Get your fill of tech news from Chicago with these big headlines discussing all things tech, and all things new. This is the Built In Chicago weekly refresh.
Loadsmart gained $200M. Loadsmart achieved unicorn status after a Series D funding round led by SoftBank Latin America Fund. Loadsmart uses AI, machine learning and automation to give estimated quotes for carriers and shipping companies in the freight industry. Over the next several months, the company is expecting to hire for over 100 roles. [Built In Chicago]
Kin Insurance backs out of SPAC deal. Kin Insurance is a homeowner insurance startup that gathers data to make fast underwriting decisions. The company and Omnichannel Acquisition Corp. announced the cancellation of the previously reported deal that would have risen Kin's valuation into unicorn status. The cause of termination was said to be "unfavorable market conditions” from both companies. [Chicago Inno]
CHICAGO TECH QUOTE OF THE WEEK
League raised $95M. League is a medical platform-as-a-service (PaaS) company providing telemedicine and other medical services to patients, providers and insurers. The company raised $95 million in a Series C round led by TDM Growth Partners that will be used to expand its platform. Several positions are currently open in Chicago across different teams. [Built In Chicago]
Portal Innovations expands its operations in Chicago. Portal Innovations is an accelerator firm that invests in startups ranging from life sciences, bioinformatics and medtech. Portal Innovations opened up its 35,000 square feet of lab and office space in Chicago for its second phase of operations. The space will allow its venture development engine, Portal, to expand and invest in more Chicago startups. [Business Wire]
Cameo launched Cameo Pass. The popular Chicago tech unicorn provides personalized videos from celebrities. Cameo announced it has launched Cameo Pass, its new NFT project with a collection of NFTs that will be hosted on OpenSea. Cameo Pass will provide members with exclusive Q&As, meet-and-greets and more. [TechCrunch]
Kalderos named new CEO. Kalderos uses models and machine learning to fix any non-compliance issues found in discount programs for drugs through its drug discount management platform. The company announced it appointed Brent Dover as its new CEO. Jeremy Docken, Kalderos’ outgoing CEO, will still remain a part of the board, as well as the company’s chief strategy officer. [PR Newswire]
