Stories for November 2020

Monday, November 30

2020 Leaders in Law Honoree: Large Private Company of the Year

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Dawn Haghighi serves as general counsel & privacy/compliance officer at PCV Murcor Real Estate, Hightide Settlement, and VRM Mortgage Services (RIHC), and as an independent director at Elevate Services.

2020 Leaders in Law Honoree: Public Company of the Year

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

As a woman of color and the daughter of two immigrant parents, Sabina Clorfeine overcame a number of obstacles and has had a very successful career to date.

2020 Leaders in Law Honoree: Mid-Sized Private Company of the Year

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Michael Marchand graduated from the Pepperdine University School of Law in 2011.

2020 Leaders in Law Honoree: Rising Star of the Year

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

After graduating from Northwestern University School of Law and working as an attorney at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Nikita Patel joined Fashionphile at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 Leaders in Law Honoree: Nonprofit of the Year

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Malissia Clinton is the senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary for The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace), the preeminent federally funded research and development center for the space enterprise, including the U.S. Space Force.

2020 Leaders in Law Honoree: Growing Private Company of the Year

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Jason Lee is the son of immigrants that escaped China during the upheaval of the Cultural Revolution.

2020 Leaders in Law Honoree: Government/Municipal of the Year

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Joseph Brajevich was born in Split, Croatia and learned English at the age of four after he and his parents immigrated to the United States to take up residence in San Pedro.

2020 Leaders in Law Honoree: Litigation Attorney of the Year

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Janet Kwuon’s trial prosecutor experience for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office helped prepare her to now lead high-stakes multi-district litigation, class actions and coordinated actions on behalf of her pharmaceutical and medical device company and higher education institution clients, including serving as UCLA’s trial counsel in the Los Angeles Superior Court Coordinated Proceeding, Olympus America Duodenoscope Litigation (JCCP 4885), arising from a high-profile infection outbreak at global hospitals including UCLA.

2020 Leaders in Law Honoree: Corporate Attorney of the Year

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Pippa Bond is a partner in Kirkland & Ellis’ nationally recognized Capital Markets practice.

2020 Leaders in Law Honoree: Real Estate Attorney of the Year

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Greenberg Glusker partner Steven Lurie advises and represents developers, investors, borrowers and lenders in a variety of real estate transactions. In the past year, he was the lead lawyer on over $2.5 billion in transactions involving real estate in 25 states.

Long Beach Apartment Buildings Sell for $14 Million

A portfolio of seven apartment buildings with a combined 60 units has sold in Long Beach for $14 million.

Rocket Lab Reaches Milestone With Booster Recovery

Rocket Lab USA Inc. launched its 16th mission and successfully recovered the launch vehicle’s first-stage rocket.

Executive Insights

In the midst of headlines about layoffs and shutdowns, L.A. business leaders seem to be ramping up

Credit Key Raises $33 Million for Business Commerce Financing

West Los Angeles-based B2B e-commerce platform Credit Key has raised $33.85 million in series A capital.

Safco Capital Acquires West LA Office Building for $12 Million

A three-story office building in West Los Angeles known as Camden Gardens has sold for nearly $12 million.

TenantBase Looks to Ease Office Leasing Process With Digital Platform

Santa Monica-based commercial real estate platform TenantBase Inc. is growing through new partnerships and expanding into new markets.

UCLA Health, Regeneron Plan Large Genetic Sequencing Project

In one of the largest genomic medicine ventures in the nation, UCLA Health has entered into a research agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

Protomer Secures Additional Funding for Insulin Platform

Pasadena-based biopharmaceutical startup Protomer Technologies Inc. has closed a second investment raise for a drug platform that includes an insulin product.

Capricor, ImmunityBio, City of Hope Make Progress on Covid-19 Vaccines

Local biotech teams are making progress on their Covid-19 vaccine candidates.

American Honda Plans to Unify Multiple US Operations

Come April, Honda’s operations in North America will be more unified.

Anastasia Reaps Benefits From Global Digital Push

Anastasia Beverly Hills Inc. has figured out a way to increase international sales.

Freight Company DHX Finally Wraps Deal for Hawaiian Express

A Rancho Dominguez-based freight forwarding company’s latest deal was decades in the making.

Retail Real Estate Market Shows Some Life After Months of Struggle

Covid-19 has affected the retail environment, with a rapid shift to ecommerce reshaping the shopping experience for businesses and consumers.

Rancho Dominguez Caster Maker Is Aquired

Aerol Co. Inc. is packing its bags for the Midwest.

MeUndies Secures $40 Million Investment From Provenance

MeUndies Inc. received a fresh injection of capital this month to expand its popular online underwear subscription service.

Salon Software Platform Boulevard Raises $27 Million

West Hollywood-based salon and spa software platform Boulevard Labs Inc. has raised $27 million in Series B funding.

Multifamily Portfolio Sells for $142 Million

Raintree Partners has purchased a multifamily portfolio for $142 million from an unnamed private seller.

SpaceX Sets Mark for Rocket Reuse

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. successfully reused a first-stage rocket booster for the seventh time during a launch last week that deployed another 60 satellites as part of its ambitious Starlink program.

Northwestern Mutual Pays $166 Million for Santa Monica Office Campus

Office sales may have slowed during the Covid-19 pandemic, but some big transactions are still taking place.

LABJ Insider: A Holiday Season Like No Other

So, this is how Los Angeles does the holidays now, with late-night curfews and curbside retail pickup and empty outdoor dining areas.

How EV Maker Fisker Scored With Wall Street

Shortly after its Oct. 30 debut on the New York Stock Exchange, electric vehicle startup Fisker Inc. was valued at about $2.9 billion.

Relativity Space Raises $500 Million, Plans to Launch 3D-Printed Rockets Next Year

The short five-year history of Relativity Space Inc. is like something out of a startup storybook.

Sale Leasebacks Expected to Become Increasingly Popular

After seeing increased popularity in the third quarter, sale leaseback deals seem poised for strong growth in the months ahead.

Friday, November 27

TikTok Gets Another Extension for US Sale

The Treasury Department has reportedly pushed back TikTok’s sell-by date once again, giving the company until Dec. 4 to complete a deal.

Wednesday, November 25

Most Admired Law Firms: Nonprofits are Looking for More from Banks than Banking

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

These are uncertain times for nonprofits.

Most Admired Law Firms: Yukevich | Cavanaugh

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

As a full-service boutique law firm, Yukevich | Cavanaugh has just the right number of staff for everyone to know one another’s name.

Most Admired Law Firms: Wood Smith Henning & Berman, LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

WSHB was founded in 1997 with two offices in California.

Most Admired Law Firms: Willenken LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Willenken is an elite minority-owned, majority-women law firm that truly cares about its attorneys and staff.

Most Admired Law Firms: Trucker Huss, APC

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Trucker Huss prides itself as being a law firm that values a personal and collaborative approach to its work environment.

Most Admired Law Firms: Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Stubbs Alderton & Markiles understands that both monetary, and tangible benefits like health insurance can’t be the only things to incentivize employees.

Most Admired Law Firms: Sklar Kirsh LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Sklar Kirsh LLP is a corporate, real estate, entertainment, litigation, and bankruptcy law firm founded by attorneys from nationally and internationally recognized firms.

Most Admired Law Firms: Sidley Austin

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

More than 150 years after the founding of the firm, Sidley today comprises a diverse group of legal professionals from many cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives dedicated to teamwork, collaboration, and superior client service.

Most Admired Law Firms: Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Sheppard Mullin prides itself as being a family friendly law firm that values the importance of not only its attorneys, but the entire support system, from assistants in the office to extended family at home.

Most Admired Law Firms: Scali Rasmussen, PC

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Many law firms have a strict hierarchy, however, Scali Rasmussen prides itself a team player workplace.

Most Admired Law Firms: Reed Smith

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm, dedicated to helping clients move its businesses forward.

Most Admired Law Firms: Ramo Law PC

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Ramo Law is a boutique firm comprised of people of different race, gender and socioeconomic backgrounds with a common passion and goal of providing the best quality service in the entertainment law industry.

Most Admired Law Firms: Raines Feldman LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

One of few law firms to be consistently nominated as one of Los Angeles’ Best Places to Work overall, Raines Feldman is committed to building and maintaining a firm culture that promotes connection, enriches the lives of its members, and enhances the success of its clients.

Most Admired Law Firms: Pircher, Nichols & Meeks LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

For more than 35 years, Pircher has supported its greatest asset, its people, by fostering a collaborative environment rooted in empathy and acceptance.

Most Admired Law Firms: Ogletree Deakins

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Particularly strong in professional development and inclusion, Ogletree Deakins supports each business resource group with resource allocation that includes mentoring, training, professional development, and business development opportunities.

Most Admired Law Firms: Nixon Peabody LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Nixon Peabody is an admired firm because it attracts the brightest, most ambitious, most talented minds in the legal industry, and provides them with many reasons to stay.

Most Admired Law Firms: Mintz

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Mintz is consistently named one of the “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign.

Most Admired Law Firms: Miller Barondess, LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Miller Barondess, LLP is a 40-lawyer firm that has served the Los Angeles community since 2006.

Most Admired Law Firms: McGuireWoods LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

McGuireWoods is a firm with diverse and talented leadership that is dedicated to the growth of its attorneys’ practices and the development of their careers through training and mentoring.

Most Admired Law Firms: Mayer Brown LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Mayer Brown offers numerous resources and activities supporting a positive work environment.

Most Admired Law Firms: Larson LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

At Larson LLP, the firm prides itself on fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Most Admired Law Firms: Kaufman Legal Group APC

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

The Kaufman Legal Group is and always has been committed to diversity and inclusivity.

Most Admired Law Firms: Kaplan Marino, PC

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Look out the windows of Kaplan Marino on the 9th floor in the Golden Triangle of Beverly Hills and you’ll see the stunning, iconic backdrop of Beverly Drive and the Hills.

Most Admired Law Firms: Jenner & Block

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Jenner & Block offers a distinctive combination of exceptional people, challenging work and an environment that fosters the development of superior talent.

Most Admired Law Firms: Holland & Knight

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Holland & Knight has an extensive Equal Employment Opportunity policy and a prohibition against various forms of harassment, which are enforced by a committee of attorneys and by firm management.

Most Admired Law Firms: Hahn & Hahn LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Hahn & Hahn lawyers devote significant time to the advancement of their profession. The firm’s members have served in key roles and positions of influence with local, state and national bar and professional associations.

Most Admired Law Firms: Greenberg Glusker

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Greenberg Glusker attributes its appeal as a great firm to work for because the firm invests so much in supporting its workforce and in creating and maintaining a familial culture.

Most Admired Law Firms: Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt is comprised of experienced, passionate people and offers the opportunity for professional development and advancement while tackling exciting cutting-edge legal issues across 12 practice areas and a variety of industries

Most Admired Law Firms: Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

ragomen, a global immigration firm and member of the Am Law 100 and Am Law Global 100, is a leading firm dedicated exclusively to immigration services worldwide.

Most Admired Law Firms: Fisher Phillips

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

The culture at Fisher Phillips fosters a collegial atmosphere that seamlessly integrates over 450 attorneys across the country.

Most Admired Law Firms: DLA Piper

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

To best serve its clients in the Greater Los Angeles region, DLA Piper maintains two offices – one in the downtown financial district and one in Century City.

Most Admired Law Firms: Crowell & Moring LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Crowell & Moring is an international law firm that represents a wide variety of clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory, and transactional matters.

Most Admired Law Firms: Buchalter

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

In 1933, Irwin Buchalter founded the firm based on principles of inclusivity.

Most Admired Law Firms: Brutzkus Gubner Rozansky Seror Weber LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Brutzkus Gubner promotes team spirit and camaraderie through its support of numerous charitable and civic activities in which teams and groups of employees participate

Most Admired Law Firms: Blank Rome LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

In 2020, Blank Rome was recognized as a “Best Law Firm for Women” by Working Mother magazine, a “Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers.

Most Admired Law Firms: Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Barnes & Thornburg’s L.A. office is in the heart of the beautiful Century City area, covering two floors with spacious perimeter offices, large staff bays, functional galley areas, a Wellness Room and a very popular ping-pong room.

Most Admired Law Firms: Baker McKenzie

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Baker McKenzie is one firm operating in 47 countries, from 78 offices, and has been ranked number one on law firm branding for ten years running.

Most Admired Law Firms: Alston & Bird

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

With more than 800 attorneys, Alston & Bird provides legal counsel and services to domestic and multinational clients across a broad range of industries.

Most Admired Law Firms: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Akin Gump is a large, global commercial law firm, with more than 900 lawyers practicing in offices throughout the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Most Admired Law Firms: Letter from the Publisher

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

The legal profession can be one of the most competitive — even stressful — fields to work within.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: Wells Fargo Continues to Commit Itself to the City of Los Angeles

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Wells Fargo believes we are only as strong as the communities we serve. When they succeed, so do we.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: Greenberg Glusker Donates $250,000 to Charities Addressing Hunger, Homelessness, Social Justice and PPE Supply

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

It’s no secret: The effects of COVID-19 have been drastic.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: Navigating the Post-Pandemic World as a Nonprofit

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Staying on a mission — no matter what obstacles stand in the way — is challenging for any nonprofit. Add in a pandemic and things can often get even more complicated, especially for healthcare organizations.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: St Anne's

Mission Statement: Working together to build safe, nurturing and resilient families – from pregnancy to parenthood and childhood to adulthood – for generations to come.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: Special Child USA

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Special Child U.S.A. is committed to serving all children with special needs and their families through its therapeutic education and recreational programs.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: Pacific Clinics

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Mission Statement: Building on people’s strengths, we deliver quality behavioral and mental healthcare services.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: LA's Best

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

LA’s BEST Afterschool Enrichment Program provides a safe and supervised afterschool education, enrichment and recreation program for children ages five to 12 in Los Angeles.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: Vista Del Mar Child And Family Services

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth,

Community Champions: New Economics for Women (NEW)

Custom Content by JPMorgan Chase

LA-based organization lays financial groundwork for women to thrive during pandemic

Tuesday, November 24

LAX Passenger Traffic Off 71% in October; Burbank, Ontario Also Down

Passenger traffic at three of the region’s commercial airports continued to slowly claw back from this spring’s pandemic-induced collapse.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Miller Children’s & Women’s is dedicated to improving the health of children, families and the community through patient care, education and research.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: Los Angeles Food Bank

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank serves all of Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the United States.

Telehealth Provider Cloudbreak to Be Acquired by SPAC

El Segundo telehealth provider Cloudbreak Health has agreed to be acquired by a special purpose acquisition company and will join UpHealth Holdings Inc.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: Getty

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

The J. Paul Getty Trust is a cultural and philanthropic institution dedicated to the presentation, conservation, and interpretation of the world’s artistic legacy.

HM Bradley Raises $18 Million for Savings-Focused Banking

HMBradley Inc., a Santa Monica-based fintech company focused on banking services, has raised $18.3 million in Series A funding.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide: The Bail Project

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Mission Statement: To combat mass incarceration by disrupting the money bail system – one person at a time.

Corporate Citizenship & Giving Guide 2020: Publisher's Letter

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

In a year like 2020 – with societal and health challenges occurring globally – corporate philanthropy plays an even more important role than usual.

Monday, November 23

Snap Takes on TikTok With New Spotlight Video Feature

Snap Inc. has added a new feature that puts the company squarely in competition with TikTok.

How LA Wealth Managers Are Handling the Wealthiest’s Portfolios During the Pandemic

While the pandemic’s economic impact has been devastating for some Angelenos, most of L.A.’s well-heeled have been relatively insulated from the financial fallout.

For SpaceX, Latest Launch Is a Big Leap

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. launched one of the highest-profile missions in the company’s nearly two-decade history on Nov. 15, sending four astronauts to the International Space Station.

LA’s Oldest Toy Store Kip’s Toyland Still in Play After 75 Years

Kip’s Toyland, the oldest toy store in Los Angeles, has witnessed a lot of changes during its 75 years but nothing quite like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Demand Heats Up for Hot Tubs

When Dana Camarillo realized her family wouldn’t go on their usual summer vacation because of the pandemic, she looked to create a relaxing getaway in her West Los Angeles backyard.

Koreatown Multifamily Site Sells for $10 Million

Manhattan 20 has acquired a multifamily property in Koreatown for $10.3 million from La Palma Professional Center, which can be traced to Koreatown-based Jamison.

Monterey Park Industrial Site Sells for $8 Million

A private investor purchased an industrial building in Monterey Park for $7.9 million, or $175 per square foot, the largest industrial sale in the city this year.

Lundquist Institute Approved to Create Biotech Park Near Torrance

The Lundquist Institute’s proposal for a 15-acre biotech park near Torrance has been approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Bobacino Brings Automation to Trendy Bubble Tea

As the restaurant industry embraces new forms of high-tech automation, a local startup is applying robotic technology to the trendy bubble tea business.

Vurbl Wants to Outdo Spotify. Can It Become the YouTube of Audio?

There’s no shortage of audio streaming apps, but Santa Monica-based startup Vurbl Media Inc. is betting that its newly launched player can compete with established platforms like Spotify.

Aerospace Incubator Starburst Is Lifting Industry in LA

In the five years since French space and defense technology accelerator Starburst Aerospace announced plans to open its first American office in El Segundo, the aerospace industry has grown rapidly in Los Angeles County.

Lido Advisors Leads Deal for $700 Million Fixed-Income Team

Century City-based Lido Advisors and Oakhurst Advisors as well as Washington, D.C.-based F/m Acceleration have completed the purchase of First Western Capital Management Co.’s fixed-income business.

Quid Capital Raises $320 Million for Pre-IPO Lending

Santa Monica-based Quid Capital Group has raised a $320 million fund to lend against private technology company stocks.

‘Dr. Betty’ Returns to Banking

Betty Uribe is just over one month into her term as JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s California consumer bank divisional director, overseeing JPMorgan’s entire California retail bank network.

Tech Companies Continue to Bulk Up in LA, Driving Job Growth

Tech jobs are growing at a rapid clip in Los Angeles, fueled by an increasing appetite from local companies as well as industry leaders that are expanding their presence here.

Not Just About Profits — New MBA Program Focuses on Social Good

American Jewish University may be one of L.A.’s smallest universities with just 170 full-time students, but in the midst of a pandemic, it has announced a bold plan to launch a business school next fall.

Dominguez Industrial Property Sells for $37 Million

An industrial building in West Rancho Dominguez has sold for $37.3 million to Cohen Asset Management Inc.

Deadline for TikTok Sale Is Extended

The Trump administration has put more time on the clock for TikTok parent company ByteDance Ltd. to sell the app’s U.S. operations to an American company.

FAT Brands Posts Quarterly Gain

Even with 25% of its restaurants closed, FAT Brands Inc. reported a jump in quarter-over-quarter revenue during the third quarter, but the results still trailed 2019’s third quarter.

LA, Long Beach Ports Set Cargo Records in October

Local ports reported record cargo volumes last month, but year-to-date results for the San Pedro Bay complex are still 2% below the first 10 months of 2019.

Rexford Pays $340 Million for Industrial Properties

Brentwood-based Rexford Industrial Realty Inc. has purchased a four-building industrial park and a three-tenant industrial property for a combined $339.2 million.

LABJ Insider: Legally Speaking, These Lawyers Are the Best

Top attorneys throughout Los Angeles came together for our Leaders in Law virtual event, which singled out legal eagles across a range of categories.

Friday, November 20

Ashton Kutcher’s Sound Ventures Looks to Raise New Fund

Sound Ventures, a Beverly Hills-based venture firm founded by Ashton Kutcher and Guy Oseary, is looking to raise $150 million.

Economists Uncertain How New Restrictions Could Impact Jobs Recovery

L.A. County’s unemployment rate fell sharply to 12.3% in October amid a gain of 79,000 payroll jobs, according to state figures.

Thursday, November 19

Digital Colony Leads $1.2 Billion Investment

Investment firm Digital Colony Management has led a $1.25 billion investment in Denver-based Vantage Data Centers.

Electronic Arts to Leave Playa Vista for Del Rey

Electronic Arts plans to leave its longtime offices in Playa Vista and has signed a 10-year lease for new studio headquarters at a Del Rey office campus.

Wednesday, November 18

GoodRx Shares Plunge After Amazon Announces Online Pharmacy

Shares of online prescription drug price service GoodRx Holdings Inc. have fallen nearly 28% in two days.

‘A Punch in the Gut’: Businesses Face New Restrictions as Covid Cases Rise

As they head into the holidays, local businesses will have to contend with stricter pandemic regulations — and they could tighten even further.

South L.A.-based Everytable Raises $16 Million for Healthy, Low-Cost Food

Everytable, a University Park-based prepared meal startup, has raised $16 million in Series B funding.

Tuesday, November 17

Lundquist Institute Approved to Build Big Biotech Park Near Torrance

The Lundquist Institute’s proposal for a 15-acre biotech park near Torrance has been approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Monday, November 16

John Wayne Cancer Institute Receives $8 Million Donation

The John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica has received its largest donation to date.

SpaceX Launches Crewed Mission With NASA

Space Exploration Technologies Inc. launched one of the most high-profile missions, sending four astronauts to the International Space Station.

Primary Care Practices Feel Financial Pain From the Pandemic

Primary care practices are struggling to stay afloat as Covid-19 cases are rising to record levels in Los Angeles County.

C3 Finds Success With Unique Approach to Ghost Kitchens

For Sam Nazarian, founder and chief executive of SBEEG Holdings Licensing, it wasn’t enough to just embrace ghost kitchens

Breath Direct Hopes to Ease the Load for Hospitals With Low-Cost Ventilators

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March, Darren Saravis, who runs medical device manufacturing company Nectar Inc. in Long Beach, was stunned to hear about the shortage of ventilators and the exorbitant prices hospitals had to pay for them.

BLT Enterprises Adds to Its West LA Portfolio

Santa Monica-based BLT Enterprises has continued its buying spree, purchasing an office property in Sawtelle for $9.29 million.

Digital Media Company Prodege Signs New Lease in El Segundo

Online marketing and media company Prodege has signed a 35,000-square-foot lease for an office building in El Segundo.

Lincoln Avenue Capital Issues Wake-Up Call for Affordable Housing

Santa Monica-based Lincoln Avenue Capital has a goal to bring more affordable housing to the nation.

2020 Innovators Special Report

Navigating the Pandemic

These companies have figured out how to adapt or have found themselves uniquely positioned to survive and even thrive despite the disruption of Covid-19.

Beyond Meat Third-Quarter Earnings Disappoint

Beyond Meat Inc.’s stock took a hit last week after lower-than-expected third-quarter revenue and confusion around its collaboration with McDonald’s Corp.

Revolve Group Posts Mixed Results for Third Quarter

Revolve Group Inc. surpassed Wall Street expectations and delivered its most profitable quarter, but the company’s stock dipped more than 10% on reports of a revenue decline.

Pivot to PPE Products Pays Off for Liberty Paper

The pandemic could have easily tanked Alex Ismail’s business.

AECOM Will Move to Headquarters Downtown

Engineering and infrastructure giant AECOM is relocating its headquarters from Century City to downtown’s Bunker Hill.

Las Vegas to LA Train Project Put on Hold

Miami-based Brightline Trains’ proposed $5 billion high-speed rail line between Las Vegas and Southern California has hit a caution signal.

LAX Would Add 2 Terminals Under New Proposal

Plans for two new terminals at Los Angeles International Airport took a step forward late last month as airport officials released an environmental planning document.

Most Construction Projects Are Continuing at a Strong Clip Despite Covid

Even in the face of Covid-19, construction is booming in Los Angeles.

Romeo Power Secures Investment Ahead of IPO

Waste hauler Republic Services Inc. has exercised an option to purchase shares of common stock in Vernon-based Romeo Systems Inc., and the two companies announced Nov. 10 that they are exploring a “strategic alliance.”

Defense Firm LinQuest Named Prime Contractor for US Agencies

Ladera Heights-based defense contractor LinQuest Corp. has been selected as a prime contractor for U.S. government agencies through a contract management program administered by the General Services Administration.

NASA Plans New Projects With SpaceX, Rocket Lab, Phase Four

Three local aerospace companies will partner with NASA on key projects, the space agency announced Nov. 9.

TCW Group Sets $160 Million CLO Platform

Downtown-based TCW Group Inc. has entered into a partnership with investment bank Jefferies Group and credit manager Kennedy Lewis Investment Management to issue new collateralized loan obligations, or CLOs.

Culver City Apartment Building Lands $20 Million Loan

A 36-unit apartment building in Culver City has received a $20 million loan to refinance the property.

Fulgent Revenue Soars on Covid Testing Surge

Temple City-based Fulgent Genetics Inc. continues to reap a bonanza from Covid-19 testing.

GoodRx Gains, Loses in First Earnings Report

In its first quarterly earnings report last week as a public company, GoodRx Holdings Inc. posted solid revenue gains.

ROKiT Group Adds Ebikes to Growing Portfolio of Consumer Products

Rokit Group of Cos.’ latest venture, Rokit Made, is poised to take advantage of a growing consumer trend — electric bikes.

LABJ Insider: Metro’s Washington Is in Transition

Phillip Washington, who already has a big job on his hands as chief executive of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority, has added another impressive role to his portfolio.

LA Business Leaders Temper Expectations for Biden Administration

L.A. County’s economy can expect a modest boost from the election of Joe Biden as president, though some industry sectors are poised to gain more than others.

Tennis Clubs, Pros Struggle to Keep Pace With Demand During Covid

At Mulholland Tennis Club, situated high in the hills of Beverly Crest, business these days is anything but usual.

LA Companies Play Leading Role in Rising AR, VR Industry

It may seem redundant to say that a company focused on creating virtual reality experiences is ahead of the curve, but that’s precisely the case for West Adams-based Survios Inc.

LA Mediators Applaud the Results From Videoconferencing

Susan Guthrie had a dilemma. The native Angeleno had just moved back to Los Angeles from Connecticut for her husband’s new job.

Brace Software Brings a Fresh Approach to Mortgage Servicing

Brace Software Inc. could not have been better positioned for Covid-19.

Video Platform CourtCall Hits New Highs During the Pandemic

Like many good business ideas, the concept for CourtCall materialized while one of the company’s future founders, Mark Wapnick, was grappling with a problem — in this case, L.A.’s infamous traffic.

Friday, November 13

Delta Terminal Work Ahead of Schedule at LAX

The $1.9 billion renovation of Delta Air Lines’ Terminals 2 and 3 at Los Angeles International Airport is running 18 months ahead of schedule.

Leaders in Law: Mask Up! Facemasks with Valves No Longer Permitted in LA County Courthouses

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Presiding Judge Kevin C. Brazile last month issued a revised mandatory face mask order that prohibits the use of face masks with valves in all Los Angeles County courthouses.

Leaders in Law: Safely Restoring Access to Justice Remains Top Priority in Nation’s Largest Trial Court

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

As Presiding Judge-Elect Eric C. Taylor prepares to lead the nation’s largest trial court amid pandemic-related challenges, restoring access to justice safely and more widely are chief priorities during his upcoming two-year term.

Leaders in Law: Los Angeles Superior Court Establishes Judicial Mentor Program

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Presiding Judge Kevin C. Brazile and Presiding Judge-Elect Eric C. Taylor announced the creation of the Los Angeles Superior Court’s Judicial Mentorship Program.

Leaders in Law: California Provisional Licensing Program to Launch

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

The California Supreme Court announced last month that it approved the State Bar’s proposal for the provisional licensure of 2020 law school graduates.

Real Estate Strategies Speaker: Lisa Reddy

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Lisa Reddy is a Vice President, Leasing Officer for Prologis in Los Angeles, California.

Real Estate Strategies Speaker: John McMillan

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

John McMillan, SIOR, has been an industrial real estate services broker in Los Angeles for 30 years and is the leader of the McMillan Team.

Real Estate Strategies Speaker: Adam Deierling

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Prior to founding West Harbor, Adam was a Vice President at Industrial Property Trust ("IPT"), a public non-traded REIT.

Real Estate Strategies Speaker: John DeGrinis

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

John DeGrinis, SIOR, serves as an executive managing director in Newmark’s office in Woodland Hills.

Real Estate Strategies Speaker: Rob Antrobius

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Rob Antrobius currently serves as Senior Vice President, Market Officer - Los Angeles for Prologis and is responsible for Prologis’ 30 million square foot Los Angeles / Orange County California portfolio occupied by over 500 customers.

Escrow Firm Endpoint Secures $40 Million in Funding

El Segundo-based title and escrow company Endpoint has received a $40 million investment from parent company First American Financial Corp.

Thursday, November 12

Electric Car Sharing Company Envoy Sets $11 Million Series A

Envoy Technologies Inc., a Culver City company that operates electric car sharing services has raised $11 million in funding.

Techstars LA Exec Barber Joins M13

Anna Barber, the former managing director of Techstars Los Angeles, has joined Santa Monica-based venture firm M13.

Wednesday, November 11

Broadway Financial Reports Loss Ahead of Merger

Hancock Park-based Broadway Financial Corp. reported a net loss of $244 million in its third-quarter earnings.

Snap Acquires AI Voice Startup for $70 Million

Snap Inc. is acquiring Israel-based startup Voca AI Ltd. for cash and stock.

Tuesday, November 10

CarParts.com Reports Strong Results for Third Quarter

CarParts.com Inc. posted strong third-quarter results driven in part by a pandemic-fueled shift in consumer behavior.

Boring Company Begins Hiring in Texas

Elon Musk’s upstart tunnel-building business Boring Co. is poised to expand into Austin, Texas.

Monday, November 9

Disruptor Awards: SADA Boldly Asserts Leadership Role in Cloud Ecosystem with New Brand Identity

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

The Google Cloud partner ushers in the next phase of its 20-year history with a brand refresh reflecting its mission to transform businesses with technology

Disruptor Awards: Agility is Key to Success in Post-Pandemic World

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

This year has been full of experts trying to predict what will happen next with the economy, commercial real estate, small businesses, tax codes, and more.

Disruptor Awards: Holiday Season Rings in “Next Normal”

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

As the eve of peak holiday shopping is upon us, retailers are adjusting to meet consumer needs and wishes, anticipating demands, stocking up, paring down, pricing right, offering discounts, checking it twice … and readying for an uncertain shopping climate, all amid a world-wide pandemic and a volatile economy.

Disruptor Awards: Building an Advisory Board for Your Business

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

When it comes to advisory boards, companies should think of them as a beacon, not a burden.

Disruptor Awards: Finalists

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

INNOVATOR AWARD Caldera Medical Inc.

Virgin Hyperloop Sends First Passengers Through Test Tunnel

Transportation technology company Hyperloop Technologies Inc. transported live passengers for the first time Nov. 8.

Disruptor Awards: Innovator Award

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

What started as the struggle of three working moms trying to get their busy kids to and from school and all their activities more than five years ago, has grown into a proven transportation solution that helps schools, families, organizations, and government agencies give kids easier access to the opportunities they deserve.

Disruptor Awards: Disruptor of the Year

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

CAULIPOWER was born on a Pinterest fail.

Disruptor Awards: Social Responsibility Award

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Golden Star Technologies Inc. (GST) is a woman-owned business that helps its clients stay ahead of the technology curve, connecting them to advanced end-to-end IT and AV solutions and services tailored to meet their needs.

Disruptor Awards: Sustainability Award

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Ship & Shore Environmental, Inc. is a Long Beach-based, woman-owned, certified business specializing in air pollution capture and control systems for industrial applications.

Disruptor Awards: RSM Middle Market Award

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Scorpion Inc. is a full-service marketing and technology company focused on being a great partner for businesses, professionals, and organizations across the legal, home services, healthcare, and franchise industries.

Disruptor Awards: Accelerator Award

Custom Content by the Los Angeles Business Journal

Eravant is an award-winning engineering firm known for changing the millimeter-wave components market through standardization and borrowed practices of scale.

Pacific Defense Acquires Military Tech Company

Recently formed El Segundo-based Pacific Defense Strategies Inc. has acquired military tech company Spear Research.

Allied Restoration Services Makes a Clean Pivot From Repair to Prevention

O.P. Almaraz, chief executive of Allied Restoration Services Inc. in West Covina, said the company’s core business used to be cleaning up the scene after fires, floods and other accidental damage to buildings.

Adtech Company AudienceX Leans Into Diverse Clients, Proprietary Software

AudienceX is back on the growth trajectory.

Sunstone Management Wins by Investing in Opportunity Zones

Long Beach-based Sunstone Management Inc. has made big strides focusing on small businesses, lower middle markets and, lately, opportunity zones.

Mitú Founder Starts Personal Finance Platform for Latinos

Beatríz Acevedo, founder of downtown-based Latino youth media company Mitú, has launched personal finance platform Suma Wealth Inc.

Scratchpay Brings Fintech to Pet Care

Scratch Financial Inc., better known as Scratchpay, has had breakout success in a remarkably niche business.

GeBBS Healthcare Solutions Benefits From Growing Demand for Back-Office Billing Work

Medical procedure coding and insurance billing is among the most tedious and least glamorous work in all of health care, yet for Culver City-based GeBBS Healthcare Solutions Inc., these mundane tasks have been the ticket for explosive growth.

Rexford Industrial Buys 2 South Bay Properties

Brentwood-based Rexford Industrial Realty Inc. has acquired two industrial buildings in the South Bay for $15.5 million.

Rare Multifamily Site Sells in Playa del Rey

A rare, multifamily asset on the beach in Playa del Rey has sold for $11 million.

SharpLine’s Armendariz Charts Her Own Path in Commercial Real Estate

Barbara Armendariz, president and founder of downtown-based SharpLine Commercial Partners, counts her company as one of the few female- and minority-owned real estate businesses in Los Angeles.

MedMen Secures $26 Million in Loans

Culver City-based cannabis retailer MedMen Enterprises Inc. has raised $25.7 million in debt across three loan facilities.

LA's Fastest Growing Private Companies of 2020

The Business Journal’s annual look at L.A.’s 100 fastest growing private companies showcases businesses that are disrupting the status quo and generating big returns in the process.

Clearlake Sets $3 Billion Buyout of Endurance International

Santa Monica-based private equity firm Clearlake Capital Partners plans to buy cloud-based business services company Endurance International Group Holdings Inc. in an all-cash deal valued at $3 billion, including debt.

Analytics-Driven Behavioral Health Care Company Ontrak Acquires LifeDojo

Santa Monica-based Ontrak Inc. last month took the next step in its effort to use big data to improve patient outcomes in managing chronic diseases.

RadNet Expands Through New Joint Ventures

Sawtelle-based diagnostic imaging services provider RadNet Inc. made a pair of announcements in late October that expand the company’s reach.

AccessHope Looks to Build Cancer Care Network

A year ago, Duarte-based City of Hope launched AccessHope, a spinoff company that provides employees of large, self-insured employers access to its cancer treatment specialists.

LA Holiday Shoppers Likely to Spend Far Less This Year

It’s looking like Angelenos may channel their inner Ebenezer Scrooge this holiday season.

Barnett to Step Down as CEO at Capitol Music

Capitol Music Group Chairman and Chief Executive Steve Barnett announced Nov. 5 that he will retire effective Dec. 31 and revealed the company’s new leadership.

Lions Gate and Disney Announce New Layoffs

The pandemic continues to take a steep toll on Hollywood with Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. and Walt Disney Co. announcing new rounds of layoffs last week.

TikTok Ban Is Blocked, Company Countersues Triller

The future of TikTok’s U.S. business is still murky, but a recent federal court ruling makes it unlikely the massively popular social media app will go dark in the near future.

Standard Buys Senior Housing Site in Pasadena for $31 Million

Standard Co.’s affordable housing division, Standard Communities, has purchased the 61-unit Villa Raymond Apartments in Pasadena for $31.2 million.

Halloween Businesses See Few Treats, Lower Revenues

This year’s Halloween celebration at the Shops at Montebello was different.

Jakks Pacific Tops Third-Quarter Earnings Expectations

Jakks Pacific Inc. is still in the game, beating analysts’ expectations in the third quarter that ended Sept. 30.

Hudson Pacific, Blackstone Plan to Double Size of Sunset Gower Studios

Historic Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood, which already has more 530,000 square feet of production and support space and 12 soundstages, will soon nearly double in size.

LABJ Insider: Celebrating the Disruptors

At a time of so much uncertainty and so many challenges, it’s nice to have a reason to celebrate.

Businesses Breathe Easier After Voters Reject Key Propositions

Businesses in Los Angeles County breathed a sigh of relief last week as ballot measures that would have imposed higher costs or stricter regulations either were rejected outright or appeared headed for defeat.

LA and Other Cities Are Embracing the Fair Trade Movement

Amid the furor created by pandemic-related shutdowns, double-digit unemployment rates and civil justice protests, Los Angeles’ recent designation as a fair trade city went somewhat unnoticed.

Bike Shops Struggle to Keep Up With Pandemic-Fueled Demand

When Helen’s Cycles opens its Santa Monica store in the morning, it’s not unusual to see a line of customers who’ve been waiting 30 minutes or more.

MGM Stays the Course Despite Debt and Downgrades

Midway through an ambitious rebuilding effort, MGM Holdings Inc. finds itself at a crossroads.

Friday, November 6

SpaceX Completes Second Launch for Space Force

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. successfully completed its second mission on behalf of U.S. Space Force.

Thursday, November 5

Leonard Green Acquires Service Logic

Sawtelle-based Leonard Green & Partners has purchased HVAC company Service Logic.

Wednesday, November 4

PayPal Will Integrate Honey Shopping Tools

Nearly one year after acquiring software developer Honey Science Inc., PayPal Holdings Inc. is beginning to detail how it will incorporate Honey’s tools.

Tuesday, November 3

Electronics Retailer Newegg Staffing Up

Newegg Inc., the City of Industry-based electronics retailer, is bolstering its staff for the holiday season.

Monday, November 2

Hologram Company PORTL Gets $3 Million

Holographic technology startup PORTL Inc. announced $3 million in seed funding.

ACCO Engineered Systems Is the Secret Weapon Inside LA’s Most High-Profile Projects

It’s one of the largest private companies few have ever heard of.

Third Street Promenade Building Sells for $19 Million

A property on Santa Monica’s iconic Third Street Promenade has sold for nearly $19 million.

Hollywood Micro-Unit Project Secures Loan

A micro unit housing project in Hollywood has secured a $14.1 million loan.

Development Activity Is Picking Up Along Miracle Mile

Creative agency and production company Gnet has signed a lease for nearly 17,000 square feet in Miracle Mile.

Produce Wholesaler Best Fresh Is Acquired by GrubMarket

Downtown-based Best Fresh Produce Inc. is now part of GrubMarket Inc.’s growing portfolio of produce suppliers.

Jay-Z to Launch Line of Cannabis Products

Grammy Award-winning rapper Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter is developing a line of cannabis products under the Monogram brand.

Maker of Whom, Innova Furniture Brands Plans New Locations

Jonathan Bass still believes in brick-and-mortar retail.

Covid Causing Sales Slowdown for Office Market

Covid-19 has taken its toll on the market for office sales this year.

Tinder Rolls Out Video Chat Feature

Online dating app Tinder has rolled out a new video feature to help connect singles at a time when pandemic-related precautions are limiting in-person meetups.

Herber Air Sets Lease in El Segundo

An aircraft parts manufacturer and distributor has signed a 15-year lease in El Segundo.

Green Dot Leads Funding Round for Gig Payment Company

Pasadena-based Green Dot Corp. has led a $7.5 million Series A investment in Dallas-based Visage Enterprise Inc., doing business as Gig Wage.

Mobile Games Publisher Scopely Raises $340 Million

Culver City-based mobile games publisher and developer Scopely Inc. announced on Oct. 28 that it had secured $340 million in Series E funding from a group of investors led by Wellington Management Co. and NewView Capital.

CBRE Group Plans to Relocate Headquarters to Dallas

Brokerage giant CBRE Group Inc., which has a more than 100-year history in California, is moving its headquarters from downtown to Dallas.

Beverly Hills Hotel Sells to New York Investment Firm

EOS Investors has emerged as the buyer of the famed Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills luxury hotel.

LABJ Insider: Byron Allen Is Always Worth Watching

Byron Allen’s appetite remains voracious. The standup comic turned media mogul acquired two more television networks last week,

Increased Cargo Traffic Lifts Local Airports

As passenger traffic at the four airports serving Los Angeles County continued in September a slow climb back from this spring’s pandemic-induced collapse, an unexpected bright spot for the airports has been a cargo boom.

Soon-Shiong Names Adcock as CEO at NantKwest

Patrick Soon-Shiong is stepping aside as chief executive of El Segundo-based biotech firm NantKwest Inc. and handing the reins to veteran health care executive Richard Adcock.