Tech Roundup: FameBit acquired by Google, LA Cleantech Incubator opens new home and more

by John Siegel
October 13, 2016

Google acquires FameBit

FameBit, which has created a marketplace that helps brands connect with YouTube influencers, was acquired by Google this week. Financial terms were not disclosed, but this is the third Science Inc. backed startup to be acquired this year, joining Dollar Shave Club and HelloSociety[Medium]

 

LA Cleantech Incubator opens permanent facility

The LA Cleantech Incubator finally opened its permanent campus this week at the Kretz Innovation Campus in the heart of DTLA's Arts District. To date, 50 cleantech startups incubated at LACI have received $70 million in funding. The incubator has also created partnerships with a number of universities in the LA-area. [KPCC]

 

Commerce.Innovated. names 3 LA-based startups to cohort

Three LA-based fintech startups were named to the most recent Commerce.Innovated. cohort, which is run by Silicon Valley Bank and Mastercard. Companies include Domuso of Santa Monica, a payment financing platform for multi-family communities, Earny, also of Santa Monica, a personal assistant of sorts who automatically gets you money back on every purchase you make and Burbank-based Papaya, a mobile bill pay app. [Press Release]

 

Techstars launches LA-based music accelerator 

Techstars announced a new venture this week, and it will be based right here in Los Angeles. Techstars Music is taking applications for an expected February 2017 launch date. According to the accelerator group, Techstars Music will include direction from major record labels, global artist management and live event companies, independent game studios and audio system developers (Sonos). [Techstars]

 

Rinse buys what's left of Washio

Rinse announced this week it would be acquiring what's left of on-demand laundry service Washio, which had expanded to a number of major American cities, before calling it quits in August. Rinse and Washio share the same LA-based investors, including actor and part-time football coach Ashton Kutcher. [SoCal Tech]

 

Fundings of the Week

HomeMe, $3.2 million

Investors: Menlo Ventures

HomeMe brought in an additional funding this week to fuel development of its innovative apartment finding application. The app takes a users' credit score, annual income and background, and matches them with renters[LA Business Journal]

Images via Facebook.

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