Tech roundup: Lefkofsky's Tempus comes out of stealth, AddStructure teams up with Target and more

by James Risley
September 29, 2016

Former Groupon CEO brings new company out of stealth

Tempus, the stealthy startup from former Groupon CEO Eric Lefkofsky, unveiled more details about its plan to end cancer. The health tech startup will use big data to help patients get tailored cancer treatments based on their genetic profiles. The reveal comes alongside the announcement that Tempus has partnered with Northwestern University's cancer center. [Crain’s Chicago Business]

 

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AddStructure to help Target take on voice search

Target and Techstars teamed up for the Techstars Retail Accelerator this summer, and one project coming out of that is a voice-powered retail helper. AddStructure’s natural language processing is easily integrated into existing apps, letting users search by voice with a more natural cadence. For example, asking for the “best workout clothes” brings up highly rated options across categories. [Chicago Tribune]

 

Former Fieldglass CTO raises $11M for business software platform

Sean Chou, Fieldglass’ former chief technology officer, has raised $11 million for his latest venture. The new company, Catalytic, is creating a business software platform called Pushbot. New Enterprise Associate, Chicago Ventures and former Fieldglass CEO Jai Shekhawat all participated in the round. [Crain’s Chicago Business]

 

Instacart expands both north and south of the city

On-demand shopping site Instacart is bringing its delivery service to more Chicagoans. The company added 18 new zip codes to its delivery area, extending into both the north and south ends of the city. New partnerships are also aiding the expansion, with Tony’s Finer Foods and Fresh Farms International Market bringing more options for South Side residents. [Press release]

 

Former Motorola CEO gives $10M to fund Northwestern startups, boost business school

Former Motorola CEO Chris Galvin made a $10.25 million donation to Northwestern University. $10 million of that is going to the Kellogg School of Management and the remainder will be available to NUseed startup investment program. Galvin is currently leading Harrison Street Capital, which he founded after leaving Motorola. [Chicago Inno]

 

HERE plans to leverage car data for better traffic reports

Mapping service HERE plans to integrate data from BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen into its traffic predictions. Those three car companies, which co-own HERE after acquiring it from Nokia last year, will feed information like braking, speed and even if the windshield wipers are running to help give HERE’s users a better picture of where things are slowing down. HERE hopes to integrate with other cars in the future. [TechCrunch]

 

Former City Hall pros get in on the startup funding game with $15M fund

Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel aide David Spielfogel and the city’s chief data officer, Brett Goldstein, have created a new venture to help Chicago startups get off the ground. The $15 million Ekistic Ventures has raised so far comes in part from Michael Sacks, CEO of GCM Grosvenor, where Goldstein worked until last year. The firm is based in 1871. [Crain’s Chicago Business]

 

Correction: An earlier version of this article featured a story on Shiftgig's latest funding. That was part of an issuance of stock tied to its acquisition of BookedOut

 

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