powerful satellites, this funding puts them in a strong position to compete.

True Anomaly Expands into Long Beach

LA's space industry is scaling fast, andTrue Anomaly is the latest company to plant roots in Long Beach. The defense tech startup is opening a 90,000-square-foot facility to develop next-gen space security and reconnaissance systems.

Of that, 70,000 square feet will be dedicated to engineering and production, while the remaining space will house office and R&D teams. With more satellites playing key roles in national security and commercial operations, True Anomaly’s expansion positions it right where it needs to be—close to top aerospace talent and major government clients.

Apple Unveils iPhone 16e

Image Source: Apple

Apple has added a new model to its lineup with the iPhone 16e, a budget-friendly but powerful option. Priced at $599, it includes:

  • A18 chip with Apple Intelligence
  • 48MP 2-in-1 camera system
  • 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display
  • Face ID, replacing the classic home button

Pre-orders start February 21, with availability beginning February 28. Apple is positioning the 16e as a mid-tier option that brings AI-driven capabilities to a wider audience without the premium price tag.

TikTok Returns to U.S. App Stores

After a brief removal,TikTok is back on Apple and Google app stores following a delay in enforcement of a potential national ban. The White House assured tech platforms they won’t face penalties for keeping the app available, at least for now.

For creators, brands, and businesses that depend on TikTok, it’s a relief—but the platform’s long-term future in the U.S. is still up in the air.

FireAid Distributes $50M for Wildfire Relief

Image Source: Fire Aid

While LA’s tech industry looks ahead, major efforts this week focused on immediate recovery.FireAid announced $50 million in wildfire relief grants to support Los Angeles communities impacted by the recent devastating wildfires.

The first round of grants will help local nonprofits and organizations providing housing, financial assistance, essential goods, and emergency support to those affected. Some of the initial recipients include:

  • United Way of Greater Los Angeles – Providing direct financial aid and community-based recovery efforts.
  • Baby2Baby – Supplying essential goods to families and children impacted by the fires.
  • CA Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund – Supporting emergency relief and long-term recovery.
  • LA Fire Department Foundation – Assisting first responders with wildfire-related resources.
  • Meet Each Need with Dignity (MEND) – Providing emergency food, housing, and job resources for displaced individuals.

FireAid’s benefit concert, which drew millions of viewers worldwide, has continued to raise funds, with additional grants expected to roll out in the coming months to further aid recovery and rebuilding efforts.

LA Isn't Just Keeping Up With the Future—It's Defining It.

From major investments in space and national security to new consumer tech and philanthropic efforts, LA is proving its influence across industries. The question isn’t what’s happening here—it’s what’s happening next.


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • CREE8, a company offering a centralized virtual workspace with on-demand, high-performance workstations, secure storage solutions, and real-time collaboration tools for creatives, has received an investment from Moneta Ventures. The funding will be used to enhance its platform capabilities and expand its market presence, providing seamless workflows for creators and professionals in need of cloud-based creative solutions. - learn more
  • Breakthrough, an AI-driven startup founded by former Google executive Adit Abhyankar, has secured a $600,000 Pre-seed funding led by Senvest Capital. The company specializes in enhancing B2B sales messaging by optimizing content in real-time through its self-learning AI platform. The funds will be used to expand Breakthrough's enterprise client base, explore applications beyond traditional sales outreach, and refine the product to better align with market needs. - learn more
  • UVIONIX, a robotics and automation startup specializing in AI-powered autonomous flying robots for warehouse inventory management, has secured a $3.5M Seed funding led by LAUNCHub Ventures. The investment will accelerate UVIONIX's product release, expand its presence in the U.S. and Europe, and support the growth of its AI and engineering teams in Bulgaria and the U.S. - learn more
LA Venture Funds
  • March Capital participated in a $305M Series B funding round for Together AI, a San Francisco-based company specializing in providing a cloud platform for developers and researchers to train and deploy generative AI models. The funds will be used to expand Together AI's cloud infrastructure, including the large-scale deployment of Nvidia Blackwell GPUs, to support over 200 open-source models and serve its growing user base of more than 450,000 AI developers worldwide. - learn more
  • Amboy Street Ventures participated in a $12M Series A funding round for Millie, a San Francisco-based tech-enabled maternity clinic. Millie offers comprehensive, patient-centered maternity care, integrating clinical best practices with digital tools to support individuals from conception through postpartum. The funds will be used to expand Millie's technology platform, enhance service offerings, and open new clinics, starting with a collaboration in California in 2025. - learn more
  • StoryHouse Ventures participated in a $4.3M Seed funding round for Henry AI, a company specializing in automating commercial real estate transactions. Based in New York, Henry AI uses AI-powered technology to streamline real estate deal execution. The funds will be used to enhance its platform and expand its capabilities, making commercial real estate transactions more efficient and scalable. - learn more
  • Amplify.LA participated in a $6.2M Seed funding round for Mavvrik, an Austin-based FinOps platform formerly known as DigitalEx. Mavvrik helps organizations manage and optimize IT expenditures through advanced financial operations solutions. The funds will be used to enhance its platform capabilities, addressing rising IT costs and improving financial efficiency for its clients. - learn more
  • Generational Partners participated in a $4M Pre-seed funding round for Everstar, a company specializing in AI-driven solutions for nuclear compliance. The funds will be used to develop Everstar's platform, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency in the nuclear energy sector. - learn more
  • Watertower Ventures participated in a $1.2M pre-seed funding round for Glassbox, a Toronto-based fintech startup developing an AI-compatible financial analysis platform. The funds will be used to expand Glassbox's team and bring its platform to market, aiming to transform traditional spreadsheet-based workflows into more efficient, transparent, and AI-driven processes. - learn more
  • March Capital participated in a $75M Series C funding round for Luminance, a Cambridge, UK-based legal technology company specializing in AI-powered contract generation, negotiation, and analysis. The funds will be used to accelerate Luminance's global expansion, particularly in the U.S., and to enhance its AI platform, extending its applications to adjacent areas such as procurement and compliance. - learn more
  • Rebel Fund participated in a €17.2M Series A funding round for Capi Money, a London-based FinTech startup specializing in streamlining international payments for SMEs in emerging markets. The funds will be used to scale Capi Money's platform, enabling small and medium-sized importers in regions like Africa, Latin America, and China to pay international suppliers more efficiently. - learn more
  • Group 11 participated in a $100M Series B funding round for Dream, an AI company based in Tel Aviv, Israel, specializing in cyber resilience solutions for nations and critical infrastructure. The investment, led by Bain Capital Ventures, will be used to enhance Dream's product capabilities and expand its global market reach, aiming to bolster national cybersecurity defenses against sophisticated threats. - learn more
  • B Capital participated in a $320M Series C funding round for Lambda, a San Jose, California-based company specializing in GPU cloud services for AI applications. The funds will be used to expand Lambda's AI cloud business, including their on-demand and reserved cloud offerings, to meet the growing demand for AI infrastructure. - learn more
  • B Capital co-led a $350M Series A funding round for Apptronik, an Austin, Texas-based company specializing in AI-powered humanoid robots. The investment will be used to scale the production of their humanoid robot, Apollo, designed for tasks in logistics and manufacturing sectors. Apptronik plans to expand Apollo's capabilities to other industries, including elder care and healthcare. - learn more
  • Upfront Ventures led a $7.5M Seed funding round for Keragon, a New York City-based company providing an AI-powered, HIPAA-compliant automation platform for healthcare. The funds will be used to expand operations and development efforts, enabling healthcare professionals to integrate over 300 software tools—including electronic health records, scheduling platforms, and AI medical scribes—without requiring engineering expertise. This integration aims to streamline data exchange, reduce administrative burdens, and safeguard patient information. - learn more
  • Blue Bear Capital participated in a $16M Series B funding round for ACCURE Battery Intelligence, an Aachen, Germany-based company specializing in AI-based battery safety and performance solutions. The funds will be used to expand ACCURE's predictive analytics software offerings across Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific regions, addressing the growing demand for enhanced battery safety and reliability in energy storage systems and electric vehicle fleets. - learn more
  • Clocktower Ventures participated in a $6.2M Seed funding round for Era Finance, a company specializing in AI-powered personal wealth management solutions. The funds will be used to expand Era's 'wealth-care' platform, aiming to make advanced financial intelligence accessible to a broader audience. - learn more
  • Climate Avengers participated in a $25M Series B funding round for Mast, a company specializing in restorative carbon removal projects. The funds will be used to launch a first-of-its-kind biomass burial and reforestation project, aiming to enhance carbon sequestration and combat climate change. - learn more
  • Clocktower Ventures participated in a $5M Seed funding round for Vigil, a New York-based insurtech startup specializing in annuities. The funds will be used to expand Vigil's platform and enhance its services in the annuities market. - learn more
  • Finality Capital Partners co-led a $7M Seed funding round for Fragmetric, a company specializing in native liquid restaking protocols on the Solana blockchain. The funds will be used to enhance Fragmetric's platform, focusing on efficient distribution of Node Consensus Network rewards and determining appropriate slashing ratios for Liquid Staking Tokens, thereby strengthening the security and economic potential of the Solana ecosystem. - learn more

      LA Exits

      • Guidance, a leading digital commerce services provider, has been acquired by OneMagnify, a global marketing and technology solutions company backed by Crestview Partners. This strategic acquisition aims to enhance OneMagnify's digital experience and eCommerce capabilities, enabling the combined entity to offer comprehensive, data-driven digital solutions to their clients. - learn more
      • Maple Media, a leader in mobile app publishing with a diverse portfolio of "Top 10" apps across productivity, entertainment, and lifestyle categories, has been acquired by Skybound Entertainment. This acquisition aims to enhance Skybound's reach by integrating Maple Media's stable revenue, proprietary app management technology, and direct consumer relationships, thereby expanding Skybound's audience and engagement. - learn more
      • Prima, a science-backed wellness brand specializing in clean and clinical CBD skincare and body care, has been acquired by Sky Marketing Corporation, a Texas-based house of hemp brands. The acquisition will allow Prima to expand its reach and continue its mission of delivering high-quality, plant-based wellness solutions under Sky Marketing's portfolio. - learn more

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        🏈Snapchat’s Super Bowl Push & Apple’s New App 📲—Here’s What’s New

        Grace Lee
        🏈Snapchat’s Super Bowl Push & Apple’s New App 📲—Here’s What’s New

        🔦 Spotlight

        Hello, Los Angeles!

        With Super Bowl LIX coming up this Sunday, the buzz isn’t just about the Chiefs vs. Eagles matchup—it’s also about how tech is shaping the experience. From Snapchat’s interactive game-day features to Apple’s latest product launch, there’s plenty happening beyond the field.

        Snapchat’s Super Bowl Features

        If you're watching the game, chances are you’ll be on your phone just as much as your TV. This year, Snapchat is rolling out AR Lenses, live score updates, and Spotlight challenges to make game day more interactive. Want to try on your team’s jersey? There’s a Lens for that. Need real-time updates? Snap has them covered. Attending the game in New Orleans? Live Location can help you track down friends in the crowd. As the second-screen experience becomes more ingrained in live sports, Snap is making sure it’s front and center.

        Snap’s New Initiative: The Department of Angels

        Super Bowl Sunday is about competition, but what happens when the challenge isn’t on the field? Yesterday, Snap announced The Department of Angels, a new initiative aimed at supporting communities recovering from disasters, offering independent funding and resources to help them rebuild on their own terms. Backed by $10 million from Snap Inc., Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, and the California Community Foundation, the program shifts away from traditional corporate donations and toward grassroots, community-led recovery efforts. Could this be a model for how tech companies engage with real-world crises in the future?

        Apple Wants to Change How You Send Invites

        Apple is stepping into the event invite space with Apple Invites, a new app designed to make organizing gatherings simpler. Competing with platforms like Partiful and Evite, Apple’s version integrates directly into iMessage and Apple Calendar, making it an easy, built-in option for Apple users. With so many invite platforms out there, will Apple’s streamlined approach become the go-to for iPhone users, or will it simply be another tool in the mix?

        Where to Watch Super Bowl LIX

        The Chiefs and Eagles face off this Sunday at 3:30 PM PT on FOX. Here’s a helpful link to directly access ways to watch. You can stream the game for free on Tubi, or catch it on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, NFL+, and fuboTV. And of course, we’ll be watching to see which brands—including tech giants—deliver the most memorable ads of the night.

        Between Snap’s game-day integrations, its push to support community-led recovery, and Apple’s move into digital invites, this week is full of shifts in how we connect. Which of these will redefine the way we interact? We’ll be watching.

        🤝 Venture Deals

        LA Companies

        • Musical AI, a company specializing in rights management for generative AI music, has raised a $1.5M seed funding round led by Build Ventures. The investment will support the development of Musical AI's attribution model, which analyzes tracks to determine the contribution of various data sources in AI-generated music. This enables rightsholders to monitor and manage the use of their works, while providing generative AI companies with access to quality licensed data and detailed usage reports. - learn more

        LA Venture Funds
        • Fika Ventures participated in a $16M Series A funding round for Ivo, a San Francisco-based AI-powered contract review platform, bringing its total funding to $22.2M. The company plans to use the funds to scale its AI-driven contract review solutions and has launched the Ivo Search Agent to enhance contract search and analysis capabilities. - learn more
        • Freeflow Ventures participated in a $7M seed funding round for Miist Therapeutics, a Bay Area-based company specializing in physics-based inhaled medicines. Miist plans to use the funds to advance its two lead programs: MST-01 for smoking addiction and MST-02 for migraine treatment. Their proprietary inhaler delivers sterile aqueous drug particles to the peripheral lung, achieving rapid absorption and symptom relief. - learn more
        • Fiore Ventures participated in a $9.5M strategic funding round for Little Otter, a digital mental health care provider specializing in whole-family services. The company plans to use the funds to expand its services to reach millions of families covered by Medicaid and commercial insurance plans, leveraging an AI-powered platform to enhance patient triage and personalized care. - learn more
        • Arca participated in a $13.5M Series A funding round for Beamable, a company specializing in providing live game services for game developers. The funds will be used to expand Beamable's decentralized gaming infrastructure and enhance its platform offerings. - learn more
        • Village Global participated in an $8M seed funding round for Desteia, a company leveraging AI and graph theory to address supply chain disruptions. The funds will be used to enhance Desteia's technology and expand its market reach. - learn more
        • TI Capital and QBIT Capital co-led a $7.5M Series A funding round for Largo.ai, a company specializing in AI-driven solutions for the film industry. The funds will be used to enhance Largo.ai's AI-powered platform and expand its market presence. - learn more
        • Strong Ventures participated in a ₩3.5 billion (approximately $2.9M) funding round for Class101, a South Korea-based all-in-one creator content platform. The company plans to use the funds to enhance its 'Creator Home' service, recruit top creators in fields such as economics, side jobs, art, crafts, and careers, and expand corporate subscription services for employee education and welfare. - learn more
        • Village Global participated in a $4M Seed funding round for Perspective AI, a Palo Alto, California-based company specializing in AI-mediated customer conversations. The funds will be used to expand operations and development efforts. - learn more

            LA Exits

            • SpringboardVR, a provider of virtual reality (VR) venue management software and a leading content marketplace for location-based entertainment, has been acquired by SynthesisVR. Previously owned by Vertigo Games, SpringboardVR is known for its platform that enables VR arcade operators to manage content licensing and operations efficiently. With this acquisition, SynthesisVR aims to enhance its offerings for VR arcades and developers, supporting the growth and innovation of the VR industry. - learn more
            • Generation Genius, an educational streaming platform that provides K-8 science and math videos, activities, and lessons, has been acquired by Newsela to enhance its instructional content and strengthen real-world connections in science and math education. - learn more

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              AI Dominates the Headlines, but Defense Tech Is Gaining Speed

              Grace Lee
              AI Dominates the Headlines, but Defense Tech Is Gaining Speed

              🔦 Spotlight

              Hello, Los Angeles!

              This week, DeepSeekAI has been dominating the tech conversation. The Chinese AI startup’s chatbot app surged to the No. 1 spot on the App Store, drawing both excitement and scrutiny. Supporters see its open-weight model as a potential game-changer, offering developers more flexibility compared to closed AI systems like OpenAI’s. But the rapid rise has also raised questions about security, data governance, and global AI competition. Whether DeepSeek will be a long-term disruptor or just a momentary sensation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—AI remains the tech industry’s driving force.

              But while AI continues to dominate headlines, another sector is quietly making waves—defense technology. And one LA-based startup just secured a major endorsement from investors and the U.S. government.

              Castelion’s Hypersonic Bet—Can It Outrun the Defense Industry’s Red Tape?

              Image Source: Castelion

              El Segundo-based Castelionjust raised$100 million to accelerate its mission to build hypersonic weapons faster, cheaper, and at scale. The financing—$70 million in equity (led by Lightspeed Venture Partners with participation from a16z, Lavrock Ventures, Cantos, First In, BlueYard Capital, and Interlagos) and $30 million in venture debt (from Silicon Valley Bank)—is the latest sign that venture capital sees national security startups as a high-growth opportunity.

              Unlike traditional defense contractors, Castelion is operating like a fast-moving startup, not a slow-moving government supplier. Founded by former SpaceX engineers, the company is applying an iterative, test-heavy approach to building long-range hypersonic strike weapons—which travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (3,800+ mph) and are designed to evade modern missile defenses.

              Not Just VC-Backed—The U.S. Military is Betting on Castelion Too

              While the $100 million raise is a major milestone, Castelion already has funded contracts with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army. These contracts are focused on hypersonic technology development and scaled manufacturing, areas where the military has struggled to move quickly due to bureaucratic delays and reliance on traditional defense giants.

              To prove it can execute, Castelion recently successfully launched a low-cost ballistic missile from a self-built launcher in Mojave. Now, with both government contracts and venture capital behind it, the company is pushing forward on more flight tests and building out its scaled production capabilities.

              Image Source: Castelion - Castelion launches a missile prototype in Mojave, CA

              With rising geopolitical tensions and an increasing focus on faster, cost-effective deterrence, Castelion is positioning itself as a new kind of defense player—one that moves at startup speed. Whether it can sustain that pace while navigating the complexities of government procurement remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the future of defense tech isn’t just about who can build the best weapons—it’s about who can build them fast enough.


              🤝 Venture Deals

              LA Companies

              • Omnitron Sensors, a Los Angeles-based pioneer in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication technology, has secured over $13M in a Series A funding round led by Corriente Advisors, LLC, with participation from L'ATTITUDE Ventures. The company plans to use the funds to expand its engineering and operations teams and accelerate the mass production of its first product, a reliable and affordable MEMS step-scanning mirror designed for various applications, including AI data centers, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), drones, extended reality (XR) headsets, and toxic gas-detection systems. - learn more
              • Camouflet, a Los Angeles-based technology company specializing in AI-driven dynamic pricing solutions, has secured a $12M Series A funding round led by QVM. The company plans to utilize the proceeds to scale its platform across various industries, expand into international markets, and enhance its technology and team to better serve its clients. - learn more
              LA Venture Funds
              • Clocktower Ventures participated in a $6.2M Seed funding round for Foyer, a New York-based fintech startup that assists individuals in saving for home purchases. The funds will be used to enhance Foyer's platform and expand its user base. - learn more
              • Smash Capital participated in ElevenLabs' $180M Series C funding round, bringing the company's valuation to $3.3 billion. Based in New York, ElevenLabs specializes in AI-powered text-to-speech and voice cloning technology. The newly secured funds will be used to enhance its AI audio platform and expand its global presence. - learn more
              • March Capital participated in a $25M Series C funding round for SuperOps to support the company's efforts in advancing AI research and development, expanding offerings for mid-market and enterprise managed service providers (MSPs), and scaling its global presence. Additionally, SuperOps is launching an AI-powered Endpoint Management tool to enhance IT team productivity. - learn more
              • Cedars-Sinai participated in a $2M funding round for Neu Health to support its AI-driven neurology care platform for conditions like Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Originating from the University of Oxford, Neu Health will use the funds to enter the U.S. market, beginning with a six-month pilot program at Cedars-Sinai focused on improving neurology patient care. - learn more
              • Chapter One Ventures participated in a $2.8M seed funding round for Mevvy, a blockchain startup aiming to democratize Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) trading by simplifying access and reducing technical complexities. The funds will be used to further develop Mevvy's platform, expand its user base, and enhance its offerings. - learn more

                LA Exits

                • Kona, an AI-powered assistant and coach for remote managers, has been acquired by 15Five, a performance management platform. Founded in 2019, Kona integrates with virtual meeting platforms like Zoom and Google Meet to provide tailored coaching and enablement for remote managers. The acquisition aims to enhance 15Five's offerings by incorporating Kona's capabilities to improve manager effectiveness within existing workflows. - learn more

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