The next chapter in our examination of Silicon Beach includes using technology to simplify one’s lifestyle.
As a defining landscape, Silicon Beach has drawn loads of money to its innovative tech development. One area in particular focused on entertainment and social media, lead by the social media platform, SnapChat, a tech titan which emerged in 2011 as a multimedia messaging mobile app founded by Evan Spiegel. Soon after, venture capitalists and investors swamped into Silicon Beach on the expectation for finding the next Snapchat. As early as 2012, Rip Empson, a journalist and writer who covers tech and startups, ranked Silicon Beach as the third ecosystem for startups in Startup Genome. However, the next surge in tech isn’t just with social media, it’s in the simplification of everyday activities.
Imagine sitting on your couch watching your favorite TV show, and suddenly got an urge for a mediterranean chicken wrap with hummus. What do you do next? Well, you can use ChowNow, the food ordering app which allows you to search for, order, and have delivered, any offering from their extensive list of participating restaurants. Hunger solved.
Startups like ChowNow have increasingly uprooted in Silicon Beach in recent years. Because of the dynamic and customizable environment of LA, lifestyle-centered startups have become the next trend in Silicon Beach. According to Built In LA’s 50 Startups to Watch in 2018, almost half of startups focus on changing or improving current lifestyle and among them, five look to disrupt the food industry: Chef’d, ChowNow, SnackNation, Local Roots Farm, and Ordermark.
The industry-leading ChowNow, “a fast-growing tech company on a mission to give restaurants a competitive edge with best-in-class mobile and online ordering technology” was established in 2010, and had over 6,500 restaurants nationwide in their system last year. It focuses on both customers and restaurants, and to appease both sides simultaneously. When you order on the mobile app, it creates a real-time tracking of your order until it is delivered to your place. The company aims to provide a faster and easier way of connecting restaurants and customers, especially those customers who “live and work online.” This year, ChowNow reached over 8,000 clients and raised $20 million in funding with their efforts so far.
With over 500 tech companies residing in its various westside area, Silicon Beach is defined as the “hotbed” for young entrepreneurs as well as a catalyst for bringing a new wave of lifestyle-revolutionizing companies to Southern California. Can’t wait to see what’s next!