*socaltech.com <http://socaltech.com> TechNews - Friday, January 4, 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. PricewaterhouseCoopers (http://www.socaltech.com/pwc). Key info (http://www.keyinfo.com) infrastructure ~ connectivity ~ co-location ~ cloud ------------------------------ *Headlines * - City of Los Angeles Sues The Weather Channel Over Collecting User Data <#m_-2624632999314568172_0076969> - Basepaws Launches Cat DNA Testing Service <#m_-2624632999314568172_0076964> - Digital Domain Spins Out New Startup, Iconic Engine <#m_-2624632999314568172_0076966> - Atara Biotherapeutics CEO Steps Down <#m_-2624632999314568172_0076965> - LayerStack Opens New LA Data Center <#m_-2624632999314568172_0076967> - AmpliPhi Biosciences, C3J Therapeutics In Merger Deal <#m_-2624632999314568172_0076968> - Ring Plans Major Outdoor Lighting Push <#m_-2624632999314568172_0076962> - uBeam Dangles Promise Of First Demo At CES <#m_-2624632999314568172_0076961> - JMI Equity Backs Jvion's Healthcare AI Software <#m_-2624632999314568172_0076958> - Reflections on 2018: Jeb Spencer, TVC Capital <#m_-2624632999314568172_0076955> *Marketplace* - Stubbs Alderton & Markiles Preccelerator <#m_-2624632999314568172_ad694> - Square 1 Bank <#m_-2624632999314568172_ad695> - Stradling <#m_-2624632999314568172_ad608> - Early Stage Commercial Insurance - Pacific Unified Insurance Agency <#m_-2624632999314568172_ad596> - Peak - Facilitated Annual Leadership Team Planning for Emerging Companies by Collective Genius <#m_-2624632999314568172_ad741> *Friday, January 4, 2019* *City of Los Angeles Sues The Weather Channel Over Collecting User Data* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076969.html> Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer has sued The Weather Channel, saying in a lawsuit that the company's mobile app, the Weather Channel App, is fraudulently and deceptively collecting user geolocation data, and selling that to third parties. The lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. According to the lawsuit, the company's app is not using its users geolocation data for personalized local weather data, but instead collecting and selling that information to third parties. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076969.html>) *Basepaws Launches Cat DNA Testing Service* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076964.html> El Segundo-based Basepaws, a new DNA testing startup, says it is launching a brand new service which will offer direct-to-consumer DNA testing for cats, providing owners with information about the ancestry and health and habits of their pet. The startup, led by founder and CEO Anna Skaya, says the purpose of its genetic testing is to help owners prevent disease and optimize nutrition for their cats. The company is formally launching its testing service at CES next week. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076964.html>) *Digital Domain Spins Out New Startup, Iconic Engine* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076966.html> Los Angeles-based visual effects and virtual reality content creator Digital Domain said Thursday afternoon that it has launched a new startup, Iconic Engine, to focus on what it calls "extended reality" (XR) content. According to Digital Domain, it incubated Iconic Engine to focus on the increasing availability of augmented reality (AR) devices and standalone virtual reality (VR) headsets. The new startup will be led by Digital Domain executive Amit Chopra. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076966.html>) *Atara Biotherapeutics CEO Steps Down* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076965.html> Atara Biotherapeutics, the biopharmaceuticals firm which has its manufacturing and research efforts based in Thousand Oaks, said on Thursday that its current President and CEO, Isaac Ciechanover, M.D., plans to step down. Ciechanover is the founder of Atara. According to the company, its board has initiated a search for a new CEO, with Ciechanover remaining in his role until at least June 30th or when a successor is found. The reason for the CEO changeover was not announced by the company. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076965.html>) *LayerStack Opens New LA Data Center* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076967.html> Hong Kong-based cloud infrastructure provider LayerStack said on Thursday that it has opened up a new data center in Los Angeles, which will be its first facility in the United States. According to the company, the new data center will be its fourth, on top of existing operations in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan. LayerStack did not say how big of a data center it is opening up in Los Angeles, nor how much it is investing in the new location. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076967.html>) *AmpliPhi Biosciences, C3J Therapeutics In Merger Deal* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076968.html> San Diego-based AmpliPhi Biosciences and Los Angeles-based C3J Therapeutics said this morning that the two have agreed to merge, in an all-stock deal, to focus on precisely targeted bacteriophage therapeutics. As part of the deal, the companies said C3J's existing shareholders will invest $10M in the merged company. AmpliPhi Biosciences is currently listed on the NYSE American as APHB. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076968.html> ) *Ring Plans Major Outdoor Lighting Push* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076962.html> Los Angeles-based Ring, the developer of the ubiquitous video doorbells and security camera products, is planning a major push into outdoor lighting, according to documents filed with the FCC. Those documents--first uncovered by blogger Dave Zatz--describe, in detail, all of the planned "Ring Beams Spotlight" products, which include such features are motion detection, cameras, and "connected" sensors. Ring has not yet announced those products or availability officially. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076962.html>) *uBeam Dangles Promise Of First Demo At CES* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076961.html> Los Angeles-based uBeam, the controversial wireless charging startup backed by Upfront Ventures, says its is about to unveil its "ultrasonic wireless power system" at the CES 2019 show in Las Vegas next week, the first demonstration of the company's technology. The company, which has its CEO step aside last year, had gained a lot of unwanted attention from doubters of the company's technology credibility, when the company's former VP of Engineering called the company's product "a sham". (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076961.html>) *JMI Equity Backs Jvion's Healthcare AI Software* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076958.html> San Diego- and Baltimore-based private equity investor JMI Equity is the lead backer of a developer of artificial intelligence software for the healthcare industry this morning. Jvion, a developer of clinical decision support software, said on Thursday that it received a "significant" growth equity investment for the startup, to expand its healthcare AI and prescriptive analytics platform. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076958.html>) *Reflections on 2018: Jeb Spencer, TVC Capital* <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076955.html> During the holiday season, our tradition over the last few years has been to post reflections on the past year and some predictions from Southern California's technology industry. As we close out our contributions for the end of 2018, here's Jeb Spencer of TVC Capital. What was the biggest lesson you learned this year? Two big lessons in 2018. Technology investing is the best job in the world, but it can be fraught with failure. (More... <http://www.socaltech.com/fullstory/0076955.html>) *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/ *Square 1 Bank <http://www.square1bank.com>* Square 1 Bank is a division of Pacific Western Bank, a Los Angeles-based commercial bank with over $21 billion in assets. A full service financial services partner to entrepreneurs and their investors, Square 1 provides clients flexible resources and attentive service to help their companies grow. Square 1 offers a broad range of venture debt, treasury and cash management solutions through offices in top innovation centers: Atlanta, Austin, the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Durham, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, San Diego, Seattle and Washington, DC. Pacific Western Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PacWest Bancorp (NASDAQ:PACW). For more information, visit www.square1bank.com, or send an email to [email protected]. *Stradling <http://www.sycr.com>* Stradling, Attorneys At Law (<a 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. *Early Stage Commercial Insurance - Pacific Unified Insurance Agency <[email protected]>* 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 [email protected] *Peak - Facilitated Annual Leadership Team Planning for Emerging Companies by Collective Genius <https://collective-genius.com/getting-to-peak/>* If you wanted to reach the peak of Mount Everest, you wouldn’t just gather a few friends, buy some supplies, and start hiking. Similar to building a growth company, you wouldn’t just hire a few people, build some products, and win a market. Peak is a facilitated annual leadership team planning session for emerging growth companies. It's a one day leadership team session to create company focus and clarity around a three year vision, one year plan, and quarterly priorities. With the vision and plan set, Peak provides leadership tools and systems to keep the team on track. To learn more contact us to schedule a 45 minute walk through at [email protected] or 1.424.259.3036. Collective Genius - Leadership Planning and Recruiting for Emerging Growth Companies. http://www.collective-genius.com. ------------------------------ *Recent Funding <#m_-2624632999314568172_funding>* 1/03/19 Forge Therapeutics <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94796> San Diego $11.10 M 12/20/18 AvantStay <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94684> Los Angeles $5.00 M 12/20/18 Cloud Constellation Corporation <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94795> Los Angeles $100.00 M 12/19/18 Elementary Robotics <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94682> Los Angeles $3.60 M 12/18/18 Seismic <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94681> Solana Beach $100.00 M 12/13/18 Vyng <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94563> Los Angeles $4.00 M 12/13/18 Procore Technologies <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94564> Carpinteria $75.00 M 12/13/18 Akero Therapeutics <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94565> South San Francisco $70.00 M 12/11/18 Jaanuu <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94561> El Segundo $15.00 M 12/10/18 AlphaTrAi <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94532> Los Angeles $0.00 M 12/06/18 WhiteFox Drone Defense <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94518> San Luis Obispo $12.00 M 12/04/18 Freeletics <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94355> Los Angeles $45.00 M 11/30/18 Viacyte <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94286> San Diego $80.00 M 11/21/18 PlayVS <http://www.socaltech.com/intelligence/?action=showdeal&id=94252> Santa Monica $30.50 M ------------------------------ *Upcoming Events* Submit your events at least two weeks in advance to: http://www.socaltech.com/submitevent.html January 8, Santa Monica -- *Preccelerator Workshop * *NEW* . See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26316 January 9, Los Angeles -- *L.A. Tech 2019 Kickoff* *NEW* . See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26293 January 9, Monrovia -- *MADIA Tech Launch Event* *NEW* . See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26314 January 10, Los Angeles -- *Silicon Beach Networking Happy Hour in Santa Monica (Open Bar + Presentations)* *NEW* . See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26315 January 13, Los Angeles -- *brunchwork w/ Netflix & Backstage Capital* *NEW* . See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26318 January 16, Santa Barbara -- *Robots Are Taking Over: From Space To Inside Your Home And Everything In Between* *NEW* . See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26292 January 16, San Diego -- *How Election Hacking is changing America’s Privacy and Security (2019-01-16)* *NEW* . See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26294 January 22, Santa Monica -- *AppSec California 2019* *NEW* . See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26317 January 31, Los Angeles -- *Growth Capital Conference* *NEW* . See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26313 January 31, San Diego -- *Preparing Your Company for Sale* *NEW* . See http://www.socaltech.com/calendar/eventid/26295 ------------------------------ *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. PricewaterhouseCoopers (http://www.socaltech.com/pwc). Key info (http://www.keyinfo.com) infrastructure ~ connectivity ~ co-location ~ cloud Singer Lewak (http://www.singerlewak.com) Accounting and Consulting for Growing and Innovative Businesses Email [email protected] 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 [email protected] ------------------------------ 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. 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