Last week, several Chicago tech companies welcomed new members to their executive teams. Read more about what else is happening on the Chicago tech scene. This is the Built In Chicago weekly refresh.
CSG appoints first chief diversity and social responsibility officer. Taking on the Chicago-based position is Channing Martin Jones, who has promoted diversity, equity and inclusion throughout her time in the workplace. Previously, Jones was the diversity and inclusion manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. CSG works to simplify the complex aspects that go into running a business and develops solutions that aim ultimately to help companies retain customers. [CSG]
SpotHero hires Beth Hayden as chief people officer. Having formerly held the same title at companies including JLL, Backstop and Q-Centrix, Hayden has over 20 years of experience in the human resources field. SpotHero’s platform helps millions of users find, reserve and access off-street parking across North America. As its new CPO, Hayden anticipates fostering company growth opportunities in the years to come. The company is currently hiring in its people and engineering departments. [SpotHero]
Chicago Tech Quote of the Week
Goodsend struck up a partnership with RiseKit. The company’s platform launched last year to enable communities to make donations to those who need it most. It also includes a social feature that allows users to view feeds of donation activity. With the new partnership, Goodsend will be able to provide financial support to underprivileged job seekers, helping to address the expenses that stand in their way. [Built In Chicago]
UChicago launched its startup program, Compass. Compass is an accelerator program catering to Chicago-area startups with a focus on deep tech research in the areas of biotech and therapeutic technologies. Over a six-month period, participants receive mentorship, training and resources to become “investor-ready” companies. It’s currently hosting its second class, composed of companies Phylaxis, AddGraft Therapeutics, Heiothera and ElectroCorr. [Built In Chicago]
tastytrade was acquired by IG Group. The fintech platform provides everyday people with live video content and free on-demand shows to teach them about investing in the stock market. IG Group bought the company for $1 billion and the partnership will help tastytrade expand its global presence. [Built In Chicago]
Centro brought on Clayton Kossl as CFO. The enterprise adtech company is building on a year of growth for its workflow automation platform, Basis. The company hired Kossl, formerly of Paintzen, as CFO in a move aimed at continuing this momentum. In the same vein, it welcomed Christian Hendricks, president of Local Media Consortium, to its board of directors. [Centro]
Victory Lap pulled in $25M. With its new growth financing round, the company that trains students from various backgrounds to be tech sales professionals will fund the expansion of its Income Share Agreement program. Through its partnership with ISA Management platform Leif, program participants can access student loan alternatives to help fund their training. [Yahoo News]
