Google could add thousands of jobs in Chicago
Chicago is on the short list for a new Google office that could house between 1,000 and 5,000 employees, according to Crain’s. Citing anonymous sources, the paper said Chicago is competing with cities like Boston, Atlanta and Dallas for the office. The new location could house roles in research, support and administration. [Built In Chicago]
Kelly Manthey named new Solstice CEO
On Thursday, Solstice announced that former chief strategy officer Kelly Manthey has taken the helm as its new CEO. Manthey, a 10-year veteran of the digital innovation firm, succeeds founder J Schwan. Schwan will join Solstice parent company St. Ives at its London headquarters to serve as chief digital officer. Under Manthey's leadership, Solstice expects to double the size of its Chicago headquarters in 2018. [PR Newswire]
Lyft launches Chicago-brewed beer with a discounted ride pairing
On Wednesday, Lyft and Baderbrau announced the launch of a new co-branded beer. The Five Star Lager will be available in 12-ounce cans at select local bars, and each can will be printed with a discount code for the patron’s next ride. The discount will be between 40 and 60 percent for a standard Lyft ride, capping out at $5, according to the Chicago Tribune. [Built In Chicago]
HERE partners with Hyperloop to launch passenger trip planning app
HERE Technologies, a German location technology company that employs more than 1,100 people in Chicago, is partnering with Virgin Hyperloop One to build a custom trip planning app for hyperloop passengers. The transportation startup will showcase the app, along with a full-size version of its transportation pod, at CES in Las Vegas this week. [HERE]
Chicago tech deals are growing
Chicago tech companies landed a whopping 39 investments of $10 million or more in 2017, according to data from Pitchbook, a Seattle-based financial data company. Analysis by Crain's found that that number is an all-time high for the ecosystem, up from 31 $10 million-plus deals in 2016 and just 19 in 2012 and 2013. [Crain's]
VillageMD brings in $80M in funding
VillageMD, which uses data analytics to help physicians provide better, more cost-effective care for their patients, landed a $80 million Series C round of funding last week. VillageMD will use the funding to improve its technology and to launch in new markets. Athyrium Capital Management led the round, bringing the startup’s funding total to $116 million. [Built In Chicago]
Chicago telemedicine provider raises $650,000
First Stop Health, whose technology lets doctors see patients remotely, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $650,000 in new funding. Co-founders Patrick Spain and Mark Friedman led the round, in which other existing shareholders participated. Raised in the form of a convertible note, the investment brings First Stop Health’s funding total to $7.85 million. [BusinessWire]
