Several Chicago tech companies announced new plans for the future and others completed acquisitions last week. Catch up on Jellyvision’s acquisition of Picwell, and read up on Songfinch’s plan to invest in tech founders. This is the Built In Chicago Weekly Refresh.
Songfinch launched an investment fund. Songfinch is a Chicago-based tech company that connects its clients with musicians to create custom music. After raising new funding in September, the company will launch a fund to invest in founders developing tech and entertainment solutions. Since launching in 2016, the company has raised $21.8 million in funding. [Chicago Inno]
Lessen acquired SMS Assist. Founded in Chicago, SMS Assist develops software to improve and bring transparency to the facilities maintenance industry. Last week, the company was acquired by Lessen. Despite having new owners, SMS Assist is hiring and has several openings for Chicago-based roles in multiple departments. [Business Wire]
Chicago Tech Quote of the Week
“There is no one-size-fits-all solution to meet employees’ unique health and wellness needs; each person has different wants, which are always changing based on time, circumstance and even learning styles. But this doesn’t mean we throw in the towel.” — Amanda Lannert, CEO of Jellyvision
Jellyvision acquired Picwell. Jellyvision, founded in 2001, uses behavioral science to help employees pick the health plans and benefits that fit their needs. Last week, it acquired Picwell, which allows employees to navigate health insurance benefits. Together both companies will focus on helping people optimize their healthcare plans and benefits. [Built In Chicago]
Several Chicago companies were acquired in 2022. Built In Chicago tracked which local companies were acquired last year in a new roundup. At least six Chicago tech companies were acquired in 2022 in deals worth millions of dollars. Some companies under new ownership include Codeverse, NextCapital and bswift, among others. [Built In Chicago]
Evozyne appointed a new CEO. Evozyne is a biotech company that develops novel proteins for use in therapeutics. The company appointed Mike Gamson as its new CEO. Gamson previously held the role of senior vice president at LinkedIn and was the CEO of Relativity. [Evozyne]
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