Discover how los angeles’ startup ecosystem is revolutionizing business

Los Angeles has become a fertile ground for startups, thanks to a robust ecosystem of accelerators and incubators that provide essential support to new businesses. These programs offer a variety of services, including funding, mentorship, workspace, networking opportunities, and strategic guidance, enabling entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and scale their companies.

One notable player in this ecosystem is Techstars Los Angeles, which opened its chapter in Culver City in 2017. This accelerator prioritizes both local companies and firms from outside LA, focusing on pre-seed and early-stage funding across various industries. Some of its notable past companies include StokedPlastic and Zeno Power.

Grid110, located in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), offers no-cost, no-equity programs for entrepreneurs. Their 12-week Residency accelerator supports early-stage startups, while the Idea to Launch Bootcamp is designed for pre-launch companies. Specialized programs like the PledgeLA Founders Fund and Friends & Family program provide additional skills, resources, and support. Notable past companies include Casetify and Flavors From Afar.

Idealab, a startup studio and incubator founded in 1996 by Bill Gross in Pasadena, California, has launched over 150 startups, with 45 successful IPOs and acquisitions. This incubator focuses on various industries, including AI/Robotics, Consumer, and Clean Tech. Successful companies that emerged from Idealab include Coinbase and Tenor.

Another significant contributor is Plug In South LA, a tech accelerator program empowering Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. This 12-week intensive program offers mentorship, workshops, strategic guidance, potential pilot partnerships, grant funding, and networking opportunities. Notable past companies include ChargerHelp and Peadbo.

NBA Viewership and Media Rights Negotiations

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen a slight increase in national viewership heading into the final months of the 2023-24 season. Games across ABC, ESPN, and TNT averaged around 1.62 million viewers, up from under 1.6 million last season. Notably, NBA TV’s games are on pace for their best season since 2017-18, with a 31% increase in viewership.

This audience gain comes amid significant scheduling experimentation by the NBA. Despite facing competition from the NFL’s tripleheader on Christmas Day, the NBA managed to maintain a strong viewership. The league’s experimentation with Wednesday night prime-time games on ABC in January also delivered better ratings than ESPN’s games from the previous season.

The NBA’s In-Season Tournament, which counts toward regular-season numbers, delivered stronger-than-normal early-season viewership. ESPN saw a 3% increase in viewership, while TNT experienced a slight 2% decline. However, TNT’s “Inside the NBA” show saw a 4% increase in viewership, and the network’s pregame show was up by 26%.

The NBA League Pass subscriptions are up by 12%, with global viewership increasing by 13%. The league also generated 19.6 billion views on social media platforms and the NBA App, up 22% from the previous year. The most-watched games included matchups featuring the Lakers and the Warriors, with the Lakers-Celtics Christmas game drawing 5 million viewers.

Ongoing Media Rights Negotiations

The NBA is currently in the midst of negotiating new media rights deals, with its exclusive negotiating window with Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery set to expire. The league is exploring agreements with new partners, including Amazon, Apple, YouTube TV, Comcast’s NBCUniversal/Peacock, and Netflix.

The NBA aims to double the $24 billion from its previous media rights deal by adding new partners and charging more for rights. The league is looking for a “robust” streaming partner to prioritize marketing and reach for its games. Discussions with Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery are ongoing, with the possibility of bringing in additional partners to share the financial burden.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s TBS has been airing NBA games since 1984, and TNT since 1988. Disney’s ESPN and ABC have broadcast NBA games since 2002. The NBA’s last negotiation in 2014 saw the league double the price for rights from the previous agreement. This time, the discussions are more complex, with the potential addition of a third party.

The value of live sports programming has increased significantly, making it more valuable to advertisers. Last year’s NBA playoffs were the most-watched in 11 years across TNT, ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV. The 2023-24 NBA regular season averaged 1.09 million viewers, up 1% from the previous year, marking the highest across-network average in four years.

Our Advice on the City

For those visiting Los Angeles, the city offers a vibrant mix of opportunities and experiences. If you’re an entrepreneur, consider exploring the local startup ecosystem. Many accelerators and incubators offer public events, workshops, and networking opportunities that can provide valuable insights and connections.

For basketball enthusiasts, catching an NBA game at the Crypto.com Arena is a must. The atmosphere is electric, and you might even catch a glimpse of some of the biggest stars in the league. Additionally, keep an eye on the ongoing media rights negotiations, as they could bring exciting changes to how you watch NBA games in the future.

For seasoned travelers, consider exploring the lesser-known neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Areas like Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Highland Park offer unique cultural experiences, trendy eateries, and vibrant street art. These neighborhoods provide a different perspective on the city, away from the typical tourist spots.

In conclusion, Los Angeles continues to thrive as a hub for innovation and entertainment. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to launch your next big idea or a basketball fan eager to catch a game, the city has something to offer. Embrace the dynamic energy of LA and discover the endless possibilities it holds.