*socaltech.com <http://socaltech.com> TechNews - Thursday, September 12, 2019* Edited by Benjamin F. Kuo ISSN: 1524-6736 http://www.socaltech.com/News ------------------------------
*Sponsored By * TVC Capital LLC (www.tvccapital.com) Investments and acquisitions of growing software companies. Silicon Valley Bank (http://www.svb.com). Make next happen now. Stubbs Alderton Markiles, LLP (http://www.stubbsalderton.com). Business. Technology. Law. Vision. KPMG (http://home.kpmg/us/en/home/about/offices/los-angeles-1.html) Level up with KPMG ------------------------------ *Headlines * - Interview with Chuka Ikokwu, Divercity.io <#0078824> - Cabin Revamps Bus Rides From LA To San Francisco <#0078829> - SmartDrive Gets $90M More For Telematics Products <#0078825> - Two Bit Circus Ramps Up Fall Program <#0078828> - Rambus Buys Assets From Verimatrix <#0078826> - Visa Completes Verifi Acquisition <#0078827> - Accelerate OC Puts Focus on Local Entrepreneurs In Podcast <#0078822> - Canndescent Finds $27.5M For Premium Cannabis <#0078819> - Rivian, With Offices In Irvine, Gets $350M From Parent Of Kelly Blue Book <#0078818> - Avalon Ventures Gets Exit At Sitari Pharmaceuticals <#0078816> *Marketplace* - Early Stage Commercial Insurance - Pacific Unified Insurance Agency <#ad596> - Stradling <#ad608> - Stubbs Alderton & Markiles Preccelerator <#ad694> - Tech Coast Map & Calendar – Put Your Company On The Map! <#ad717> - Become a Socaltech Supporter! <#ad724> - BDO - Southern California Technology Industry Team <#ad737> *Thursday, September 12, 2019* *Apply now for Verizon's Built on 5G Challenge <https://verizon5glabs.com/BuiltOn5G/>* The Built on 5G Challenge is a nationwide search for the best products, services, and applications that will bring the true power of 5G to life. For more information on prizes, eligibility, and submission requirements, click here. The winners will be awarded up to $1 million, access to our 5G Labs, and an opportunity for Verizon to invest in their companies in a future fundraising round. Challenge guidelines Every submission should demonstrate your company’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainable business practices. Eligibility In order to be eligible, teams must be part of a U.S. company that has 200 or fewer employees and meet the eligibility requirements in the Official Rules. For full contest details on eligibility, requirements and prizes, go to: https://verizon5glabs.com/BuiltOn5G/ *Interview with Chuka Ikokwu, Divercity.io* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078824.html> What's the best way to reach out and recruit diverse candidates for your technology company? It's not easy, which is why Los Angeles-based Divercity.io exists. we spoke with co-founder Chuka Ikokwu to learn more about the startup and how it's helping companies to recruit more diverse workers. Describe what Divercity.io is all about? Chuka Ikokwu: Divercity.io is an HR tech platform that makes it very easy for companies to source diverse talent. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078824.html>) *Cabin Revamps Bus Rides From LA To San Francisco* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078829.html> Cabin, the startup which has been running overnight trips on luxury buses between Los Angeles and San Francisco--aiming at digitally connected, tech-savvy consumers looking to move between the technology hubs--has re-launched its service, saying that it has "completely re-engineered" its buses and services. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078829.html>) *SmartDrive Gets $90M More For Telematics Products* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078825.html> S (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078825.html>) *Two Bit Circus Ramps Up Fall Program* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078828.html> Los Angeles-based Two Bit Circus, the startup led by Brent Bushnell, is ramping up its lineup of programming for Fall, announced a new set of activities, gaming leagues, tournaments, shows, and more at its "micro-amusement park". The company--which combines entertainment with technology and engineering--said it is adding the additional programming on top of it already existing features, in order to keep things "fresh and ever changing". (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078828.html>) *Rambus Buys Assets From Verimatrix* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078826.html> San Diego-based Verimatrix has sold the assets of its Silicon IP and Secure Protocol business to Rambus, Rambus said late Wednesday, in a deal worth $65M in cash. According to Rambus, it will use the acquisition to help it create "the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of silicon-proven security IP and chip provisioning solutions." Verimatrix, formerly known as Inside Secure, had announced the deal earlier this month. According to Rambus, it expects the acquisition to close this year. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078826.html>) *Visa Completes Verifi Acquisition* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078827.html> Payment giant Visa announced this morning that it has completed its acquisition of Los Angeles-based Verifi, which develops software and technology to reduce chargebacks for vendors who take credit cards. Financial details of the deal, which was first announced in July, have not been announced. Visa said the buy will help it extend its dispute resolution capabilities to support a broad range of payments brands and partners across the ecosystem. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078827.html>) *Accelerate OC Puts Focus on Local Entrepreneurs In Podcast* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078822.html> Interested in hearing more about the technology community in Orange County? A newly launched podcast, Accelerate OC, recently launched a series of interviews from Orange County innovators, trendsetters, entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders, in a live radio show and podcast. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078822.html>) *Canndescent Finds $27.5M For Premium Cannabis* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078819.html> Santa Barbara-based *Canndescent* an "ultra-premium" cannabis brand, announced this week that it has raised $27.5M in a Series C funding round. The funding was led by cannabis investment fund Green Acre Capital, and also included Carnegie Arch Capital, Senterra, LLC., Altitude Investment Management, JW Asset Management and an un-named multinational beer company from Asia. Canndescent says the funding will go towards expansion into vapes and ingestibles.(More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078819.html>) *Rivian, With Offices In Irvine, Gets $350M From Parent Of Kelly Blue Book* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078818.html> Electric truck maker Rivian, which has a development office in Irvine, has received $350M in an equity investment from the parent company of Irvine-based Kelly Blue Book, Rivian announced on Tuesday. According to Rivian--which has its headquarters in Plymouth, Michigan--the $350M investment came from automotive services company Cox Automotive. In addition to Kelly Blue Book, Cox owns Autotrader, Dealertrack, Clutch Technologies, and a number of other automotive related businesses. (Funding Details <https://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showco&id=31403>)( More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078818.html>) *Avalon Ventures Gets Exit At Sitari Pharmaceuticals* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078816.html> San Diego-based biotech investor Avalon Ventures has scored an exit, saying late Tuesday evening that it has entered into a definitive agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), to sell Sitari Pharmaceuticals to GSK. Financial details of the deal were not announced. Sitari was developing treatments for celiac disease, and was being incubated at COI Pharmaceuticals. According to Avalon Ventures, Sitari was the very first company to be formed under the GSK-Avalon venture collaboration, in 2013. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0078816.html>) *Early Stage Commercial Insurance - Pacific Unified Insurance Agency < johnhuttin...@pacificunified.com>* We are a commercial insurance broker working with startup and early stage technology and E-Commerce companies to implement cost effective strategies for their insurance and risk management programs. We provide guidance and strategic planning during various phases and also advise regarding employee benefit structures to assist in employee recruiting and retention. Coverage placements include D&O, Property, Liability, Workers Comp, E&O, Cyber/Network Security and Employee Benefit Programs. Contact: John Huttinger, CIC, CRM Vice President Ph#310-370-5000 Ext 3025 w Fx 310-370-5454 johnhuttin...@pacificunified.com *Stradling <http://www.sycr.com>* Stradling, Attorneys At Law ( href="http://www.sycr.com";>http://www.sycr.com ) Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth (“Stradling”) is a premier business law firm with over 125 attorneys and 10 offices in the western US. The offices are: Newport Beach, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, San Diego, San Francisco - SOMA, San Francisco - Financial District, Sacramento, Reno, Denver, Seattle. The Firm’s corporate, litigation and public law practices are well known for their expertise and depth. Stradling's clients include emerging and high growth public and private companies as well as private equity funds, venture capital groups and their respective portfolio companies. Widely recognized for its expertise, responsiveness and outstanding client service, the Firm's size, structure, and culture allow it to provide the highest quality representation while maintaining the responsiveness and relationships commonly associated with smaller firms. *Stubbs Alderton & Markiles Preccelerator <http://stubbsalderton.com/preccelerator/>* Accelerating Growth for Early Stage Innovation The Preccelerator® Program is a platform offered to select start-up companies out of the Santa Monica office of Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP that provides interim office space, sophisticated legal services, mentorship and access to a strategic perks portfolio with the objective of helping you grow your idea from business concept to funded startup. The Preccelerator® Program provides these benefits to as many as 10 promising young startups in separate growth tracks. http://stubbsalderton.com/preccelerator/ *Tech Coast Map & Calendar – Put Your Company On The Map! <https://www.siliconmaps.com/tech-coast/>* Include your company on the Tech Coast Map and be part of the iconic industry symbol of Technology Innovation in Southern California. The map is promoted through Print, Digital, and web with an online interactive version of the map. Take part in the effective map campaign to support your region, brand and location(s) while promoting your company as an industry leader. The custom imprinted Poster/Calendars make the perfect promotional year-end gift for stakeholders. View the large interactive map at https://www.siliconmaps.com/tech-coast/ Contact i...@siliconmaps.com for more information and mention Socal Tech for special industry rates. *Become a Socaltech Supporter!* Interested in letting Southern California's high tech community know you are here for them? Want to reach Southern California's movers and shakers? Become a SPONSOR or SOCALTECH SUPPORTER! Our sponsors and supporters are featured on our website, and online service provider directory, as well as in our newsletter multiple times per week. It's a great way to both get the word out about your services, as well as support our news coverage of local companies across the tech industry! Contact b...@socaltech.com for details. *BDO - Southern California Technology Industry Team <http://www.bdo.com>* BDO USA, LLP is a professional services firm providing assurance, tax, and advisory services to publicly traded and privately held companies through more than 60 offices domestically and 160 countries globally. Our Southern California technology industry team professionals have deep experience helping online, software, hardware, and cleantech businesses in the local ecosystem to navigate the many issues affecting their businesses and to help them meet their larger strategic goals. Our team provides a wide range of guidance in the key issues effecting technology companies including, M&A advisory, initial public offerings, tax planning and consulting, intellectual property agreements, financial reporting and regulatory compliance matters. For more information, please contact our LA Technology leaders Anthony Ferguson, Tim Clackett, and Kris Kaufmann at lat...@bdo.com. http://www.bdo.com ------------------------------ *Recent Funding <#funding>* 8/26/19 Podcorn <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=98098> Los Angeles $2.20 M 8/14/19 Systum <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=98062> Plano $10.70 M 8/13/19 Singularity 6 <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=98060> Los Angeles $16.50 M 8/08/19 Tripalink, Corp. <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=97935> Los Angeles $10.00 M 6/24/19 AFYX Therapeutics <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=97538> San Diego $13.00 M 6/18/19 Elevate Services <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=97508> Los Angeles $25.00 M 6/14/19 Sunbit, Inc. <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=97477> Los Angeles $26.00 M 6/13/19 CreatorIQ <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=97476> Culver City $12.00 M 5/30/19 Mission <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=97268> El Segundo $15.00 M 5/22/19 Locana <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=97225> San Diego $55.00 M 5/15/19 Halla <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=97031> Los Angeles $1.40 M 5/08/19 Neural Analytics, Inc. <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=96997> Los Angeles $22.00 M 5/07/19 INDOSE INC. <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=96994> Woodland Hills $3.50 M 5/07/19 Liquid Death <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=96995> Santa Monica $1.60 M ------------------------------ *Upcoming Events* Submit your events at least two weeks in advance to: http://www.socaltech.com/submitevent.html September 12, Pasadena -- *Caltech Entrepreneurs Forum - Microbiome* Caltech Entrepreneurs Forum - Microbiome. This event will explore many fascinating and potentially life-saving developments in the Microbiome field. Keynoting will be Professor Sarkis Mazmanian of Caltech's Division of Biology and Biological Engineering.. See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26537 September 12, Santa Monica -- *Preccelerator Workshop: Your Team's Secret Weapon to Outpace the Competition w/ Christine Perakis* Preccelerator Workshop: Your Team's Secret Weapon to Outpace the Competition w/ Christine Perakis. How will you lead your company to 10x your growth and outpace the competition? Find your “Mars Group”: identify and engage your internal influencers, including senior managers and key personnel, who embody your company’s spirit and future. Understand why you’re in business: your Mars Group will identify, develop, and articulate your core ideology – the values and purpose that set you apart from the competition. Dive deep into your business: identify and communicate industry trends, core customer cares, and company strengths to become a leader in your constantly-changing competitive climate. Spread the word: share this roadmap to exponential growth with your teams, customers, and vendors, empowering decision-making that aligns with your company’s vision and legacy. See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26541 September 15, Santa Monica -- *More/Medavoy brunchwork* More/Medavoy brunchwork. You're invited to an unforgettable brunch with More/Medavoy Co-founding Partners Brian Medavoy and Erwin More. Enjoy an intimate conversation with Brian & Erwin, curated connections, a creative challenge, and pitch... over a healthy meal. See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26544 September 17, Santa Monica -- *The Role of Rebranding for M& A and Growth* The Role of Rebranding for M& A and Growth. Learn how this oft-overlooked ingredient can drive valuation both pre-deal and post-deal and support revenue growth. Key topics include: How to recognize an obsolete or weak brand story (interactive workshop) Typical messaging mistakes innovative companies make 7 best practices to strategically refresh brand messaging Crossing the chasm between strategy and creative execution Before and after: rebranding results for middle-market companies and startups. See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26543 September 18, Los Angeles -- *The Goddess Project Documentary Screening* The Goddess Project Documentary Screening. Join us for a screening of "The Goddess Project" documentary here at Toolbox LA. Synopsis: Determined to empower the feminine voice, two filmmakers packed their lives into a school bus and hit the road for what became the most transformative adventure of their lives. Through powerful conversations with over 100 women from different walks of life, The Goddess Project gives an intimate look into the collective experience that women in the United States face today. Our co-founder, Noramay Cadena, is featured in the documentary! We are looking forward to celebrating her and all the women featured in the film. Join us for an evening of connection and empowerment. See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26539 September 21, Irvine -- *AMAOC Marketing Tech Summit* AMAOC Marketing Tech Summit. The AMAOC is hosting their 2nd annual Marketing Tech Summit at UCI. Keynote: MarTech in the Era of Customer Journey by Annette Franz Four tracks focused on marketing technology, customer journey and career advancement.. See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26517 September 27, Santa Monica -- *TuesdayNights Impact Conference* TuesdayNights Impact Conference. Over 100 Female Entrepreneurs and Thought Leaders Unite for TuesdayNights inaugural Impact Conference at the Annenberg Community Beach House on Friday, September 27th. The event, hosted by TuesdayNights founders Justine Lassoff and Melinda Moore, will feature keynote speakers including Laura Doss-Hertz, winner of XPRIZE for water abundance and Ronalee Zarate-Bayani, CMO of the Los Angeles Rams; as well as panelists who are female founders, wellness professionals and venture capitalists making a positive impact: including Dana Settle, Partner of Greycroft; Ara Katz, CEO Seed; Deepika Chopra, Optimism Doctor; Jennifer Loo, CFO of Tala; and Nanxi Liu, Founder of Enplug and XFactor. Founded in 2013, TuesdayNights is a community of female entrepreneurs, investors and senior executives with a mission to inspire, collaborate and impact change through networking events, top speakers and intimate gatherings. Each event features a nonprofit that is changing the world for the better and sharing how the community can get involved. See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26511 ------------------------------ *Recent Job Postings * More jobs at http://www.socaltech.com/Jobs ------------------------------ ------------------------------ *Sponsored By * TVC Capital LLC (www.tvccapital.com) Investments and acquisitions of growing software companies. Silicon Valley Bank (http://www.svb.com). Make next happen now. Stubbs Alderton Markiles, LLP (http://www.stubbsalderton.com). Business. Technology. Law. Vision. KPMG (http://home.kpmg/us/en/home/about/offices/los-angeles-1.html) Level up with KPMG Email b...@socaltech.com for more information about sponsoring this newsletter. ------------------------------ You are receiving this email because you subscribed to the socalTECH.com TechNews from our web site, or otherwise requested a subscription. If you do not want to receive this newsletter go to: http://listserv.socaltech.com/mailman/listinfo/socaltech or email us at customerserv...@socaltech.com ------------------------------ Legal Notices ---- While SOCALTECH LLC has used its best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein, SOCALTECH LLC does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence, accident or other causes. All contents Copyright (c) 2017 SOCALTECH LLC. All rights reserved. socalTECH.com - Dedicated to High Tech in Southern California http://www.socaltech.com/ SOCALTECH LLC 4607 Lakeview Canyon Road, Suite 290, Westlake Village, CA 91361
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