Last week Los Angeles tech companies made a range of growth moves, from a new partnership in the Web3 space to fresh funding for health solutions. Check out the news you might have missed in the Built In LA Weekly Refresh.
Mattel partnered with Toekenz Collectibles. Toekenz is a Web3 metaverse platform designed for kids and families. The platform is partnering with toy manufacturer Mattel to create blockchain-based digital collectibles that depict Mattel brands and characters. Upon launching its app later this year, Toekenz hopes to use the Mattel brand to engage children in NFTs on its kid-safe platform. [Built In LA]
Eyenuk pulled in $26M. Offering an AI-powered digital health solution for eye screening and disease detection, Eyenuk is expanding its product and accelerating its global commercialization and adoption. The company’s Series A round was led by AXA IM Alts and brings Eyenuk’s total venture funding to more than $43 million. [PR Newswire]
LA Tech Quote of the Week
Upkeep secured $2M. As the cosmetic healthcare industry takes off among younger consumer groups, Upkeep wants to ensure it’s easy to find a local provider. The company offers a marketplace app that connects users to vetted service providers for aesthetic enhancements like botox, fillers and facials. Its seed funding round was co-led by The Anthemis Female Innovators Lab Fund and 1517 Fund. Upkeep is currently hiring engineering talent and more. [Built In LA]
Aspiration named a new CEO. Aspiration is a climate change-focused company that allows organizations to incorporate carbon credits into their business models. Aspiration recently announced the appointment of Olivia Albrecht as CEO. Albrecht was formerly Aspiration’s chief sustainability officer. The announcement comes ahead of Aspiration’s public listing as it has entered a SPAC merger agreement with InterPrivate III Financial Partners. [Business Wire]
GumGum achieved $1B media spend. Earlier this month, digital advertising company GumGum achieved $1 billion in advertising spend. This milestone came alongside more companies pivoting to contextual targeting solutions as concerns about data privacy have recently risen. Since its founding in 2008, the company has grown to encompass 500 employees across 19 markets. [GumGum]
