Latest news with #LosAngeles-headquartered
Los Angeles Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Mantis VC Closes $100-Million Fund to Strengthen Position as Business-Building Partner to Early-Stage Tech Startups
Los Angeles-headquartered Mantis VC has announced the close of its third fund at $100 million, which will back early-stage technology startups across cybersecurity, healthtech, deeptech, AI and infrastructure. Founded in 2019, Mantis is led by general partners Jeffrey Evans, Milan Koch, Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, who have raised $225 million across three funds and invested in over 170 startups through the firm. 'Fund III is a defining milestone for Mantis,' Evans said. 'It's a reflection of the trust we've built through real results with category-leading investments and a culture-first approach to venture. Raising this fund is about doubling down on our mission to be the most connected and impactful partner on the cap table. With Fund III, we have the capital, the platform and the community to help the next generation of innovators win bigger and faster than ever before. Founders deserve investors who don't just sit on cap tables but rather build with them, open doors and move at founder speed. We're raising the bar for what real partnership looks like in venture.' Limited partners in the new fund include Summit Peak, TriplePoint Capital and Allocate, with entrepreneurs Mark Cuban, David Blitzer and Michael Rubin reaffirming their commitment to Mantis after investing in the firm's earlier funds. Funds I and II backed startup unicorns Chainguard, Underdog and Dandy, with notable exits including Coinbase and Rupa Health. Mantis' debut fund, closed in 2020, is currently performing in the top decile of its vintage. Samir Kaji, co-founder and CEO at Allocate, said, 'At Allocate, we evaluate nearly 1,000 private market funds each year and select only a limited group for our platform. We chose Mantis to be on the platform based on their differentiated approach, thoughtful articulation of their investment strategy and clear alignment with early-stage founders. In our view, Mantis brings a distinctive perspective to venture investing, combining cultural connectivity with disciplined execution.' Mantis VC is a partnership between Alex Pall and Drew Taggart (also known as electronic DJ and production duo The Chainsmokers) and experienced investor-entrepreneurs Jeffrey Evans and Milan Koch. As Mantis prepares to scale its operations, the firm has expanded its investment team with the appointment of Gaurav Bhogale as principal, AI and Infrastructure, adding deep vertical expertise and connectivity within the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem. He joins cybersecurity lead Saveena Mandadi, healthcare lead Caroline Menkes, plus investor and head of platform Steve O'Brien on the Mantis Investment Committee, alongside the general partners. Mandadi, a prominent figure in the security community with a presence at Black Hat and Women in Cybersecurity, has spearheaded the development of Mantis' CISO advisory committee as the team seeks to enhance support for founders. O'Brien continues to lead strategic initiatives across brand, investor relations and platform, recently striking a partnership with Palantir to power data-driven fund operations. Together, the team plans to create further breakout opportunities, amplified by the unique cultural reach of Mantis and The Chainsmokers' combined networks. Information sourced from Mantos VC. Learn more at
Los Angeles Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Assisted Living Locators Opens San Fernando Valley Office
Los Angeles-headquartered Assisted Living Locators, a nationwide senior placement and referral service, has announced the opening of its San Fernando Valley office, providing expert, no-cost guidance to families exploring senior living and in-home care solutions. The new location is owned and operated by Regie Hernandez, senior living advisor/owner, who will serve communities across Northridge, Pacoima, San Fernando, Sylmar, Van Nuys, Panorama City and surrounding neighborhoods. 'Helping families navigate life's later-life transitions with dignity, honesty and compassion is my calling,' said Hernandez. 'My background in supply-chain and financial planning, coupled with years of pastoral and community service, has taught me that trust is everything. By partnering with Assisted Living Locators, I can combine professional experience with a heart for service, guiding seniors toward informed choices that safeguard their well-being and future.' A long-time Los Angeles resident, Hernandez has led community initiatives as a volunteer Christian pastor and neighborhood council director, operated a successful photography business, and most recently cultivated strong, trust-based relationships as an insurance agent with New York Life. Supported by family members active in the healthcare industry, he is committed to delivering compassionate, personalized guidance to seniors and their loved ones. Assisted Living Locators of San Fernando Valley offers personalized senior-care assessments for safety, cleanliness and quality of care. Assisted Living Locators is part of the Evive Brands family. Founded in 2003, the organization is dedicated to providing compassionate care and expert guidance to families navigating senior living options. Information sourced from Evive Brands. Learn more by contacting rgrundemann@
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sweetgreen adding 40 locations in 2025. Where it will add Michigan location next
Sweetgreen, a national chain known for its fast-casual "plant-forward menu," has added a Michigan restaurant among its locations that have opened in 2025, and another is on the way. The Los Angeles-headquartered chain offers salad and bowl food options, including caramelized garlic steak, wild rice and other combinations. Sweetgreen has opened eight new restaurants this year, including one in Rochester Hills, Michigan, in May, Chris Tarrant, the chain's chief development officer, said. A Shelby Township location is listed as coming soon on the company's website. By the end of the year, Sweetgreen will have opened at least 40 new locations, Tarrant said. Tarrant said the company plans to keep growing in 2026. 'We look forward to serving more communities as we expand our footprint with 15%-20% annual unit growth and offer different formats to meet our guests where they are,' he added. It is not clear if Michigan will get any additional Sweetgreen locations. The company lists 34 "coming soon" locations on its website. More: Plant-based restaurant Sweetgreen adding new healthy barbecue sauce There are currently five Sweetgreen locations in Michigan, according to the company's website, and one coming soon. The sites include: Ann Arbor Arbor Hills Birmingham Hall Road Shelby Township (coming soon) Rochester Hills Troy This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Rochester Hills Sweetgreen open. Shelby Township site on way
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sweetgreen opening locations in 4 new cities this year: See where
Sweetgreen, known for its customizable bowls and "plant-forward menu," will soon be available in four new U.S. cities, according to the company's leadership. The Los Angeles-headquartered fast-casual chain serves bowls that customers can tailor to their own appetite, including choosing from caramelized garlic steak, wild rice and other combinations. Sweetgreen has already opened eight new restaurants this year, including one in Santa Clara on June 10, Chris Tarrant, the chain's chief development officer, told USA TODAY in an email. On June 12, a location will open in Huntersville, North Carolina, he added. Here is what Sweetgreen fans need to know about the future locations coming to four new markets.. Sweetgreen is opening locations in new markets, such as Sacramento, Phoenix, Cincinnati, and northwest Arkansas, Tarrant said. Sweetgreen's northwest Arkansas location will be in Fayetteville, as well as in Bentonville, at Walmart's home office campus, joining restaurants such as Ozark Mountain Bagel, Wright's Barbecue and multiple coffee shops. So far in 2025, Sweetgreen has opened the following locations: Pennsylvania: 1359 Frankford Ave. Suite 2, Philadelphia New Jersey: 221 East Broad Street, Westfield Connecticut: 110 Albany Turnpike, Suite 911, Canton Virginia: 3502 West Cary Street, Richmond and 4225 Fairfax Corner Ave. East, Fairfax Wisconsin: 418 N Midvale Blvd. Madison Michigan: 260 North Adams Road, Rochester Hills By the end of the year, Sweetgreen will have opened at least 40 new locations, Tarrant said. Among the new locations, two will be Sweetlane or drive-thru locations where customers order through the company's digital platform, according to Tarrant. One of the new drive-thru locations will be like previous restaurants, while the second drive-thru location will feature the company's Infinite Kitchen or automated technology, Tarrant said. Tarrant added that about half of the locations opened in 2025 will feature the company's Infinite Kitchen technology. Sweetgreen opened its pilot Infinite Kitchen store in May 2023 in Naperville, Illinois, promising quicker and more accurate service with precise portioning. The automated technology can perform tasks such as dispensing greens, dressing bowls and plates, as well as mixing salads. The automated system would allow team members to focus on food preparation and other tasks, the company wrote in a May 2023 news release. 'Team members add the final touches at the finishing station, with a sprinkle of herbs or a scoop of avocado,' according to the company. Tarrant said the company plans to keep growing in 2026. 'We look forward to serving more communities as we expand our footprint with 15%-20% annual unit growth and offer different formats to meet our guests where they are,' he added. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sweetgreen to open locations in 4 new cities in 2025: See where Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
10-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Sweetgreen opening locations in 4 new cities this year: See where
Sweetgreen opening locations in 4 new cities this year: See where 'We look forward to serving more communities as we expand our footprint," Sweetgreen CDO Chris Tarrant said in a statement. Show Caption Hide Caption Gardening tips for healthy vegetables Make sure you follow these 3 tips for a healthy vegetable garden. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY Sweetgreen, known for its customizable bowls and "plant-forward menu," will soon be available in four new U.S. cities, according to the company's leadership. The Los Angeles-headquartered fast-casual chain serves bowls that customers can tailor to their own appetite, including choosing from caramelized garlic steak, wild rice and other combinations. Sweetgreen has already opened eight new restaurants this year, including one in Santa Clara on June 10, Chris Tarrant, the chain's chief development officer, told USA TODAY in an email. On June 12, a location will open in Huntersville, North Carolina, he added. Here is what Sweetgreen fans need to know about the future locations coming to four new markets.. Which new markets is Sweetgreen entering? Sweetgreen is opening locations in new markets, such as Sacramento, Phoenix, Cincinnati, and northwest Arkansas, Tarrant said. Sweetgreen's northwest Arkansas location will be in Fayetteville, as well as in Bentonville, at Walmart's home office campus, joining restaurants such as Ozark Mountain Bagel, Wright's Barbecue and multiple coffee shops. Where are Sweetgreen's latest locations? So far in 2025, Sweetgreen has opened the following locations: Pennsylvania: 1359 Frankford Ave. Suite 2, Philadelphia New Jersey: 221 East Broad Street, Westfield Connecticut: 110 Albany Turnpike, Suite 911, Canton Virginia: 3502 West Cary Street, Richmond and 4225 Fairfax Corner Ave. East, Fairfax Wisconsin: 418 N Midvale Blvd. Madison Michigan: 260 North Adams Road, Rochester Hills By the end of the year, Sweetgreen will have opened at least 40 new locations, Tarrant said. What is Sweetgreen's Infinite Kitchen? Among the new locations, two will be Sweetlane or drive-thru locations where customers order through the company's digital platform, according to Tarrant. One of the new drive-thru locations will be like previous restaurants, while the second drive-thru location will feature the company's Infinite Kitchen or automated technology, Tarrant said. Tarrant added that about half of the locations opened in 2025 will feature the company's Infinite Kitchen technology. Sweetgreen opened its pilot Infinite Kitchen store in May 2023 in Naperville, Illinois, promising quicker and more accurate service with precise portioning. The automated technology can perform tasks such as dispensing greens, dressing bowls and plates, as well as mixing salads. The automated system would allow team members to focus on food preparation and other tasks, the company wrote in a May 2023 news release. 'Team members add the final touches at the finishing station, with a sprinkle of herbs or a scoop of avocado,' according to the company. What is happening with Sweetgreen in 2026? Tarrant said the company plans to keep growing in 2026. 'We look forward to serving more communities as we expand our footprint with 15%-20% annual unit growth and offer different formats to meet our guests where they are,' he added. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
