LA tech roundup: Mucker raises $45M fund, Venice startup heads to Virgin accelerator & more

Mucker Capital raises new $45M fund

Dubbed Mucker III, the new fund from the Santa Monica VC has reportedly closed at $45 million. The company began raising the fund in May of last year and it is by far their biggest. Founded as Mucker Labs, the company focuses primarily on early seed investments. [Mucker Capital Raises $45M Fund, Mucker III: SoCal Tech]

Venice startup set to represent U.S. in Virgin Media/Techstars accelerator

Venice's Rally Networks is one of 10 internation companies participating in the Virgin Media accelerator powered by Techstars. Rally provides a charging network that helps developers and enterprises drive mobile app downloads and high-value ad engagements. Customers at retail locations can charge their phone for free after downloading an app or engaging with an interactive ad.

Immersv launches VR ad tech platform

Immersv, a mobile VR ad network, officially unveiled their platform today. The company has been in private beta since December 2015. The service was created to help consumers find relatable VR apps and entertainment while also providing an outlet to VR developers to create awareness for their content. [New LA platform bringing advertising to VR: Built In]

Fundings of the week

Snapchat, $175 million

Investors: Fidelity Investments

Snapchat was at it again on Friday, announcing a new $175 million Series F from Fidelity Investments. The announcement also brought forth a new valuation for the company which had surprisingly stood pat at $16 billion. [From frat house to $16B: A timeline of Snapchat's success: Built In]

Soothe, $35 million

Investors: The Riverside Company

This is the third round of funding for Soothe, which launched in 2013. The company raised a $10.6 million Series A after its $1.7 million seed round, which allowed the company to expand nationwide to 22 cities and acquire competitor Unwind Me. [Soothe gets its hands on a $35 million series B: Built In]

Zefr, $5 million

Investors: Not Reported

Venice based Zefr reportedly raised $5 million in convertible debt funding this week. The only details the company released was that the funding came from 10 unnamed investors. [Zefr Adds $5 Million to Its Coffers: LA Business Journal]

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