A record breaking-year for LA startup funding. Here are some highlights of the largest rounds.
Armed with some data from our friends at CrunchBase, I broke down the largest LA startup funding rounds for the full year 2021. I have included some additional information as well such as industry and brief funding description, to further the analysis for the state of venture capital in LA. For the purposes of this analysis, only equity funding rounds were considered.
NowRx is disrupting the $480B retail pharmacy industry with unheard of personalized service and free same-day pharmacy delivery. The company uses its “QuickFill” proprietary pharmacy software and robotics to automate prescription dispensing and reduce common service failures that result in bad experiences for customers (insurance errors, out-of-stock, etc.). Oh, and they operate at a fraction of the cost of major retail chains – talk about efficiency! In 2020, the company saw revenue jump 90% YoY and this year they’re on pace to surpass more than $22M in revenue. With their newest telehealth product growing 73% MoM and a share price that has increased by 1,650% since 2016 – this is an investment you don’t want to miss out on. Get in on this rapidly growing startup and learn how you can invest today
23. 100 Thieves $60.0M
Round: Series C
Description: 100 Thieves is an American e-sports, lifestyle, and apparel brand. Founded by Matthew Haag in 2017, 100 Thieves has now raised a total of $120.0M in total equity funding and is backed by Sequoia Capital, SV Angel, WndrCo, Breyer Capital, and Tao Capital Partners.
Investors in the round: Aglae Ventures, Artist Capital Management, Breyer Capital, Green Bay Ventures, Tao Capital Partners, Willoughby Capital
Month of funding: Dcember
Industry: eSports, Fashion, Lifestyle, PC Games
Founders: Matthew Haag
Founding year: 2017
Total equity funding raised: $120.0M
22. Universal Hydrogen $62.0M
Round: Series B
Description: Universal Hydrogen is the company fueling carbon-free flight by making hydrogen-powered commercial flight a near-term reality. Founded by Jason Chua, John-Paul Clarke, Jon Gordon, and Paul Eremenko in 2020, Universal Hydrogen has now raised a total of $82.5M in total equity funding and is backed by Waltzing Matilda Aviation, Fortescue Future Industries, Tencent, Plug Power, and GE Aviation.
Investors in the round: 75 & Sunny, Airbus Ventures, Coatue, Fortescue Future Industries, Fourth Realm, Future Shape, GE Aviation, Global Founders Capital, Hawktail Management, Jeffrey Wilke, JetBlue Technology Ventures, Mitsubishi HC Capital, Playground Global, Plug Power, Sojitz, Stratos Ventures, Tencent, Time Ventures, Toyota Ventures, Trucks Venture Capital, Waltzing Matilda Aviation
Month of funding: October
Industry: Aerospace, CleanTech, Energy
Founders: Jason Chua, John-Paul Clarke, Jon Gordon, Paul Eremenko
Founding year: 2020
Total equity funding raised: $82.5M
21. Nanotech Energy $64.0M
Round: Series D
Description: Nanotech Energy is a supplier of graphene, graphene oxide, and graphene supper batteries.
Investors in the round: Fubon Financial Holdings
Month of funding: August
Industry: Battery, Energy, Renewable Energy
Founders: Jack Kavanaugh, Maher El-Kady, Richard Kaner
Founding year: 2014
Total equity funding raised: $94.9M
20. Daring Foods $65.0M
Round: Series C
Description: Daring Foods provides plant-based chicken products as a food alternative. Founded by Eliott Kessas and Ross Mackay in 2018, Daring Foods has now raised a total of $113.8M in total equity funding and is backed by D1 Capital Partners, Operator Partners, Founders Fund, Maveron, and Stray Dog Capital.
Investors in the round: Cam Newton, Chase Coleman, D1 Capital Partners, Founders Fund, Naomi Osaka, Steve Aoki
Month of funding: October
Industry: Food and Beverage, Food Processing
Founders: Eliott Kessas, Ross Mackay
Founding year: 2018
Total equity funding raised: $113.8M
NowRx is disrupting the $480B retail pharmacy industry with unheard of personalized service and free same-day pharmacy delivery. The company uses its “QuickFill” proprietary pharmacy software and robotics to automate prescription dispensing and reduce common service failures that result in bad experiences for customers (insurance errors, out-of-stock, etc.). Oh, and they operate at a fraction of the cost of major retail chains – talk about efficiency! In 2020, the company saw revenue jump 90% YoY and this year they’re on pace to surpass more than $22M in revenue. With their newest telehealth product growing 73% MoM and a share price that has increased by 1,650% since 2016 – this is an investment you don’t want to miss out on. Get in on this rapidly growing startup and learn how you can invest today
19. Yumi $67.0M
Round: Series B
Description: Yumi offers a science-based early childhood meal delivery program. Founded by Angela Sutherland and Evelyn Rusli in 2012, Yumi has now raised a total of $79.1M in total equity funding and is backed by Sweetgreen, Uber, Casper, Harry’s, and FJ Labs.
Investors in the round: AF Ventures, Anne Wojcicki, Brand Foundry Ventures, Calvin Broadus, Gabrielle Union, Jazz Venture Partners, Neil Blumenthal, New Enterprise Associates
Month of funding: December
Industry: Baby, Food and Beverage, Organic Food
Founders: Angela Sutherland, Evelyn Rusli
Founding year: 2012
Total equity funding raised: $79.1M
19. Tradesy $67.0M
Round: Series D
Description: Tradesy is the peer-to-peer luxury fashion resale platform in the US.
Investors in the round: Foris Ventures, Jeff Housenbold
Month of funding: September
Industry: E-Commerce, Fashion, Internet, Marketplace, Retail
Founders: John Hall, Sash Catanzarite, Tracy DiNunzio
Founding year: 2012
Total equity funding raised: $200.7M
18. Pangaea $68.0M
Round: Series B
Description: Pangaea creates and grows digital-first brands for the global audience.
Investors in the round: Base10 Partners, Eurazeo, GPO Fund, Gradient Ventures, Unilever Ventures
Month of funding: July
Industry:
Founders: Darwish Gani, Richard Hong
Founding year: 2018
Total equity funding raised: $80.5M
17. GumGum $75.0M
Round: Series E
Description: GumGum is an Artificial Intelligence company that uses machine learning to extract value from digital content. Founded by Ari Mir and Ophir Tanz in 2008, GumGum has now raised a total of $133.8M in total equity funding and is backed by investors that include First Round Capital, New Enterprise Associates, Upfront Ventures, GS Growth, and NewView Capital.
Investors in the round: GS Growth
Month of funding: April
Industry: Advertising, Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computer Vision, Digital Media, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing
Founders: Ari Mir, Ophir Tanz
Founding year: 2008
Total equity funding raised: $133.8M
NowRx is disrupting the $480B retail pharmacy industry with unheard of personalized service and free same-day pharmacy delivery. The company uses its “QuickFill” proprietary pharmacy software and robotics to automate prescription dispensing and reduce common service failures that result in bad experiences for customers (insurance errors, out-of-stock, etc.). Oh, and they operate at a fraction of the cost of major retail chains – talk about efficiency! In 2020, the company saw revenue jump 90% YoY and this year they’re on pace to surpass more than $22M in revenue. With their newest telehealth product growing 73% MoM and a share price that has increased by 1,650% since 2016 – this is an investment you don’t want to miss out on. Get in on this rapidly growing startup and learn how you can invest today
16. Omaze $85.0M
Round: Series C
Description: Omaze is an online fundraising platform that offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences and prizes to support nonprofits around the world.
Investors in the round: Alexis Ohanian, BDMI, Causeway Media Partners, FirstMark, Kerry Washington, Mockingbird Ventures, Moore Strategic Ventures, Paul Hewson (Bono), Pegasus Group, Telstra Ventures, Tom Brady, WndrCo
Month of funding: September
Industry: Charity, Finance, Funding Platform
Founders: Matt Pohlson, Ryan Cummins
Founding year: 2012
Total equity funding raised: $127.0M
15. Albert $100.0M
Round: Series C
Description: Albert is a financial technology company aiming to democratize money management by making financial advice accessible and affordable. Founded by Andrzej Baraniak and Yinon Ravid in 2015, Albert has now raised a total of $172.9M in total equity funding and is backed by investors that include General Atlantic, 500 Startups, Bessemer Venture Partners, QED Investors, and AltaIR Capital.
Investors in the round: CapitalG, General Atlantic, Portag3 Ventures, QED Investors
Month of funding: January
Industry: Apps, Consulting, Finance, Financial Services, FinTech
Founders: Andrzej Baraniak, Yinon Ravid
Founding year: 2015
Total equity funding raised: $175.6M
LA TechWatch’s exclusive coverage of this round: Albert Raises $100M to Help Manage Your Finances with a Blend of Automation and Expert Human Guidance
14. Savage X Fenty $115.0M
Round: Series B
Description: Savage X Fenty is an accessories company that offers underwear and other fashion clothes for women. Founded by Robyn Rihanna Fenty in 2017, Savage X Fenty has now raised a total of $185.0M in total equity funding and is backed by investors that include TechStyle Fashion Group, L Catterton, ACME Capital, Avenir Growth Capital, and Marcy Venture Partners.
Investors in the round: L Catterton, Marcy Venture Partners, Sunley House Capital Management
Month of funding: February
Industry: E-Commerce, Fashion, Lingerie, Women’s
Founders: Robyn Rihanna Fenty
Founding year: 2017
Total equity funding raised: $185.0M
13. Sidecar Health $125.0M
Round: Series C
Description: Sidecar Health is an insurtech company that provides a personalized health insurance platform. Founded by Patrick Quigley and Veronica Osetinsky in 2018, Sidecar Health has now raised a total of $163.0M in total equity funding and is backed by investors that include Menlo Ventures, Tiger Global Management, Cathay Innovation, Alpha Edison, and Drive Capital.
Investors in the round: Alpha Edison, Bond, Cathay Innovation, Drive Capital, GreatPoint Ventures, Menlo Ventures, Tiger Global Management
Month of funding: January
Industry: FinTech, Health Care, Health Insurance, Insurance, InsurTech
Founders: Patrick Quigley, Veronica Osetinsky
Founding year: 2018
Total equity funding raised: $163.0M
12. Sunbit $130.0M
Round: Series D
Description: Sunbit is a buy now, pay later technology of local service providers and retailers. Founded by Arad Levertov, Ornit Dweck-Maizel, Tal Riesenfeld, and Tamir Hazan in 2016, Sunbit has now raised a total of $210.0M in total equity funding and is backed by investors that include Alumni Ventures Group, AltaIR Capital, Zeev Ventures, Group 11, and TI Platform Management.
Investors in the round: AltaIR Capital, Group 11, Harel Insurance Investments and Financial Services, Migdal Insurance and Financial Holdings, More Investment House, Zeev Ventures
Month of funding: May
Industry: E-Commerce, Finance, FinTech, Retail
Founders: Arad Levertov, Ornit Dweck-Maizel, Tal Riesenfeld, Tamir Hazan
Founding year: 2016
Total equity funding raised: $210.0M
LA TechWatch’s exclusive coverage of this round: Sunbit Scores Another $130M for its Buy Now, Pay Later Platform for Everyday Services and Becomes LA’s Newest Unicorn
NowRx is disrupting the $480B retail pharmacy industry with unheard of personalized service and free same-day pharmacy delivery. The company uses its “QuickFill” proprietary pharmacy software and robotics to automate prescription dispensing and reduce common service failures that result in bad experiences for customers (insurance errors, out-of-stock, etc.). Oh, and they operate at a fraction of the cost of major retail chains – talk about efficiency! In 2020, the company saw revenue jump 90% YoY and this year they’re on pace to surpass more than $22M in revenue. With their newest telehealth product growing 73% MoM and a share price that has increased by 1,650% since 2016 – this is an investment you don’t want to miss out on. Get in on this rapidly growing startup and learn how you can invest today
11. EasyHealth $135.0M
Round: Series A
Description: EasyHealth is connecting health coverage and care to improve health outcomes, rebuilding healthcare around people and data. Founded by Aaron Schiff and David Duel in 2020, EasyHealth has now raised a total of $135.0M in total equity funding and is backed by Anthemis Group, Brewer Lane Ventures, Healthy Ventures, Nationwide Ventures, Operator Partners, QED Investors, and Victory Park Capital.
Investors in the round: Anthemis Group, Brewer Lane Ventures, Healthy Ventures, Nationwide Ventures, Operator Partners, QED Investors, Victory Park Capital
Month of funding: November
Industry: Health Care
Founders: Aaron Schiff, David Duel
Founding year: 2020
Total equity funding raised: $135.0M
10. Tala $145.0M
Round: Series E
Description: Tala is a mobile technology and data science company that is oriented around financial services in emerging markets. Founded by Shivani Siroya in 2014, Tala has now raised a total of $346.4M in total equity funding and is backed by Ribbit Capital, Upstart, GGV Capital, Stellar Development Foundation, and DCVC.
Investors in the round: Institutional Venture Partners, J. Safra Sarasin, Kindred Ventures, Lowercase Capital, PayPal Ventures, Revolution Growth, Stellar Development Foundation, Upstart
Month of funding: October
Industry: Apps, Credit, Financial Services, FinTech, Mobile
Founders: Shivani Siroya
Founding year: 2014
Total equity funding raised: $346.4M
LA TechWatch’s exclusive coverage of this round: Tala Raises Another $145M to Enable Credit Access and Banking Services for the Underbanked Globally
9. Mythical Games $150.0M
Round: Series C
Description: Mythical Games is a video game engine for player-owned economies. Founded by Cameron Thacker, Chris Downs, Jamie Jackson, John Linden, and Rudy Koch in 2018, Mythical Games has now raised a total of $260.0M in total equity funding and is backed by 01A, 32 Equity, Alumni Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, Binance, Curtis Polk, D1 Capital Partners, FTX, Galaxy Interactive, Javelin Venture Partners, Jonathan Kraft, MANTIS Venture Capital, Michael Gordon, Michael Jordan, One Team Partners, RedBird Capital Partners, Ryan Tedder, Signum Growth Capital, Struck Capital, The Kraft Group, The Raine Group, and WestCap.
Investors in the round: 01A, 32 Equity, Alumni Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz, Binance, Curtis Polk, D1 Capital Partners, FTX, Galaxy Interactive, Javelin Venture Partners, Jonathan Kraft, MANTIS Venture Capital, Michael Gordon, Michael Jordan, One Team Partners, RedBird Capital Partners, Ryan Tedder, Signum Growth Capital, Struck Capital, The Kraft Group, The Raine Group, WestCap
Month of funding: 11/4/2021
Industry: Blockchain, Gaming, Video Games
Founders: Cameron Thacker, Chris Downs, Jamie Jackson, John Linden, Rudy Koch
Founding year: 2018
Total equity funding raised: $260.0M
8. Skims $154.0M
Round: Venture – Series Unknown
Description: Skims is a solutions-oriented brand creating the next generation of underwear, loungewear, and shapewear. Founded by Jens Grede and Kim Kardashian in 2019, Skims is backed by investors that include Thrive Capital, Imaginary Ventures, and Alliance Consumer Growth.
Investors in the round: Alliance Consumer Growth, Imaginary Ventures, Thrive Capital
Month of funding: April
Industry: Fashion, Lingerie, Retail
Founders: Jens Grede, Kim Kardashian
Founding year: 2019
Total equity funding raised: $154.0M
7. AvantStay $160.0M
Round: Series B
Description: AvantStay is a technology-first hospitality brand for experiential group travel. Founded by Reuben Doetsch and Sean Breuner in 2017, AvantStay has now raised a total of $186.0M in total equity funding and is backed by F-Prime Capital, 3L Capital, Capital One Ventures, Bullpen Capital, and Blue Ivy Ventures.
Investors in the round: 3L Capital, Bullpen Capital, Capital One Ventures, Coller Capital, Convivialite Ventures, Fred Tuomi, GreenHawk Capital, Jay McKee, Jerry Coleman, Paul George, Plus Capital, Saluda Grade, Shawn Mendes, Stephen Pagliuca, Tarsadia Investments
Month of funding: December
Industry: Hospitality, Tourism, Travel
Founders: Reuben Doetsch, Sean Breuner
Founding year: 2017
Total equity funding raised: $186.0M
NowRx is disrupting the $480B retail pharmacy industry with unheard of personalized service and free same-day pharmacy delivery. The company uses its “QuickFill” proprietary pharmacy software and robotics to automate prescription dispensing and reduce common service failures that result in bad experiences for customers (insurance errors, out-of-stock, etc.). Oh, and they operate at a fraction of the cost of major retail chains – talk about efficiency! In 2020, the company saw revenue jump 90% YoY and this year they’re on pace to surpass more than $22M in revenue. With their newest telehealth product growing 73% MoM and a share price that has increased by 1,650% since 2016 – this is an investment you don’t want to miss out on. Get in on this rapidly growing startup and learn how you can invest today
6. Orca Security $190.0M
Round: Series C
Description: Orca Security provides instant-on, workload-level security for AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Founded by Avi Shua, Ety Spiegel Hubara, Gil Geron, Hadas Amitay, Liran Antebi, Matan Ben-Gur, Shay Filosof, and Wagde Zabit in 2019, Orca Security has now raised a total of $482.0M in total equity funding and is backed by GGV Capital, Temasek Holdings, Redpoint, Stripes, and ICONIQ Growth.
Investors in the round: Adams Street Partners, CapitalG, GGV Capital, Harmony Partners, ICONIQ Capital, Lone Pine Capital, Redpoint, SAIC, Splunk Ventures, Stripes, Temasek Holdings, Willoughby Capital
Month of funding: October
Industry: Cloud Security, Compliance, Cyber Security, Information Technology, SaaS
Founders: Avi Shua, Ety Spiegel Hubara, Gil Geron, Hadas Amitay, Liran Antebi, Matan Ben-Gur, Shay Filosof, Wagde Zabit
Founding year: 2019
Total equity funding raised: $482.0M
5. Goat Group $195.0M
Round: Series F
Description: Goat Group is a marketplace for authentic sneakers, apparel, and accessories. Founded by Daishin Sugano and Eddy Lu in 2015, Goat Group has now raised a total of $492.6M in total equity funding and is backed by investors that include Index Ventures, First Round Capital, New Enterprise Associates, Andreessen Horowitz, and SV Angel.
Investors in the round: Adage Capital Management, Franklin Templeton Investments, Park West Asset Management, T. Rowe Price, Ulysses Management
Month of funding: June
Industry: Consumer Goods, E-Commerce, Fashion, Marketplace, Shoes
Founders: Daishin Sugano, Eddy Lu
Founding year: 2015
Total equity funding raised: $492.6M
4. ABL Space Systems $200.0M
Round: Series B
Description: ABL Space Systems specializes in building rockets to launch satellites. Founded by Harry O’Hanley in 2017, ABL Space Systems has now raised a total of $419.0M in total equity funding and is backed by T. Rowe Price, Fidelity Management and Research Company, Venrock, JAM Fund, and Lockheed Martin Ventures.
Investors in the round: T. Rowe Price, Fidelity Management and Research Company, Venrock, JAM Fund, Lockheed Martin Ventures
Month of funding: October
Industry: Aerospace, Information Technology, Satellite Communication
Founders: Harry O’Hanley
Founding year: 2017
Total equity funding raised: $419.0M
3. Recharge $227.0M
Round: Series B
Description: ReCharge offers subscription management software for e-commerce businesses. Founded by Michael Flynn and Oisin O’Connor in 2014, Recharge has now raised a total of $277.0M in total equity funding and is backed by investors that include Bain Capital Ventures, Summit Partners, and ICONIQ Growth.
Investors in the round: Bain Capital Ventures, ICONIQ Growth, Summit Partners
Month of funding: May
Industry: E-Commerce, Mobile Payments, Software, Subscription Service
Founders: Michael Flynn, Oisin O’Connor
Founding year: 2014
Total equity funding raised: $277.0M
2. VideoAmp $275.0M
Round: Series F
Description: VideoAmp is a software and data company that provides measurement and optimization tools for the advertising ecosystem. Founded by Dave Gullo and Ross McCray in 2014, VideoAmp has now raised a total of $381.6M in total equity funding and is backed by D1 Capital Partners, Tiger Global Management, The Spruce House Partnership, Mediaocean, and Wavemaker Partners.
Investors in the round: Ankona Capital Partners, D1 Capital Partners, EPIQ Capital Group, The Spruce House Partnership, Tiger Global Management
Month of funding: October
Industry: Advertising, Advertising Platforms, Business Intelligence, Digital Media, TV
Founders: Dave Gullo, Ross McCray
Founding year: 2014
Total equity funding raised: $381.6M
1. Relativity Space $650.0M
Round: Series E
Description: Relativity Space is an aerospace company that designs, develops, and builds 3D printed rockets. Founded by Jordan Noone and Tim Ellis in 2015, Relativity Space has now raised a total of $1.3B in total equity funding and is backed by investors that include General Catalyst, BlackRock, Lux Capital, Fidelity Management and Research Company, and Tiger Global Management.
Investors in the round: Baillie Gifford, BlackRock, Brad Buss, Centricus, Coatue, Fidelity Management and Research Company, Jared Leto, K5 Global, Mark Cuban, Soroban Capital, Spencer Rascoff, Tiger Global Management, Tribe Capital, XN
Month of funding: June
Industry: 3D Technology, Aerospace, Artificial Intelligence, Manufacturing
Founders: Jordan Noone, Tim Ellis
Founding year: 2015
Total equity funding raised: $1.3B
NowRx is disrupting the $480B retail pharmacy industry with unheard of personalized service and free same-day pharmacy delivery. The company uses its “QuickFill” proprietary pharmacy software and robotics to automate prescription dispensing and reduce common service failures that result in bad experiences for customers (insurance errors, out-of-stock, etc.). Oh, and they operate at a fraction of the cost of major retail chains – talk about efficiency! In 2020, the company saw revenue jump 90% YoY and this year they’re on pace to surpass more than $22M in revenue. With their newest telehealth product growing 73% MoM and a share price that has increased by 1,650% since 2016 – this is an investment you don’t want to miss out on. Get in on this rapidly growing startup and learn how you can invest today
