RealD is acquired for $551M
On Tuesday, 3D technology pioneer RealD announced it has been acquired by Rivzi Traverse Management — a private equity investor — and founder Michael V. Lewis in a deal to the tune of $551 million. Lewis will stay on as CEO of the company. [socaltech]
Tinder launches political candidate matching ...
Earlier this week, Tinder rolled out a new feature that repurposes its swipe-based dating interface in order to match users with the political candidates of their dreams. The app will display various policy positions, with users swiping right or left depending on whether they agree or disagree with the policy position, respectively. In other words, if you swipe right for left-leaning positions, Tinder will let you know that you’re feeling the Bern. The app will also tell you how closely your positions align with the candidate's with a percentage rating. [Tinder]
… and swipes right for four new executives
Tinder also added four new executives to boost its efforts to expand globally. The new C-Suiters are VP of engineering Maria Zhang, formerly of Yahoo; VP of international Derek Callow, formerly of YouTube; chief marketing officer Ferrel McDonald, formerly of Starz Inc. and finance VP James Kim, formerly of TigerText. [LA Business Journal]
American Apparel to offer one-hour delivery
LA-based clothing manufacturer American Apparel announced on Monday it has partnered with Postmates to offer within-the-hour delivery of basic wardrobe items. So if your suitcase gets lost while you’re traveling, new shirts, hoodies and socks may make it to your hotel before you do. [LA Business Journal]
New startup report shows half of SoCal startups are hiring for tech talent
Silicon Valley released its Startup Outlook report this week, showing that more than half of Southern California startups are expecting to have a better year this year than last, despite a cautious market outlook. Click here to read more about the survey, which included responses from more than 900 executives in the U.S., U.K. and China.
Fundings of the week
HomeUnion, $16 million
Investors: Colchis Capital, Northgate Capital, Tamarisc and Artiman.
HomeUnion’s web-based real estate investing service lets would-be investors pick and manage portfolios from the comfort of their air conditioned living rooms.
, $14 million
Investor: Bridge Bank
TaskUs — a Santa Monica-based company that specializes in outsourcing back-office tasks for household brands like Tinder and Gilt Groupe — announced on Tuesday that it has raised $14 million in debt funding.
, $6 million
Investors: DFJ Venture, The Venture Reality Fund, BDMI, GC VR Gaming Tracker Fund (Greycroft Partners), Vayner/RSE, and End Cue.
Visionary VR is working to make VR technology accessible to storytellers of all stripes. The company’s platform lets users create VR content while immersed in the virtual worlds they’re creating.
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