Hireology sweeps up $12M
HR software maker Hireology announced today it has raised $12 million from Baird Capital. The funding will be used to expand into new markets and boost its sales efforts. Founded in 2010, Hireology’s software helps companies hire and onboard new employees. The company previously raised $10 million from Bain Capital Ventures in 2014. [Built In Chicago]
Say hello to Chicago’s newest unicorn
With a $150 million Series D round at a valuation of $1 billion, SMS Assist entered Chicago’s unicorn stable on Tuesday. Founded in 1995, SMS plans to use the funding to expand on its technological capabilities, adding 175 employees to its 550 staff this year. The funding round came from Goldman Sachs Investment Partners, bringing the company's total funding just north of $250 million. [Built In Chicago]
Signal receives $30M boost
Also on Tuesday, Chicago adtech darling Signal raised $30 million to expand its Chicago technology team and expand its sales efforts to new markets in Asia and Europe. The round was led by Chicago-based I2A, who has been an investor in the company since its founding six years ago. The round brings Signal’s total funding to $70 million. [Built In Chicago]
Roa launches new Chicago venture firm
John Roa, founder and former CEO of ÄKTA — which he sold to Salesforce last year — announced on Tuesday that he is launching an early-stage venture firm based in Chicago. Roa Ventures will focus on seed-stage investments under $500,000 in Chicago, Los Angeles and London. [Chicago Inno]
Chicagoland companies grab spots on Inc.’s best workplace list
Three Chicagoland companies: Keono, Burwood Group and LaSalle Network landed coveted spots on Inc. Magazine’s inaugural list of the country’s 50 best workplaces. The magazine audited more than 500 companies, all over three years old with between five and 500 employees and at least $2 million in annual revenue. Keono, an Elmhurst-based digital media agency with 15 employees, was highlighted in the report as the only surveyed company to offer onsite childcare. [Inc. Magazine]
University of Chicago launches national cancer database
This week, Vice President Joe Biden announced the launch of the National Cancer Institute’s Genomic Data Commons cancer database. Managed by the University of Chicago, the database is part of President Obama’s National Cancer Moonshot Initiative. [Chicago Inno]
As sales restrictions lift, new business blooms
Online flower shop Flowers for Dreams launched the city’s first flower truck in decades last month, after the Chicago City Council voted to lift a 73 year old ban on peddling flowers. The Chicago startup invested over $30,000 in the truck and hopes it will raise awareness of its brand. [Chicago Tribune]
TransparentC wins 20th New Venture Challenge
The University of Chicago’s New Venture Challenge awarded its first prize of $90,000 to TransparentC — a startup that helps prospective students choose between MBA programs. In its 20th year, the New Venture Challenge’s former winners include Grubhub, Braintree, Base and Tovala. [Chicago Tribune]
Grading startup splits first prize in NU Venture Challenge
The Graide Network, which connects teachers with TAs who’ll grade and provide feedback on students’ work, split the first prize in Northwestern University’s Venture Challenge with medical startup SurgiNet, with both startups taking home a total of $35,000 each. Other finalists included Pak’d, CityKey Travel and Eighty Nine Robotics, among others. [Chicago Inno]
Paylocity moves to Schaumburg
Last Thursday, Paylocity signed a 15 year lease for new offices in Schaumburg. The cloud-based payroll and HR management software provider will get the naming rights to the building as part of the lease. [Crain’s]
Images via listed companies, the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Shutterstock.
What’s your company’s story? Shoot us an email, or follow us on Twitter @BuiltInChicago.
