Tech roundup: Truss raises $7.7M, ThoughtWorks gets acquired and more

by Michael Hines
August 24, 2017

Truss announces $7.7M Series A

Truss, a startup that makes it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to find office space, announced a $7.7 million Series A round on Wednesday. Navitas Capital led the round, with Hyde Park Angels and Hyde Park Venture Partners also participating. Truss will use the funds to launch in new markets, improve its platform and integrate 3D photography into its listings. This round brings the company’s total funding to more than $9 million. [Built In Chicago]

 

ThoughtWorks acquired by private equity firm

On Wednesday, software development and digital consultancy firm ThoughtWorks announced it has been acquired by London-based private equity and venture capital firm Apax Partners. The deal is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017 and terms were not announced. Since its establishment in 1993, ThoughtWorks has grown to 4,500 employees and opened offices around the world. [PR Newswire]

 

MATTER launches new program to get women on corporate boards

Healthtech incubator MATTER is launching a new program to get more women on corporate boards. It’s called 3.8, a reference to the date of International Women’s Day. The program was launched in partnership with Horizon Pharma, Takeda, the Healthcare Business Women's Association and Northwestern University. As part of 3.8, senior female health care executives will be placed as independent members on the boards of MATTER startups. [Crain’s Chicago]

 

Sprout Social rolls out chatbot builder for Messenger

Sprout Social officially rolled out Bot Builder for Facebook Messenger last week. The new tool lets marketers build, preview and deploy chatbots on Messenger without needing a technical background. Sprout Social’s chatbots can handle simple customer service issues, gather information for complex queries that require human help and deliver personalized marketing interactions. [Blog post]

 

InContext Solutions announces support for VR headsets

On Tuesday, InContext Solutions revealed it has integrated VR headsets into its ShopperMX platform. The platform uses virtual reality to let brands and retailers create and test realistic simulations of store setups. Previously, virtual stores on the ShopperMX platform could only be browsed on a computer, but now companies can test concepts using an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive. [Business Wire]

 

Images via listed companies, social media and Shutterstock.

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