The game, called 52 Essential Coping Skills, allows players to navigate and overcome anxiety, stress, life transitions and traumatic events. It is available for $24.99.
The new product “provides educators and families with a fun and engaging tool to promote the development of socio-emotional competencies,” said Richard Arum, dean of the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine.
Mind Brain Parenting, part of the Wayfinder incubator at UCI Beall Applied Innovation, previously developed two card games that build emotional intelligence and literacy among children.
“The playful format of the card decks creates a non-threatening resource to stimulate productive conversations around socio-emotional development,” Arum said.
The company’s interactive card games have been used at home and in schools in all 50 states and over 44 countries since inception in 2018.
The Valet 3 uses advanced wireless charging technology from Chandler, Ariz.-based tech firm Aira and incorporates luxury materials into its design through a series of strategic partnerships.
For example, customers can select a frame made out of the same material as a baby grand piano or a top cover made of Lamborghini leather.
“Our hope is to revolutionize wireless charging, not only because of the technology being used, but also because of the fine selection of materials available to consumers,” Chief Executive Shawn Dougherty said.
“You can design the device to complement any space.”
Dougherty previously co-founded Tustin-based smartphone battery case maker Mophie, which was reportedly acquired for at least $100 million by Zagg Inc. in 2016.
Volonic, which has raised about $1.5 million in capital since its founding, will create an entire portfolio of high-tech, luxury smartphone accessories, Dougherty said.
Volonic has about 10 employees and is working with Costa Mesa-based venture studio Operate.
NEW HIRES
GATC Health of Irvine announced Jonathan Lakey will lead the development of the company’s diabetes diagnoses and treatment platform. He also joined its board of advisors.
Lakey is a professor of surgery and biomedical engineering and the director of the clinical islet program at the University of California, Irvine. He is also a co-developer of the Edmonton protocol, which is a method of implantation of pancreatic islets that stimulates insulin production for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes.
“I am tasked with assembling a world-class team of scientific and technical experts to further develop a diabetes-focused platform utilizing the company’s Multiomics Advanced Technology,” Lakey said.
GATC’s platform analyzes biological datasets known as multiomics, such as genomes and microbiomes, to provide insight into individual health risks and potential treatments.
Lakey added, “The GATC Health diabetes platform has the potential to revolutionize the way we detect diabetes before it develops in an individual and possibly arrest its progression through new treatments and transplantation protocols.”
PARTNERSHIPS
The City of Irvine recently renewed its COVID-19 testing contract with Curogram Inc.
Curogram of Irvine has facilitated more than 32,000 tests for Irvine residents to date.
The company is eligible to receive up to $33,200 in additional payments for its services through May 21, according to city filings. The contract renewal brings Curogram’s total not-to-exceed amount to $403,050.
Curogram started in 2016 as a communications platform for doctors and patients. The HIPPA-compliant platform allows for web and mobile communications, automated appointment reminders, video visits, and more.
The company began providing COVID testing to Irvine residents at the Orange County Great Park in July. Curogram partnered with a number of local labs for the program including Costa Mesa-based Pangea Laboratory.
While Curogram’s telehealth business grew in 2020, the company also devoted resources to new COVID services such as a vaccine registration platform rolling out in New Jersey now.
It’s also worked with a number of national partners such as nonprofit Community Organized Relief Effort and the National Independent Soccer Association.
Curogram raised a $1.8 million seed round of financing from more than 80 medical professionals in late 2019.
FINANCING
Frost Giant Studios has raised $5 million in seed financing.
The money brings the total raised so far to about $9.7 million, following an earlier round in October.
Funds will support the Irvine-based firm, started last year by two Blizzard Entertainment veterans, as it develops a real-time strategy-based game.
Chief Executive Tim Morten and Chief Operating Officer Tim Campbell previously led production and design for StarCraft II and Warcraft III, respectively, which are considered two of the most successful real-time strategy games.
The company also announced it appointed James Anhalt, the former lead engineer for StarCraft II, its new chief architect.
Korean venture capital fund Kona Venture Partners, Global Founders Capital, Jared Smith, the co-founder of RXBAR protein bars and entrepreneur Eden Chen contributed to the newest round.
Other investors include Bitkraft Ventures, 1Up Ventures, GC Tracker, Riot Games and Griffin Gaming Partners.
Awkward Essentials, a Costa Mesa-based personal hygiene product maker, recently closed a $2.3 million seed round of financing led by Austin, Texas-based Unorthodox Ventures.
The company makes sponges to clean up bodily fluids; they retail for $15 and up for packages of 10.
“I founded Awkward Essentials to solve a personal need, and it sparked social dialogue that felt traditionally taboo,” said Chief Executive Frances Tang, a former marketing professional and photographer.
“As an Asian-American, female founder, it can be challenging to invent in a space that takes the awkward bedroom topics into the boardroom.”
Awkward Essentials launched in 2019 and has been recognized by a number of beauty and wellness magazines such as Cosmopolitan and PopSugar.
The company, which is currently hiring for marketing and social media positions, said it will use the funds to scale production for its main product and enhance its go-to-market strategy.
