No one will argue that 2023 has been a tough year for tech. However, just because the industry is in a state of malaise shouldn’t overshadow the successes of several companies. In fact, numerous Los Angeles tech organizations have achieved significant milestones and accomplishments they can look back on with pride.
Artificial intelligence and robotics startup Machina Labs announced a new Series B funding round earlier this month. Tapcart, an e-commerce app builder, revealed a partnership with the NBA’s biggest superstar in the spring. Marketing and consumer insights company Prodege was honored as one of the top companies in its sector by an industry association.
Plenty of companies will also consider this year a win simply because, in the face of adversity and uncertainty, they remained committed to their culture and people.
The eight companies featured here all have something to celebrate this year, which is why we’re shining a spotlight on them and their accomplishments this month.
Featured Companies
What Machina Labs does: Machina Labs combines advanced robotics with artificial intelligence models to help manufacturers become more agile and flexible in their operations.
The Perks:
- A 401(k) program and available company equity
- A pet-friendly office with some meals provided and onsite parking
- Relocation assistance provided
- A generous PTO plan
Fresh funding alert: Machina Labs recently announced a $32 million Series B funding round, bringing the company’s total funding to $45 million. The round was led by Innovation Ventures and NVentures, NVIDIA’s venture capital arm. In a press release, the company said this round will go toward meeting increasing customer demand and accelerating research efforts.
What Veritone does: Companies use Vertione’s artificial intelligence technology and solutions to build enterprise apps and services.
The Perks:
- A 401(k) match of 50 percent on the initial 6 percent of an employee’s contributions, company equity and performance bonuses
- A flexible work schedule
- Benefits related to family formation, parental leave and a return-to-work program for new parents
- Free snacks and drinks in the office kitchen as well as an onsite gym
Help steer the ship: At Veritone, engineers are not cogs in a machine that knock off endless items on a to-do list. Ben Ha, sales engineering manager, told Built In LA how the company’s culture enables sales engineers to make a real impact on the business.
“My team is asked to solve complex problems, which are often presented with implementation suggestions,” said Ha. “At Veritone, we intend to be inclusive of all ideas and leverage collective intelligence. This type of collaboration allows our engineers to influence the shape of our products and the company's technical direction.”
What Thrive Market does: Thrive Market operates an online, membership-based organic grocery store.
The Perks:
- Up to 12 weeks of parental leave for primary caregivers available after the first 12 months of employment
- Deep Employee Discount: 15% off all Thrive Market Orders (unlimited)
- ClassPass Membership: Subsidized ClassPass Membership with access to fitness classes, as well as wellness and beauty experiences
- An unlimited vacation policy and a flexible work schedule
Beyond carbon neutrality: In a January interview with Forbes, Kristin De Simone, Thrive Market’s associate director of mission, spoke about the online grocer’s ambitious sustainability goals and how they differ from other companies.
“Many businesses set goals for 2040 or 2050, with no short-term goals or accountability checks in the immediate,” said De Simone. “We felt it was imperative to set short-term goals and consistently report out on our progress. We established Incremental goals that were ambitious but also achievable, like zero waste by 2022, plastic neutrality by 2023 and being carbon negative by 2025.”
What System1 does: System1 is an omnichannel customer acquisition platform that helps companies reach consumers through mobile apps, content, search engines and more.
The Perks:
- Up to 12 weeks of parental leave for primary caretakers and six weeks for secondary caretakers.
- Daily in-office lunches and an onsite gym
- A $3,000 annual continuing education stipend
- A 401(k) match, company equity and available performance bonuses
Hack away: System1 recently held its fourth annual hackathon, the company’s biggest event of the year. More than 70 employees divided into more than a dozen teams, which worked on everything from the company’s advertising business to MapQuest (yes, that MapQuest). This year, a third category was added to the event, “The Intelligent Future,” with teams utilizing generative AI to create new business tools.
What Tapcart does: Tapcart develops mobile apps for Shopify brands. The company’s clients include Fashion Nova, Chubbies and Urban Planet.
The Perks:
- Generous parental benefits, a return-to-work program for new parents and childcare benefits
- A 401(k) program, company equity and available performance bonuses
- Tuition reimbursement, access to online course subscriptions and a mentorship program
- An unlimited vacation policy
King James approved: This April, Tapcart announced a partnership with Uninterrupted, the athlete empowerment brand co-founded by NBA superstar LeBron James, to develop its app. Steve Friend, general manager and vice president of commerce at The Springhill Company, which is the parent company of Uninterrupted, told Black Enterprise magazine why Tapcart was selected.
“Leveraging Tapcart allows us to reach our audiences and communities on a more personal level by meeting them on mobile, which gets us one step closer to our goal of one-to-one engagement within our community,” said Friend.
What Prodege does: Companies use Prodege’s marketing and consumer insights platform to acquire new customers, increase revenue and brand loyalty, and drive product adoption.
The Perks:
- A pet-friendly office with treadmill and bike desks and free catered lunch
- Pet insurance
- A 401(k) program and company equity
- Access to online courses, a mentorship program and tuition reimbursement
Top 10 once again: This past summer, Prodege was recognized by the Insights Association as one of its top 10 insights and analytics organizations for 2023. Insights Association is an industry association for insights and analytics companies, and this is the second year in a row Prodege has appeared on its top 10 list.
What DRINKS does: DRINKS’ technology enables retailers, e-commerce companies and alcohol companies to sell alcohol online.
The Perks:
- A 401(k) match of 50 percent of an employee’s first 8 percent of contributions
- A $150 monthly public transportation stipend and an office with onsite parking, a kitchen full of snacks and drinks, and weekly catered lunches
- A continuing education stipend and support for attending job trainings and conferences
- An unlimited vacation policy for full-time exempt employees
Salud to a new CTO: This summer, DRINKS welcomed Justin Dean as its new CTO. Dean joined the company from Weedmaps where he served as CTO and CIO, and prior to that he was Ticketmaster’s SVP of technology and head of platform engineering. He shared his excitement for his new role in a press release announcing it.
“Zac and his team have built an incredible foundation that is changing how alcohol is bought and sold online, and I look forward to shaping its continued evolution and expansion,” said Dean.
What Edify does: Edify’s communications platform offers contact center solutions, which include a no-code AI-powered app builder and employee voice, chat and video services.
The Perks:
- Twelve weeks of paid parental leave and an annual $500 credit to Sittercity
- A 401(k) program with a 4 percent match
- A fitness stipend, home office stipend and continuing education stipend
- An unlimited PTO policy that also covers time off to volunteer
Set up for success: Earlier this year, Jacob Metzinger, a Node.JS III developer, was asked in a Built In LA interview to describe Edify’s tech team culture in one word. He chose “empowered” and here’s why.
“This is one of Edify’s core values and it really rings true,” said Metzinger. “From day one, everybody is put in a position to start making a legitimate impact, whether it’s contributing to the product, our development processes or coming up with new ideas for the platform. We are given the best technology and tools, and there has never been a day where I did not feel like I had everything at my fingertips to do my best work.”
