Unity Software files for IPO. The SF-based video game engine has filed to go public on the NYSE under the ticker “U.” Its IPO is especially notable given its rival Epic Games’ current quarrels with Apple. [Axios]
Sumo Logic and Snowflake going public too. In a busy week for Bay Area tech IPOs, software Sumo Logic company also announced it is filing for an IPO, and will be traded on the Nasdaq exchange under the ticker “SUMO.” Also this week, San Mateo-based cloud software company Snowflake also filed for its IPO. [MarketWatch, TechCrunch]
Cheetah launches community fridges. As part of its #FoodGiving campaign, the SF wholesale grocery delivery startup is aiming to stock fridges with food for the community throughout the Bay Area. The company has donated these items to food banks in the past but was inspired by a similar mutual aid effort in NYC to make its effort even more accessible. So far, two have been installed, one in San Jose and the other in Oakland. [Fast Company]
Apple acquires VR startup Spaces. Burbank-based Spaces, formerly a DreamWorks Animation project, used to focus on theme park attractions, but more recently has pivoted to video conferencing software. Apple has confirmed the deal, its latest in a number of AR/VR acquisitions, but neither party has said much beyond that. [Protocol]
Buffer’s head of PR on remote networking. By now, we’ve all acclimated (to varying degrees of success) to working remotely, but what about the networking opportunities we’re missing along the way? Buffer’s Hailley Griffis writes about how networking doesn’t have to go out the window even in this era of “WFH forever.” [Built In SF]
Scrum Ventures launches SmartCityX. The SF-based VC company’s new global studio program aims to redesign the “antiquated” accelerator process by connecting fledging startups with potential partners and advisors. The program will involve some 100 startups and former NBA All Star Baron Davis is on board as a partner and investor. [Medium]
Plastiq lands new CFO. The SF-based payment solutions provider just announced Wailun Chan is joining the company as its new CFO. Chan previously worked as VP of finance at LinkedIn. Plastiq boasts more than one million clients. [GlobeNewswire]
Hipcamp is rebounding after COVID. The SF company helps people find private land for them to camp on and has been dubbed the “Airbnb of the outdoors.” It struggled in the early days of the pandemic, but is now actively hiring, as well as scooping up competitor operations like those from Australian company Youcamp. [TechCrunch]
