HipDot finds $2.5 million; Bird hopes to migrate to NYC; Elevate raises $25 million venture round

Bird Seeks Entry to New York Market

Santa Monica-based escooter operator Bird Rides Inc. could gain access to the massive New York City market soon, according to The Verge. A bill headed to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo would legalize all electric bikes and scooters, calling for individual cities to regulate the vehicles. Manhattan would be the one exception to the new rule. Bird has lobbied New York officials for over a year in attempt to gain access and says its service could launch in New York by Spring 2020.

Elevate Software Raises $25 Million

Century City-based legal software developer and consultant Elevate Services Inc. announced June 18 it raised a $25 million funding round led by Kayne Anderson Capital Partners, also based in Century City. Law.com reports Elevate has raised $60 since its 2011 launch and will use the funds to improve its legal management software and scale operations.

Beauty Brand Startup Gains $2.5 Million

HipDot Studios, a North Hollywood startup that helps influencers create and launch their own beauty brands, raised a $2.5 million funding round, Socaltech reports. The startup was founded by Jeff Sellinger, Mo Winter, and Sam Lim, and is backed by Founders Fund and Palo Alto-based Foundation Capital.

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