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About Us

Only In LA

Tapping L.A. Innovation

USC is proud to call Los Angeles home. Fueled by a highly talented workforce that offers a broad and deep expertise in entertainment, technology, trade, medical devices, life sciences, research testing and diagnostics, higher education, and professional services, Los Angeles is a driving force in innovation across all sectors and industries. In fact, Southern California received more venture funding last year than New England – and was surpassed only by Silicon Valley! In its position as the capital of the Pacific Rim, Los Angeles' geography provides a unique position for global innovation expansion.

The breadth of industry and depth of funding means USC is uniquely position to bring meaningful innovations into the marketplace for the benefit of society. Discover what's new and what's next in Southern California, and how you can get involved in future innovations through the USC Stevens Institute.

Trends and Statistics

If Los Angeles County were a separate nation (with a gross product of $389.72 billion in 2001), it would rank 14th in the world, larger than Netherlands, Australia, Russia, Taiwan, Argentina and Switzerland. (Source: U.S. Conference of Mayors)



For the first time, SoCal beat New England in VC investing, making the region only second to Silicon Valley for number of deals and amount of funding ($835M / 83 deals in SoCal / Q3 2006) – PWC Report



Los Angeles produces 37.5% of the gross national product in California compared to 5.9% for the Silicon Valley and 13.2% for San Francisco. (Source: Mayors Report)



Metro LA is a leading and growing employer in biosciences. In 2005, LA was:

  • 1st in medical device employment
  • 2nd in research, testing, medical labs employment
  • Employment in LA county grew 10%, compared with 1% nationwide
SoCal Investors Industry Groups

Anthem Venture Partners
Avalon Ventures
Bio Star Private Equity Fund and LLC
Clearstone Venture Partners
DJF Frontier
Forward Ventures
ITU Ventures
Miramar Ventures
National Healthcare Services
NGEN Partners LLC
Okapi Venture Capital
Palomar Ventures
Redpoint Ventures
Rustic Canyon Partners
Shelter Capital Partners LLC
Sheperd Ventures

TechCoast Angels
Ventana Capital
Zone Ventures


Entretech
Entretech is the leading non-profit association supporting high tech companies in Greater Los Angeles with critical and practical business development resources and connections. We empower entrepreneurs to build new business through capital, education, people, and strategic partners.


LAVA
The Los Angeles Venture Association supports the development of emerging growth and middle market companies in Southern California by creating an environment to provide access to financial professional and technological resources.

LAVA is the oldest, most successful organization focused on the financing of companies from start to exit. Since 1985 we have been promoting the development and financing of emerging growth and middle market companies by organizing dynamic forums where entrepreneurs and executives actively meet and learn from fellow executives, investors, bankers, financial advisors and other providers of professional services.


OCTANe
OCTANe is fueling "innovation development" in Orange County and Southern California . By connecting people, capital and technology, OCTANe accelerates entrepreneurs and company development for Orange County 's biomedical and information technology community.


Technology Council
Founded in 1991, the Technology Council of Southern California has become a leading avenue for the region's technology leaders; providing event, connections, information and resources to aid in the success of companies.


Did you know?

Because of the unique geography and culture in Los Angeles, the city is a natural center for innovations and economic impact:

Los Angeles is the birthplace of the Mickey Mouse, Barbie, the DC-3, the Mazda Miata, the fortune cookie, the hot fudge sundae, the Space Shuttle and the Mars Exploration Rover.


USC is the largest private employer in Los Angeles


USC was the birthplace of the T-shirt


Zamboni machines, the ice rink resurfacers, were invented and are still being manufactured in Los Angeles.


There are more artists, writers, filmmakers, actors, dancers and musicians living and working in Los Angeles than any other city at any time in the history of civilization. There are more than 1,100 annual theatrical productions and 21 openings every week.


Los Angeles boasts the most museums of any city. There are also numerous art galleries and music, dance, theatre, and film offerings.