The Minte cleans up with $2.25M Series II funding raise
The Minte, a platform that provides cashless, on-demand housekeeping services to luxury apartment buildings, swept up a load of funding in a $2.25 million Series II. Dundee Venture Capital led the investment and other contributions were made by MATH Venture Partners, Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, Firebrand Ventures, Blue Note Ventures and a number of angel investors. The company will use the funding to integrate its technology with smart-home systems, further optimize its one-button request system and expand into new markets. This round brings the company’s total funding to $4.7 million. [Press release]
FourKites trucks its way into a new office
Logistics platform provider FourKites announced plans for a new office move in December, after doubling its headcount over the past year following a February $35 million Series B. The new, 36,000 square foot space is three times larger than the company’s current office, and all that extra space will accommodate the new hires still trickling in. “If you walked into our office now, you’d see tables, little card tables, slammed against the wall (acting as) makeshift workspaces because so many new people are starting,” said Gina Hortatsos, vice president of marketing, to the Chicago Tribune. [Chicago Tribune]
Catapult Chicago opens new Loop office, announces new accelerator program
Later-stage startup incubator Catapult Chicago just opened a newly renovated, 12,000 square foot office in the Loop. The space features 22 offices of various sizes, collaborative spaces, a rec room, phone booths and views of the lake. The organization also announced the launch of a new six-month accelerator program called the Black Belt Academy, launching in early 2019 and open to startups across the city. The program will provide those enrolled with training in business development skills while giving them marketing and publicity opportunities as well. [Press release]
Electric scooters in Chicago still in charged debate
The hot topic of electric scooter use in major cities is currently being debated by officials in Chicago. The city’s Consumer Protection and Transportation and Business Affairs departments have been busy collecting data about the scooters and will meet in December to determine whether they can be safely used on a wide-scale basis. Officials are also meeting with community representatives and City Council to develop a framework for the industry — particularly when it comes to right of way of those on sidewalks and streets. [Chicago Tribune]
Relativity, a provider of cloud-based e-discovery software that organizes and analyzes data from legal documents, hired Chris Brown as its new chief product officer. Brown was previously CEO at Kapow, a company he helped facilitate the sale of. Prior to that, he was senior vice president and chief product officer at Orbitz Worldwide. In his new role, Brown will oversee the continued evolution of the company’s product roadmap, vision and strategy. [Press release]
Grainger recently brought on Kathleen Carroll as its vice president and chief human resources officer. Carroll has 25 years of experience in the human resources field — particularly in the areas of talent acquisition, professional development, diversity and inclusion, among others. Carroll leaves a position as executive vice president and chief human resources officer at First Midwest Bank to help her new employer bring in and retain quality talent. [PR Newswire]
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