SpotHero reserves bigger space in the Loop
This spring, SpotHero will be moving its headquarters from River North to the Loop. The parking startup, which employs around 125 people in Chicago, told Crain’s that employees at its current headquarters are spread across several spaces on two floors, and that the company is quickly running out of room. The company’s new offices, which will take up the full 13th floor of the National building, will fit up to 200 employees. [Crain’s Chicago Business]
Uber wants your commuter benefits
This Wednesday, an Uber program that lets customers use their pre-tax commuter benefits to pay for UberPool fares became available in Chicago. The program lets customers with commuter benefits from a handful of benefits providers contribute up to $255 a month for UberPool rides, according to the Chicago Tribune. Via, a New York-based transportation startup with a big Chicago presence, also accepts commuter benefits. [Chicago Tribune]
Jellyvision scoops up medical claims startup
This Tuesday, Jellyvision announced that it has acquired FlexMinder, a Seattle-based Techstars startup that streamlines the healthcare reimbursement process and makes it easier for companies to manage their medical spending. Jellyvision CEO Amanda Lannert said in a statement she believes adding FlexMinder’s capabilities to Jellyvision's platform will help customers claim free money that gets left on the table because of cumbersome filing processes. The FlexMinder team will become part of the Jellyvision team but will remain located in Seattle. [Press release]
Shiftgig raises $20M to scale Chicago team
Shiftgig, a Chicago-based gig economy startup for hourly workers, announced on Tuesday that it has raised a $20 million Series C round of funding. The company will use the funding to expand its sales and marketing operations and continue improving upon its core technology product. A spokesperson for Shiftgig said the company plans to hire 100 additional employees this year to meet that goal, a little more than half of whom will be based in Chicago. [Built In Chicago]
4C expands C-suite with HR veteran
Also on Tuesday, 4C announced that it has hired Kim Norwesh as its chief human resource officer. A West Point graduate and Bronze Star decorated former U.S. Army officer, Norwesh was VP of human resources at Baxalta. "Throughout her career, Kim has demonstrated success building teams and helping fast-paced and dynamic organizations realize their potential through people," said 4C CEO Lance Neuhauser in a statement. "Above all, Kim's character make her the right fit for our company and will enable 4C to continue our rapid growth trajectory." [Press release]
The DoD comes to Chicago community colleges
This Wednesday, the City Colleges of Chicago and the Department of Defense announced the launch of a pilot program that will offer cybersecurity education at Wright College. The program, which is based on a six-month course offered at a Washington D.C. Army post, will teach students and active-duty military personnel side by side, according to the Chicago Sun Times. Mayor Rahm Emanuel told the paper that the program will equip Chicagoans to meet the growing need for cybersecurity professionals. [Chicago Sun Times]
Study finds demand for cybersecurity talent still outpaces supply
According to an industry survey conducted by Trustwave and Osterman Research, 57 percent of IT security decision makers say finding and recruiting talent is a “significant” or “major” challenge. The survey, which was released on Wednesday, also found that only 8 percent of respondents believe three quarters of their staff have the skills required to handle a “complex issue,” and that one third have trouble identifying which competencies their teams will need in the future. [Press release]
Images via listed companies and Shutterstock.
Does your startup have news to share? Send us a tip or tweet us @BuiltInChicago
