LA tech roundup: Demand and Jukin make acquisitions, the NFL heads to Snapchat, & more

Jukin Media purchases People Are Awesome

The LA-based user generated entertainment company announced they have acquired the video series People Are Awesome this week. The videos typically feature a highlight reel of extreme sports and awe-inspiring acts. The YouTube page has more than 400,000 followers and 240 million views. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. [Jukin Media Buys People Are Awesome: SoCal Tech]

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Leaf.tv acquired by Demand Media

Demand Media, the Santa Monica content company, has acquired the lifestyle video creator Leaf.tv. The acquisition will help expand Demand Media's millennial women audience. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but Leaf.tv's founders Geri Hirsch and Erin Falconer will join Demand Media's team as they continue to grow the platform. [Demand Media, Jukin Buy Indie Content Creators: LA Business Journal]

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FreedomPop enters UK market

The LA-based free mobile broadband provider is now offering UK citizens 200MB of data, 200 minutes of calls, and 200 text messages a month for free. FreedomPop did a beta release of their product in the United Kingdom in May, granting discounts to early customers. This is the beginning of FreedomPop's global expansion as they plan to reach 20 countries in the next two years. [FreedomPop Launches Free Mobile Service In the UK: SoCal Tech]

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Snapchat inks the NFL

The National Football League signed a content partnership with Snapchat at the end of last week. The partnership appears to be similar to how the MLB has utilized the platform this season, providing live fan-perspective look ins on games around the league. The stories will also feature 10 second advertisements for the NFL. [The NFL Signs Deal with Snapchat: LA Business Journal]

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BUCKiTDREAM launches dream realization app

The Redondo Beach-based app became available to the public this week, allowing users to create their own bucket list and collaborate with other users and vendors to make them a reality. Once completed, experiences and pictures can be shared with followers to not only boast in true millennial fashion, but help inspire others who share similar dreams. [From skydiving to safaris, this new LA app will help you realize your dreams: Built In]

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Disney funds Jaunt $65M for virtual reality

The media giant led a $65 million round for the cinematic virtual reality company, Jaunt. Although Jaunt is headquartered in Palo Alto, a large portion of the funding will be used to expand their new Los Angeles studio which focuses on producing virtual Reality content. [Disney goes all in on virtual reality, funds Jaunt $65M for new LA studio: Built In]

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Snoop Dogg announces cannabis content site

In the week's least surprising news — Snoop Dogg is launching a weed lifestyle website. Calvin Broadus (AKA Snoop Dogg) and LA entrepreneur Ted Chung announced their new cannabis content site, Merry Jane, at TechCrunch Disrupt on Monday. The site will feature original content and information for weed smokers, including their inaugural video series dubbed "Deflowered" in which people describe a new experience they had while high. [Snoop Dogg rolls out new online cannabis content platform: Built In]

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