From renewable energy to online learning solutions, these West Coast tech companies have kept themselves busy. Find out what’s in the works after several funding rounds last week. This is the Built In LA weekly refresh.
Anduril raised $450M. Following its Series D round led by Elad Gil, the Irvine-based defense tech company is planning to expand its toolset for sensors and drones. Anduril is now valued at $4.6 billion with its Lattice AI software platform that helps military personnel detect, track and stop intrusions on their bases by drones and vehicles. [Built In LA]
Heliogen pulled in $108M. Specializing in solar concentration, the startup closed on its latest round of funding led by Prime Movers Lab. Heliogen’s tech uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight to achieve high temperatures, which is useful as a sustainable energy source. It’s investing the capital to develop its Sunlight Refinery and install its tech on several sites to help with production workflows. [TechCrunch]
LA Tech Quote of the Week
Formative got $70M. The edtech company is looking to expand its platform overseas after its latest injection of cash led by Summit Partners. Based in Santa Monica, Formative offers software that enables teachers to track student performance, offer feedback and collaborate with colleagues in real time. The company is also currently hiring with plans to double its headcount by year’s end. [Built In LA]
Kindra secured $4.5M. Outfitted with fresh seed funding, this startup that offers products for menopause wellness is looking to fuel growth and product development. The Santa Monica-based company offers things like vaginal lotions and dietary supplements to ease menopause symptoms. The seed round was led by the Female Founders Fund, and also saw participation from Katie Couric Media. [Built In LA]
WELL Health updated its leadership team. The company offers a messaging platform to help patients communicate with their providers through their preferred language and channel. It announced new executive hires, including Marissa Morrison as the new VP of people, John Knotwell as chief revenue officer and James Hayes as VP of revenue operations. The new members joined WELL from Foursquare, Bridge and Businessolver respectively. [Email]
