Hyperloop One announces startup with Dubai
Arts District-based Hyperloop One announced a partnership with the country of Dubai this week on a transportation tech startup called DP World Cargospeed. The company will use the Hyperloop system to deliver cargo at speeds up to 620 miles per hour, and according to Chairman Richard Branson, the project is expected to be operational within three years. [Engadget]
Washé adds $3.5 million, announces LA office
Washé, a Florida-based startup that connects mobile car washers with users for on-the-spot car washes, announced this week it had raised a $3.5 million seed round led entrepreneur and investor Ron Zuckerman. In addition to the investment, Washé also revealed its plans to open an LA office and expand operations to Arizona, greater California and the Tri-State area. [Press Release]
Five local startups announce new leaders
Five local startups announced several recent leadership changes this week. Sherman Oaks-based FloQast added an LA tech veteran as its first-ever VP of engineering, while NEXT Trucking revealed a flurry of senior-level additions to the team. Marina Del Rey e-commerce giant Dollar Shave Club announced new members to its consumer and technology teams, Chrome River brought in a replacement for its outgoing CTO, and PeerStreet kept its momentum going by adding a chief real estate officer. [Built In LA]
Chicago UX studio rebrands as LA-based creative digital agency
This week, a Chicago-based MU/DAI, user experience studio, made its rebrand and move west official. Now known as Drawn, the company will focus on brand strategy, brand narrative, marketing campaigns, social strategy and digital design. Founded in 2015, the West Hollywood agency now has offices in Chicago, Austin and San Francisco. [Press Release]
LeaseLock adds $10 million to eliminate security deposits
LeaseLock, a Marina Del Rey-based fintech startup that allows renters to pay monthly installments in place of security deposits, closed a $10 million Series A this week, bringing the company's total funding to date to $11.5 million. Originally founded in 2012 by Air Force veteran, lawyer, The Amazin Race winner and general renaissance man Reichen Kuhl, the company added entrepreneur and former ZipRecruiter Director of Product Derek Merrill as COO in 2016. [Fortune]
Jam City's Harry Potter game skyrockets upon release
Harry Potter fans everywhere rejoiced when Culver City-based Jam City teased a new game set in the wizarding world, so it was no surprise that the game's long-awaited release jumped to the number one spot for iOS apps just a few days after release. [SoCal Tech]
Tastemade partners with Disney for food-centric content
Disney Digital Network announced this week that it had partnered with foodie media company Tastemade to create millennial-focused content for a new brand called Disney Eats. One show, "Kitchen Little," will feature kids teaming up with celebrity chefs to recreate Disney-themed recipes. [Biz Journals]
