Science Inc. is a Los Angeles–based startup studio that invests and offers expertise in corporations, in an attempt to bring them to profitability.[1]In2011, Michael Jones founded the organization and is the current chief executive officer.[1] Jones spent time serving with the company's Chief Executive Officers and investors on strategy, growth, and business development.[2][3]
Science Inc. initially received $10 million in backing from Eric Schmidt’s Tomorrow Ventures.[4] In 2013, Science Inc. raised $30 million in funding from Hearst Ventures, the investment arm of Hearst Corporation,[5] and was named to Fast Company’s list of The Most Innovative Companies. In 2015 Science Inc. raised $20 million in debt financing from Silver Lake Waterman.[6]
Dollar Shave Club launched with early investments and support from Science Inc.[7] Science Inc. was Dollar Shave Club’s first investor, before the startup raised a $1 million seed round in March 2012.[8][9][10][11][12] It was acquired by Unilever in 2016.[13]
Initial funding for the DogVacay was obtained from Science Inc.[14] DogVacay is a Santa Monica based company known for home dog boarding and other pet services.
Science Inc. funded an incubated HelloSociety, a social media marketing and technology firm that consults on strategic partnerships with influencers and market analytics.[15] The company was purchased by The New York Times in March 2016.[16][17]
In 2016, Science Inc. became one of the first investors in Plowz & Mowz, a gig-marketplacewebsite and app that connects consumers with freelancelandscapers. The company began by offering residential snow plowing services and has since expanded its scope to lawnmowing and over a dozen other outdoor home services.[18]
Other startups that have come from Science Inc. include HomeHero, FameBit, Hello.Me, Stunner Inc., Delicious,[19] Playhaven,[20] Kyoku,[21] Wishbone,[22] and Quarterly.[8] In the year 2016, FameBit was acquired by Google.[23]
In 2015, Science Inc. sold off its mobile advertising network PlayHaven to mobile game publisher RockYou.[24]s.
