MakieLab Named LA Tech Summit 2015 "Shark Tank" Competition Winner

November 18, 2015

MakieLab Named LA Tech Summit

2015 "Shark Tank" Competition Winner

SANTA MONICA, Calif.— Nov. 19, 2015 — Four of Los Angeles’ hottest start-ups battled it out in front of a panel of the city’s leading tech influencers at the LA Tech Summit this past Tuesday for the chance to receive $5,000, as well as the honor of being named the 2015 Shark Tank competition winner. MakieLab, the customizable toy manufacturer, earned the top prize, with Sensay, the on-demand marketplace for answers, named the runner-up, event organizer Cornerstone OnDemand announced today.

A 2015 Disney Accelerator start-up, MakieLab is an entertainment play space for young people that allows users to download and print 3D dolls and accessories. The company uses 3D printing to enable mass customization of toys. Since completing the Disney Accelerator program, MakieLab has signed a three-year licensing contract with Disney, Pixar and Marvel for outfits and accessories for Makie dolls.

Based in Venice, Calif., Sensay offers on-demand help from humans for anything users need to know now. An Amplify LA portfolio company, Sensay launched a private beta that has facilitated two million messages helping users with everything from acquiring funding to finding a job

The two additional Los Angeles startups competing in the Shark Tank included:

  • FAMA, a cloud-based platform that offers employers actionable insight into a candidate’s digital footprint


  • FEM Inc., a media technology company that delivers engaging video experiences for any website or app

Moderated by tech entrepreneur Jason Nazar, each presenting company received expert counsel from a judging panel of notable tech influencers, including Baron Davis, former professional basketball player and venture partner of Plus Capital; Chris Ovitz, co-CEO of Workpop; and Scott Marlette, co-founder of GoodRX

Comments on the News
"Each year the Shark Tank participants exhibit heightened creativity, leveraging emerging technology in new and inspiring ways and further cementing Los Angeles as one of the best places in the world to foster and grow a technology company,” said Chirag Shah, vice president of finance and strategy, Cornerstone OnDemand. “MakieLab and Sensay are among the most exciting start-ups in Los Angeles, and we can’t wait to see them realize their potential."

"The four companies we saw today – FAMA, FEM Inc., MakieLab, and Sensay – all showed great promise and made for a thrilling Shark Tank competition,” said Jason Nazar, moderator and tech entrepreneur. “The passion, drive, and sheer level of ambition in Los Angeles make for this to be such an exciting time to be a young company here."

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