The summer months are often viewed as a time when business slows down. That wasn't the case for LA tech in 2015. The city is on course to blow past 2014's record-setting funding year and August continued this trend with over $200 million in funding. Here are the top five rounds of the month:
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5. Mobcrush, $10 million, August 31
Investors: Kliener Perkins Caufield & Byers
Bio: Mobcrush is a Santa Monica-based mobile video streaming company that enables mobile users to broadcast, watch and chat about games as they play and stream in realtime.
News: The company announced their seed round and private beta back in May before realeasing their platform to the public in July.
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4. Soothe, $10.6 million, August 13
Investors: The Riverside Company
Bio: The LA-based on demand massage company guarantees a masseuse within an hour of ordering. The company offers deep tissue, swedish sports, and couples massage at the push of a button.
News: Over the past six months, Soothe has expanded their services across the nation and is now available in 12 cities. The company plans on officially launching in New York in October.
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3. Seriously, $18 million, August 4
Investors: Northzone, Korea Investment Partners, Upfront Ventures, Sunstone Capital and Daher Capital
Bio: The Venice-based company has been building free mobile games since 2013. All of their games are designed to be developed into entertainment properties in order to build brands through storytelling and unique characters.
News: CEO Andrew Stalbow recently spoke with FastCompany about Seriously's plan to build out entertainment franchises through games.
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2. Ring, $29 million, August 19
Investors: American Family Insurance, Shea Ventures, Richard Branson
Bio: The Ring Video Doorbell lets you answer the door from anywhere using your smartphone. It features a motion-detecting, HD camera with night vision, providing a clear view from your front door, day and night.
News: CEO and founder Jamie Siminoff sat down with Built In LA in June to discuss his success after rejecting an offer on ABC's Shark Tank.
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1. The Honest Company, $100 million, August 13
Investors: Glade Brook Capital Partners, AllianceBernstein, Fidelity Management and Research Company, Institutional Venture Partners, and Wellington Management
Bio: The Honest Company offers eco-friendly baby diapers, wipes, bath and body care products, and non-toxic cleaning products.
News: The funding round raised The Honest Company's valuation to $1.7 billion and is speculated as another step towards an inevitable IPO.
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