Latest news with #Portola
Geek Wire
07-07-2025
- Business
- Geek Wire
AI companionship app Tolan raises $20M to help more people grow with a virtual alien friend
GeekWire's startup coverage documents the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial scene. Sign up for our weekly startup newsletter , and check out the GeekWire funding tracker and venture capital directory . The Tolan app features AI companions from Planet Portola. They are designed to help users feel grounded and confident, according to the startup that created them. (Tolan Image) The startup behind the colorful, animated AI companions called Tolan raised $20 million in new funding and has seen significant traction since officially launching earlier this year. San Francisco-based Portola launched Tolan as an iOS app in February. The alien creatures — from the Planet Portola — are matched to a user based on a personality interview. They are designed to offer companionship and conversation about any topic, from what to make for dinner to how to study for an exam. The company says the personalized AI learns and grows based on its interactions with a human user. The startup is led by Seattle-based co-founder and CEO Quinten Farmer. He was the co-founder and former CEO of Even, a venture-backed fintech startup that was acquired by Walmart in 2022 for $300 million. Portola's other co-founders include CTO Evan Goldschmidt and President Ajay Mehta. Farmer said Tolan has seen more than 3 million downloads, more than 100,000 paid users, and over $1 million per month in revenue since launching. But while more people are gaining a connection to their Tolan, Farmer said it's important to have an impact on people's lives away from their time on their phones using AI. 'We specifically care about tracking changes in people's feelings of agency and self confidence and in the stability/health of their real world relationships,' he said, citing a study of 602 Tolan users that found that those who use the app multiple times per week reported significant emotional gains. Axios reported in March on the divide between people who are turning to AI for emotional support and those who view bots as a poor substitute for real human connection. The Series A round was led by Khosla Ventures and managing director Keith Rabois. Portola previously raised a $10 million seed round led by Lachy Groom, a former executive at Stripe who co-founded Physical Intelligence, an AI startup that raised $400 million from Jeff Bezos and others. Portola backers also include Nat Friedman (former GitHub CEO); Daniel Gross (ex-Apple AI); Amjad Masad (Replit CEO); Mike Krieger (Instagram co-founder); David Luan (OpenAI, Amazon); and others. Tolan is monetized through a subscription model — users can pay $4.99 week, or $10/month, or about $70/year. 'We're releasing a free version of the product for the first time later this month,' Farmer said. 'Given the virality of the product and the cost of AI inference, we wanted to be well capitalized prior to that release.' Portola employs 12 people and currently hiring for key engineering hires.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fire breaks out at deck of SF home in Portola neighborhood
(KRON) — Crews are responding to a house fire that broke out Monday evening in San Francisco's Portola neighborhood, the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) said. The fire broke out around 5:40 p.m. at a two-story home at 812 Goettingen St. No reports of injuries or displaced residents were mentioned by SFFD. Officials say crews have contained the fire that was on the back deck floor of the residence. Video of SFFD's response to the fire can be viewed in the media player above. Marina District gastropub shuts down after 16 years in San Francisco Fire breaks out in Vacaville where crews were conducting prescribed burn SFFD firefighters remain on scene for cleanup, along with performing salvage and overhaul. The public was asked to avoid the area of Goettingen Street between Olmstead and Mansell. SFFD first posted about the fire at 6:12 p.m. on X. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AEG Presents' Global Partnerships Promotes Joe Jaeger to Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Strategy
Longtime Marketing Executive to Help Drive Strategic Brand Strategy Across AEG Presents' Music Portfolio Hi-res photo available for download HERE LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AEG Presents, a global leader in live entertainment, today announced the promotion of Joe Jaeger to Vice President, Integrated Marketing and Strategy within its Global Partnerships division. In this new role, Jaeger will continue to lead the marketing team while expanding his responsibilities to include strategic development across AEG's extensive portfolio of live music properties. As in his previous role, Jaeger will report to Alexandra McArthur, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships, AEG Presents and will remain based in Los Angeles. Now in his seventh year with AEG Presents, Jaeger has played a key role in shaping brand partnerships and marketing efforts for some of the most recognized festivals in the country, including Stagecoach: California's Country Music Festival, Portola, as well as for AEG Presents venues nationwide. "Joe has consistently brought strategic thinking, creativity, and a strong understanding of how to connect brands with live music fans," said McArthur. "He's been instrumental in driving growth across our platforms, and I'm excited to see him step into this expanded leadership role." Prior to joining AEG Presents, Jaeger spent nearly four years with iHeartMedia in New York City, where he worked in the marketing solutions division focused on national live events. He launched his career in the entertainment industry at Fiur Productions in New York City, later joining the Integrated Marketing division at MTV, where he played a key role in developing branded content and sponsorship activations for music-driven programming. "I'm honored to take on this new role," said Jaeger. "AEG Presents has built an incredible ecosystem of festivals and venues, and I'm excited to continue developing meaningful, forward-thinking partnerships that elevate both the fan experience and our brand relationships." ABOUT AEG PRESENTS Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across five continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, Buckeye Country Superfest, Rock En Seine and All Points East — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as Justin Bieber, Zach Bryan, Sabrina Carpenter, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Celine Dion, Elton John, Carin León, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Tyler, The Creator, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as The Bowery Presents, Cárdenas Marketing Network, Concerts West, Frontier Touring, Goldenvoice, Marshall Arts, MCT Agentur, Messina Touring Group, PromoWest Productions, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACTS: AEG PresentsDennis Dennehyddennehy@ AEG Global PartnershipsShannon Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
AEG Presents' Global Partnerships Promotes Joe Jaeger to Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Strategy
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AEG Presents, a global leader in live entertainment, today announced the promotion of Joe Jaeger to Vice President, Integrated Marketing and Strategy within its Global Partnerships division. In this new role, Jaeger will continue to lead the marketing team while expanding his responsibilities to include strategic development across AEG's extensive portfolio of live music properties. As in his previous role, Jaeger will report to Alexandra McArthur, Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships, AEG Presents and will remain based in Los Angeles. Now in his seventh year with AEG Presents, Jaeger has played a key role in shaping brand partnerships and marketing efforts for some of the most recognized festivals in the country, including Stagecoach: California's Country Music Festival, Portola, as well as for AEG Presents venues nationwide. 'Joe has consistently brought strategic thinking, creativity, and a strong understanding of how to connect brands with live music fans,' said McArthur. 'He's been instrumental in driving growth across our platforms, and I'm excited to see him step into this expanded leadership role.' Prior to joining AEG Presents, Jaeger spent nearly four years with iHeartMedia in New York City, where he worked in the marketing solutions division focused on national live events. He launched his career in the entertainment industry at Fiur Productions in New York City, later joining the Integrated Marketing division at MTV, where he played a key role in developing branded content and sponsorship activations for music-driven programming. 'I'm honored to take on this new role,' said Jaeger. 'AEG Presents has built an incredible ecosystem of festivals and venues, and I'm excited to continue developing meaningful, forward-thinking partnerships that elevate both the fan experience and our brand relationships.' ABOUT AEG PRESENTS Combining the power of the live event with a focus on true artist development, AEG Presents is a world leader in the music and entertainment industries. Operating across five continents, the company has an unparalleled commitment to artistry, creativity, and community. Its tentpole festivals and multi-day music events — which include the iconic Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival alongside British Summer Time at Hyde Park, Stagecoach, Hangout Festival, Electric Forest, Buckeye Country Superfest, Rock En Seine and All Points East — continue to set the bar for the live music experience. AEG Presents promotes global tours for artists such as Justin Bieber, Zach Bryan, Sabrina Carpenter, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Celine Dion, Elton John, Carin León, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Tyler, The Creator, in addition to — through its network of clubs, theatres, arenas, stadiums and renowned partner brands such as The Bowery Presents, Cárdenas Marketing Network, Concerts West, Frontier Touring, Goldenvoice, Marshall Arts, MCT Agentur, Messina Touring Group, PromoWest Productions, and Zero Mile Presents — creating and developing an unmatched infrastructure for artist development and audience reach. More information can be found at
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Portola Reveals 2025 Lineup With LCD Soundsystem, Chemical Brothers, and The Prodigy
The post Portola Reveals 2025 Lineup With LCD Soundsystem, Chemical Brothers, and The Prodigy appeared first on Consequence. San Francisco's Portola has unveiled its 2025 lineup led by LCD Soundsystem, The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, The Prodigy, Moby (performing his album PLAY in full), Christina Aguilera, Peggy Gou, and Dom Dolla. Get LCD Soundsystem Tickets Here Organized by Goldenvoice, the San Francisco-based dance and electronic festival returns to Pier 80 on Saturday, September 20th and Sunday, September 21st. Other notable acts featured on the 2025 lineup include Anti Up (Chris Lake & Chris Lorenzo), Dev Hynes' Blood Orange, Mau P, The Rapture, Arca, Caribou, Duke Dumont, 2manydjs b2b Erol Alkan, The Blessed Madonna b2b Tiga, Magdalena Bay, Rico Nasty, The Dare, Brutalismus 3000, Bob Moses, Kelly Lee Owens, Boy Harsher, Kreayshawn, and Ravyn Lenae, among others. Plus, DESPACIO, the high-powered sound system and immersive audio experience designed by LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy and David and Stephen Dewaele of 2ManyDJs, will be on site at Portola for its San Francisco debut. A ticket pre-sale for Portola 2025, including 2-Day GA ($starting at $399.95); VIP ($649.95); and VIP XL ($1,599.95), as well as one day passes, will go on sale beginning Wednesday, May 14th at 12:00 p.m. PT. A public ticket on-sale will follow on Thursday, May 15th at 12:00 p.m. PT. Layaway payment plans will be available. Visit the festival's website for more information. Editor's Note: If you're planning to attend Portola 2025, you can save 15% off travel and accommodations through Sign up for our weekly live music email digest for the latest tour and festival announcements, pre-sale ticket codes, and more. 1tbsp 2manydjs b2b Erol Alkan Anti Up (Chris Lake & Chris Lorenzo) Arc De Soleil Arca Bad Juuju Blawan Blood Orange Bob Moses Bolis Pupul Boy Harsher Brutalismus 3000 Caribou Chris Stussy Christina Aguilera Confidence Man Dabeull Live Band Despacio DJ Gigola Dom Dolla Duke Dumont Dylan Brady HAAi Hamdi Haute & Freddy Horse Meat Disco Jazzy b2b KILIMANJARO Kelly Lee Owens KI/KI Kreayshawn Kumo 99 LCD Soundsystem Loukeman Magdalena Bay Malugi Maribou State Marie Davidson Mau P MOBY LIVE nate sib NEIL FRANCES presents CLUB NF Nick León Noga Erez Oppidan Peggy Gou Prospa b2b KETTAMA Ravyn Lenae Rico Nasty salute SHEE Ski Aggu SKIIS Swimming Paul The Blessed Madonna b2b Tiga The Chemical Brothers (DJ set) The Dare The Hellp The Prodigy The Rapture Underworld Villager X CLUB. ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U Zack Fox Popular Posts Drummer Chris Adler Opens Up on What Led to Firing from Lamb of God Stephen King's The Long Walk Movie Gets Long-Awaited Trailer: Watch Jazz Pianist Matthew Shipp Derides André 3000's New Piano Project: "Complete and Utter Crap" Say It in Ghor: How Andor Brought a Brand New Language to Star Wars Metallica Perform "Enter Sandman" at Virginia Tech Stadium 25 Years After It Became School Tradition: Watch Nicolas Cage Says He Is "Mistaken" for Nick Cave Almost Every Day Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
