SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater and Evolv Technology, an artificial intelligence-based weapons detection security screening company, entered into a …

SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater and Evolv Technology, an artificial intelligence-based weapons detection security screening company, entered into a multi-year partnership to bring Evolv's threat detection technology to the venues' entries. The company did not disclose financials of the agreement. As part of the agreement, Evolv was named the "Official Weapons Detection Screening Systems Provider" for the venues, which are located at Hollywood Park, the 300-acre development being built in Inglewood by Los Angeles Rams owner and chairman Stan Kroenke. Otto Benedict, senior vice president of facility and campus operations at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, said the safety and experience of guests was a key driver to the partnership. SoFi Stadium and YouTube Theater employ Evolv Express systems, which use sensor technology with artificial intelligence to provide threat detection at high volume and speed.

ServiceTitan, which makes operating software for electricians, plumbers and the like, is stepping up its game by developing artificial intelligence of the type normally used by more sophisticated companies to streamline repetitive tasks and bring data to decision-making. ServiceTitan, the software developer for tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers, has moved into artificial intelligence. The Glendale company unveiled Titan Intelligence, or TI, at its Pantheon 2022 conference for its customers, including business owners, managers, IT and finance team members. The event was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on April 20-22. Anmol Bhasin, chief technology officer for ServiceTitan, said he previously worked with AI at Salesforce.com Inc. and Groupon Inc., and his goal is to bring the same types of services that those companies offer to the trades.

Los Angeles County's most prominent start-up investor just got bigger. Upfront Ventures closed June with the announcement of a $400-million investment fund that it plans to spend on dozens of start-ups in the next couple of years. It's believed to be Los Angeles County's largest-ever venture capital fund by raw number, though Upfront Ventures' $390-million investment fund in 2000 comes out far on top when adjusted for inflation. Still, it beats the $280 million that Upfront Ventures picked up at the end of 2014. Mark Suster, managing partner at the firm, declined to provide specifics about the returns that prior funds have generated.

Los Angeles start-up Coin-In develops mobile games, pictured above, aimed at driving gamblers back into casinos. It's among companies recently backed by Tech Coast Angeles members. Los Angeles start-up Coin-In develops mobile games, pictured above, aimed at driving gamblers back into casinos. It's among companies recently backed by Tech Coast Angeles members. He says concern about missing the boat on Los Angeles' next big thing is the most noticeable local trend during the first quarter.