Innovation

Mediaocean To Buy Innovid In $500 Million Deal

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

Mediaocean (a foundational partner for omnichannel advertising) and Innovid (an independent software platform for the creation, delivery, measurement, and optimization of advertising) announced they have entered into a definitive agreement in which Mediaocean will acquire Innovid. And as part of the deal, Innovid will merge with Flashtalking to create a premier global, independent, omnichannel ad tech platform.

University Of Cincinnati’s 1819 Venture Lab Partnering With Flywheel For SustainableCincy Cohort

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

The University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Venture Lab—in partnership with the Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub—announced it is helping five socially minded startups grow. The first-ever SustainableCincy collaboration between these two startup accelerator programs is expected to drive positive social impact and innovation throughout Greater Cincinnati.

Allink Biotherapeutics: $42 Million (Series A) Raised To Transform Bispecific Antibody And Antibody-Drug Conjugate Therapeutics

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

Allink Biotherapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering next-generation bispecific antibody and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics, announced the completion of a $42 million Series A financing. The funding round was led by Lanchi Ventures with participation from an elite syndicate of new investors, including Yuanbio Venture Capital, Legend Capital, and C&D Emerging Industry Equity Investment, along with support from existing shareholders Gaorong Ventures and Med-Fine Capital.

Propeller Drones Signs $7 Million IEC Contract

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

Airwayz, a company in large-scale low-altitude Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) for drones, announced it was chosen by Propeller Drones to execute its $7 million Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) contract to conduct autonomous operations, including inspection of electrical infrastructure.

Stax.ai: $7 Million Raised To Help TPAs Streamline Operations

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

Stax.ai, a transformative solution that empowers retirement third-party administrators (TPAs) to streamline their operations and create efficiencies previously deemed impossible, announced $7 million in new funding led by Neotribe. To date, the company has raised $11.65 million. It will continue its momentum by investing in its next phase of customer growth and product development while building its leadership team.

Theory Ventures: Second Fund Closed At $450 Million

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

Theory Ventures, a VC firm specializing in early-stage software investments across data, AI, and web3, announced the closing of its $450 million second fund. After the launch of its inaugural $238 million fund in April 2023, this new fund enables the firm to scale its support for innovators utilizing technology discontinuities into go-to-market advantages and building the next generation of software.

Eden AI: AI Integration Company Raises €3 Million (Seed)

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

AI integration company Eden AI announced it raised a €3 million seed round led by Galion.exe. 50 Partners and several prominent business angels participated, including Olivier Pomel (Co-Founder of Datadog), Sébastien Pahl (Co-Founder of Docker), and Alix de Sagazan (Co-Founder of ABTasty).

WellRX Acquiring Bloodwork And Genetics Company Bioreach

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

WellRX, the parent company of preventative healthcare brands ReviveRX and Ways2Well, announced it acquired Bioreach, a bloodwork and genetics laboratory company. This deal brings advanced blood testing capabilities in-house, streamlining diagnostics and enabling the delivery of innovative health tests across WellRX’s ecosystem, such as partner telehealth clinics, weight-loss programs, testosterone therapies, and regenerative medicine services.

Peak Technology Buying 3D Printer Company Type A Machines

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

Peak Technology, a provider of rapid prototyping and advanced manufacturing solutions to the semiconductor, biomedical, aerospace, and other deep tech industries, announced it has approved a definitive agreement to acquire all the IP and assets of former 3D printer technology company Type A Machines.

Heidelberg Materials To Buy Giant Cement In $600 Million Deal

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

Heidelberg Materials North America announced that it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Giant Cement Holding Inc. (GCHI) and its subsidiaries, Giant Cement Company, Dragon Products Company and Giant Resource Recovery, from the Fortaleza, Uniland and Trituradora groups.

Aira Technologies: $14.5 Million (Series B) Raised To Apply AI To Cellular Network Infrastructure

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

Aira Technologies, a leader in applying AI to cellular network infrastructure, announced it has raised $14.5 million in Series B to expand and accelerate its AI/ML-based solutions to drive improvements in operating, energy, and spectral efficiency.

StoreCash: Cashback And Financial Mobile Application Company Raises $3.7 Million (Seed)

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

StoreCash, a cashback and financial mobile application company, announced the close of a $3.7 million seed round led by Black Operator Ventures (Black Ops). Returning investor MaC Venture Capital (MaC VC), 43North Foundation, Alumni Ventures, Buffalo Angels, Popular Ventures, and Mucker Capital participated.

InfraRed Capital Partners: $1 Billion Closed For Sixth Value-Add Fund

By Amit Chowdhry ● Dec 1, 2024

InfraRed Capital Partners - an international infrastructure asset manager - announced the final closing of InfraRed Infrastructure Fund VI, with capital commitments above $1 billion USD, including co-investment vehicles and separately managed accounts (SMAs). This is InfraRed’s sixth flagship value-add infrastructure fund, which attracted institutional investors from North America, UK, Europe, and Asia.

Solvento: $12.5 Million (Series A) Raised To Automate Payments And Invoices For Trucking Companies

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 30, 2024

Solvento - a fintech company that automates payments, finances invoices, and addresses liquidity needs for carriers in the trucking industry in Mexico and the US - announced it raised $12.5 million in its Series A funding round.

Levanta: Amazon Seller Marketing Platform Company Raises $20 Million (Series A)

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 30, 2024

Levanta, a leading affiliate marketing platform for Amazon sellers, announced it raised a $20 million Series A funding round led by Volition Capital. This funding will enable Levanta to expand its platform capabilities, accelerate growth, and cement its position as a leading creator-driven commerce platform for Amazon sellers.

MetOx: High Temperature Superconducting Company Secures $15 Million

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 30, 2024

MetOx International - a U.S. leader in High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) technology - announced the closing of its Series B funding round, securing an additional $15 million from a strategic syndicate of investors, such as Duquesne Family Office, Piedmont Capital, Crosscut Ventures, New System Ventures, John Doerr's Family Office together with Ryan Panchadsaram, among others.

Illumen Capital: Systemic Inequity Focused Firm Raises $32.75 Million For Catalyst Fund

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 30, 2024

Illumen Capital - an impact fund of funds addressing systemic inequity by reducing racial and gender bias in investing - announced the raising of its $32.75 million Catalyst Fund, a vehicle designed for supporting first-time fund managers and entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Spectro Cloud: Kubernetes Management Company Raises $75 Million (Series C)

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 29, 2024

Spectro Cloud, a leader in modern multi-cluster Kubernetes management at scale across a variety of deployment environments, including on-premises hardware, single and multi-cloud, and the edge, announced it has raised a $75 million Series C funding round led by Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives with participation from existing Spectro Cloud investors.

Enlightenment Capital: $825 Million Fund V Closed

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 29, 2024

Enlightenment Capital, an investment firm focused on aerospace, defense, government, and technology (ADG&T) based in the Washington, DC, area, announced the closing of its latest fund, Enlightenment Capital Solutions Fund V, L.P.

Flipturn: EV Fleet Management Company Raises $11 Million (Series A)

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 29, 2024

Flipturn, an electric vehicle (EV) charger, and fleet management platform announced it had raised $11 million in a Series A round led by CRV with participation from Accel. Flipturn helps fleets manage chargers and their overall fleet operations. This funding round will enable the team to continue on its quest to expand into broader charging and energy management solutions.

Constrafor: Construction Software Company Raises $264 Million (Equity & Credit Facility)

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 28, 2024

Constrafor, a software provider for the construction industry, today announced the closing of its $264 million Series A funding round. This funding, comprising an equity component of $14 million and a $250 million credit facility, has been led by NFX on the equity side, and Wafra and Crestline Investors on the credit side.

The Bob Woodruff Foundation: $4.7+ Million Invested For Supporting Veterans And Military Families

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 28, 2024

The Bob Woodruff Foundation announced an investment of over $4.7 million dedicated to ensuring that veterans, service members, and their families have stable and successful futures. This grant portfolio addresses key issues for veteran communities, including mental health, housing, legal services, education, employment, and social connections.

CalTier: Real Estate & Alternative Investment Company Raises Funding (Series B)

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 28, 2024

CalTier, a leader in real estate and alternative investment platform, announced the launching of its Series B round of funding, a significant milestone in its journey to democratize access to high-quality real estate investments.

Ecolectro: Green Hydrogen Electrolyzer Company Secures $10.5 Million (Series A)

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 28, 2024

Ecolectro, a leader in green hydrogen technology, announced the closing of its $10.5 million Series A funding round, led by Toyota Ventures with participation from Starshot Capital, DNX Ventures, Energy Revolution Ventures, New Climate Ventures, Banco Popular Impact Fund, and Techstars, and others.

Apse Capital: J.P. Morgan Leads €350 Million Continuation Fund Close

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 27, 2024

Apse Capital Limited announced today the closing of a €350 million continuation fund in connection with acquiring three existing assets from Apse Capital Bridge Fund.

Helen Of Troy To Buy Olive & June In $240 Million Deal

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 27, 2024

Helen of Troy—a designer, developer, and worldwide marketer of branded consumer home, outdoor, beauty, and wellness products—announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to buy Olive & June's business.

LeapFrog Investments: $1.15 Billion Fourth Fund Closed

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 27, 2024

LeapFrog Investments announced the closing of its fourth fund, with commitments and designated co-investments totalling $1.02 billion. And LeapFrog’s initial target for Fund IV was $1 billion.

Serenity: AI-Based EHS Software Solutions Company Raises $5.5 Million (Series A)

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 27, 2024

Serenity, a leader in innovative AI-based Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) software solutions, announced the closing of a $5.5 million Series A funding round. The funding was led by Allegion Ventures, with follow-on participation from existing investor Base10 Partners.

LLCP: $575 Million Multi-Asset Continuation Fund Closed

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 27, 2024

Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP) announced the closing of a $575 million multi-asset continuation fund transaction. And LLCP LMM Acquisition Fund, L.P. was formed to acquire interests in three portfolio companies: Blue Ridge Associates, Milton Industries and Resolution Economics – from LLCP Lower Middle Market Fund, L.P. (LMM II).

Pepsi Buying The Remaining 50% Stake In Sabra And Obela

By Amit Chowdhry ● Nov 27, 2024

PepsiCo announced its agreement to acquire the remaining 50% interest in Sabra Dipping Company and PepsiCo-Strauss Fresh Dips & Spreads International GmbH (Obela) and become the sole owner of these companies, which make Sabra and Obela products.