Jessica M. Pasko’s weekly look at local business includes an update on Joby Aviation’s suit alleging corporate espionage by a competitor and recaps a contentious meeting on the fate of a downtown Santa Cruz landmark.
Joby Aviation
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Joby rival seeks dismissal of corporate espionage suit; case moved from Santa Cruz County to federal court
Joby Aviation’s lawsuit against a rival electric helicopter service company has been moved to federal court. The defendant, Archer Aviation, filed a motion to dismiss, calling Joby’s claims of stealing trade secrets “speculation and innuendo.”
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby expands in Ohio, national recognition for local astronomers, longtime music rehearsal space hits market
Santa Cruz-based Joby Aviation has purchased a second manufacturing facility in Ohio, the American Astronomical Society honors three UC Santa Cruz scientists and Santa Cruz Rehearsal Studios is up for sale – Jessica M. Pasko has all that and more in his weekly look at local business.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby ramps up for 2026, its target year for commercial service launch; looking at businesses that closed in 2025
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on where Joby Aviation stands ahead of what’s poised to be a big year for the Santa Cruz-based company, reviews closures around the county and highlights names and dates to know.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
Santa Cruz’s Joby Aviation sues main rival Archer, alleging corporate espionage
Air taxi company Joby is suing rival Archer in Santa Cruz, alleging a former Joby employee leaked confidential terms of a real estate deal when he joined Archer earlier this year. Archer has denied the allegations. The case is unfolding as both companies rush to pursue FAA certification for their electric aircraft and launch commercial air taxi services.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Local fintech company’s latest acquisition; startup pitches surf helmet on ‘Shark Tank’
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on Paystand expanding payments to include some types of cryptocurrencies, previews a local startup’s appearance on “Shark Tank” and notes the debut of the Lookout List.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: National Starbucks closures hit two local stores; Joby’s next move in the Middle East
In her weekly overview of Santa Cruz County business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on the closure of Starbucks locations in Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley as part of a broader consolidation, Joby Aviation’s partnerships in the Middle East and Ashby Confections coming to Pacific Avenue.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: New Midtown, wine districts; Joby joins FAA air taxi program; Capitola Mall redevelopment
Businesses in Midtown Santa Cruz and in local wine-producing areas are closer to creating districts aimed at improving public services and reviving commercial areas, Jessica M. Pasko reports in her weekly column.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Woodstock’s union moves forward, Joby’s big acquisition, replacement eyed for Ella’s at the Airport
In her weekly look at local business, Jessica M. Pasko has the latest on unionization efforts at downtown Santa Cruz’s Woodstock’s Pizza, a Joby Aviation acquisition and Watsonville considering proposals to take over its airport restaurant.
Posted inBusiness & Technology
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Joby in Dubai, new UCSC entrepreneur program, economic impact of local ag
In this week’s look at Santa Cruz County business, Jessica M. Pasko highlights Joby Aviation’s milestone in Dubai, UC Santa Cruz’s new entrepreneurship program and agriculture’s nearly $1.6 billion impact on the local economy.