FUNDING
Newport Beach digital health firm BodyMatter Inc., developer of the SleepWatch app, has closed a $3 million seed round.
The investment includes participation from K5 Ventures, entrepreneurs from Google and Facebook and others, according to BodyMatter co-founder and CEO Ryan Archdeacon.
Co-founded by Archdeacon and pulmonologist Dr. Eugene Spiritus in 2016, BodyMatter is developing SleepWatch, a “data-driven sleep enhancement” app that helps users shift their lifestyle choices that hinder sleep, according to the company. It counts millions of users globally.
“The perfect night of sleep is a matter of choice—not happenstance,” Archdeacon said. “In order for an individual to improve their sleep, they need to understand the changes they need to make in their lifestyle.”
Funds will be used to grow the SleepWatch platform and BodyMatter’s team of 16.
According to Archdeacon, the startup is looking for a VP of growth, a senior product manager, and non-senior management roles in “the days and weeks ahead.”
“Even though we have significant traction today, 62% of consumers in the U.S. struggle with sleep,” he said. “We have a ways to go before we can help the 130 million adults who are struggling to get the sleep they need.”
PRODUCTS
Costa Mesa marketing agency Blue C has added a new-to-market rolled chip product based in OC, Chipoys, to its growing client portfolio.
Blue C, which has previously worked with Monster Energy, Cholula Hot Sauce and Smartwater, will help Chipoys develop the snack brand’s identity, value proposition, key audience and marketing assets, the company said.
“I worked with Blue C for many years when I was at Monster Energy prior to launching Chipoys, so when I decided it was time to launch my own CPG product, I knew I needed their branding and marketing powerhouses to lead the way,” Chipoys co-founder Erick Kozin said.
“In a competitive sea of snacks offerings, our ultimate goal is to develop an authentic, interesting brand that can effectively express its values to its target audience and attract growth,” Blue C’s Chief Operating Officer Eric Morley said in a statement.
Blue contracted with Chipoys in 2021; its line of rolled chips will first launch this year in the United States and eventually, Latin America and Canada. At launch, Chipoys will be sold in three flavors: Fire Red Hot, Lemon Chile and Spicy Ranch.
Laguna Niguel-based Puréfi Air Systems LLC announced Jan. 25 it has become an authorized distributor for air purification technology ActivePure in Orange County. The system adds a “much-needed extra layer” of protection against airborne and surface bacteria, mold and viruses, including the coronavirus, the company said.
“I am very excited to be bringing this technology to all Orange County residents and businesses,” Puréfi Chief Executive Kaeli Wilson said in a statement. Working with ActivePure “allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who suffer from indoor air pollution.”
The company reports devices powered by ActivePure, which include heating and air conditioning units, reduce various airborne and surface pathogens by up to 99.9%.
PARTNERSHIPS
Irvine-based Westcliff University announced Jan. 27 a partnership with angel investor network Tech Coast Angels (TCA) to “offer students entrepreneurial insights and opportunities.”
The new partnership will allow TCA to host biweekly pitch sessions for startups seeking investment capital on Westcliff’s campus, the school said.
“As an organization that’s always been dedicated to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students, this partnership will not only enhance their educational experiences, but also expose them to TCA members who bring a breadth and depth of vital entrepreneurial insights,” Westcliff University CEO Anthony Lee said in a statement.
Since its founding in 1997, TCA reported investing over $255 million in more than 500 companies; Westcliff University counts 4,000 enrolled students.
TCA Orange County President Lisa Walker said: “Being onsite with their Incubator and Innovation Hub creates opportunities for TCA to work with their students and faculty to identify potential startups for funding and support, while our analysis and due diligence process offers many learning opportunities for Westcliff student entrepreneurs.”
E-COMMERCE
Irvine-based inkjet and printer provider Roland DGA Corp. announced Jan. 27 the launch of its “completely redesigned” Roland DGA Online Store.
The new e-commerce portal, accessible on desktop and smartphones, has received a “total makeover,” resulting in more intuitive navigation, and a simpler check-out process, the company said. It’s a “one-stop shop” for Roland DG parts and accessories, as well as some consumables.
“Our team has made extensive customer-facing and back-end changes to make the overall customer experience more enjoyable, efficient, and convenient,” Roland DGA Senior Product Manager Lily Hunter said.
Roland DGA is a subsidiary of Japan-based Roland DG Corp., and serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution and service arm for the parent company.
EXEC HIRES
Planet DDS, a Newport Beach-based dental software company, has appointed Stanford University alumnus Matt Walker as its first chief customer officer.
As CCO, Walker will report directly to Planet DDS’ CEO Eric Giesecke and “drive growth through customer-centric initiatives and strategies,” the company said.
Walker previously served as chief operating officer at Texas-based software firm ESO and regional president of San Diego digital health company Sharecare Health Data Services.
“Matt is an accomplished, strategic leader, with over three decades of experience growing and integrating large teams,” Giesecke said in a statement. “By adding Matt, we reaffirm Planet DDS’ commitment to growth and to delivering a first-class client experience.”
Founded in 2003, Planet DDS is an independent provider of cloud-based software for dental practices. In August 2020, it acquired dental diagnostic software firm Apteryx Imaging.
“Planet DDS is uniquely positioned to positively impact dental practices and patients,” Walker said.
