LA Tech Updates: Wave's Roll Continues; TikTok Sweetens Deal for Music Stars

Sam Blake

Sam primarily covers entertainment and media for dot.LA. Previously he was Marjorie Deane Fellow at The Economist, where he wrote for the business and finance sections of the print edition. He has also worked at the XPRIZE Foundation, U.S. Government Accountability Office, KCRW, and MLB Advanced Media (now Disney Streaming Services). He holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson, an MPP from UCLA Luskin and a BA in History from University of Michigan. Email him at samblake@dot.LA and find him on Twitter @hisamblake

LA Tech Updates: Wave's Roll Continues; TikTok Sweetens Deal for Music Stars

Here are the latest updates on news affecting Los Angeles' startup and tech communities. Sign up for our newsletter and follow dot.LA on Twitter for more.

Today:

  • Virtual concert creator Wave adds Netflix executive to C-Suite
  • TikTok signs music distribution deal with UnitedMasters

    Wave Reels in Former Netflix Exec as New CMO

    Tina Rubin is Wave's new chief marketing officer

    Wave, a startup that transforms musicians into avatars for interactive virtual concerts, has reeled in former Netflix executive Tina Rubin as its chief marketing officer, the company announced Monday.

    The L.A.-based entertainment company has been on a winning streak lately, closing a $30 million round in early June and scoring partnerships with Grammy-award winners John Legend and The Weeknd. It's also beefed up its C-suite, adding former Riot Games executive Jarred Kennedy as chief operating officer last month.

    Rubin, who oversaw strategy for Netflix's young adult and family division (including Stranger Things and Umbrella Academy), will focus on ticketing, merchandise, product development and brand awareness at Wave. She'll also build out new ways for artists and their fans to interact remotely.

    "I look forward to helping Wave connect music fans with the artists they love in even more immersive and accessible ways," Rubin said in a statement.

    Earlier this month, Wave designed the avatar and set for The Weeknd's virtual concert on TikTok, which broadcast the show via its main @TikTok account. Wave representatives reported the performance attracted 275,000 peak concurrent viewers – the most in TikTok history – and 1.2 million total unique viewers, a record for a solo artist's performance on the platform.

    Wave, founded in 2016, has now hosted over 50 concerts. Originally conceived as a virtual reality-concert platform, the company has expanded and now distributes its concerts across social media, gaming platforms and VR headsets.

    Rubin replaces Wave interim CMO Jeremy Welt.

    TikTok Signs Music Distribution Deal with UnitedMasters

    TikTok Doles Out Money to Creators, Batting Away Rivals

    Short-form video-sharing app TikTok announced a deal with indie music distributor UnitedMasters on Monday that will make it easier for artists and creators who go viral on the platform to get their music up on streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.

    It comes as President Donald Trump has ordered ByteDance, the company's Chinese owner, to divest within 90 days from its U.S. operations.

    The move gives musicians an easier way to leverage their success on TikTok without needing a middleman such as a record label to get their songs onto streaming platforms.

    The partnership is the first distribution deal struck by the company, which earlier this year hired former Disney executive Kevin Mayer as its CEO. TikTok has also recently fortified its partnerships with several music publishers so that users can include songs in their videos without worrying about infringing on copyright.

    TikTok thinks it can leverage the UnitedMasters deal to draw in more top and trending artists such as Curtis Roach, Curtis Waters, Breland, Tai Verdes and BMW Kenny. The deal will complement TikTok's recently announced $1 billion Creator Fund to pay top TikTokkers, as the company tries to attract and retain creative talent amid growing competition in the short-form video space.

    UnitedMasters, launched in 2017 by former Interscope executive Steve Stoute, also arranges music deals with brands like ESPN and the NBA.


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    ⏳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.


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    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


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        🍵☕️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)


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