Patent Attorney and Founder
From preparing for entrepreneurial events, filing a patent in Los Angeles, to finding the best mentors in Los Angeles, there’s no doubt that starting a business in the “City of Angels” can be such backbreaking work!
That’s why we created this comprehensive guide so that all LA startups know exactly where to start, as well as what their next steps are before filing for a patent (or two).
So without further ado, here are the top 20 essential resources for entrepreneurs and inventors in Los Angeles (plus a few bonus ones).
Universities
University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)
From its “innovative academics and groundbreaking research to its top-tier medical centers”, UCLA is one of the top schools in the nation. This is especially true when it comes to business and technology.
Not only did its faculty and alumni helped develop the Internet and pioneered reverse osmosis, but it also has more than more than 140 technology companies developed.
It is also home to the UCLA Anderson Venture Accelerator program, which is designed to help students utilize UCLA’s resources within the Anderson community.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Otherwise referred to as Throop University in 1891, the California Institute of Technology is designed to help student startups get the start that they need to make their businesses a reality.
In addition to providing students the resources that they need to succeed, Caltech also manages the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for NASA, which is designed to send probes to explore the planets of our solar system and quantify changes on planet Earth.
It even owns and operates large-scale research facilities such as the Seismological Laboratory and a global network of astronomical observatories, including the Palomar and W. M. Keck Observatories.
This institution is especially popular among scientific startups.
Small Business Administration Offices
Los Angeles District Office (LADO)
Ranked #1 in 2016 for being the top lending market in America, The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office (LADO) is the nation’s top international trade and manufacturing center.
It is the first district office to lend nationally to minority and women-owned businesses. It is also active in government contracting.
For those looking for a group that offers technical training and coaching for small businesses, this is an excellent starter tool.
Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network (LA SBDC)
Located at the College Advancement and Economic Development (CAED), the LA SBDC provides small business entrepreneurs and leaders with no-cost, confidential, business advising services.
It also provides low-cost training opportunities across Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties courtesy of a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Business Coaches
Resume Advisor
Resume Advisor is a professional resume writing service based out of Los Angeles. Their professional writers service clients from all levels and backgrounds, so they’re a great resource for anyone.
Their primary services include ATS resume writing, cover letter writing, and LinkedIn Profile Optimization. As a senior executive resume service, they utilize technology to tailor your resume and cover letter in accordance with specific jobs.
Passing through applicant tracking systems helps your application stand out in the eyes of recruiters. The writers at Resume Advisor have a strong track record of creating winning resumes that are proven to earn you more job interviews.
Also, they service clients all across the country and provide competitive pricing with instant turnaround times. They have created thousands of entry level, mid-career, senior level, and executive resumes for their clients.
Best of all, they serve all industries, including business, finance, media, marketing, sales, engineering, education, management, IT, consulting, legal, and federal resumes.
Inventors Group
Inventors Forum
Based in Orange County, CA, Inventors Group is a non-profit organization designed to help inventors collaborate with other inventors in the area.
It is one of the few groups that is recommended by the USPTO (the United States Patent and Trademark Office). They also hold monthly seminars that are open to the public at Chapman University in Orange, California.
For those who want to participate in any of the group’s meetings, all members are required to sign a mutual NDA.
Invention Ideas
Around since July 2016, Invention Ideas is a group created to help inventors in the Los Angeles area collaborate with other inventors, artists, entrepreneurs, and many others of similar backgrounds.
In addition to providing a space for inventors to share their ideas online, they also host meetups for members to come together and interact with one another.
Entrepreneur Groups
EO Los Angeles
Founded in 1987, the Entrepreneur’s Organization in LA is geared to helping startups communicate and collaborate with other startups in multiple areas around the world.
In addition to hosting networking events, the group also free online resources for those who want to improve their business skills (as well as many other benefits).
Some of its major partners include WeWork and Microsoft.
The Los Angeles Venture Association(LAVA)
Founded in 1985, the Los Angeles Venture Association(LAVA) has been providing forums and other resources for entrepreneurs and other start-up members to succeed in today’s competitive global market.
In this group, members can post articles related to entrepreneurship on the website and meet with fellow executives, investors, bankers, and other professionals in order to better understand how to run their businesses.
Some of its major events include the Meet the VC conference, First Look LA conference, and the LAVA Awards Dinner celebration.
Networking Events
Los Angeles Small Business Expo
Around since 2008, the Small Business Expo a free, one-day event geared to putting on” fun and educational events that will help Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs thrive” in 17 major U.S. cities (including LA).
Some of these events include Product Demonstrations, Speed-Networking, a Business Card Exchange, and many others.
It also happens to be partners with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Mentorship Program(s)
SCORE Los Angeles
Supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE is a non-profit organization geared to helping businesses get the support that they need in order to succeed.
In addition to providing free or inexpensive classes and tools, SCORE also free, confidential business mentoring in person, via email or by video.
As of now, SCORE has over 350 chapters throughout the United States and its territories, with over 11,000 volunteers nationwide. Most of these volunteers consist of working and retired executives and business owners helping out as business counselors.
ThinkLA Mentorship
Created in 2006 by three different organizations: the Los Angeles Advertising Agencies Association, the Ad Club of Los Angeles and the Magazine Representatives Association, ThinkLA is a creative marketing organization geared to help its members promote themselves in today’s competitive market.
To do this, ThinkLA pair businesses with the right mentor(s). Over the course of five months, businesses and mentors work together to help accomplish the goals of tomorrow.
For those who want to pursue a career in advertising, this is a good program to join.
“ThinkLA’s mission is to connect, educate and inspire the Southern California marketing community. Our goal is to facilitate business growth and promote the intellectual infrastructure for creativity. We bring together creators, buyers, and sellers and help our members stay ahead of the curve and prosper in the rapidly evolving advertising ecosystem. We help our members survive and thrive.
ThinkLA offers unique membership experiences, unparalleled networking and social activities, year-round professional development through our events and programs, volunteering opportunities and industry events for charities like Ad Relief, and promotes relevant news and content for its members and over 14,000 newsletter subscribers.” — Don Lupo, CEO at ThinkLA
Accelerators
Make in LA
Make in LA is referred to as, “Southern California’s epicenter of hardware entrepreneurship” according to their website.
It is a hardware based accelerator that focuses on helping startups avoid, “costly pitfalls” by having them go through a four month training program.
In the past, they’ve supported…
- Wearables
- AR/VR companies
- IoT, robotics,
- Rocket launch companies
All that they ask for return is that their startups make the most out of their training program.
TechStars Los Angeles Accelerators
Founded in 2007, TechStars is one of the top leading accelerators in California geared to helping companies succeed by having them go through a 3-month mentorship program:
- During the first month of the program, students find the right mentors and get feedback on their business models/strategies.
- During the second month, students execute their ideas and business strategies/products.
- During the third month, students present what they have found/created on Demo Day.
It is because of this program that accelerators such as former accelerator LaunchPad LA are created.
Cedars-Sinai Accelerator
Combining today’s healthcare with tomorrow’s innovative technology and entrepreneurship skills, Cedars-Sinai Accelerator provides companies with $100,000 in funding while having them go through a 3-month training program.
In the past, they have helped companies such as CardioCube and MedPilot get themselves off of their feet.
According to their site, “Since 2015, the accelerator has helped dozens of companies transform healthcare delivery and patient care.”
Prototype Companies
BRCHN Design House
From robotic automated manufacturing to the future of personal transportation, from entertainment innovation to consumer tech, BRCHN has a proven track record of concept to market product development across a plethora of industries.
Utilizing cutting edge design tools, visualization renderers, and prototyping technology along with a focus on sustainability, manufacturability, efficiency, and quality design, they blur the lines between art and science to create beautiful, functional products.
Utilizing advanced rapid prototyping tools such their our in-house 3D printers & state of the art machine tools, they create functional and beautiful representative prototypes of your product in record time.
They maintain a tool set of the most in-demand prototyping technologies in-house for full control. Experience your color, finish, and material choices in pre-production. Having tangible product interaction in both form and function gives you confidence to invest in manufacturing.
Tech Incubators
Los Angeles Cleantech Incubators(LACI)
Founded as an “economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP)”, LACI is one of the few incubators in the City of Angels that specializes in helping startups create and promote environmentally friendly technologies (aka. “clean technologies”) and creating “smarter, more sustainable cities.”
Because of this, UBI recognizes LACI as “one of the most innovative incubators in the world.”
Brand Knew
Brand Knew is a creative agency and technology studio that focuses on helping businesses build better web development, brand development, and social marketing skills in exchange in for them participating in a “developmental venture equity program.”
This way, companies can build long-lasting relationships via online creation.
As of now, most of the companies that they helped build images towards are medical companies such as Mayo Clinic and entertainment companies such as E! Entertainment.
They even helped recreate the Museum of Jewish Heritage’s social media pages.
Lab Launch
Founded by former research associate and lab manager, Betsy Manos, Lab Launch Consulting, LLC is a scientrepreneur incubator geared to help scientists set up and relocate their laboratories.
According to their website, their methods have saved institutions $25K to $100K in start-up costs and reduce downtime by 70%. This way, scientists would have more time to focus on finding and creating the tools needed to benefit humankind for future generations!
In addition to lab relocation, Lab Launch also offers new facility designing and new lab startup services, each of which are custom-tailored to everyone’s needs!
Idea Lab
Founded in 1996, Idea Lab is the longest running technology incubator according to its website. Since it first started, it created over 150 companies with more than 45 IPOs and acquisitions.
In the past, they have helped companies such as award-winning coding school Code Spark and bill saving app company Papaya get to where they should be.
In 2015, founder Bill Gross participated in a TED talk explaining why startups succeed.
Expert Dojo
Founded in 2014, Expert Dojo is a Santa Monica based incubator that helps entrepreneurs achieve their dreams by providing them with expert mentors.
Some of the companies that they helped give their start to include HR Matching System company TEAM PLUS and physical health company Tersa.
At this time, they are currently offering classes in…
- Marketing
- Influence
- Investment
- Foundation
- Starting an E-Commerce Business
And many more!
Production Services
Indie Source
Indie Source is a full-production garment manufacturer located in Los Angeles’ buzzing Fashion District, specializing in local sourcing and in-house production.
They love to capture and share the storytelling aspect of clothing product development on our social media channels. Indie Source’s audience loves seeing every aspect of fashion production, and the fans especially identify with USA made brands.
They receive constant feedback regarding the value their fans find in our commitment to sustainability. Ultimately, there is some amazing work they are doing here to make dreams come true for new and established designers.
Graphic & Web Designers
Pixelswithin
Pixelswithin is a company that creates a complete branding, website, and app solutions for startups stepping up to the next level.
It’s lead by Diana Lopez, a freelance digital designer and web developer with 11 years of experience, who often has a vibrant, fun, and feel-good style inspired by Southern California roots.
Strategy, listening and collaboration are at the core of her process.
Design it 4 free
Designit4free.com offers the highest quality marketing products at the most competitive prices. You will be able to enjoy free graphic design with all print orders that are masterfully created by our very own in-house graphic designer.
They do not force you to design your own print products; instead, they will designit4free, all without the hidden costs and add-ons associated with discount print companies.
When you contact them, you will be greeted by a real person from the company. If they’re busy, just leave a voicemail and they will return your call the same day!
They are with you every step of the way throughout the design and printing process, so you will never be alone with this area of your business again!
Sunlight Media
Sunlight Media is a web design and digital marketing company, located in downtown Los Angeles.
They provide custom web & app development, SEO, digital marketing, and video production services. This makes them the perfect solution to the digital side of running your business.
Sunlight Media was recently awarded two prestigious industry awards. Recognized by Clutch as one of L.A’s top creative & design agency’s and awarded by UpCity as the 2019 Los Angeles city excellence award.
Seed Funding
Mucker Capital
Named after Thomas Edison’s “original hackers”, Mucker Capital is a seed funding group that invests in seed and “pre-seed” stage companies building defensible and scalable businesses in Internet software, services, and media.
It is also home to MuckerLab, which was ranked number 2 in the country at one point.
According to GeoLinks’s 7 Best Business Resources in Los Angeles, “[Mucker] likes to get involved early on with companies, not just with funding, but with mentoring, coaching, and setting up new ventures for success. ” As such, Mucker Capital is not your typical money giving seed funding group.
As of now, most of the companies that they provide funding to include tech companies such as Mind Mate and hobby companies such as Bloom Nation.
Fika Ventures
Named after a Swedish coffee gathering tradition, Fika Ventures strives provide businesses with the support and finances that they need to succeed.
In the past, they have helped provide funding to companies such as food borne illness detection company Path Spot and bill saving company Papaya.
Once a year, they host a retreat to bring together some of America’s top inventors, entrepreneurs, and executives for a day of discussion. This retreat has been deemed as “one of the top tech events in Los Angeles” according to its website.
Mila Capital
MiLA Capital is a seed-funding group created to help hardware technology companies (especially) to get their businesses off the ground such as LA’s very own hardware epicenter Toolbox LA.
In the past, they provided funding for companies such as sensor system startup Acqubit and high-tech street fashion company Thesis Corture.
Its early-stage accelerator is Make in LA.
The Helm
Developed in 2017, the Helm is one of the few seed-funding companies in Los Angeles that provides funding and support to women-led businesses and products.
In the past, they have helped companies such as direct-to-consumer commerce company Haute Hijab and co-working space the Riveter get the funding that they need to run their businesses.
They even offer gift guides for those who wish to purchase something made by a women-owned business.
Shared Co-Working Spaces
Image Source: Top 17 Los Angeles Coworking Spaces
From Kleverdog Coworking to Cross Campus Los Angeles, investors and entrepreneurs can choose from a multitude of unique shared coworking spaces.
For more information, please read our article, Top 17 Los Angeles Co-working Spaces.
In the article, we provide an in-depth explanation of all the different types of co-working spaces available in Los Angeles!
Libraries
Los Angeles Public Library
Founded in 1872, the Los Angeles Public Library offers a multitude of free resources for small business owners (and other members) to borrow and utilize such as Reference USA and the Small Business Research Research Guide.
According to the LAPL’s Wikipedia article, the library serves the largest population of any publicly funded library system in the United States.
It even has a Rare Books department, which is located in the library’s downtown Los Angeles location!
Los Angeles Patent Attorneys
Often dubbed, “The City of Angels”, Los Angeles is home to many large corporations and innovative industries such as Google and YouTube.
In 2016, it was ranked 25th for being one of the largest American cities for innovation and startup friendliness according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
We understand the difficulties of growing your ideas and business in such a competitive market such as Los Angeles.
That is why we exist; to help our clients through the legal processes of intellectual property.
Click here to learn more about the #1 patent firm in Los Angeles!
Known for serving the bold and the brave nationwide, Bold Patents has been helping its clients get the patents that they need in order to make their business ideas (and inventions) a reality.
Because they focus only on patents, they are able to find the lawyer(s) that best fit a certain company’s needs.
Side note: By the way, if you would like some information on meeting with a patent attorney, then please check out our previous article, 10 Tips for Investors: Meeting with a Patent Attorney.
In Conclusion
There you have it, everyone! A multitude of all the different resources available to inventors and entrepreneurs as listed above and below:
1. Universities
- University of California Los Angeles – Famous for its innovative academics and groundbreaking research, as well as its top-tier medical centers
- California Institute of Technology – An institution popular among scientific startups
2. Small Business Administration Groups
- Los Angeles District Office (LADO) – Ranked #1 in 2016 for being the top lending market in America
- Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network (LA SBDC) – Giving small business entrepreneurs and leaders no-cost, confidential, business advising services
3. Inventor Groups
- Inventors Forum – One of the few inventors groups that are recommended by the United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Invention Ideas – Helping inventors in the Los Angeles area collaborate with other inventors
4. Entrepreneur Groups
- EO Los Angeles – Helping businesses succeed by hosting networking events and providing free resources in and outside of LA
- Los Angeles Venture Association (LAVA) – Providing forums and other resources for entrepreneurs and other start-up members to succeed
5. Networking Event(s)
- The Small Business Expo – A once-in-a-year opportunity for entrepreneurs and other business people to come together and participate in a variety of activities
6. Mentorship Programs
- SCORE Los Angeles – A non-profit organization geared to helping businesses succeed by giving them free to low-cost resources
- ThinkLA – A creative marketing organization geared to help its members promote themselves in today’s competitive market
7. Accelerators
- Make in LA – “Southern California’s epicenter of hardware entrepreneurship”
- TechStars – The accelerator that inspired LaunchPad LA
- Cedars-Sinal Accelerator – A business accelerator that combine’s today’s health care with tomorrow’s innovative technologies
8. Tech Incubators
- Los Angeles Cleantech Incubators – “One of the most innovative incubators in the world”
- Brand Knew – A creative agency and technology studio that focuses on helping businesses build better web development, brand development, and social marketing skills
- Lab Launch Consulting, LLC – Geared to help scientists set up and relocate their laboratories
- Idea Lab – The longest running technology incubator
- Expert Dojo – An incubator filled with experts
9. Seed Funding
- Mucker Capital – A seed funding group named after Thomas Edison’s “muckers”
- Fika Ventures – A seed funding group named after a Swedish coffee gathering
- MiLA Capital – A seed funding group that provides funding mainly to hardware companies
- The Helm – A seed funding group that supports women-led businesses
10. Shared Co-Working Spaces
- Co-working spaces in Los Angeles – Please read the article, Top 17 Los Angeles Coworking Spaces
11. Library/ Libraries
- Los Angeles Public Library – A great place to get free business resources
12. Patent Attorneys / Lawyers
- Bold Patents – Your future go-to place for protecting your invention for years to come
In the meantime, what other resources would you recommend to your fellow entrepreneurs and inventors in Los Angeles? Please let us know in the comments below!