j2 Global acquires 4 companies
Global provider of Internet services j2 Global announced they have completed four acquisitions today spanning four business units and three countries. The acquisitions are Ausweb (Hosting, Australia), Offers.com (Digital Media, USA), On Demand Recovery (Backup, United Kingdom), MX Toolbox email security business (Email, USA). [Press release]
Grindr sells majority stake
Grindr has sold a majority stake to the Beijing Kunlun Tech Company, a Chinese gaming company, valuing the six-year-old start-up at $155 million. Beijing Kunlun will acquire 60 percent of Grindr, with the remainder to be owned by Grindr employees and Joel Simkhai, the company’s founder. Grindr has previously not raised capital from outside investors. [Grindr Sells Stake to Chinese Company: New York Times]
A car-sharing service just launched in LA — and it's free to use
An LA-based company launched a new kind of car-sharing service this week — and it's free to use. WaiveCar — the first car-sharing program running primarily on advertising dollars — can be rented now in Santa Monica and Venice Beach. [Built In LA]
Managed by Q arrives in LA to help you take control of your office
Managed by Q, a smart office platform that provides an operating system for offices, announced their arrival to the Los Angeles area today, with a local headquarters in Culver City. [Built In LA]
Fundings of the week
, $5 million
Investors: SE Agoura Investment LLC
Founded in 2011, StartEngine has invested in over 60 startups through their accelerator. The company helps early stage companies raise equity crowdfunding and offers resources grow the business. [Press Release]
, $10 million
Investors: HLM Venture Partners, OCA Ventures, Merrick Ventures and Jumpstart Ventures.
mPulse Mobile is a mobile engagement solutions provider focused on consumer health and wellness. The new funding will enable mPulse to enhance its analytics capabilities as the company builds upon its leadership position in making widespread consumer engagement in healthcare a reality. [Press release]
, $27 million
Investors: Verizon, WPP and AwsomenessTV.
Mitu is a digital network for latino audiences. [Press release]
