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New Chicago coworking service launches
Deskpass, a subscription-based service that opens the doors to various coworking spaces in the city via iOS app, has launched in Chicago. With Deskpass, users have access to more than 25 coworking locations. Using the platform, they can book a space to ensure they secure the working space they need each day. After signing up for the subscription ($199/mo), members can visit each coworking space up to five times a month.
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Los Angeles Dodgers draft Chicago’s DoorStat for new accelerator
The Los Angeles Dodgers have accepted Chicago-based DoorStat to the first freshman class of the Dodgers’ new accelerator program. DoorStat, a tech solution empowering businesses to better understand foot traffic and customer demographics, will be given $120,000 and ample opportunities for networking and mentorship in return for a 6 percent stake of the company. DoorStat is one of 10 companies invited to participate. [Los Angeles Dodgers give Chicago-based DoorStat big-league shot: Chicago Tribune]
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Synap lands $2M seed round to launch private beta
Chicago-based Synap Software Labs, the developer of customer relationship management tool Synap, announced this week it has closed a $2 million seed round. Baird Capital and KGC Capital co-led the round, with angel investors like Devin Matters, Chris Hill, and other area entrepreneurs joining in. The company said they will use the funds to enhance product development and build out its marketing and customer success efforts.
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Uber making strides to be more inclusive
Uber Chicago announced two major advancements this week in its quest to make its services as inclusive as possible. uberESPAÑOL has been expanded to all users in the city, allowing Chicagoans to request an uberX ride with a Spanish-speaking driver at no extra cost. In addition, Uber also announced that the company has made major progress in its goal to create more opportunities for women drivers in the area. A company statement said more than 9,000 women have become partners with the company in the past three months, due in part to the company’s partnership with the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.
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Massage on demand service Zeel comes to Chicago
New York’s on-demand massage service Zeel extended services to Chicago this week. Zeel allows users to schedule a massage in privacy and at their convenience. A masseuse can be requested from 8 am to 10:30 pm on any day in the year, including holidays and weekends. Users can opt for styles ranging from Swedish and deep tissue to prenatal and couples massage, for sessions that last 60, 75, or 90 minutes.
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SIM Partners rakes in $2M in funding
Strategic Internet Marketing Partners (SIM Partners) raised another $2 million in funding this week, bringing their total funding to $10 million. Sim Partner’s technology gives entreprise users an avenue to maximize their digital marketing results at a local level by leveraging location-specific content. SIM Partners offers a full suite of automated SaaS solutions with Velocity and Velocity Social.
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2 companies see leadership changes
One of Chicago’s leading IoT innovators has hired a new president and CEO. TempoIQ will be helmed by Steve Subar, a tech executive with 30 years experience. Subar is the founder and former CEO of Open Kernel Labs. In addition to TempoIQ’s announcement, Belly, a digital loyalty solution for various retailers, has brought on Sean Wolter as the company’s new iOS team leader and director of mobile. Wolter joins the team after a four-year stint at Vokal, one of Chicago’s leading mobile app agencies.
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Kapow rebrands, introduces new tech tool
The company formerly known as Kapow Events has rebranded. Introducing Kapow, one of Chicago’s fastest growing startups. The corporate event-planning company has presence in 17 US cities and counts major companies like Netflix, CBRE, and Slalom Consulting among their clients. Alongside the rebrands, they’ve also unveiled Kapow Account, a set of proprietary software tools to help companies and venues better plan events.
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BLUE1647 opens up shop in St. Louis in its first national expansion
BLUE|1647 has opened its first tech innovation center in the city. The move marks the first national expansion for the Chicago-based organization, who plans on opening six more sites in St. Louis. Located onsite at the Clinton Peabody Housing Development, the inauguration of the facility also heralds the first time a tech hub has ever set up shop at a federally-funded housing development. [Built In Chicago]
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Built In Chicago and CNA team up to support tech community growth
CNA and Built In Chicago announced a partnership naming CNA the Commercial Insurance Carrier Partner for Built In Chicago members. The partnership will allow CNA and Built In Chicago to better support and accelerate the growth of technology companies in Chicago and nationwide. [Built In Chicago]
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