🔦 Spotlight

Happy Friday, Los Angeles!

This week, it's all eyes, quite literally, on LA's latest tech headlines.

Image Source: World

First up, World has officially touched down in the U.S., launching its ambitious biometric crypto project in six cities, including right here in Los Angeles. Cofounded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, World is betting big on a future where proving you're human is just a blink away. Their tool? An orb-shaped device that scans your eyes to create a "World ID," a decentralized digital passport built for the AI era. Verified users can then claim Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency aiming to become the first truly global digital currency. To tie it all together, World has rolled out the World App, a wallet to manage your ID and crypto and World Chain, a new blockchain designed to prioritize real people over bots. The ambition is bold. The stakes are high. And the question still lingers: How much privacy are we willing to trade for convenience?

Image Source: Lyft

Meanwhile, Lyft is rolling out the red carpet, or perhaps a comfortable seat cushion, for LA’s senior citizens. The rideshare giant just launched Lyft Silver in Los Angeles, offering older adults personalized support, live phone assistance, and specially trained drivers. It's a savvy play into an often-overlooked demographic, combining technology and empathy to serve a growing market of tech-savvy seniors. Will Lyft’s new approach give them an edge in LA’s competitive rideshare market? Stay tuned, and maybe text your grandma… she just might become Lyft’s latest power user.


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

    • True Classic, a Los Angeles-based apparel brand known for its better-fitting basics, has received its first institutional investment from 1686 Partners. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate True Classic's global expansion and diversify its product offerings to include women's and children's lines. The investment will also support enhancements in supply chain, logistics, and omnichannel retail operations, positioning the brand for continued growth in the global market. - learn more
    • Chaos Industries, a Los Angeles-based defense technology startup, raised $275M in a Series C round led by Accel and New Enterprise Associates, valuing the company at $2N. The company develops advanced detection, monitoring, and communication systems for defense and commercial sectors. The funds will be used to expand product development, grow the team, and scale manufacturing operations. - learn more
    • Apex, a Los Angeles-based spacecraft manufacturer, raised $200M in Series C funding to scale production of its productized satellite bus platforms. The company will use the funds to expand operations at its 50,000-square-foot facility and increase manufacturing capacity to meet demand from government and commercial customers. Apex aims to accelerate delivery timelines and support national security initiatives like the U.S. Department of Defense’s Golden Dome program. - learn more
    • Deferred, a technology-driven Qualified Intermediary, has raised $3.6M in seed funding to modernize and democratize 1031 exchanges for everyday real estate investors. The funding round was led by B Capital and Fika Ventures, with participation from strategic investors. Deferred's platform offers AI-driven compliance, robust fund security, and a no-fee exchange model, aiming to make tax-deferred real estate transactions more accessible, secure, and efficient. The funds will be used to expand access to 1031 exchanges, ensuring that every investor, not just institutional players, can leverage this powerful wealth-building tool. - learn more

    LA Venture Funds

    • Village Global participated in Stately Bio's $12M seed funding round. Based in Palo Alto, Stately Bio is a biotech startup developing an AI-powered live-cell imaging platform that enables non-invasive, real-time analysis of cell behavior, enhancing regenerative medicine and cell therapy development. The funds will be used to scale the platform and expand its pipeline of stem cell-derived therapies. - learn more
    • Riot Ventures participated in True Anomaly's recent $260M Series C funding round. Based in Centennial, Colorado, True Anomaly develops advanced spacecraft and software systems for U.S. national security missions, including its flagship Jackal vehicle designed for close-proximity operations in orbit. The funds will be used to support upcoming space missions, expand manufacturing capabilities, and grow the company's workforce. - learn more
    • Navitas Capital led a $10.5M Series A funding round for Field Materials, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based startup that automates construction material and equipment procurement using AI. Field Materials' platform leverages proprietary large language models to process vendor quotes, delivery slips, and invoices, integrating the data into major construction accounting systems. This approach reduces purchase order and invoice processing time by 90%, improves margins, and helps construction companies secure volume pricing. The funds will be used to double Field Materials' team and triple its revenue in 2025, accelerating the delivery of AI capabilities to meet growing demand in the construction industry. - learn more
    • Bold Capital Partners participated in Near Space Labs $20M Series B funding round. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Near Space Labs deploys helium balloon–lifted "Swift" robots to capture ultra-high-resolution aerial imagery from the stratosphere. The company plans to use the funds to expand its fleet and increase coverage, aiming to provide 7cm-resolution images to 80% of the U.S. population twice annually. - learn more
    • Alexandria Venture Investments participated in a $15M Series A funding round for Hoofprint Biome, a Raleigh, North Carolina–based agtech startup. Hoofprint Biome develops enzyme-based feed additives aimed at reducing methane emissions from cattle while enhancing productivity. The company plans to use the funds to advance product development, conduct on-farm trials, and prepare for commercial launch. - learn more
    • Finality Capital Partners participated in a $25M seed funding round for Miden, a privacy-focused blockchain protocol spun out of Polygon. Miden leverages zero-knowledge technology to offer fast, confidential transaction processing tailored for large institutions handling sensitive payment flows. The funding will support the development of Miden's ecosystem and developer tools, with plans to launch its main network by the end of the year. - learn more
    • Overture VC participated in Glacier's $16M Series A funding round. Glacier, a San Francisco-based startup, develops AI-powered robotic systems designed to automate and enhance the efficiency of recycling processes at material recovery facilities (MRFs). The funds will be used to expand Glacier's operations, deploy its technology to more MRFs across the U.S., and further develop its AI and robotics capabilities to improve recycling rates and reduce environmental impact. - learn more
    • Powerhouse Capital and Rideback participated in a $10M funding round for Cheehoo, a Los Angeles-based startup developing AI-powered tools to streamline 3D animation workflows. Cheehoo's platform integrates with industry-standard software like Maya and Unreal Engine, offering features such as AI-assisted character animation, speech-to-motion capabilities, and real-time collaboration tools. The company plans to use the funds to enhance its technology and expand its reach to a broader range of creators, from major studios to independent animators. - learn more
    • Village Global participated in P-1 AI's recent $23M seed funding round. Based in Henderson, Nevada, P-1 AI is developing an artificial general intelligence (AGI) platform named Archie, designed to automate engineering tasks for physical systems. The company plans to use the funds to advance Archie's capabilities, starting with applications in data center cooling systems, and eventually expanding into sectors like industrial systems, automotive, and aerospace. - learn more
    • TenOneTen Ventures led a $3.3M seed funding round for Domos, a startup developing an AI-powered workforce to streamline property management operations. Based in New York City, Domos' platform automates routine communications and workflows, enabling property managers to focus on higher-value tasks. The funds will be used to expand the company's engineering team and further develop its AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and resident experience. - learn more
    • Leap Venture Studio participated in a $1M seed funding round for Buddy Bites, a Hong Kong-based dog food brand that donates to shelters with every order. The funds will support Buddy Bites' expansion in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK, with plans to enter Taiwan and launch new products later this year. Additionally, Buddy Bites joined Leap Venture Studio's 12-week accelerator program, gaining mentorship and access to a network of industry experts to further its mission of providing premium dog food while supporting animal shelters. - learn more

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    Skeptics once doubted the feasibility of a high-speed rail connecting LA to Las Vegas, but now it's becoming a reality. Perhaps all it takes is the right team to turn the improbable into the possible.

    LA County has invested millions to establish itself as a biotech hub, including funding the nonprofit BioscienceLA and its BioFutures program. The county's investments have also created a supportive infrastructure with initiatives like the 20,000-square-foot BioscienceLA office in Culver City, generating significant economic activity and jobs. However, despite these efforts, LA has remained a secondary market for biotech and life sciences due to geographic sprawl and limited supply of life science/biotech space, even though the region boasts significant life science talent.

    Life Science Degree Completions by Vacancy Comparison

    Cushman & Wakefield

    A leading figure in the biotech scene in Los Angeles is the impressive biotech entrepreneur, Arie Belldegrun. Belldegrun has played a significant role in the successful exits of Agensys, Cougar Biotechnology, and Kite Pharma, which collectively sold for $13.4 billion. An Israeli-born urologist and immunology researcher, Belldegrun has been instrumental in building the biotech sector in Los Angeles. Utilizing proceeds from these exits, he established Bellco Capital, which primarily invests in life science and real estate companies, and co-founded several biotech-focused funds and ventures.

    Belldegrun's efforts have culminated in the creation of the California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at the former Westside Pavilion in Westwood, in collaboration with other prominent figures and philanthropists. The 700,000-square-foot property, acquired at the end of 2023, will also house the UCLA Center for Quantum Science & Engineering. “The goal is to build the immunology equivalent of Silicon Valley in Los Angeles,” says UCLA Health CEO John Mazziotta, MD, PhD. The center will hold its own patents and will eventually foster new biotech startups through its incubator and accelerator programs. The initiative has secured $500 million in state funding and plans to raise an additional $1 billion, positioning Los Angeles to become a leading biotech hub alongside regions like the Bay Area, San Diego, and Boston. Despite challenges posed by the city's geographic sprawl, these combined efforts by leaders like Belldegrun and county programs are transforming LA's biotech landscape, fostering a thriving environment for future scientific and commercial successes.

    tech-week

    Here’s what’s in store for Thursday, October 17th at LA Tech Week 2024! Check out the events by location below to find sessions that align with your interests and goals for an inspiring day in LA’s tech scene.

    BEL AIR

    5:00 PM

    Andrew Yeung, Blindspot

    8:00 PM

    Andrew Yeung, Blindspot

    BEVERLY HILLS

    8:00 AM

    Scrappy

    2:00 PM

    WE Global Studios

    6:00 PM

    • Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Future of Tech Innovation : See Details Here

    Her Workplace

    BRENTWOOD

    4:00 PM

    Slyngshot, Singleton Foundation, East West Projects

    6:00 PM

    Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs of Southern California

    CULVER CITY

    9:00 AM

    Intersections LA

    9:30 AM

    Tediophobes

    5:30 PM

    Curbivore

    DOWNTOWN

    10:00 AM

    USC Marshall Grief Center for Entrepreneurial Studies

    5:00 PM

    Toonstar, Loyola Marymount University

    EL SEGUNDO

    3:00 PM

    DTI

    5:00 PM

    Sift

    5:30 PM

    Shield Capital

    6:00 PM

    Sigma Computing, Prodege

    HiveWatch

    HAWTHORNE

    6:30 PM

    Astrolab

    INGLEWOOD

    11:00 AM

    Sonder Impact, Sip & Sonder

    6:00 PM

    Sonder Impact, Sip & Sonder, ACT House

    LONG BEACH

    6:30 PM

    Skuttlebot, Maintenance Bay 54

    MALIBU

    6:30 PM

    Reitler, Carta

    MARINA DEL REY

    3:00 PM

    USC, Information Sciences Institute

    5:00 PM

    USC, ISI

    PALMS

    6:00 PM

    The Law Firm of Shivani Honwad, Women in LAVA

    PLAYA DEL REY

    8:00 AM

    AI LA

    PLAYA VISTA

    5:00 PM

    Stash, Google

    6:00 PM

    AI copilot

    Tech Me Out, Global Objects, Verizon Innovation Lab

    SANTA MONICA

    8:00 AM

    Human To Human, Superbloom Collective

    8:30 AM

    Upfront Ventures, Fenwick

    olive, Bonfire, Headline, Fika, TipTop Ventures

    9:30 AM

    • Founders & Investors - Barry’s Bootcamp with SVB (Invite Only)

    Silicon Valley Bank

    Clocktower Ventures, Intuit Ventures

    Founders Wellth Club

    10:00 AM

    Pilot

    • ZK House (Invite Only)

    Aleo

    10:30 AM

    Red Beard Ventures

    12:00 PM

    Inner Circle HQ

    • Tech & The Built Environment Series: Advancing Clean Energy Projects Regionally : See Details Here

    Blended Impact, LAEDC

    Brydge Club, Lendtech, Two to Twenty

    1:00 PM

    Olympian Motors

    2:00 PM

    • YouTube Creator Collective Pickleball Tournament (Invite Only)

    YouTube, @iJustine, @LaurDIY, @StevenHe

    3:00 PM

    Beaute in Tech

    AppsFlyer, Mavan

    • Globalize VC Fund Launch & Startup Showcase (Invite Only)

    Globalize

    yess.io

    3:30 PM

    How Women Invest, 2045 Ventures

    4:00 PM

    WeAreLATech

    Amplify, Wonder Ventures, Fenwick, Stifel, CDW

    • Funding the Future of Mental Health Fireside Chat + Mixer (Invite Only)

    Silicon Valley Bank, Milken Institute, GreyMatter Capital

    Olympian Motors

    Hedra

    4:30 PM

    Emerging LA, Sunset Ventures, Fidelity Private Shares

    5:00 PM

    • Investing in Identity: Underrepresented Founders' Consumer Brands : See Details Here

    XRC Ventures, Black Women Talk Tech

    Palm Drive Capital, Deel

    NextGen Venture Partners

    MELT

    Squad.App

    • Navigating Challenges: AI Solutions for CEOs (Invite Only)

    Tripsider, Ferla

    LAstartups, Startup Coil, Expert Dojo

    5:15 PM

    So Cal Tech, WeAreLATech

    5:30 PM

    • FEMTECH Innovation & Beauty: Shaping the Future of Women's Health and Wellness : See Details Here

    Plantologist

    StartupStarter, Hollo.AI, 1500 or Nothing

    Clutch Talent

    Everything Marketplaces

    6:00 PM

    Tech Pitch Roast Comedy LLC

    Black Tech Meetup

    USC Alumni Entrepreneurs Network

    Ince Capital

    Dreaming in Digital A.I.

    • Israeli Startup Network Meetup (Invite Only)

    Fusion VC, Fenwick

    • Fanfix Tech Week (Invite Only)

    Fanfix

    • The Kickback (Invite Only)

    The Wealth Salons, DVRGNT Ventures, HubSpot, BLCK VC, Cooley, Fabric VC, Canadian Consulate of LA

    INCE Capital

    This Week In Fintech

    Share Ventures, Jack Taylor PR

    6:30 PM

    ElevenLabs

    PowerYou AI

    Higgsfield AI

    Legendary Ventures, Hustle Fund

    7:00 PM

    Emerging LA, Sunset Ventures, Fidelity Private Shares

    Zeal

    8:00 PM

    Litquidity Ventures

    VAN NUYS

    8:00 AM

    Pacer.co

    VENICE

    9:00 AM

    Supply Change Capital

    Arc, Humans Anonymous, Kindo

    10:00 AM

    Wave Digital Assets

    12:00 PM

    JP Morgan, Lux Capital, Camber Road, Varda

    1:00 PM

    The Redline Apart Hotel

    2:00 PM

    Everybody Ventures, TriNet

    Mercato, Silicon Valley Bank

    4:30 PM

    West of Lincoln

    5:00 PM

    The Redline Venice Apart Hotel

    Kyte

    5:30 PM

    XPRIZE, the Female Funders Club, Abundance360

    6:00 PM

    Graphite.dev

    Brandy

    AI LA

    Intro, a16z

    7:00 PM

    Date Week, Paloma

    VIRTUAL

    11:00 AM

    SaaSfluencer

    APCO

    BLCK UNICRN

    1:00 PM

    • State of AI Venture Landscape & Investment Opportunities 2024 : See Details Here

    Untapped Ventures

    Wonder

    2:00 PM

    Azarian Growth Agency

    WEST HOLLYWOOD

    4:00 PM

    Cake Equity

    6:30 PM

    A16z

    Styld

    7:00 PM

    Bulletpitch, Pluto LA

    • Science Fiction Meets Science Fact: Advanced Manufacturing (Invite Only)

    ACME Capital, Calibrate VC, Techstars Space, Advaita Capital

    WESTLAKE VILLAGE

    4:00 PM

    Trinet

    WESTSIDE

    11:00 AM

    A La Mode Branding

    Arizona Commerce Authority

    2:00 PM

    UCLA Technology Development Group, CNSI at UCLA

    5:30 PM

    Pryzm

    • Sunset Soirée (Invite Only)

    Greycroft, Sound

    6:00 PM

    Graham & Walker

    For updates or more event information, visit the official Tech Week calendar.

    Enjoy LA Tech Week 2024!

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