Yonah Network announces no equity, not-for-profit accelerator for social impact projects
Yonah Network, a not-for-profit media organization designed to empower underprivileged creatives to find their voices and fight for equal access to resources, announced a no-equity, not-for-profit acceleration program with a focus on digital activism, social impact and creative projects. Applications are being accepted now. [Yonah Network]
ESL to broadcast on Disney
Burbank-based ESL, a company that runs some of the world's most popular e-sports leagues, announced this week that two original television series were set to air on Disney’s D|XP. Unveiled in June, DIXP is a daily summer television programming block dedicated to the world of gaming on Disney XD. [ESL]
Rubicon Project acquires nToggle
LA-based adtech startup Rubicon Project spent $38 million to acquire Boston-based machine learning startup nToggle this week. Rubicon Project plans to incorporate nToggle's technology into its own platform in the coming months, giving buyers the option to utilize its bid request optimization technology. [Rubicon Project]
AI-powered hotel search engine launches
The world of travel technology just got a little more crowded and a lot smarter. Baarb, a platform driven by artificial intelligence, helps users find the right hotels to stay at. The Playa Vista-based startup was founded by longtime Wall Street tech executive Barbara Parshall. [Baarb]
CB Insights reveals the top funded startups by neighborhood
Last year, Built In LA reported on the best-funded parts of LA and Orange County. Today, NYC-based CB Insights pulled back the curtains to reveal the top-funded startups in Greater Los Angeles based on where they're located. There aren't many surprises in the report, but it's a good read if you're interested in LA tech startups. [CB Insights]
Fundings of the week
Shift, $38 million
Investors: iVentures, with participation from DFJ, Highland Capital, DCM Ventures, G2VP and Goldman Sachs Investment Partners.
Used car marketplace Shift, which, despite its San Francisco headquarters, operates two offices here in LA, raised a $38 million Series C this week. The company plans to use the new funding to expand into new markets, as well as grow its team and product. [Built In LA]
Impact Health, $13 million
Investors: Techstars Venture Capital Fund and Foundry Group
On the heels of 2,353 percent growth in the last year, Pasadena-based health tech startup Impact Health secured a $13 million Series A this week. The funding came from Techstars Venture Capital Fund and Foundry Group. [Built In LA]
ObEN, $5 million
Investors: Tencent Holdings, Li Ruigang and Fengshion Capital
Pasadena-based AI developer ObEN scored $5 million in funding to help build a celebrity AI platform that creates innovative content. The company plans to use the cash to accelerate product development and grow its platform. [Press Release]
Images via social media and Shutterstock.
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