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Tech roundup: Uptake named Technology Pioneer, startups raise over $80M and more

June 21, 2017 By Alida Miranda-Wolff

Uptake selected as World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer

On Wednesday, Uptake announced that it has been chosen as one of the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers. A selection of the world’s 30 most innovative young companies, the award comes with an invitation to the prestigious World Economic Forum this summer. Award recipients were chosen by a committee consisting of more than 60 experts from academia, the business world and the venture capital community. [PR Newswire]

Chicago tech companies raised over $80M this week

Regroup Therapy, which uses video technology to deliver mental health services to underserved areas, announced on Thursday that it has raised a $6 million Series A round of funding led by OSF Ventures. The company raised a $1.8 million seed round last spring, has seen its annual recurring revenues grow by nearly 4,000 percent over the past year. [Built In Chicago]

Buildout, a Chicago-based startup that makes digital marketing tools for the commercial real estate industry, announced on Thursday that it has raised $8 million from Susquehanna Growth Equity. The River North-based company told Crain’s that it currently employs 35 people, but that it expects that number to double over the next year. [Crain’s]

Fusion Risk Management, which makes software that helps big companies continue operations through disasters, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $41 million. Founded in 2006, Fusion counts some of the world’s largest companies, including Walgreens and TransUnion, among its clients, according to Crain’s. The paper said Fusion has grown from 17 employees to 70 after raising more than $10 million over two rounds in 2014. [Built In Chicago]

ShipBob, a Chicago-based e-commerce logistics startup, announced on Tuesday that it has raised a $17.5 million Series B. ShipBob’s co-founder and CEO Dhruv Saxena told VentureBeat that its plans for the funding round include additional engineering hires and several new fulfillment centers. [Built In Chicago]

After raising a $20 million round late last year, auto insurance technology provider Snapsheet just landed another $12 million to fuel further development of its proprietary technology, according to Crain’s. The company, which has more than doubled its employee count in less than a year, told the paper that it is also expanding internationally and “doubling down on AI and machine learning.” [Built In Chicago]

SwipeSense hires Trunk Club veteran as VP of engineering

SwipeSense, a Chicago-based IoT healthtech startup, announced on Monday that it has hired Mike Cruz as its new VP of engineering. Formerly VP of engineering at Trunk Club, Cruz will be responsible for growing SwipeSense’s engineering team. “Mike brings the strong engineering leadership and culture that SwipeSense needs to combine our hardware, software and web teams as we transform our product into a platform,” said CEO Mert Iseri in a statement. [Built In Chicago]

Grubhub acquires Boston-based competitor

At the end of last week, Grubhub announced that it has entered into an agreement to buy Foodler — a Boston-based online food ordering company. The acquisition will help Grubhub expand its market share in the New England area. “Its addition will enhance the Grubhub marketplace – particularly in Foodler’s hometown market of Boston – allowing us to connect our diners with an even broader range of top-rated, popular local restaurants,” said Grubhub CEO Matt Maloney in a statement. [PR Newswire]

Microsystems opens global headquarters in downtown Chicago

At the end of last week, document technology provider Microsystems opened a new downtown headquarters in 300 S. Riverside Plaza. The company, which was formerly headquartered in Downers Grove, expects to add nearly 100 jobs in Chicago by the end of 2018. “Chicago’s talent and tech ecosystem give leading companies, such as Microsystems, the tools they need to thrive in the global economy,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a statement. [Press release]

Clutter comes to Chicago to help you move

Clutter, an LA-based on-demand moving and storage startup, announced on Tuesday that it is expanding to Chicago. The startup, which recently packed up a $64 million Series C, sends movers directly to the consumer’s house or apartment to pack their items and take them to a secure storage facility. The startup also keeps photos of the packed items on file, providing consumers with the option to schedule a delivery of the specific items they want back when they need them. [Built In LA]

 

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