The/Studio snags $11M in Series A funding
The/Studio, an LA-based supply chain management startup, said Wednesday that it has raised $11 million in a Series A funding round, aimed at fueling its product development. The/Studio helps product developers and merchants design, produce and manufacture their products, removing the costs and risks of building out a supply chain, according to the release. The company works with large corporations and up-and-coming creatives alike, with a software platform that provides access to product design teams, pre-vetted manufacturers and an interface for customizing products. Ignition Partners led the round, which also saw participation from FJ Labs, VTF, WTI, Firebolt Ventures and Interplay Ventures. [Built In LA]
Lyft brings a new set of wheels to Santa Monica
Lyft has thrown its hat in the electric scooter ring. The ride hailing app announced recently that it has launched scooter rentals in Santa Monica, allowing users to view available scooters on a map and make reservations. The company charges users $1 to unlock scooters and 15 cents per minute for rides. Santa Monica is the second city that has made this service available, the first being Denver. [Lyft]
SnapMD secures a cool $7.1M in funding
Telemedicine company SnapMD announced Tuesday that it has landed $7.1 million in a Series B funding round. The company plans to use the new funds for its platform and to push forward its sales and marketing efforts. SnapMD’s platform helps healthcare providers give virtual care to patients. “Since our inception, SnapMD has been focused on improving patient care,” said Dave Skibinski, president and CEO of SnapMD, in a statement. “While a significant amount of attention has been paid to single-episodic, low-acuity care, the higher value of virtual care will target the 20 percent of Americans that consume 80 percent of the healthcare dollar — namely, the chronically ill and those in active episodes of treatment, such as cancer.” [Press release]
WaveOptics sets up shop in SoCal
WaveOptics, a UK-based augmented reality firm, will open its U.S. office in LA, according to a recent statement. The move will allow the company to further support its U.S. customer base. Mike Lynch was named the North American division president, and prior to this, he was chief people and global operations officer at DAQRI. “We are focused on growing our presence and local expertise in the U.S. — making our AR waveguide technology and unique capability to mass manufacture at an affordable price point available to our existing and potential customers in the US and beyond,” David Hayes, CEO WaveOptics said in a statement. [Press release]
A new VP of data science and business intelligence joins Evite
Evite said Tuesday that Jay Neuman has joined the company as vice president of data science and business intelligence. Neuman brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, having most recently served as vice president of data and science and analytics at Quigley-Simpson. “Jay has an incredibly broad and deep background in a number of critical areas that will be increasingly important as we grow Evite to the next level of scale and rigor,” CEO Victor Cho said in a statement. “Moreover, Jay shares our passion for using his talents to achieve a greater good in the world, something he feels he can do at Evite given the critical purpose that drives us: bringing people together face to face.” [Press release]
