LA Tech Updates: Apple Podcast Vet Joins QCODE, Amazon Reportedly in Talks to Buy Wondery, Pharrell's New Black Ambition Incubator

🔦 Spotlight

Hello, LA!

This week, tech headlines are buzzing with OpenAI's launch of Operator, a tool that promises to transform task automation, and TikTok’s major outage, which left millions disconnected. But closer to home, as wildfires blaze across Southern California, survival has become the focus—and technology is making it possible.

When the plume of smoke reappeared on the horizon, residents across Southern California turned to tools like Watch Duty. Over the past week, as flames surged, the app gained 600,000 new users in just one night, delivering critical, real-time information to help residents stay ahead of danger. Watch Duty, designed to provide wildfire updates, has proven to be much more than an alert system. It’s a lifeline.

The app integrates live data, satellite imagery, and community reports to send updates directly to users. Information includes fire locations, evacuation orders, and air quality indices, empowering quick, informed decisions. Its community-driven ethos—with contributions from locals, firefighters, and volunteers—ensures hyper-local and timely updates, filling gaps where traditional news outlets often fall short.

Image Source: Watch Duty

A New Era of Fire Alerts

Watch Duty redefines wildfire preparedness through technology and collaboration:

• Fire Detection: Monitors data from satellites, agencies, and ground sources to identify wildfires.
• Data Verification: A team of experts ensures reported activity is accurate.
• Real-Time Alerts: Notifications are sent within 60 seconds of detection.
• Community Contributions: Local residents provide photos and updates.
• User Notifications: Alerts include fire size, location, and evacuation details.

These features make Watch Duty an indispensable tool during wildfire season. In 2024, the app processed over 2 million alerts and supported 50,000 evacuations, with plans to expand predictive modeling by 2025 to anticipate threats before they escalate.

Innovations Reshaping Wildfire Management

Early Detection Leaders:

• AlertCalifornia: Operates over 1,000 cameras with machine learning to monitor high-risk areas.

• Pano AI: Uses cameras and sensors to detect smoke and alert responders.

• Torch Sensors: Deploys heat-detection sensors to identify anomalies early.

Image Source: Torch Sensors

Predictive and Analytical Pioneers:

• Chooch AI: Employs drones and computer vision to monitor fire hazards.

• Data Blanket: Uses analytics to forecast fire behavior and assist evacuations.

• Rain: Leverages advanced atmospheric sensing and AI-driven technology to provide precise fire detection and tracking. Its real-time data on fire weather conditions and environmental factors helps agencies anticipate and respond to wildfires with greater efficiency.

• SCEPTER: Tracks air quality and wildfire emissions using AI and satellite data.

Image Source: Rain

A Vision for the Future

As Los Angeles continues to adapt to the realities of a changing climate, tools like Watch Duty, Pano AI, and AlertCalifornia are proving to be invaluable. These technologies are not just reactive measures; they represent a shift toward proactive disaster preparedness. The question now isn’t whether technology can help but how much more it can achieve in the years to come.

With the integration of predictive modeling, AI, and real-time data, there’s hope for a future where wildfires are no longer unpredictable forces of destruction. Imagine every household equipped with predictive wildfire maps, heat-detecting drones, and AI-driven tools to guide safety decisions. The innovations are here—it's up to us to support and scale them to ensure they reach the communities that need them most. Which company, which app, or which breakthrough will emerge as the next lifeline? The possibilities for a safer, more prepared Los Angeles feel closer than ever.

🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

• Favorited, a new livestream app positioning itself as an alternative to TikTok, has raised a $1.3M Pre-Seed from HF0, Soma Ventures, and several angel investors from the entertainment and social space. The platform, which participated in the a16z Speedrun accelerator program, offers features like streaks and leaderboards to boost user engagement. Favorited plans to use the funds to enhance its app's functionalities and expand its user base. - learn more

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🔦 Spotlight

Hello Los Angeles,

This week has been a challenging one for many in our city as we continue to face the aftermath of the recent wildfires. Recovery efforts are in full swing, and as always, the strength and resilience of our community shine through.

If you or someone you know has been impacted, there are resources available to help navigate this difficult time:

• LA County Wildfire Recovery Resources: Access here

• City of Los Angeles Recovery Resources: Access here

• Eaton Fire Damage Maps: View here

• Pacific Palisades Fire Damage Maps: View here

These tools can provide support, whether you’re looking for financial assistance, housing resources, or updates on affected areas.

While our community focuses on recovery, we’re also reminded of what makes LA unique: its unrelenting drive to build, create, and innovate. A great example this week comes from Whatnot, the live shopping platform co-founded in 2019 by Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head, which has just achieved a major milestone.

Whatnot announced it raised $265 million in Series E funding, valuing the company at an impressive $5 billion.

For those unfamiliar, Whatnot combines shopping and entertainment through live-streamed auctions. Think of it as a vibrant, interactive marketplace where sellers showcase everything from trading cards and collectibles to fashion items, all in real time. Buyers can bid during the stream, creating a sense of excitement and connection that feels more personal than traditional online shopping.

The company’s new funding—co-led by Greycroft, DST Global, and Avra Capital—will drive expansion into markets like Australia and bring improvements to seller tools, from inventory management to advanced analytics. But what stands out most is Whatnot’s focus on its people. CEO Grant LaFontaine announced plans to buy back $72 million in shares for long-term employees, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to sharing its success.

As we move forward, let’s celebrate stories like these that show how innovation thrives in LA—even amid challenges. Whether it’s supporting wildfire recovery, building the next great startup, or simply connecting with others, we each play a role in shaping the spirit of our city.

🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

• Phase Four, a leader in advanced in-space propulsion systems, announced the first close of its Series C funding round, securing nearly 60% of the target raise, led by Artemis Group Capital, to ramp up production of its Valkyrie Hall Effect Thrusters to at least 250 units annually and develop cutting-edge propulsion technologies for defense and national security needs. - learn more

• Proper, a next-generation supplement brand launched by fitness entrepreneur Amanda Kloots, secured investment from Ben Bennett's Beauty Accelerator, The Center, to redefine the supplement industry with innovative, nutrient-focused wellness solutions tailored for modern lifestyles. - learn more

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🔦 Spotlight

To our Los Angeles family,

This week’s wildfires have brought immense pain and hardship to our beloved city. Many of our friends, neighbors, and colleagues have faced evacuations, power outages, and the devastating loss of homes and livelihoods. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

At dot.LA, we want to express our deepest sympathy to those suffering in this moment. We see your resilience and stand with you during this challenging time. This community has always been defined by its strength and compassion, and now is the time to come together in support.

If You or Someone You Know Has Been Impacted, Resources Are Available:

Evacuation Shelters:

• Calvary Community Church: 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village, CA 91362
• Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
• Pan Pacific Recreational Center: 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
• Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
• Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
• Pomona Fairplex: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
• Stoner Recreation Center: 1835 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Animal Shelters:

Small Animals:

• Agoura Animal Care Center: 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
• Baldwin Park Animal Care Center: 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
• Carson Animal Care Center: 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
• Downey Animal Care Center: 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242
• Lancaster Animal Care Center: 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
• Palmdale Animal Care Center: 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550

Large Animals:

• Pomona Fairplex: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona
• Industry Hills Expo: 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
• Antelope Valley Fair: 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536
• Los Angeles Equestrian Center: 480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506
• Pierce College Equestrian Center: 7100 El Rancho Dr, Woodland Hills, CA 91371

Disaster Relief Information:

• LA County Assessor: Information for property owners and FAQs about disaster relief.

Mental Health Support:

• Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: Crisis counseling and support for those affected. Access services through their website or call their hotline at (800) 854-7771.

Temporary Housing Support:

• Airbnb: In partnership with 211 LA, offering free temporary housing for displaced residents. Spaces are limited; complete the form to be notified of availability.

Transportation Support:

• Uber: Use promo code WILDFIRE25 for 2 free rides up to $40 each to/from active shelters.
• Lyft: Code CAFIRERELIEF25 offers 2 rides up to $25 each for up to 500 riders, valid until 1/15.
• Metro: Fare collection is suspended systemwide.

Staying Informed:

• Watch Duty App: Provides real-time wildfire tracking, evacuation warnings, and updates.
• Los Angeles Fire Department Alerts: Visit their website for the latest information on fire status and safety guidelines.

Safety Precautions:

• Ready, Set, Go!: Personal Wildfire Action Plan by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

To those in our community who are volunteering, donating, or offering aid in any form—thank you. Your efforts embody the spirit of LA: strong, compassionate, and unstoppable.

At dot.LA, we’re committed to amplifying stories of resilience and support. If you’ve seen inspiring acts of kindness or have resources to share, please let us know. Together, we can shine a light on the incredible ways this community is stepping up during these trying times.

In the days ahead, let’s hold tight to the bonds that unite us and remember that we are stronger together. The fires may scar the land, but they cannot dim the collective spirit of Los Angeles.

We’re here for you, and we’re with you.

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