DC daily roundup: DOJ sues Apple in the Garden State; VC trends to watch; Ted Leonsis’ startup raises $2.3M

DOJ sues Apple and files the case in…New Jersey?

The Department of Justice made an interesting choice when suing Apple, accusing the tech giant of violating antitrust laws: The suit was filed in New Jersey.

Why? Sources noted this move was unusual. The choice was probably because of the circuit, and less to do with the physical location. The Third Circuit has previously been “uncommonly friendly to monopolization cases,” a law professor told Technical.ly.

Apple has asserted it will fight the case, but will likely take years to resolve. Get more the details about what experts are speculating in Emma Diehl’s latest article.

➡️ Read more about the lawsuit here

Trends to watch in this VC shift

The pandemic transformed so much in entrepreneurship — including that you can raise money anywhere. Simultaneously, venture capital fundraising has become much more difficult, Technical.ly cofounder and CEO Christopher Wink wrote in his latest column.

Startup VCs chatted about how their world has changed in terms of founder diversity, fundraising and accessibility. Wink also shares reflections on a panel he participated in at South by Southwest earlier this month.

➡️ Get more details on new changes in venture capital and why they matter here

News Incubator: What else to know today

• An AI-powered food and beverage startup cofounded by Ted Leonsis, the CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment and owner of the Washington Wizards and Capitals, has raised $2.3 million in funding. [Washington Business Journal]

• Chatbots are being used to help teens and young adults during an ongoing shortage of mental health providers. But there’s little research in its efficacy, and many are calling for FDA regulation and more direct disclaimers. [The Associated Press]

• Following the Digital Markets Act going into effect, the European Commission has opened investigations into Google, Apple and Meta. [The Washington Post]

• Companies that rely on TikTok for marketing — specifically beauty, fashion and wellness brands — are worried about the possible ban. [The New York Times/Technical.ly]

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