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TikTok Reportedly Considering Push Into Video Games
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.
TikTok reportedly plans to make a major push into gaming, with the social media giant said to be already testing video game features on its app.
The Culver City-based video-sharing platform, which is owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, has conducted tests that let users in Vietnam play games within its app, Reuters reported Thursday. TikTok aims to roll out gaming more widely in Southeast Asia, possibly as soon as the third quarter of this year, according to the report.
When reached by dot.LA for comment, a TikTok spokesperson denied that the company is testing games in Vietnam, but declined to say whether it is testing games in other countries or if it plans to expand into gaming more widely. They added that the firm is always considering new features for its users.
According to TikTok, the only game currently available to users on its platform is Zynga's "Disco Loco 3D,” a music and dance challenge mini-game that launched in November. Reuters, however, reported that TikTok’s ambitions extend beyond mini-games limited to basic game play and short play times.
TikTok—already the world’s most popular website and most downloaded app—could use video games to drive even more user engagement and advertising revenue. The video game industry has seen revenues skyrocket since the pandemic and is especially popular among millennial and Gen Z consumers, who make up a huge part of TikTok’s user base.
Other social media companies, including Santa Monica-based Snap, have already incorporated video games into their apps. Streaming giant Netflix has also pushed into gaming, adding more than a dozen mobile titles as part of its strategy to hang onto subscribers.
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.
LA Tech ‘Moves’: Former Disney CEO Bob Iger Enters the Metaverse, Rivian Snags New COO
03:35 PM | March 18, 2022
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Moves, our roundup of job changes in L.A. tech, is presented by Interchange.LA, dot.LA's recruiting and career platform connecting Southern California's most exciting companies with top tech talent. Create a free Interchange.LA profile here—and if you're looking for ways to supercharge your recruiting efforts, find out more about Interchange.LA's white-glove recruiting service by emailing Sharmineh O’Farrill Lewis (sharmineh@dot.LA). Please send job changes and personnel moves to moves@dot.la.
Bob Iger joined virtual avatar startup Genies’ board of directors. Iger served as Disney’s chief executive officer from 2005 to 2020.
Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian hired Frank Klein as its chief operations officer. Klein was previously an executive at Canadian auto parts manufacturer Magna International.
Los Angeles home goods startup Parachute hired Jeff Barker as chief financial officer. Barker was previously chief financial officer and chief operating officer for audio device maker JLab Audio.
Auditboard, a cloud-based risk assessment and compliance platform, appointed Josh Harding as chief financial officer. Harding previously worked for software company SailPoint as senior vice president of finance and operations.
Tabletop game creator Exploding Kittens named Jed Paulson as its chief commercial officer. Paulson most recently served as chief revenue officer at electric bike brand Rad Power Bikes.
Carmen Bona joined talent UTA as its chief strategy and corporate development officer. Bona previously served as a managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group.
Amazon’s movies division announced several internal transitions this week. Former co-head of movies Julie Rapaport has been made sole chief of the division, while previous co-head Matt Newman has taken a new role at Prime Video’s global sports group, where he’ll be in charge of developing original sports docuseries, films and scripted projects.
Imagendary Studios, a mobile game developer and publisher, added Jason Hayes as its audio director and Matt Cordner as senior technical artist. Hayes previously served as music director for Riot Games and Cordner was senior FX artist at Blizzard Entertainment.
Farther, a digital wealth management platform, appointed Aaron Diaz and Sean Kelly as vice presidents at the company’s Los Angeles office. Both Diaz and Kelly were previously financial advisors at Merrill Lynch.
Mark Palaima joined biotech company GATC Health as a strategic advisor. Palaima was formerly eBay’s chief architect.
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Decerry Donato
Decerry Donato is a reporter at dot.LA. Prior to that, she was an editorial fellow at the company. Decerry received her bachelor's degree in literary journalism from the University of California, Irvine. She continues to write stories to inform the community about issues or events that take place in the L.A. area. On the weekends, she can be found hiking in the Angeles National forest or sifting through racks at your local thrift store.
Momentum in Motion: IPOs, Partnerships, and Innovation
01:58 PM | December 13, 2024
🔦 Spotlight
Happy Friday, Los Angeles!
Last week, we dove into some of the major moves shaping LA’s tech scene, from ServiceTitan’s IPO ambitions to Anduril’s AI advancements. This week, the story continues with new milestones and updates that reveal how quickly the landscape is evolving. Here’s what’s happening now:
ServiceTitan’s IPO: A Fintech Spark
ServiceTitan’s initial public offering has proven to be a resounding success.The Glendale-based company priced its IPO at $71 per share, significantly above the anticipated range of $52 to $57. On its first trading day, shares opened at $101 and closed at $101.20, marking a 43% increase and valuing the company at nearly $9 billion. This impressive debut underscores ServiceTitan’s growing influence in the trades software space and signals a potential trend for other fintech leaders to watch closely. Read more about ServiceTitan's IPO success here.
Anduril Industries: Expanding the Horizon
We recently covered Anduril’s groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, emphasizing the growing role of AI in defense. This week, Anduril continues to make headlines with new developments and collaborations that underscore its commitment to reshaping national security and autonomous technology:
- Partnership with Palantir:Anduril and Palantir are teaming up to accelerate AI capabilities in defense. Together, they aim to integrate Palantir’s advanced data analytics with Anduril’s autonomous systems, creating a platform capable of delivering actionable intelligence in real time. This partnership is expected to enhance battlefield decision-making, reduce operational risks, and maintain U.S. leadership in defense technologies. Read more about the partnership here.
- Dive XL Autonomous Submarine: Anduril’s Dive XL submarine is setting new standards for maritime autonomy. This long-endurance unmanned vehicle can operate in harsh underwater environments for extended periods, providing capabilities for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance. With its modular design, Dive XL supports a range of payloads, making it a versatile asset for maritime security. Learn more about Dive XL here.
- Archer VTOL Aircraft Partnership: Anduril’s collaboration with Archer Aviation is pushing the boundaries of autonomous flight technology. This partnership leverages Archer’s expertise in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to complement Anduril’s advanced defense systems. By integrating Anduril’s cutting-edge AI capabilities with Archer’s innovative designs, the companies aim to create next-generation solutions for tactical military operations. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation and positions both companies as leaders in reshaping the future of aerial defense. Details about the partnership are available here.
Writers Guild Challenges AI in Hollywood
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) continues its efforts to address the growing influence of AI in entertainment. In recent negotiations, the Guild has pushed for clear boundaries on the use of generative AI in scriptwriting, emphasizing the need to protect writers’ rights and creative integrity. As the industry grapples with the implications of this technology, the WGA’s stance highlights an ongoing effort to balance innovation with fairness in Hollywood. Read more about the Guild’s actions here.
Our thoughts are with the residents of Malibu as they face wildfires fueled by Santa Ana winds, which have displaced many and disrupted communities, including Pepperdine University. For resources during emergencies, explore ourguide to the top tech apps for natural disasters, highlighting tools to support preparation and safety.
From tech breakthroughs to creative industry challenges, the region’s innovation engine shows no signs of slowing. As 2024 approaches, one thing is clear: the momentum isn’t slowing down.
✨ Featured Event ✨
2024 PledgeLA Catalyst Awards
Image Source: Instagram: PledgeLA
Catalyst Awards to Honor Inspiring Entrepreneurs and Emerging Managers in Venture Capital, Catalysts Improving Access to Capital Across Los Angeles
PRINCIPALS AND HOSTS: The Annenberg Foundation and PledgeLA, the initiative launched in 2018 by the Annenberg Foundation and the City of Los Angeles to promote equity and increase access to capital for L.A.-based startups and investors from underrepresented backgrounds.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. PST.
WHERE: Register to See Address Los Angeles, California
🤝 Venture Deals
LA Venture Funds
- Alpha Edison led a $27M Series A funding round, joined by Acre Venture Partners, ReMY, among others, for One Bio, a UC Davis spinoff based in California that is developing biotech solutions to bridge the dietary fiber gap, with plans to scale production and expand its product offerings. - learn more
- Gideon Strategic Partners participated in a $110M Series C funding round for Capstan Medical, a Santa Cruz-based company developing robotics technology for heart disease treatment, with the funds aimed at advancing clinical trials and preparing for commercialization. - learn more
- Alexandria Venture Investments participated in a $75M financing round to support the formation of nChroma Bio, a new biotechnology company created through the merger of Chroma Medicine and Nvelop Therapeutics, focused on advancing gene-editing therapies for genetic blood disorders. - learn more
- Riot Ventures led a $10.1M Seed funding round for Deterrence, a company developing automated solutions for energetics production, including explosives and propellants, with participation from Impatient Ventures and others, to scale its technology, improve manufacturing efficiency, and meet growing industry demands. - learn more
- Chapter One Ventures participated in a $12M Series A funding round for Hyperbolic, a San Francisco-based AI company specializing in predictive analytics for supply chain optimization, with plans to use the funds to enhance its technology platform and expand its team. - learn more
- Blue Bear Capital participated in a $35M Series C financing round for Raptor Maps, a Boston-based company that provides software solutions for solar asset management. The funds will be used to enhance their AI-driven platform, expand global operations, and support the growing needs of the renewable energy industry. - learn more
- Behind Genius Ventures and Night Ventures, among others, participated in a $3M Pre-Seed funding round for Moldco, a Boston-based company providing digital, evidence-based care, treatments, and lab testing to help individuals reclaim their health from mold toxicity, with plans to use the funds to expand operations nationwide in 2025. - learn more,
- Regeneration.VC co-led a €8M Series A funding round for Orbisk, a Netherlands-based company that develops AI-powered food waste monitoring systems for the hospitality industry, with plans to use the funds to expand internationally and enhance their technology platform - learn more
- Mucker Capital participated in a $17M Series A funding round for Ask Sage, an Arlington, VA-based company offering a generative AI platform for government and commercial sectors, with plans to use the funds to expand its AI capabilities, drive growth, and increase its workforce. - learn more
- Magnify Ventures participated in a $8M Series A funding round for MiSalud Health, digital health platform offering affordable, same-day bilingual telehealth consultations in Spanish and English to better serve Hispanic communities in the U.S. and Mexico. With a focus on improving access for Spanish-speaking individuals, the company aims to address the growing demand for culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare solutions as the Hispanic population continues to expand rapidly in the U.S.. - learn more
LA Exits
- Elios Vision, a company specializing in innovative glaucoma treatment technologies, has been acquired by Bausch + Lomb to strengthen its portfolio in addressing the needs of glaucoma patients. The acquisition brings Elios Vision's cutting-edge solutions into Bausch + Lomb's comprehensive eye health offerings, expanding its capabilities to provide advanced care for this critical condition. - learn more
- OceanX, a provider of subscription-focused fulfillment and logistics solutions, has been acquired by Cart.com to enhance its end-to-end e-commerce platform and expand its capabilities in subscription management and order fulfillment. - learn more
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