Atom Tickets, Goldstar expand local business; Hulu to distribute Tastemade content; Backstage Capital targets the “underestimated”

Backstage Capital Targets Diverse Founders

This week’s Business Journal features a profile of Arlan Hamilton, founder of West L.A.-based Backstage Capital. The unconventional VC founder is raising a $36 million fund to invest in companies led by a diverse group of entrepreneurs. Since Backstage Capital’s launch in 2015, it has invested more than $10 million in 125 companies — and while rumors have circulated that fundraising efforts weren’t going well, Hamilton insists they’re right on track.

Atom Tickets and Goldstar Link for Expansion

Santa Monica-based Atom Tickets and Pasadena-based Goldstar Events Inc. are banding together to expand their services to Atlanta, Boston and parts of Los Angeles. Both companies operate online ticketing marketplaces. Socaltech reports Atom tickets is backed in part by Burbank-based Walt Disney Co. and Santa Monica-based Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.

Tastemade Signs Hulu Distribution Deal

Tastemade Inc., developers of a mobile application that lets users make their own food videos, will work with Hulu to distribute food and travel shows. Variety reports both Santa Monica-based companies declined to say how long the licensing deal will last but noted the 24 new shows will reach Hulu, which is majority-owned by Walt Disney Co., by the end of 2019.

Tech reporter Samson Amore can be reached at [email protected] or (323) 556-8335. Follow him on Twitter @samsonamore.