Thursday, June 15, 2017


SpaceX Aiming To Return Rockets Right Back To Launch Pad
Hawthorne-based rocket developer SpaceX is hoping to put its returned rockets back precisely on their launch pads, according to a report Thursday. The report, citing a paper published by Elon Musk, quotes Musk saying that the firm is getting "closer to the bull's eye". Returning those rockets to the launchpad directly enable rapid turnaround in getting those rockets back into space. Image: SpaceX satellite launch in May.
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Belkin, D-Link, Linksys On Compromised CIA Router List
Routers from Playa Del Rey-based Belkin and subsidiary Linksys, as well as Fountain Valley-based D-Link, have appeared on a new list of Internet routers which have been compromised by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), according to reports on Thursday. The list of router manufacturers involved include Asus, Belkin, Buffalo, Dell, DLink, Linksys, Motorola, Netgear, Senao, and US Robotics. Other details on the compromise were not released, however, the ability to load third party firmware onto (More info...)
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Alteryx's Yhat Deal Includes $5M In Stock
Irvine-based Alteryx has issued roughly $5.0M in equity, as part of the acquisition of New York-based Yhat, according to a regulatory filing by the firm this week. Alteryx announced its acquisition of Yhat last week, without any financial details. A regulatory filing indicates that $4,999,744 in equity was issued related to a merger, acquisition, or exchange offer; it's unclear if the deal also included cash in addition to stock. Yhat developed data science software, and was based in New York.
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Scopely Gets $60M For Expansion, Acquisitions
Los Angeles-based mobile gaming developer Scopely has raised $60M in a new funding, the company announced on Thursday, in a round led by Revolution Growth. The round also included Greenspring Associates, Sands Capital Ventures, Cross Creek Advisors, and Pritzker Group Venture Capital. As part of the funding, Donn Davis of Revolution Growth will join the company's board. Revolution Growth is the venture investment firm led by AOL execs Steve Case, Donn Davis, and Ted Leonsis. According to Scopely (More info...)
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HelloTech Powers New Service For Altice
Los Angeles-based HelloTech, the startup providing in-home, technical support and related services, is powering a new in-home installation and service offering from broadband communications and video service provider Altice, the two said this morning. According to Altice USA, it will offer up a suite of whole-home premium service products to its customers, including in-home installation of devices, remote technical support for mobile devices and computers, and device protection beyond the compan (More info...)
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Trace3 Gets Strategic Investment
Irvine-based Trace3, an IT solutions provider which focuses on medium- and large- enterprise clients, has scored a strategic investment from H.I.G Capital, H.I.G. said on Thursday morning. Size of the investment round was not announced. Trace3 was founded in 2002, and has around 250 engineers providing IT consulting services. Trace3 founder Hayes Drumright will continue to serve on the company's board, according to H.I.G. Capital, and will remain a "significant" shareholder in the company.
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Stem: Simplifying Payments For Creatives, With Milana Rabkin
Our interview this morning is with Milana Rabkin, co-founder of Stem, a new startup which is developing a financial application which helps musicians and other content creators automate payments to members of their creative team. Stem was co-founded by Rabkin, along with Tim Luckow and Jovin Cronin-Wilesmith.  The company recently raised $8M in a funding from Evolution Media, Aspect Ventures, Upfront Ventures, as well as a long list of angels. What is Stem? Milana Rabkin: Stem is a finan (More info...)
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AutoGravity Powers Smartphone App For Mercedes-Benz Dealership Group
Irvine-based auto financing app developer AutoGravity is powering a new smartphone app for a Mercedes-Benz dealer group, the company said this morning. According to AutoGravity, it has launched the Fletcher Jones Drive (FJ Drive) smartphone app, which provides real time Mercedes-Benz inventory nationwide plus an auto financing application via smartphone. AutoGravity said the app lets users choose any Mercedes-Benz model and browse all available cars for their store of choice, with filters for ye (More info...)
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Sphero Rolls Out Talking Spider-Man Toy With Disney
Sphero, the robotic toy developer which was part of the Disney Accelerator program in Burbank, has again teamed up with Burbank-based
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