After weeks of slowed VC funding in Chicago, the floodgates finally opened and several tech startups raised new capital this past week. Catch up on project44’s $80 million raised or read up on Klover’s rebrand to Attain and its $25 million Series B round. This is the Built In Chicago Weekly Refresh.
Project44 increased its valuation to $2.7B. Chicago-based project44, a logistics company that provides supply chain visibility platforms, raised $80 million and, as a result, increased its valuation to $2.7 billion. The company was previously valued at $2.2 billion earlier this year when it raised a $420 million round. With the fresh capital, project44 will develop a new platform that tracks carbon emissions during freight transport. [Built In Chicago]
Kadeya was featured in Built In’s Future 5 series. Kadeya develops vending machines that serve beverages in reusable bottles. The machines also clean, sanitize and refill bottles when they are returned. The startup was founded by Manuela Zoninsein and is part of the Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator. Currently, the vending machines only serve filtered water, but soon Kadeya will add options for carbonation and flavoring. [Built In Chicago]
Chicago Tech Quote of the Week
Crafty opened a new HQ. Crafty provides food and beverage services for offices and remote workers. Earlier this year, the Chicago-based company secured $10 million in funding. Now, it opened a new HQ in downtown Chicago. The move will accommodate the company’s growing workforce as it already doubled its headcount this year. [Built In Chicago]
Loop raised $30M. Founded by ex-Uber Freight employees, Loop is a logistics payment platform that looks to eliminate payment errors that arise from invoices. The company uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create digital versions of contracts and other documents. This funding round included participation from 8VC Capital, Susa Ventures and Flexport, among others. [Axios]
Klover rebranded to Attain. Along with the rebrand, the company also raised $25 million in a Series B round. With the new funding, Attain will launch a SaaS data platform for marketers to gain insight into purchasing behaviors. Attain is currently hiring for roles in marketing, sales and product. [Ad Exchanger]
