TechCrunch LA

APRIL 17, 2018

The mayor of Los Angeles confirmed earlier reports that SpaceX will build its largest rocket, the BFR, at the Port of Los Angeles. The company intends to build a manufacturing facility on an 18-acre site at Berth 240 and use waterways to transport the massive rocket. SpaceX says the BFR is simply too big to be transported by roads. Announced last September SpaceX intends for the reusable BFR to eventually replace its Falcon 9 and Falcon 9 Heavy rockets.

Los Angeles 274

Los Angeles SpaceX Angel Report 274

Berkonomics

APRIL 19, 2018

It can take 18 months from initial concern about a critical employee to getting a replacement up to speed. Of course, I’ll tell another harrowing story here. But first. an old friend, Dick Tanaka, gets credit for the 18-month rule. He observed that the process we follow to be humane in our handling of under-performing employees, manage the risk of future lawsuit, finally then move to separate the employee, define the open position, recruit the candidate, train the new hire and count the new hir

Training 226

Training Course Sales IBM 226

socalTECH

APRIL 17, 2018

Santa Monica-based consumer Internet company Leaf Group --the owner of such online properties as Saatchi Art, Livestrong.com, Society6, and Hunker--has named a new General Counsel and Executive Vice President. According to the company, Adam Wergeles joined the company to serve as General Counsel and Executive Vice President, joining the company from Serviz, where he had been Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs, and General Counsel.

ReachLocal 159

ReachLocal Santa Monica Technology Company 159

L.A. Business Journal

APRIL 20, 2018

The University of Southern California ranked No. 2 on a list of top 10 universities for video game development programs, according to Sherman Oaks-based 80 Level, an online publication covering the gaming industry.

Sherman Oaks 113

Sherman Oaks Southern California USC Develop 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

SoCal Tech Calendar

APRIL 19, 2018

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 -- IEEE Buenaventura EMBS Talk on Vivonetics. Wearable sensors have become ubiquitous in the world of fitness tracking and quantified self, but data from these devices is limited to basic analysis. Vivonoetics, with our software platform VivoSense, enables continuous data to be analyzed with accuracy and repeatability. VivoSense is a sensor agnostic software that combines multiple sensor data onto one analysis platform.

Research 100

Research Technology Platform Software 100

Xconomy

APRIL 17, 2018

As the Xconomy Forum on Big Data Meets Big Biology draws near, one of the best arguments for understanding the significance of the convergence of data science and the life sciences may lie in what came out of the 2013 sale of San Diego’s EcoATM. Founded by several veterans of the wireless semiconductor industry , EcoATM created a business where there wasn’t one for recycling smartphones and other electronic devices.

San Diego 79

San Diego Startup Sales Software 79

L.A. Business Journal

APRIL 17, 2018

AppOnboard, a Los Angeles based mobile technology platform that creates demos for apps, announced a $15 million Series A round led by Korea Investment Partners (KIP) with contributions from Mirae Asset Management, Mantaray, MTG and Runa Capital. The capital infusion brings their total funding to $20 million.

Funding 100

Funding Los Angeles Platform Mobile 100

SoCal Tech Calendar

APRIL 14, 2018

Friday, April 20, 2018 -- StartEngine ICO 2.0 Spring Summit. The ICO marketplace has continued to grow exponentially; over $1.2B has already been raised in 2018; well on the way of passing the 2017 benchmark of $3.2B! The StartEngine ICO 2.0 Spring Summit will bring together hundreds of devoted cryptocurrency and blockchain investors, companies and influential keynote speakers to discuss a myriad of topics.

Company 100

Company Companies 100

Xconomy

APRIL 20, 2018

There are few things more universal in wardrobes the world over than blue jeans. But they are also the number one item that is returned by online shoppers, says Rian Buckley, founder and CEO of Fitcode. “Fit is the number one purchase driver and reason to return,” she says. For many of us, the idea that size is a poor indicator of how an item of clothing will fit is not new.

Ideas 78

Ideas Marketing Artificial Inteligence San Diego 78

socalTECH

APRIL 18, 2018

Hawthorne-based SpaceX is getting set to launch yet another payload into space for NASA, saying all systems and weather are go for the 6:51 p.m. EDT launch of the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission. SpaceX is launching the payload on a Falcon 9 from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

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SpaceX Hawthorne Course Develop 133

L.A. Business Journal

APRIL 16, 2018

Mayor Eric Garcetti announced April 16 during his state of the city address that Elon Musk’s SpaceX will start building the largest rocket ever, Big Falcon Rocket (BFR), on Terminal Island in the Port of Los Angeles.

SpaceX 100

SpaceX Los Angeles Angel 100

SoCal Tech Calendar

APRIL 20, 2018

Thursday, April 26, 2018 -- Network with capital sources: Angels,VCs,High Net Worths,advisors and 100 entrepreneurs seeking capital and counsel.

Capital 100

Capital Conference .Net Networking 100

Xconomy

APRIL 19, 2018

From Adelaide to Toronto, the Techstars accelerator that began in Boulder, CO, runs 39 programs in 27 cities around the world—with the prerequisite that admitted startups must relocate, if necessary, to the city where their three-month program is based. Today, however, the inaugural class of the 40th program—Techstars Anywhere—is graduating after completing an online Demo Day that capped the past three months of the program’s first “virtual accelerator.

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Class San Diego Startup Company 73

socalTECH

APRIL 17, 2018

Los Angeles-based digital marketing software developer SRAX said this morning that it has launched into a new vertical, the auto industry, with a new product called SRAXauto. According to the company, the new tool is aimed at auto manufacturers and dealers, and helps them to target and reach buyers at dealerships, auto shows, or desktop and mobile platforms.

Software Development 133

Software Development Los Angeles Pricing Tool 133

L.A. Business Journal

APRIL 18, 2018

Tala raises $65 million to move into Mexico and India; Hyperloop lands deal for first commercial Hyperloop system in UAE; j2 Global acquires ThreatTrack, Lifescript.

Report 100

Report 100

SoCal Tech Calendar

APRIL 18, 2018

Tuesday, April 24, 2018 -- Gemalto KeySecure Certification course.

Course 100

Course 100

Xconomy

APRIL 18, 2018

John Dobak, a life sciences serial entrepreneur in San Diego, said a new startup he’s leading has raised $2.66 million to advance a drug that is already approved to shrink varicose veins through early-stage clinical trials testing it in a new use —fat reduction body sculpting. The biotech, 10xBio, announced earlier this month that the FDA had approved its application to begin clinical trials in Phase 1b/2a studies testing the unnamed injectable drug.

San Diego 72

San Diego Study Entrepreneur Startup 72

socalTECH

APRIL 17, 2018

Los Angeles-based "last mile" scooter service Bird --which is backed by. Valor Equity Partners, Index Ventures, Craft Ventures, Goldcrest Capital, Tusk Ventures and Upfront Ventures--has just been served a "cease and desist" letter by the City of San Francisco, alongside competitors Lime and Spin. All three companies operate dockless, motorized scooter rentals aimed at helping bridge the "last mile" between public transportation and a user's destination.

Equity 133

Equity Los Angeles Services Capital 133

L.A. Business Journal

APRIL 20, 2018

Saviynt raises $40 million; Snoops Dogg’s Casa Verde invests in Green Bits; USC earns top-10 spot for video game development programs.

USC 113

USC Report Invest Develop 113

SoCal Tech Calendar

APRIL 19, 2018

Tuesday, April 24, 2018 --.

LAVA 100

LAVA Invest 100

Xconomy

APRIL 16, 2018

[ Editor’s note: Ben Fidler co-authored this report.] A decade from now, it’s possible that immunotherapy will have made a big dent in lung cancer, which is by far the deadliest type of the disease. Drugs from several companies have worked their way forward, initially for patients who have failed chemotherapy, and now, in some cases, for patients newly diagnosed with advanced cancer.

Report 69

Report San Diego Study Journal 69

socalTECH

APRIL 20, 2018

Los Angeles-based Saviynt , a developer of identity management software, announced this week that it has raised $40M in a Series A funding round. The funding came from Carrick Capital Partners. Saviynt is led by CEO Amit Saha. According to the company, it will use the new funding round to expand its U.S. and international field operations, to build out its ecosystem of technology and system integration partners, for its product roadmap, and customer service.

Oracle 113

Oracle Los Angeles Acquisition Funding 113

L.A. Business Journal

APRIL 19, 2018

TheWaveVR raises $6 million for Los Angeles office; PatientPop adds to leadership team; Snapchat seeks boost in advertisement revenue with Shoppable AR.

Snapchat 100

Snapchat Advertising Report Los Angeles 100

socalTECH

APRIL 20, 2018

A report from Bloomberg, published Thursday afternoon, says that San Diego-based Qualcomm is planning to cut its workforce in California by about 1,500. According to the report, the cut is in response to investors pressuring the company to cut its costs by about $1 billion. Qualcomm has about 34,000 employees globally. READ MORE>>.

Report 113

Report San Diego Company Companies 113

socalTECH

APRIL 19, 2018

Irvine-based technology distributor Ingram Micro said on Wednesday that its Ingram MicroCommerce & Lifecycle Services arm has opened up a new facility in Brazil. According to the company, it has opened up a new IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) Processing Center, located in Sao Paulo, Brazil, which will provide lifecycle support services, onsite data destruction and e-waste recycling services.

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Services Technology Company Companies 113

socalTECH

APRIL 19, 2018

Los Angeles-based real estate lending marketplace PeerStreet (www.peerstreet.com) recently announced a big, $29.5M funding round, so we though we'd catch up with one of its co-founders, Brett Crosby , to learn more about the new funding and the company's growth. Tell us a bit where PeerStreet is nowadays? Brett Crosby: The big news, is we announced our Series B funding round, led by World Innovation Lab, as well as Andreessen Horowitz, Thomvest, Colchis Capital, Felicis Ventures, plus a couple o

Funding 113

Funding Platform News Capital 113

socalTECH

APRIL 18, 2018

Pasadena- and Hong Kong-based ObEN , which is developing personalized avatar technology which turns a user's photos and voice into a virtual, talking avatar, says it is deploying its technology in Shanghai at a retailer in Shanghai. According to ObEN, its technology is being used to power a "personal AI art concierge" for retailer K11, at the Shanghai K11 Art Mall.

Guide 113

Guide Pasadena Technology Develop 113

socalTECH

APRIL 18, 2018

Santa Barbara-based IT monitoring software developer LogicMonitor has been acquired by private equity investor Vista Equity Partners , from its existing owner, Providence Strategic Growth (PSG), the companies said on Tuesday. Financial details of the acquisition were not announced. According to the companies, PSG will retain a minority ownership stake in LogicMonitor after the majority acquisition.

Equity 113

Equity Santa Barbara Acquisition Software Development 113

socalTECH

APRIL 18, 2018

Los Angeles-based j2 Global , the widely diversified provider of Internet services and online media, has acquired two more companies, the company said today. j2 Global said it acquired ThreatTrack (VIPRE Security), a provider of security-focused cloud services, and certain assets of Lifescript , a provider of digial media in the health area. Financial details of those acquisition were not announced. j2 Global said it does not expect those acquisitions to be material to its business. j2 Global is

Company 113

Company Companies Email Acquisition 113

socalTECH

APRIL 18, 2018

Los Angeles-based e-sports organization Immortals and Mountain Dew said on Tuesday that the two are in a partnership, where Mountain Dew will become the "Official Beverage" of the e-sports team. Financial details of that sponsorship deal were not announced. According to the two, the deal will include multiple content initiatives, including an unscripted, esports pilot that will feature the Immortals.

Los Angeles 113

Los Angeles Organization Content Angel 113

socalTECH

APRIL 17, 2018

Los Angeles-based AppOnBoard , a developer of a mobile technology platform aimed at helping app developers create app demos, has raised $15M in a Series A funding. The funding was led by Korea Investment Partners (KIP) and also Mirae Asset Management, Mantaray, MTG, and Runa Capital plus London Venture Partners, Troy Capital Partners, and Ophir Capital Group.

Mobile 113

Mobile Software Los Angeles Capital 113

socalTECH

APRIL 16, 2018

Hawthorne-based SpaceX hope to hire another 700 employees in Los Angeles, at a new site at the Port of Los Angeles, to work on its Mars rocket, according to officials in Los Angeles on Monday. According to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the City of Los Angeles is looking to lease 19 acres to SpaceX at the port for a manufacturing site, for its "BFR" rocket--which Elon Musk would like to use to transport humans to Mars.

Los Angeles 113

Los Angeles SpaceX Angel Hawthorne 113

socalTECH

APRIL 16, 2018

Los Angeles-based Bridg , which develops personalized marketing software and technology, said this morning that it has acquired Relevant Mobile , a developer of mobile app, loyalty and rewards programs. Financial terms of the buy were not announced. Relevant Mobile's co-founders, Gerrine Pan and Dazhi Chen, will join Bridg as part of the acquisition.

Mobile 113

Mobile Acquisition Los Angeles Software 113

socalTECH

APRIL 16, 2018

San Clemente-based Glaukos , which is developing medical technology for the treatment of glaucoma, has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Ivantis. According to Glaukos, it filed the patent infringement suit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Southern Division. The suit alleges that the Ivantis Hydrus Microstent device infringes on patents held by Glaukos covering its core glaucoma technologies.

Patents 113

Patents Capital Technology Develop 113

socalTECH

APRIL 16, 2018

General Assembly , the provider of technology education which is very active in Los Angeles, has been acquired by Swiss staffing company Adecco Group , in a $412.5M acquisition deal. Adecco Group said it would acquired General Assembly to help complement its existing solutions, plus to position it in the fast growing "up-/re-skilling" segment of the market.

Education 113

Education Los Angeles Acquisition Activity 113

socalTECH

APRIL 20, 2018

West Hollywood-based Casa Verde Capital , the new, $45M investment fund run by rapper Snoop Dogg, is one of the investors in a software developer developing code for running cannabis businesses. Green Bits , which focuses on compliance for cannabis dispensaries and retailers, said it raised $17M in a Series A funding, led by Tiger Global, and also included Snoop Dogg's Casa Verde Capital.

West Hollywood 100

West Hollywood Capital Funding Hollywood 100