TechCrunch LA

JANUARY 30, 2019

In a bid to show that it’s getting ready for the electrification of American roads, Royal Dutch Shell is buying Greenlots , a Los Angeles-based developer of electric vehicle charging and energy management technologies. Shell, which is making the acquisition through its Shell New Energies US subsidiary, snatched the company from Energy Impact Partners, a cleantech-focused investment firm.

Acquisition 248

Acquisition Resource Mobile Los Angeles 248

socalTECH

JANUARY 28, 2019

For all of the positive uses of drone aircraft, there are many negatives, including issues around privacy, safety, and particularly, securityas demonstrated by the recent drone incursions at such airports like Gatwick, Heathrow, and Newark. Those airport drone incursions shut down Gatwick over the course of three days, which caused major delays at Heathrow and Newark.

Startup 187

Startup Technical Review Technology Competition 187

Xconomy

JANUARY 30, 2019

Even as retailers struggle with a technology-disrupted business model and changing consumer desires, at least a generally positive overall economy and low unemployment rates seemed to keep shoppers’ wallets open. But a 2019 that started with stock market losses, a recently ended (but longest-ever) government shutdown, and other headwinds might now force consumers to pull back on spending.

Marketing 67

Marketing Customer Custom Technology 67

Berkonomics

JANUARY 31, 2019

Last week we introduced the subject of non-compete agreements. Let’s dive a little deeper and present some “gray area” scenarios to consider. Then we’ll address the success or failure of the buyer with your product… First the obvious case in point. What if you are the seller of a previous business or shares amounting to more than an insignificant percentage of a previous business?

Patents 120

Patents Sales Product Email 120

Advertiser: Aggregage

Office leases are one of companies’ largest expenses, and if your whole team is working from home with no clear end in sight, you may be wondering what to do about your lease.

Company

TechCrunch LA

JANUARY 30, 2019

Nine years after launching its online magazine, and three years after diversifying into the subscription box business , FabFitFun has raised $80 million in a growth round of funding led by Kleiner Perkins with participation from its previous investors Upfront Ventures and NEA. . The Los Angeles-based company has steadily expanded its retail and lifestyle empire through subscription boxes, video… and even an augmented reality app.

Newsletter 212

Newsletter Los Angeles .Net Platform 212

socalTECH

FEBRUARY 1, 2019

Los Angeles-based shipping and logistics marketplace developer NEXT , fresh off a big, $97M funding round announced last week, said that it has hired Peter Janda as the company's first ever Chief Financial Officer. Janda was most recently CFO at Chef'd, and also has served at such companies as Ingram Micro, Ernst & Young, among other companies. NEXT, which is led by Lydia Yan, raised its latest round of funding from Brookfield Ventures, Sequoia Capital, and GLP.

Funding 145

Funding Los Angeles Capital Startup 145

Berkonomics

JANUARY 31, 2019

Last week we introduced the subject of non-compete agreements. Let’s dive a little deeper and present some “gray area” scenarios to consider. Then we’ll address the success or failure of the buyer with your product… First the obvious case in point. What if you are the seller of a previous business or shares amounting to more than an insignificant percentage of a previous business?

Patents 120

Patents Sales Product Email 120

TechCrunch LA

JANUARY 28, 2019

Los Angeles is partnering with on-demand shuttle-based service Via as part of a pilot program that will give people rides to three busy public transit stations. The pilot program, which launched Monday, aims to solve the first- and last-mile problem that makes it challenging for people to get to and from public transit stations. Under the pilot program, Via will provide on-demand rides to and from the Compton, El Monte and North Hollywood stations.

Los Angeles 165

Los Angeles El Monte North Hollywood Compton 165

socalTECH

JANUARY 29, 2019

Pasadena-based ObEN , which develops technology to help people create a personal, AI-driven avatar which looks and sounds like you, reported a win in China, for a big New Year's broadcast for China Central Television (CCTV). According to ObEN, its technology was used to create "AI hosts" for CCTV's Network Spring Festival Gala, which aired on Monday.

Technology 145

Technology Idealab Social Network Pasadena 145

SoCal Tech Calendar

JANUARY 31, 2019

Wednesday, February 6, 2019 -- Founder Meet Funder (Invite Only). Founder Meet Funder focus on supporting entrepreneur growth by connecting them with mentors, influencers, and investors within the community. A special social sphere is created due to the culture and diversity of experience brought along the way to encourage everyone to help one other's business growth.

Mentor 100

Mentor Entrepreneur Help 100

Xconomy

JANUARY 29, 2019

The road to potential approval for Voyager Therapeutics’ experimental gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease got a bit longer, and more expensive, last year. So this morning the company cut a deal with Neurocrine Biosciences to bankroll the journey—and forfeit some of the financial upside for the product, known as VY-AADC. Neurocrine (NASDAQ: NBIX ) has agreed to pay Voyager (NASDAQ: VYGR ) $115 million in cash and buy $50 million worth of the Cambridge, MA, company’s shares at $11.96 apiece

San Diego 108

San Diego Pricing Product Company 108

TechCrunch LA

JANUARY 28, 2019

Recharge , the business which got its start pitching pay-as-you-go rentals of unused hotel rooms, is adding private homes to its inventory of spaces — offering the first 100 signups in cities where the plan is available a guaranteed income of $1,000 per month. “To celebrate the launch and continue to expand our community early Recharge hosts thate approved to be part of the Recharge 100 of each city will receive a guaranteed $1000/month,” said a spokesperson for the company. &#

Demand 143

Demand Los Angeles Company Companies 143

socalTECH

FEBRUARY 1, 2019

Irvine-based Digital Map Products , which provides map-based, real estate applications, said this week that it has named a new member to its board of directors. According to Digital Map Products, it has appointed Dave Cozzens to its board, to help guide the company around strategic growth and positioning. Cozzens was most recently CEO of Telogis, which he led from startup to acquisition by Verizon in August of 2016.

Product 133

Product Guide Equity Acquisition 133

SoCal Tech Calendar

JANUARY 30, 2019

Tuesday, February 5, 2019 -- Digital Entertainment World 2019. Described by Hollywood insiders, digital influencers and industry leaders throughout the world as a "must-attend" event, now in its 6th year Digital Entertainment World (DEW) is where you want to be if you are in the business of creating or monetizing digital entertainment content. DEW 2019 focuses on "The Power of Creativity and Influence" and will cover topics from OTT to Innovation to eSports to Millennials to Content Marketing to

Entertainment 100

Entertainment Guide Hollywood Content 100

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 30, 2019

According to recent articles , more than half of the businesses that once appeared on the Fortune 500 list have disappeared in the last twenty years, and the rate of departure is increasing. I’m convinced this is happening because most companies don’t have the courage to keep up with the escalating rate of change in the market today. Business as usual is no longer good enough.

Ideas 89

Ideas Training Examples Organization 89

Xconomy

JANUARY 29, 2019

Billie, a monthly subscription service for shaving and body care products for women, has raised $25 million. The New York-based startup said Tuesday that the new funding round, which is being led by Goldman Sachs Private Capital Investing group, brings its total investment to $35 million. Previous investors Silverton Partners, Female Founders Fund, and Lakehouse Ventures also participated in Billie’s new round, which the company says will be used for additional product development.

Product 90

Product Services Invest Pricing 90

socalTECH

JANUARY 31, 2019

Santa Monica-based Sweep , a startup which is focused on cleanup and maintenance of the many scooters from Bird, Lime, Spin, and others, said this week it's looking to create a nationwide network of e-scooter logistics hubs. The startup, led by CEO Rich Banning, is harnessing an "on-demand" workforce to sweep up scooters from the streets, for inventory checks, and also says it has specialized mechanics working on maintenance of the scooers.

Long Beach 133

Long Beach Santa Monica Competition Demand 133

SoCal Tech Calendar

JANUARY 29, 2019

Monday, February 4, 2019 -- Digital Entertainment World 2019. Described by Hollywood insiders, digital influencers and industry leaders throughout the world as a "must-attend" event, now in its 6th year Digital Entertainment World (DEW) is where you want to be if you are in the business of creating or monetizing digital entertainment content. DEW 2019 focuses on "The Power of Creativity and Influence" and will cover topics from OTT to Innovation to eSports to Millennials to Content Marketing to

Entertainment 100

Entertainment Guide Hollywood Content 100

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 26, 2019

Until the recession a few years ago, market research indicated that as many as 90 percent of the roughly 20 million American small business owners were motivated more by lifestyle than growth and money. More recently, the desire for extra income has become the key driver in new startups, according to the popular press. It seems that more people are focused on money today.

Startup 77

Startup Equity Entrepreneur Course 77

Xconomy

FEBRUARY 1, 2019

Pharmaceutical companies typically raise prescription drug prices at the start of each year and this year was no different. The increases were the latest reminder that, despite President Trump’s fiery campaign rhetoric, the administration had done little to actually lower drug prices. But a new plan aimed at the secretive rebate deals between pharma companies and pharmacy benefit managers could change things.

Pricing 84

Pricing Services Company Companies 84

socalTECH

JANUARY 29, 2019

Los Angeles-based private equity investor Vincente Capital Partners announced on Tuesday that it has sold Carlsbad-based Intellectual Technology, Inc. , a developer of software for motor vehicle agencies (DMVs), to Arlington Capital Partners. Financial terms of the sale were not announced. Vincente Capital acquired ITI in November of 2012. According to Vincente Capital, it has retained a minority interest in Intellectual Technology.

Capital 133

Capital Technology Equity Los Angeles 133

SoCal Tech Calendar

JANUARY 28, 2019

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 -- Upfront Summit. Invite only. The annual Upfront Summit hosts more than 1,000 top investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders for an invitation-only event in Los Angeles. Forget what you think you know about tech conferences - with two days of compelling content, conversation, and connection, our Summit showcases the best of technology, innovation, and creativity, from established global brands to bleeding edge disruptors.

Conference 100

Conference Los Angeles Content Entrepreneur 100

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 1, 2019

In today’s world of constant change and information overload via the Internet, content marketing and branding are often more important to success than product quality or technology. Contrary to a popular myth, word-of-mouth and viral marketing are not a substitute for more basic branding activities. The challenge is that many new business owners still don’t know where to start.

Social Media 73

Social Media Customer Custom Mobile 73

Xconomy

JANUARY 28, 2019

Abide Therapeutics, which is developing medicines to treat neurological diseases, has appointed Kevin Finney as its president and chief operating officer, a new role for the company. The company, which has about 40 employees, is co-located in San Diego, where the majority of its workers are based, and Princeton, NJ. Abide’s drug candidates, small-molecule inhibitors, are targeting an enzyme, monoacylglycerol lipase (MGLL), which affects how neurons communicate.

San Diego 78

San Diego Develop Development Company 78

socalTECH

JANUARY 29, 2019

Mayor Eric Garcetti , the Mayor of Los Angeles and a big supporter of the Greater Los Angeles area's rise to prominence in the technology startup world, is reportedly set to announced that he will not be running for President in 2020. Garcetti has been a regularly seen at local technology conferences promoting the growth of "Silicon Beach" and the rest of the LA technology ecosystem.

Los Angeles 133

Los Angeles Conference Report Technology 133

SoCal Tech Calendar

JANUARY 28, 2019

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 -- Upfront Summit. Invite only. The annual Upfront Summit hosts more than 1,000 top investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders for an invitation-only event in Los Angeles. Forget what you think you know about tech conferences - with two days of compelling content, conversation, and connection, our Summit showcases the best of technology, innovation, and creativity, from established global brands to bleeding edge disruptors.

Conference 100

Conference Los Angeles Content Entrepreneur 100

Southern California Edison Blog

JANUARY 29, 2019

Technology and network connections are becoming increasingly important for businesses. Once general tools used to manage daily operations, they’re now major sources of competitive advantage. Today, the right network connection can increase productivity, mitigate risk, and improve security. But despite increasingly high-speed and high-bandwidth business internet options, many organizations still struggle with their connections.

Networking 54

Networking Demand Competition Organization 54

Xconomy

JANUARY 31, 2019

Taylor Cavanah, whose background is in physics, once caused a fellow scientist to do a spit take after learning Cavanah runs a software startup focused on pet care. Just as surprising is the tale of how Cavanah and co-founders Ken Tsui and Aaron Bannister built the San Diego, CA-based company, called PetDesk. It sells online tools for veterinarians looking to automate appointment requests and marketing messages, and offers a free mobile app allowing pet owners to schedule visits and complete oth

San Diego 78

San Diego Startup Tool Mobile 78

socalTECH

JANUARY 30, 2019

The University of Southern California and 3D game development engine developer Unity Technologies are launching a brand new, online game design course , aimed at both students and "lifelong learners", to help them design and publish their own original games, the two announced on Tuesday. According to Unity Technologies and the USC School of Cinematic Arts, its self-paced, adaptive online course will teach students and prospective developers how to design and publish their original games.

Course 127

Course USC Design Technology 127

SoCal Tech Calendar

JANUARY 31, 2019

Wednesday, February 6, 2019 -- Culver City Tech Happy Hour.

Culver City 100

Culver City 100

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 28, 2019

If you listen primarily to the popular press, you could easily be convinced that all successful startup businesses are built by one smart person, such as Mark Zuckerberg at Facebook, or Jeff Bezos at Amazon. In reality, it takes a collaboration of many good people to build and run a business, even though the original idea probably did come from that innovative entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur 94

Entrepreneur Technical Review Ideas Tool 94

Xconomy

JANUARY 28, 2019

By nearly every measure, 2018 was a banner year for the venture capital industry, particularly in the healthcare technology sector. Over $130 billion of venture capital was invested across all sectors in the U.S. , easily eclipsing the prior high-water mark in 2000 and nearly 4.8 times what was invested a decade ago. While certain sectors may now be demonstrating bubble-like tendencies, the data also reflect the activity of SoftBank’s ~$100 billion Vision Fund and other late start cross-over inv

Technology 72

Technology Venture Capital Activity Invest 72

socalTECH

JANUARY 29, 2019

Redlands-based Esri , which develops geographical information systems (GIS) software used to map and visualize data, said today that it supports the enactment of the federal Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act. The new law promotes opening up data usage by the public of government data "by dafulat", making that data machine readable and freely usable.

Organization 127

Organization Software Help Develop 127

SoCal Tech Calendar

JANUARY 31, 2019

Wednesday, February 6, 2019 --.

Entrepreneur 100

Entrepreneur 100

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 27, 2019

Blogging has come a long way in the past few years, from a social release for narcissists, to today’s required vehicle for promoting your consulting business and gaining valuable online exposure. Even with product businesses, it’s the ultimate way to build your brand credibility, bring in customer leads, and get feedback from your target market. Let me be clear – a product or consulting startup today without a blog, even with a static website, risks not being competitive in cost and time to reac

Blogging 88

Blogging Search Engine Optimization Web Writing 88

Xconomy

JANUARY 31, 2019

Gossamer Bio is dropping its plan to pursue a little-used path to the public markets and will instead return to a conventional IPO that is reviewed by securities regulators. The company initially filed for an IPO as activity at the SEC ground to a halt during the partial federal government shutdown. The San Diego startup, which made it public debut about a year ago with $100 million in backing and has since raised $230 million more, used a regulation that would allow it to go public at a fixed s

San Diego 71

San Diego Pricing Activity Marketing 71