Headspace and KEYPR announce strategic partnership
Two local tech companies announced a strategic partnership Angelenos and travel enthusiasts alike can appreciate. KEYPR, the developer of an enterprise cloud platform for the hospitality industry, and guided meditation service Headspace revealed a deal to feature the service on KEYPR's platform to help improve guest experiences. Hotels currently using the KEYPR platform will begin offering in-room tablets loaded with Headspace's guided meditation and mindfulness sessions. [Source]
Snap launches accelerator for media startups
Last week, Snap announced the launch of an accelerator program for mobile-first media startups. Yellow, as the program is called, is a three-month program that offers companies $150,000 in seed funding in exchange for a small stake in the company. Companies will receive mentorship, support of the social media giant, potential partnerships and office space in Venice. [LA Biz Journal]
Toilet tech startup Tooshlights continues expansion, adds executives
Tooshlights, a Woodland Hills-based startup that builds technology designed to shorten restroom lines and alerts janitorial staff when needed, announced the addition of two executives this morning on the heels of expansion to LAX and The Village at Westfield Topanga. Jorge Molina will take over as COO, while Jason Samuelian will join the team as its first director of business development. [Tooshlights]
SnackNation closes $12 million Series B
Culver City-based SnackNation closed a $12 million Series B late last week to bring its total funding to $22.5 million. Led by 3L Capital, the round will allow the company to expand its current enterprise network —which presently includes companies like Microsoft, Mailchimp and Soothe —and set up new distribution channels. [Press Release]
GoGuardian takes on a strategic investment, adds a big name to its board
GoGuardian revealed a strategic investment from Sumeru Equity Partners. Though the financials were not disclosed, the funding will allow the edtech startup to accelerate growth and product development. In addition to the funding, Tony Miller, a veteran tech executive and former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, will join the board. Currently, the company is filling a number of positions in the company's El Segundo office. [Press Release]
PlayVS closes Series A to launch high school e-sports league
PlayVS, an LA-based startup developing e-sports infrastructures for an official high school e-sports league, closed a $15 million Series A from a diverse group of investors. New Enterprise Associates led the round, which included participation from Science Inc, CrossCut Ventures, Coatue Management, Cross Culture Ventures, and the San Francisco 49ers. Individual investors included Nas, Michael Dubin of Dollar Shave Club, Kevin Lin of Twitch and other angels. [TechCrunch]
Fintech startup Albert closes $5 million Series A
Albert, a local fintech startup that tracks users' finances and makes personalized recommendations, closed its Series A round late last week, bringing in $5 million from QED, American Express Ventures and Portag3. [Fortune]
