Star-studded Los Angeles is home to a variety of tech innovators with an even more expansive array of customers using their products. Two local companies raised funding last week for their solutions geared toward people of color. Find out what else is new with the Built In LA Weekly Refresh.
Stell raised $3.1M. Stell operates a parts ordering platform for businesses in the industrial manufacturing space. The company’s oversubscribed pre-seed round was co-led by Wischoff Ventures and Third Prime VC. With the fresh capital, Stell will build out its team and enhance its software product. [TechCrunch]
Thirteen lune secured $8M. Home to an array of products made by and for people of color, retail platform thirteen lune is expanding its reach with its new round of seed funding. Coming off a year of significant sales growth, thirteen lune wants to expand its presence into 600 JCPenney locations and open its first physical storefront in LA. [Built In LA]
LA Tech Quote of the Week
“It’s important for us to find partnership with investment groups that share a similar vision in uplifting marginalized voices in entertainment that are shifting our culture forward. We are extremely grateful for our partners at Hidden Empire Film Group, Brown Venture Group and Black Capital and look forward to what is ahead.” — Jason Lee, CEO of Hollywood Unlocked
Hollywood Unlocked pulled in $1.7M. Spearheaded by reality TV star Jason Lee, Hollywood Unlocked is an online resource for celebrity news articles and original shows that work to highlight Black voices. With its fresh funding, Hollywood Unlocked plans to further develop its tech solution as well as expand its business and operations. [Built In LA]
Restaurant365 partnered with TouchBistro. Restaurant management software solution Restaurant365 teamed up with TouchBistro, a POS platform for managing customer loyalty, online orders and reservations. By integrating its solution, Restaurant365 hopes to help restaurants improve sales, guest experience and time and cost management. The company is also currently hiring for a range of positions. [Restaurant365]
