New York City tech raises $154 million in one week
After a brief dip in activity over the holidays, NYC tech is already at it again, raising an astounding $154 million in the past week alone. Comprising some of the top rounds were healthtech startup Cityblock Health, taking home $28 million in its Series A round; finance management software MoneyLion raising $42 million in its Series B round; and big data firm Collibra scoring $58 million in its Series D round. [Crunchbase]
Discovery Communications set to complete NYC relocation by 2019
Discovery Communications, parent company of the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and TLC in addition to all Scripps brands, is saying farewell to its longtime home of Silver Springs, Maryland, and setting its sights on NYC. Over the coming year, the company will gradually downsize its Maryland footprint as it expands its NYC base. [New York Business Journal]
If this law passes, NYC-based Airbnb renters could see a major boost in traffic — and taxes
Though city hall and landlords alike have put no small effort into regulating the presence of Airbnb in the five boroughs, a new law could see these regulations eased. Republican Senator John Bonacic recently introduced a modernized version of the “Multiple Dwelling Law,” which would allow the city to collect hotel taxes on short-term rentals. Opponents of the bill are concerned loosening restrictions on Airbnb could contribute to the city’s already dangerous housing shortage. [New York Business Journal]
Knotel sets up shop on an entire floor of the coveted 560 Lexington address
One of Midtown Manhattan’s most coveted addresses is welcoming a new tenant to the entire, 17,000-square-foot, seventh floor. 560 Lexington Avenue will now be occupied by Knotel, the “headquarters as a service” operation which is rapidly expanding their NYC footprint. The building recently underwent numerous architectural renovations and will be occupied by Knotel for the remainder of a 10-year lease. [Press Release]
Designer Kate Spade enters the wearables game with new line of chic watches
For all you style-savvy techies out there, your dreams have been made a reality in the form of the Kate Spade New York Scallop Touchscreen Smartwatch (say that three times fast). The features are as bountiful as the name is long: powered by Android Wear 2.0, the watch face changes color to match your outfit and coordinates with Google Assistant for all of your on-the-fly needs. If you’re already thinking ahead to Valentine’s Day gifts (for yourself or otherwise), expect to spend between $295 and $325 on the watch. [TechCrunch]
Tech leaders found new VC firm with focus on advertising and marketing
A brand new venture capital firm, MathCapital, aims to fund the next generation of advertising and marketing technology. Founders and partners of the new fund include Joe Zawadzki, CEO and founder of MediaMath, as well as Eric Franchi, formerly of Undertone. The new firm will leverage the resources of MediaMath, a Financial District-based marketing technology company. MathCapital will operate out of the same building at 4 World Trade Center. [Press Release]
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