Current headwinds could push industries in a number of directions, keeping any definite picture of the future from fully crystalizing. But for many tech companies, present-day realities are clear-cut.
In practice, that means day-to-days that might diverge from how business is typically conducted.
“My relationships with clients is also different. They’ve now been to my home, and I’ve been to theirs,” said an employee at fintech org Zest AI in a team video reflecting on WFH life.
The observation succinctly captured the norm for many teams, where Zoom, video chats and Slack are the new conduits for getting work done and staying connected.
For some companies, it’s not just workflow and process reroutes, but changes in the product and strategy. For others, it’s an opportunity to toss their two cents into the ring through blogs, webinars or other resources that serve as a helpful resource to forecast potential industry trends.
The following four LA tech teams are evidence of just that. Whether it’s through new partnerships, offerings or insight, here’s how they’ve lent their respective wisdom during the pandemic.
What’s noteworthy: In April, the Santa Monica-based car-buying platform introduced a complimentary delivery option so that consumers didn’t have to pump the brakes on auto transactions. As a result, customers could safely secure a set of wheels from home, rather than braving public transit or other means of transportation.
Food for thought: Global Head of Brand Ed Brojerdi said in a statement that the new delivery offerings aimed to meet demand while providing safe customer experience.
“In uncertain times where ridesharing and public transportation are not necessarily viable options, it’s important that people who need an affordable car can get one for as long — or as short — as they need without being locked into years of debt or even leaving the house. As this crisis continues to unfold, we will make sure that nobody has to compromise their health or finances just to have something to drive.”
We will make sure that nobody has to compromise their health or finances just to have something to drive.”
Company snapshot: The company’s blog has also featured a variety of COVID-19-related content, like predictions weighing in on the future of getting around to documenting teammates’ individual efforts to lend a helping hand.
What’s noteworthy: In an effort to facilitate turnkey ordering from restaurants whose traffic might have taken a hit, the Playa Vista-based startup implemented Instagram features to facilitate in-app ordering. With the new features, diners can sate appetites via a button on a restaurant’s profile page or an order sticker posted to stories.
The feature came on the heels of the previous month’s efforts to galvanize restaurant business with the rollout out of a membership-based Loyal Local program that extends discounted dishes to users.
Food for thought: With the new social media components, ChowNow hoped to catalyze restaurant orders and patronage, CEO and co-founder Chris Webb said in a statement.
“During this unprecedented pandemic, ChowNow has mobilized all its resources to help local restaurants survive and ultimately thrive, launching new products and services in record time. This Instagram feature is yet another valuable tool we’re offering our restaurant partners — at no cost to the restaurants — to help them drive more revenue and boost order volume without suffering the outrageous commissions and fees imposed by other delivery apps.”
ChowNow has mobilized all its resources to help local restaurants survive and ultimately thrive.”
Company snapshot: Chronicling their efforts with the hashtag #FeedingHealthcareHeroes, the team’s connected with local eateries to deliver meals to medical workers at places like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Medical Center.
What’s noteworthy: The fintech org — which harnesses AI to inform lending strategies — has used its company blog to analyze the pandemic’s potential effects, providing a resource for industry insights and thought leadership. Additionally, the company has hosted webinars on topics like analyzing credit scores during the pandemic.
Food for thought: “As lenders consider how to manage the emerging economic crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic, many are looking for better data. They’re going to have to re-evaluate existing loans to mitigate potential losses and, in the future, become more selective about how they extend credit,” the team wrote in a post about how AI can help navigate lending during turbulent economic times.
[Lenders are] going to have to re-evaluate existing loans to mitigate potential losses.”
Company snapshot: As they’ve acclimated to WFH life, the team shared how they’re pushing ahead while working remotely, focusing on striking an empathetic tone on customer outreach and continuing to fastidiously monitor models while emphasizing an open dialogue with clients.
What’s noteworthy: The potentially transformative transportation system recently provided a glimpse into what the future of transit could look like to Forbes. As the team detailed to reporter Martine Paris, “dynamically scheduled pods” of the electromagnetically-propelled system ensure appropriate passenger levels (a necessity in an age of social distancing), while interior materials aimed at combating pathogens could potentially bolster rider safety.
Food for thought: “We’ve been looking at how to prioritize safety, comfort and convenience. Some of the system’s features already have the ability to ensure social distancing. Being on demand and direct-to-destination means the pod arrives as scheduled. There are no wait times so there’s less congregating and more spacing,” Director of Passenger Experience Sara Luchian told Paris.
“We’ve been looking at how to prioritize safety, comfort and convenience.”
Company snapshot: A “Hyperloop at Home” blog series from the team has offered ideas and resources for enjoying WFH life, like coloring sheets and at-home STEM activities.
