Startups Reveal

Los Angeles is a massive, segmented city where loyalties to individual neighborhoods run deep. This dedication to individual parts of LA often translates into the world of business, with different companies swearing one part of LA is the perfect place to operate a business, while others claim another. We talked with startups across the city to find out what they think is best about their neighborhood.

Gem

Neighborhood: Venice

Resident Since: 2013

Gem’s loyalty to Venice is part of the company’s identity. Since being founded in 2013, the startup has had three offices — all in Venice. Now located a block from the boardwalk, the growing blockchain startup is part of a well-established community within the LA tech ecosystem.

Favorite part about working in Venice?

“In a lot of ways Venice is a gritty beach town version of Cheers — you’ll often find one of us at Menotti’s for a morning coffee, which is half part love of coffee and half adventure being greeted by the regulars and staff while listening to vinyl being spun behind the counter. Being a visual person, I draw a lot from the gritty graphics and art that adorn the sidewalks, walls and alleys which can be visually inspiring. Another major perk is taking walking meetings, whether it’s to the Canals or roaming among the tourists and street performers on the boardwalk.” — Jeff Shelton, VP Product.

Best happy hour?

“The best happy hour in the neighborhood is at High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin. Not only is it a stone’s throw from the Gem office, but the clear view of the sunset over the ocean is unbeatable. The grouped couch seating encourages conversation and the cocktails are delicious.” — Sabrina Schamis, Executive Assistant.

Favorite restaurant near work?

“This is a tough one! Odds are that on any given day of the week, lunch or dinner, you’ll find a Gem employee at Tocaya Organica. Not only is it the closest restaurant to us but it’s one of the best, with a fresh, modern Mexican theme. We’ve joked that we need to negotiate an all you can eat account for a month.” — Jeff Shelton, VP Product.

What works so well about the neighborhood you guys are in?

“Venice’s eclectic, artistic and, well, weird culture naturally breeds creativity. We are located in a melting pot of interesting people and art, and it works well for our culture of embracing diverse thought and finding new ways of solving old problems. The area is walkable and our lunch spots are overrun with other technology companies. This palpable sense of community has established Venice Beach as a vibrant tech hub.” — Micah Winkelspecht, Founder & CEO

PatientPop

Neighborhood: Santa Monica

Resident Since: 2014

Since the company was founded in 2014, PatientPop has known no other home than Santa Monica. The city, known for its dense collection of startups, might be known as the unofficial capital of Silicon Beach, but to the PatientPop team, it’s just home.

Favorite part about working in Santa Monica?

“My favorite part about working in Santa Monica is being just a few steps away from some of the best restaurants, bars and shopping in West LA. It’s an added bonus that I get to explore these places with my coworkers.” — Tyler Barnett, Team Lead Web Design

“I love that I can see the ocean from my desk” — Andrea Weisz, Sr. Manager of Customer Success

Best happy hour?

“I love Mercado. They have a solid happy hour menu and the hibiscus margarita is great!” — Rose Chute, People Operations Coordinator

“If you’re looking for a happy hour to watch the sunset over the Pacific, Hotel Shangri-La is the place. Their bartenders make incredible Tequila Gimlets and the view from their rooftop is pristine.” — Nicole Shook, Sales Development Representative

Favorite restaurant near work?

“The Craftsman, because of the food options. Their tater tots are dangerously good. Go spicy, if you dare!” — Tina Pan, QA Automation Engineer

“I recently tried 1212 and it was amazing! If you are indecisive — like me — just order ‘The Burger!’ Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!” — Jazimar Jones, Website Designer

According to Co-Founder and Co-CEO Luke Kervin, Santa Monica offers the exact setting he imagined when he and his co-founder (and co-CEO) Travis Schneider conceived the idea for PatientPop.

What works so well about the neighborhood you guys are in?

“We love our location (2nd St. and Wilshire Boulevard) because we’re not in a corporate office park — we’re in the heart of the city! PatientPop isn’t a traditional company, and we like to provide the best to our employees, so renting out a cubicle-filled space in an office park was never an option. It has everything our team could want: ocean views, the beach a few blocks away, great shopping, tons of restaurants within walking distance and the Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays. It feels like an exciting place to be.”

FabFitFun, Inc.

Neighborhood: West Hollywood

Resident Since: 2010

Although known to many for its rich musical history, West Hollywood has slowly developed into a booming tech scene. E-commerce startup FabFitFun has called the area home since being founded in 2010.

Favorite part about working in West Hollywood?

“WeHo has been voted the most walkable city in California! It’s awesome having so many restaurants, fitness studios and places to do errands to choose from. I live in West Hollywood, which I felt was a major bonus when I was job searching, since so many tech companies are on the west side. I love that we can attract candidates who are looking for a different work-life balance that live in central/east LA and don’t have to suffer through a commute.” — Angela Mayhew, Senior Recruiter

“Being in the center of everything! The energy is like nowhere else in LA. Everything is close — the aesthetic and design are unique and creative; everything is Instagrammable! Overall the vibe is great. Clean, fun and so easy to walk around with so much to do. You can eat at a different restaurant every night.” — Caitlin Logan, Director of Customer Support

Favorite Happy Hours

“The Den, Hudson, Tortilla Republic.” — Angela Mayhew, Senior Recruiter

“Toca Madera.” — Monica Chang, Editorial Coordinator

“Rodger Room or EP LP Rooftop.” — Caitlin Logan, Director of Customer Support

Favorite Restaurant

“Toast, Zinque, Gracias Madre.” — Angela Mayhew, Senior Recruiter

“Fig & Olive, Alfred Tea & Coffee.” — Monica Chang, Editorial Coordinator

“Backyard Bowls, Soda Pops, Alfreds, Real Food Daily, Kreation, Blue Bottle.” — Caitlin Logan, Director of Customer Support

According to Co-Founder and CEO Daniel Brouhkim, West Hollywood’s central location in Los Angeles is just one of the many benefits it possesses.

What works so well about the neighborhood you guys are in?

“This neighborhood is centrally located in the heart of LA with a ton of restaurants, shops and stores in the area. It’s hip, young and eclectic; a lot of movers, shakers and people who hustle in the community. This neighborhood is always growing and changing. We’re able to connect with the best of the best.”

Source: BuiltinLA