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Science Inc. partners up with Quarterly
Science Inc., the disruptive media, marketing and brand building company announced today it has formed a partnership with Quarterly Co., a subscription service startup featuring exclusive boxes curated by influencers. As part of the partnership, Quarterly will leverage Science’s growth engine and business strategy expertise.
“We’ll be bringing brands and individuals into the Quarterly network and that should hopefully expand out their product offering and their core business,” said Science Inc. CEO Mike Jones.
“Our long term mission is to figure out how to serve our growing number of online influencers who have these fans who they want to build deeper relationships with,” Quarterly founder and CEO Zach Frechette said. “We think Science will be a great conduit for doing that quickly and in a smarter way.”
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Bad news for Uber: Drivers to now be employees in CA
A San Francisco Uber driver’s claim against the company has resulted in employee status for Uber drivers in California. Many people view Uber’s rise to power as a result of their ability to utilize the flexibility of contractor-status for their drivers. [Uber Drivers in California Will be Considered Employees, Not Contractors: Gizmodo]
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Cornerstone announces $1 million recipients
The Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed by Santa Monica-based talent management software provider Cornerstone OnDemand, announced the recipients of its 2015 Impact Grants. The grant, valued at $1 million, serves as a catalyst for growth of existing community education programs, enabling each of these nonprofits to leverage online learning technology to broaden their reach and increase the number of people and communities served. [Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation Announces 2015 Impact Grant Recipients: Business Wire]
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eSalon adopts subscription-based model
The Dollar Shave Club model is catching on, Culver City-based eSalon, which helps clients find hair color and hair care products, launched the ‘The Match-Up.’ With this new service, clients receive a monthly shipment of three professional-grade hair care and styling products selected to address their specific needs.
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FreedomPop closes in on $30M round
FreedomPop, an LA-based free broadband service, announced this morning they have raised $26 million to expand their free mobile service and accelerate their growth in the U.S. According to CEO Stephen Stokols, FreedomPop has received numerous M&A offers recently, but declined in order to pursue this $30 million round. [FreedomPop takes in $26M to expand free mobile service: Built In LA]
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ServiceTitan takes in $18M
ServiceTitan, the Glendale-based mobile management platform for home service businesses, announced a $18 million series A round. The company plans on using the fund to double its employee count and expand its platform. [ServiceTitan secures $18M, plans to double employee count: Built In LA]
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IRIS.TV tallies a $5.3M series A
IRIS.TV, the LA-based the personalized video publishing platform, announced a $5.3 million in a Series A round. The funds will be used to develop their personalized video recommendation API and software toolkit. [IRIS.TV gets $5.3 to personalize video viewership: Built In LA]
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Rayton Solar channels $1M
Rayton Solar, a Santa Monica-based startup specializing in solar industry manufacturing technology, announced $1 million in funding today as part of an ongoing $2.2 million seed round. The startup is homegrown in LA, utilizing laser technology from UCLA to create solar panels. [Rayton Solar grabs $1M for laser-produced solar technology: Built In LA]
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Mergers and Acquisitions of the week
ProProfs, the LA-based online quiz and tools developer, has acquired knowledge base sofware developer HelpIQ. Financial terms were not disclosed. [ProProfs Buys HelpIQ: SoCal Tech]
Santa Monica video game console Ouya confirmed their sale to computer hardware maker Razer. Financial terms were not disclosed. [Oops: Ouya’s Sale to Razer Accidentally Confirmed: LA Business Journal]
Online lifestyle publisher Evolve Media acquired Martini Media, a content regulator for engaging the affluent online. Financial terms were not disclosed. [Evolve Media Buys Martini Media: SoCal Tech]
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Leadership hirings of the week
Cargomatic announced that experienced technology executive Sean Whiteley has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. Whiteley will be charged with overseeing operations, sales and marketing efforts for Cargomatic as it continues its mission to transform local trucking through its innovative mobile technology.
DogVacay has appointed Deborah Sharkey as COO (a brand new role for the company) and made some additions to its board. She previously served as VP of local marketplaces at eBay. The new board members are Jason Finger & Bob Antin. Jason Finger was co-founder & CEO of Seamless - he's now a VC at Oxygen Capital. Bob Antin is chairman/CEO of VCA, the leading provider of pet health care services in the country.
RadPad, the apartment search and rent payment startup, which recently closed another $9M round ($13M to date) officially announced Call of Duty veteran, and the former Marketing Director of Activision's biggest franchise, Mike Pelletier as its first VP of Marketing.
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