The LA tech scene saw many announcements for the week, including new funding, big hiring initiatives and donations to Ukraine. This is the Built In LA weekly refresh.
Collectors gained $100M. Collectors, based out of Santa Ana, helps hobbyists authenticate and grade their collectibles on its platform. The company raised $100 million in a funding round that will go toward scaling its technology. In the summer, Collectors will provide a collection management service and a secure vault platform. The company is also looking to grow the team. [Built In LA]
Epic Games and Microsoft are the largest donors to Ukraine. Through Fortnite in-game purchases, Epic Games and Microsoft are the largest corporate donors to Ukraine, surpassing $100 million. From March 20 through April 3, Epic games pledged to donate all proceeds from purchases made in Fortnite and has donated to four organizations supporting Ukraine. [PCGamer]
LA TECH QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Syntiant raised $55M. Syntiant is a semiconductor chip maker company specializing in creating chips for edge AI applications. The additional funds will go toward expanding software capabilities and the deployment of its Syntiant Core 3 architecture. Multiple positions are also available. [Built In LA]
Yami gained $55M. Yami is a DTC marketplace for Asian foods and home goods. The additional funds from Altos Ventures and Balsam Bay Partners will be used to enhance customer experience, expedite delivery capabilities, expand product selection and improve its product recommendations. The company is also looking to fill 40 positions. [Built In LA]
Hadrian gained $90M. Hadrian Automation manufactures machine parts at largely-automated factories to help the aerospace supply chain. The funding from Lux Capital and Andreessen Horowitz will go toward a second factory, located close to its first factory. The company also expects to add 120 new employees to its team. [CNBC]
Slingshot Aerospace received a $25.2M contract. Slingshot Aerospace gained a $25.2 million, 39-month contract from the U.S Space Force to create a Space Force version of Slingshot’s Digital Space Twin and its Slingshot Laboratory training product. The company is able to map the conditions of space using data from aerial objects such as satellites. [Built In LA]
TeleSign launched new solutions for the healthcare industry. TeleSign prevents fraud and protects digital identities while also using engagement solutions. The company recently announced the launch of new HIPAA-compliant solutions that allow healthcare providers to shelter protected health information (PHI) and its holding systems, better manage appointments and better communicate, while still being confidential. [GlobeNewswire]
