J2 Global’s Hemi Zucker to step down, lead VC firm, Lockheed Martin ramps development of SR-72 at Palmdale’s Skunk Works and Snapchat launches sponsored World Lenses.

J2 Global’s Hemi Zucker to Step Down, Lead VC Firm

J2 Global Inc. of Hollywood announced on Thursday that Chief Executive Hemi Zucker will resign on Jan. 1, 2018 to become a managing principle of venture capital firm OCV Management, reports the Business Journal. J2 Global plans to invest $200 million in OCV Management of Mid-Wilshire as part of its venture strategy.

Lockheed Martin Ramps Development of SR-72 at Palmdale’s Skunk Works

Lockheed Martin is ramping up development of hypersonic system technology in Palmdale as observers report the first sightings of a demonstrator vehicle believed to be linked to the Skunk Works’ planned SR-72 high-speed aircraft project, reports Aviation Week. A technology demonstrator, believed to be an unmanned subscale aircraft, was recently observed flying into the U.S. Air Force’s Plant 42 at Palmdale, where Skunk Works is headquartered.

Snapchat Launches Sponsored World Lenses

Snapchat is taking its World Lenses augmented reality feature and opening it up to sponsors, reports TechCrunch. Snap Inc. partners Warner Bros and Bud Light will be the first to debut branded 3-D World Lenses as part of marketing campaigns.

Technology reporter Garrett Reim can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @garrettreim for the latest in L.A. tech news.