L.A. Business Journal

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

The “metaverse” is currently one of the hottest topics in tech — particularly since social media giant Facebook changed its corporate name to Meta Platforms Inc.

Social Media 245

Social Media Platform Media 245

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Within the startup realm, there is a big difference between having an innovative product versus an innovative business. Some startups have a new technology, but stick to a tried-and-true business model. Others take an existing product, and give it new life with a creative business model. The most competitive startups do both, all the time and every time.

Competition 135

Competition Netflix Ideas Metrics 135

L.A. Business Journal

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Acuant Inc., a Westchester-based identity verification firm, was acquired by U.K.-based GB Group for a cash-free, debt-free enterprise value of $736 million.

Westchester 130

Westchester 130

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Valencia-based Valencia Technologies, which is developing a device for the treatment of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), said it has named a number of executives this morning. The company said it has named Jerry Schloffman as Chief Commercial Officer, Jim Crines as Interim Chief Financial Officer, Arthur Rascon as Senior Vice President of Operations, and Ann Decker as Vice President of Reimbursement and Health Policy.

Technology 113

Technology Develop Development Company 113

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

L.A. Business Journal

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Jeff Appelbaum knew before the pandemic began that food and drink sales were moving “outside the four walls of restaurants.

Sales 147

Sales 147

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

City of Industry-based electronics and computer products e-commerce retailer Newegg announced this morning that it is expanding its facilities in Georgia and California. According to the company, it has expanded into two new distribution centers located in Atlanta, GA and Ontario, CA. The Atlanta facility is 200,000 square feet, and the Ontario facility is 240,000 square feet.

NewEgg 113

NewEgg City of Industry City of Industry Commerce 113

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Pasadena-based Alexandria Venture Investments, the venture arm of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, says that has been ranked as one of the year's top five most active U.S. investors in the "agrifoodtech" sector. According to the company, it is on track to double its investment activity this year. The company says it invests in companies that improve human health and nutrition, as well as those companies that are combating climate change through sustainable agriculture technologies and practices.

Activity 113

Activity Invest Pasadena Equity 113

L.A. Business Journal

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Santa Monica-based robotics incubator Wavemaker Labs is laser-focused on the future of the food industry.

Santa Monica 130

Santa Monica Incubator 130

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

San Diego- and Shanghai-based Ablaze Pharmaceuticals which is developing cancer treatments, said this morning that it has raised $75M in its Series A funding round. The funding was co-led by Vivo Capital and AdvanTech Capital, and also included RAYZ Investments, Nan Fung Life Sciences, Pivotal bioVenture Partners China, venBio Partners, Samsara BioCapital and Venrock Healthcare Capital Partners.

San Diego 113

San Diego Capital Invest Funding 113

socalTECH

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Virgin Galactic has selected the winner for an almost-free trip to space, saying last week that it has selected a winner in a sweepstakes for a trip to space. The winner was part of a sweepstakes with charity donation site Omaze. According to Virgin Galactic, Keisha S. of Antigua and Barbuda won two seats on a Virgin Galactic commercial space flight as part of the sweepstakes.

Organization 113

Organization Sites 113