Chicago tech roundup: Raise grabs $56M, Tastebud acquires SocialCrunch, GiveForward CEO named 'superhero' and more

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Raise grabs huge round

Raise has narrowed in on a frustration that has been plaguing consumers for decades: unwanted gift cards. And the team is blowing past all their competitors in the space with their newest investment of a $56 million Series B round led by New Enterprise Associates along with previous investors New York-based Bessemer Venture Partners and Chicago investors. [Raise captures 4th largest funding, aims for $44B marketplace:Built In Chicago]

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ParkWhiz releases revamped mobile app

Chicago-based ParkWhiz released a completely re-envisioned version of the iOS app today. The update allows users to find, reserve and pay for parking in less than 10 seconds. Other new benefits include Apple Pay integration, better event options, and better enhanced time selection options.

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Forbes ranks two Chicago startups on the list of America’s most promising companies

Chicago-based online lending platform AvantCredit has been named as one of America's Most Promising Companies, according to Forbes. AvantCredit was the first company to apply machine learning to credit decisions and has been transforming the FinTech industry. ContextMedia came in at 47th. [America's Most Promising Companies: The Top 20 Of 2015: Forbes]

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MATTER hits 50 members

Chicago’s HealthTech incubator announced this week that 10 more startups are joining its community. This brings the total count to 50, just a month before the space is anticipated to open. The final number should be 65. The hub aims to bring together the innovators working on the healthcare sector. [MATTER Adds 10 New Startups, Bringing its Membership Roster to 50: Chicago Inno]

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No more female-focused incubator for 1871

The planned women-focused tech incubator out of 1871, which was previously delayed, has been cancelled. The WiSTEM program missed an original launch date this fall and a board has not been elected. [1871 won't launch delayed women-in-tech vertical as an incubator: Blue Sky]

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GiveForward CEO named 'tech superhero'

Desiree Vargas Wrigley, CEO of crowdfunding platform GiveForward, has been chosed by CNN as one of their "tech superheros" to watch in 2015. Entrepreneurs were chosen by Shivvy Jervis, creator and presenter of innovation series, Digital Futures. [7 'tech superheroes' to watch in 2015: CNN]

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Tastebud Technologies acquires SocialCrunch

Chicago-based Tastebud Technologies has acquired another local startup in an all-stock deal. Tastebud will absorb SocialCrunch's data collection platform to continue to enhance their suite of software. Their personalized loyalty platforms help malls and other shopping centers target consumers. [Chicago-Based Tastebud Acquires a Local Startup to Help Retailers Engage with Shoppers: Chicago Inno]

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