Thursday, November 19, 2015Google Express Expands Into Southern CaliforniaGoogle said Thursday that it is expanding its Google Express next day delivery service across Southern California, and will offer next day delivery from such stores like Costco, Target, Kohl's, and L'Occitane en Provence. Google did not say which zip codes in Southern California that it will offer the next day shipping, only that it will offer up the new service in "new cities, towns and rural areas" in Southern California. Google Express costs $95 a year, or $10 a month, or a-la-carte delivery (More info...)
posted on Thursday, November 19, 2015(Full story)
Amazon Extends Prime Now to San DiegoAmazon.com is extended its Prime Now service to San Diego today, offering up one hour delivery for a long list of items to its customers in the city from local stores and Amazon's own warehouse. Amazon said it is offering up things like paper towels, milk, Kindle devices, and more through the service. The new service includes an option to purchase items from local stores run by Sprouts Farmers Market, Bristol Farms, Northgate Gonzalez Market, and Sprinkles Cupcakes. Amazon said its new Prime Now (More info...)
posted on Thursday, November 19, 2015(Full story)
OpenHouse Realty Gets $13.5M For Real Estate SearchSanta Monica-based Open House Realty, the real estate software developer led by Mazen Fawaz, has raised $13.5M in a Series A funding, the company disclosed today. The funding came from Triangle Peak Partners and March Capital Partners. The startup--until recently, known as Agent Ace--helps home buyers and sellers find the real estate agents who would be the best fit for them.
posted on Thursday, November 19, 2015 (More)(Full story)
Grindr Names New CTOLos Angeles-based gay social networking app Grindr said today that it has named Lukas Sliwka as Chief Technology Officer. Sliwka has been at Grindr since October of 2013, serving as Vice President, Engineering. Sliwka has previously also served at Beachbody, Yamaha, and Mazda. Grindr says it is developing a lifestyle destination for contemporary gay men, and says it now has more than two million active daily users in over 196 countries.
posted on Thursday, November 19, 2015(Full story)
Announcing The socalTECH 50, 2015 Edition
Who are the top 50 people to watch in Southern California? We've attempted to do that for the last three years, trying to ferret out exactly who the people--not companies--are to watch in the region's technology industry. It's a thankless, unforgiving, made more difficult in that there are no repeats on this list from our prior two years (many were nominated), and our specific exclusion of serial entrepreneurs (who make up a big chunk of Southern California's startup activity), and our exclusi (More info...)
posted on Thursday, November 19, 2015(Full story)
PCM Buys TigerDirect, Other Assets From SystemaxEl Segundo-based PCM, the IT services provider once known as PCMall, said it has acquired the business-to-business assets of Systemax's North American Technology Group. Those businesses include IT products brand TigerDirect. The deal was worth $14M in cash. TigerDirect is an online retailer of electroincs, computers, jewelry, health and fitness, home, and many other products. PCM said the deal will strengthen its footprint in the Small to Medium sized business (SMB) marketplace.
posted on Thursday, November 19, 2015(Full story)
Ring Links Smart Doorbell With Insurance CompanySanta Monica-based smart, Wi-Fi connected doorbell manufacturer Ring said Wednesday that it has linked up with an insurance company, American Family Insurance, in a deal which gives customers of the insurance company discounts--and will cover a customers' insurance deductible if a home is burglarized. According to companies, customers of American Family Insurance will receive a $30 discount off of Ring's $199 video doorbell, and Ring will reimburse any insurance deductibles, if a home is burglar (More info...)
posted on Thursday, November 19, 2015(Full story)
Newegg To Roll Out Black Friday Deals On MondayLos Angeles-based online electronics and technology retailer Newe said today that it will be rolling out its Black Friday deals on Monday, November 23rd, to give shoppers time to pick up bargains early and spend more time at home with friends and family. Newegg said it is offering up deals on about 5,000 products during the week. Newegg's top Black Friday deals include highly discounted desktop PCs and laptops, tablets, speakers, and hard drives. NewEgg said the Black Friday deals will be made a (More info...)
posted on Thursday, November 19, 2015(Full story)