Science inc nurtures la start ups
Science Inc. is a Los Angeles-based startup studio that develops, invests in, and acquires various businesses. Science invests more than money in young companies, Science use experts to bring companies to profitability. In 2011, Michael Jones founded the company and is the current chief executive officer. In its early stages, Science Inc. built various tech startups internally and offered support services to early-stage startups. Jones himself spent much of his time working with the companies’ CEOs and investors on strategy, growth and business development.
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La incubator science inc is all about adding tech to lifestyle
Funding
Science initially received $10 million in backing from a number of well-known investors, including Eric Schmidt’s Tomorrow Ventures, among others. In 2013, Science raised $30 million in funding from Hearst Ventures, the investment arm of media giant Hearst Corporation, and was named to Fast Company’s list of The Most Innovative Companies. Science also recently raised $20 million in debt financing from Silver Lake Waterman.
Dollar Shave Club
Dollar Shave Club launched with early investments and support from Science Inc. Science was Dollar Shave Club’s first investor, before the startup raised a $1 million seed round in March 2012. It was acquired by Unilever in 2016.
DogVacay
Initial funding for the DogVacay was obtained from Science. DogVacay is a Santa Monica based company known for home dog boarding and other pet services.
HelloSociety
Science funded an incubated HelloSociety, a social media marketing and technology firm that help brands optimize their efforts through strategic partnerships with influencers and market analytics. The company was purchased by The New York Times in March 2016.
Other
Other startups that have come from Science include, HomeHero, HelloSociety FameBit, Delicious, Playhaven, and Quarterly. In 2016, FameBit was acquired by Google.
In 2015, Science Inc. sold off its mobile advertising network PlayHaven to mobile game publisher RockYou.
The company currently focuses on mobile entertainment for millennials, including the popular App Wishbone, which has more than 3.1 million monthly active users.