TechCrunch LA

APRIL 4, 2020

Under new guidance issued by the Small Business Administration it seems non-profits and faith-based groups can apply for the Paycheck Protection Program loans designed to keep small business afloat during the COVID-19 epidemic, but most venture-backed companies are still not covered. Late Friday night, the Treasury Department updated its rules regarding the “affiliation” of private entities to include religious organizations but keep in place the same rules that would deny most start

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Startup Organization Los Angeles Demand 322

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 6, 2020

There is so much confusion and misinformation out there about the government sponsored “payroll protection plan” loans to companies that the heads of every small business CEO in the country must be spinning. We have been advising a lot of entrepreneurs so I thought I’d “open source” some of the advice I have been sharing. I am not claiming to be the world expert on this.

Venture Capital 279

Venture Capital Startup Technical Review Doc 279

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 8, 2020

Whether you are an entrepreneur managing a startup, or a corporate executive with thousands of employees, it’s hard to ignore the evidence of big value from happy employees. According to a classic study from Deloitte , happy employees have been shown to be up to 20 percent more effective in the workplace than unhappy employees, as well as far more loyal and productive.

News 173

News Activity Startup Summary 173

Berkonomics

APRIL 9, 2020

And these are indeed strange times, especially if you haven’t lived through 2000-2002 and 2007-2008 recessions and difficulty in finding money from banks and investors. The simple economic truth. Here is a simple economic truth. Fixed overhead continues to eat into your cash month after month. It doesn’t differentiate facile, efficient businesses from slow, disorganized, quality-challenged ones.

Competition 156

Competition Sales Marketing Product 156

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

APRIL 9, 2020

There could be more demand for electric vehicles post COVID-19 crisis, believes Energica founder Livia Cevolini. The CEO of the high-performance Italian motorcycle manufacturer offered that point of optimism, as her Modena based EV company remains closed by government decree. The coronavirus pandemic has forced Energica to hit the brakes on production of its battery powered machines that can reach top speeds of 168 mph.

Technical Review 277

Technical Review Competition Demand Sales 277

Tech.Co

APRIL 7, 2020

The current Covid-19 pandemic has had an epochal effect on businesses, and even the humble office space has taken a blow, with millions of us now working from home. While most companies are able to continue operating with employees remote working, what about those businesses where the office itself is the revenue model? One such business is LABS, a shared office space company that has eight locations in London, plus one in Tel Aviv.

Newsletter 152

Newsletter News Geni Email 152

socalTECH

APRIL 9, 2020

It's an unusual time for the startup world, however, despite the ongoing health emergency, companies are still announcing funding. One of the companies to recently raise funding is SteadyMD (www.steadymd.com), a developer of an online telehealth service which matches up people with their own, personal doctors they can access via video, text, and phone.

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Startup Westlake Village Platform Southern California 133

TechCrunch LA

APRIL 9, 2020

The Los Angeles-based app development shop, V/One , is giving away 50,000 free mobile app builds through the rest of April as the company officially launches its platform for would-be, LA-based mobile app moguls. Since its soft launch, December 20th of last year, the app development company has built over 100 new applications. The company’s December launch featured an “app accelerator” and offered a guidebook for people who wanted to develop mobile applications to work with the

Mobile 250

Mobile Develop Development Artificial Inteligence 250

Xconomy

APRIL 9, 2020

Multiple COVID-19 vaccine candidates that use a new technology called messenger RNA are now being readied for clinical trials that Pfizer and BioNTech plan to start in coming weeks. The partnership pairs the mRNA vaccine technology of BioNTech (NASDAQ: BNTX ) with the vaccine and clinical trial experience of Pfizer (NYSE: PFE ). The companies said Thursday that the vaccine trials will initially be conducted at multiple sites in the US and Europe.

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Study Sites Technology San Diego 122

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 5, 2020

As an entrepreneur, you should treat gossip among the members of your team as a reduction in productivity at best, and at worst, an indication of unhappy, un-empowered, or non-collaborative employees. As a leader, you should be asking yourself if you are the problem, and working hard to improve the situation before it gets out of hand, causing lost clients as well as lost productivity.

Entrepreneur 124

Entrepreneur Competition Examples Organization 124

socalTECH

APRIL 10, 2020

Fountain Valley-based HyperX said this week that it is sponsoring the online USL eCup: Rocket League Edition , one of the online tournaments that was recently launched to temporarily replace a live gaming event. According to Kingston Technology, it will provide its Cloud Alpha S gaming headsets to each of the 32 captains representing teams from the USL Championship and USL League One, with additional headsets to be given away to fans of the 16 teams that make it to the "knockout stage" of the to

Platform 124

Platform Technology 124

TechCrunch LA

APRIL 5, 2020

On Friday, the Kenyan augmented reality game developer Internet of Elephants launched its latest game in partnership with the conservation science experts from the Borneo Nature Foundation, Goualougo Triangle Ape Foundation, Zoo Atlanta and Chester Zoo. The new game, called “ Wildeverse ”, uses AR to create a virtual forest that players can explore to find certain animals — or clues to an animal’s whereabouts.

Education 176

Education Los Angeles Startup Study 176

Xconomy

APRIL 7, 2020

Inovio Pharmaceuticals, one of the biotechs developing a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, has received the FDA’s OK to start testing its candidate in healthy volunteers. The Plymouth Meeting, PA-based company, which also conducts research in San Diego, plans to enroll as many as 40 adults across two trial locations. Inovio (NASDAQ: INO ) said Monday it anticipated dosing its first patient that day.

San Diego 108

San Diego Study Research Develop 108

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 10, 2020

The world of marketing is changing faster than technology these days. Winning entrepreneurs have long since supplemented conventional print and video “push” marketing with digital online interactive “pull” marketing, and a while back added social-local-mobile ( SoLoMo ) to the mix. Mobile and global are driving all of these in innovative new ways to grow your business.

Mobile 173

Mobile Marketing Technical Review Startup 173

socalTECH

APRIL 8, 2020

Satna Barbara-based MixMode , a developer of artificial intelligence cybersecurity software, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $4M in its Series A funding round. The funding was led by Entrada Ventures, and also included existing investors including Keshif Ventures and Blu Venture Investors. The company said the new funding will go to expand its platform and to fuel growth.

Artificial Inteligence 124

Artificial Inteligence Tool Software Platform 124

TechCrunch LA

APRIL 7, 2020

In a sign of just how broken the process is for startups looking to receive stimulus dollars, Silicon Valley Bank, the bank that claims “more innovative startups bank with us than any other bank,” only just began processing claims today. “Since the CARES Act and the PPP were announced, we have been hard at work advocating for our clients to have access to this funding.

Startup 167

Startup Email Los Angeles Entrepreneur 167

Xconomy

APRIL 10, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has stopped enrollment in many clinical trials and postponed the start of others but there is still life in the life sciences sector. The coronavirus research is expected. It’s the other activity that might come as a surprise. Two biotech companies have gone public in the past week; each upsized its offering and saw a healthy IPO pop.

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Activity Research Invest Startup 103

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 6, 2020

Most entrepreneurs are so convinced that they are the disruptive element, they fail to anticipate that unknown facts or events can and will occur to disrupt their own well-laid plans. While it’s true that there is no way of know specifically what might happen, you need to anticipate the worst, and actually build a Plan B. People who haven’t thought about a Plan B often don’t survive the shock.

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Startup Entrepreneur Competition Mentor 133

socalTECH

APRIL 7, 2020

A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully splashed down 300 miles southwest of Long Beach at 2:50pm on Tuesday, after the 20th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station for NASA. The spacecraft was loaded with more than 4,000 pounds of scientific experiments and cargo. According to NASA, experiments on the returning Dragon included one focused on making food and nutrients in space; an experiment focused on developing technology for printing human organs in space, and a 3D heart cel

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Long Beach SpaceX Organization Technology 124

TechCrunch LA

APRIL 8, 2020

As it looks to continue along its path of developing clinically validated digital therapeutics for consumer and clinical mental health and wellness, Headspace has bulked up its executive team with the addition of longtime Intuit executive, CeCe Morken. Morken will become the company’s first president and chief operating officer, joining the Los Angeles based, billion-dollar-valued, mental wellness after spending thirteen years at Intuit.

Los Angeles 161

Los Angeles Class Research Software Development 161

Xconomy

APRIL 8, 2020

Some diseases have proven difficult to address using conventional tools of drug discovery that target disease-causing proteins. Roche is placing a $190 million bet on Arrakis Therapeutics, a startup whose technology aims for RNA—carriers of the genetic instructions that make these proteins in the first place. The cash, an upfront payment to Waltham, MA-based Arrakis, kicks off a research partnership set up to feed new drug candidates into the Roche pipeline.

Research 87

Research Tool Startup Technology 87

TechCrunch LA

APRIL 6, 2020

Hi, and welcome back to The Station, a weekly newsletter dedicated to all the ways people and packages travel from Point A to Point B. I’m your host Kirsten Korosec, senior transportation reporter at TechCrunch. If this is your first time, hello; I’m glad you’re with us. I have started to publish a version of the newsletter on TechCrunch.

Layoffs 136

Layoffs Startup Newsletter Santa Monica 136

socalTECH

APRIL 10, 2020

Los Angeles-based Ring , the developer of doorbell, security, and other tools, has rolled out a second generation Ring Alarm. The new kit--which just went on pre-order--features a "Base Station", a keypad unit, a contact sensors, motion detector, and range extender. The new system also connects to the Ring app. According to Ring, the base level kit costs $199.99, and will ship on April 29th.

Los Angeles 113

Los Angeles Tool Angel Develop 113

socalTECH

APRIL 10, 2020

One of the most powerful tools in tracking what's going on with the worldwide, COVID-19 pandemic, has been the Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Map , which it turns out, was developed by a Southern California software company--Redlands-based Esri. According to a story about how the Johns Hopkins map was created , a small team at Johns Hopkins created the map based on work they had already been doing for spotting likely measles hotspots based on ArcGIS.

Southern California 113

Southern California Software SoCal Demand 113

socalTECH

APRIL 9, 2020

El Segundo-based Aggregage said this morning that it has run a survey of publishers, and found that a 70 percent of marketer are expected to cancel all or some of their live events for the next 60 days, and nearly 25 percent plan to cancel some or all of their live events for the next six months. Aggregage said its survey found that 65% of those surveyed plan to reallocate some or most of their live event budgets to online events, such as webinars.

El Segundo 113

El Segundo Newsletter Report Marketing 113

socalTECH

APRIL 9, 2020

Are you tired of being unable to tune into your favorite sports events? Costa Mesa-based Veritone , which develops artificial intelligence software, says it has launched a new website, DraftClips.com , aimed at giving sports fans free access to over 30,000 clips and hundreds of hours of video footage of 2020 top draft college football footage. Vertione said its new site--which is powered by its artificial intelligence software--gives fans access to collegiate football clips and highlights of eli

Artificial Inteligence 113

Artificial Inteligence Sites Software Develop 113

socalTECH

APRIL 9, 2020

Redland-based geographical information systems (GIS) and mapping software provider Esri has launched a new, online analytics platform it is aiming at the Caribbean community, the company said late Wednesday. According to the company, the new, online portal was built in collaboration with its Caribbean distributor, Spatial Innovision. The new site provides free location data and mapping resources, including geographic data and imagery for the Caribbean community, according to the company.

Platform 113

Platform Resource Sites Software 113

socalTECH

APRIL 9, 2020

Los Angeles-based SmartAction , which develops artificial intelligence-powered "virtual agents" for contact centers, says it is powering a new, toll-free coronavirus hotline being launched by NFL quarterback Jameis Winston and Dr. Scott Kelley. The company said the new hotline will help families get rapid responses to common questions, triage callers, and provide guidance for medical treatment and/or a coronavirus test.

Artificial Inteligence 113

Artificial Inteligence Los Angeles Software Help 113

socalTECH

APRIL 8, 2020

Irvine-based Digital Motors says it is offering up the ability to add online auotmotive sales in 24 hours to car dealerships, allowing any car dealership to turn their website into an online store. According to Digital Motors, it can allow customers to pre-desk their vehicle purchase from the safety of their own home, offering up tools to show vehicle inventory, calculate monthly lease or finance payments, and more.

Sales 113

Sales Tool Custom Customer 113

socalTECH

APRIL 8, 2020

Los Angeles-based music discovery and streaming software developer Triller says it is donating 150,000 N95 respirator and surgical masks to the City of Los Angeles. The company said the masks will go to first responders and essential workers. Triller did not say where it managed to source those N95 respirators and masks, which have been nearly impossible for hospitals, healthcare facilities, and first responders to acquire.

Los Angeles 113

Los Angeles Angel Software Development Software 113

socalTECH

APRIL 7, 2020

Santa Monica-based Headspace is looking to help New Yorkers manage their stress with a new website , offering up a number of exercises to help people reduce their stress levels during the pandemic. The site--launched on Monday in partnership with New York Governor Cuomo--is available both in English as well as Spanish. The company said the special NY collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises are specifically aimed at helping New Yorkers through stressful and challenging times.

Tool 113

Tool Santa Monica Sites Help 113

socalTECH

APRIL 7, 2020

San Diego-based Ligand Pharmaceuticals said last week that it has completed its $15M cash acquisition of the core assets of Icagen's North Carolina operations. Ligand Pharmaceuticals said it acquired the core assets, partnered programs, and ion channel technologies from Icagen. In addition to the $15M in cash, Ligand said that Icagen is entitled to receive additional cash payments based on certain revenue achievements.

San Diego 113

San Diego Acquisition Technology Companies 113

socalTECH

APRIL 7, 2020

Irvine-based television manufacturer VIZIO said today that it is launching 30 new, free linear TV channels as part of its free SmartCast TV streaming service. The company said the new, ad-supported TV services are seeing a 59 percent increase in viewin gsessions over the last three weeks of March. The new content includes news and lifestyle content from USA Today and CBC News, sports from USA Today Sportswire and the Fubo Sports Network, entertainment content from TMZ and Hollywire, and many oth

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Netflix Hulu News Content 113

socalTECH

APRIL 7, 2020

Los Angeles-based J2 Global announced this morning that it has acquired two more companies, adding to the very extensive list of companies the company has acquired over the years. J2Global said it acquired Migrain Again and SRFax , both during the first quarter of 2020. Financial terms of the acquisitions were not announced. According to J2 Global it does not expect either of the acquisitions to be material.

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Companies Company Acquisition Media 113

socalTECH

APRIL 7, 2020

Pasadena-based Miso Robotics , which is developing robots for the quick serve restaurant industry, says it has launched a new Series C crowdfunding campaign, where it hopes to raise a total of $30M in funding. According to the company, it has over $2.6M in "reservations" as part of the round, which it says it is running in collaboration with SeedInvest and Wavemaker Labs.

Artificial Inteligence 113

Artificial Inteligence Pasadena Invest Funding 113

socalTECH

APRIL 7, 2020

Playa Vista-based eResonate Media , a startup which is working on a live music streaming platform, said this morning that it has raised $1M in a funding round. The convertible note offering will go towards the company's planned launch later this year. According to the company, it is working on live streaming of a user's favorite bands to their mobile or other devices.

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Media Platform Mobile Funding 113