Techstars: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in March will launch an accelerator program run by Techstars that’s focused on bringing innovative health care entrepreneurs to Los Angeles. The three-month accelerator will give 10 applicants up to $120,000 in funding in exchange for an equity stake between 6 percent and 10 percent.
Vet On Demand: Santa Monica’s Vet On Demand launched a pet health care app. The app allows owners to consult with veterinarians over mobile video, track the health of their pets and locate nearby veterinarians.
Envi: Manhattan Beach’s Envi launched a car wash app. Starting at $30, users can order on-demand waterless auto detailing with the app. A portion of proceeds generated from the app will be used to help provide people in third-world countries access to clean water.
Activision Blizzard: Santa Monica game maker Activision Blizzard launched a division dedicated to promoting and supporting e-sports leagues for its video games, including World of Warcraft, Hearthstone and Call of Duty. The division will be led in part by Steve Bornstein, the former chief executive of ESPN and NFL Network, who will be the division’s chairman.
Nasty Gal: Sophia Amoruso, the founder of Downton L.A. online fashion seller Nasty Gal, is laying the ground work for a GirlBoss-branded media company. GirlBoss.com, a site previously used to promote Amoruso’s book “#GirlBoss,” has slowly been transformed into a media site, complete with a podcast interview with actress Charlize Theron.
SaneBox: Venice email program SaneBox has launched a tool for improving email introductions. The tool finds employees who might be able to use their connections to a specific company in order to make a warm introduction.
WME: Beverly Hills’ William Morris Endeavor Entertainment has partnered with Swiss Internet of Things developer AGT International. The partnership will test and develop sensors, cameras, wearables and other mobile technologies for use at events managed by WME.
Technology reporter Garrett Reim can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @garrettreim for the latest in L.A. tech news.
