Tech roundup: Umbel acquiring, Ride Fare launches and picks up $2M and more

Umbel acquires Lodestone Social Media LLC

With the acquisition of Lodestone, Umbel will now offer over 70 different ways for brands to engage with their customers and fans, in mobile apps, in-venue, on-air, online and via social media. [Read more on the Umbel blog]

Vyze hires CFO

Fintech company Vyze has announced that John Whitmarsh will join the company as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Whitmarsh brings over 20 years of financial management expertise to Vyze's executive team, having helped grow multiple private equity-backed SaaS and venture-backed technology companies. "John is a tried-and-true leader with a wealth of experience guiding technology companies as chief financial officer," said CEO Keith Nealon. "His proven ability to identify growth opportunities in technology businesses makes him the perfect fit for Vyze, and we are all delighted to have him join the Vyze family." [Press release]

Wingz offering $1 rides

Wingz, the peer-to-peer, private car service that offers pre-scheduled, flat-rate rides with a personal driver, announced the company is offering a $1 promotion to first-time customers in Austin through July 1st. The cost for qualified rides during this promotional period will be $1 for the first 20 miles; rides longer than 20 miles will cost an additional $2/mile. For every ride booked by first-time users during the promotion, Wingz will donate the $1 fare to Caritas of Austin, a local nonprofit organization providing housing, food, education, and employment services. [Press release]

Ride Fare picks up $2M

Ride Fare LLC has picked up $2 million to boost its operations in Austin. Ride Fare CEO Michael Leto disclosed that he and his brother Andrew Leto are investing their own money, which brings the company's total disclosed financing to $5 million. They also started giving rides today. [Austin Business Journal]

Barkhappy launches nationwide

BarkHappy, the location-based, crowd-sourced mobile app created to help dogs and their owners discover the dog-friendly world around them, launched nationally this week. The app offers a unique and creative way to socialize dogs and help communities better engage their four-legged family members by showing dog-friendly places, dog-friendly events, and even has lost-and-found alerts. The app is designed to foster a connected community of dogs and dog owners through real-life experiences while also creating a platform for dog-friendly businesses and events. [Press release]

ACC expands Career ACCelerator Program

JPMorgan Chase & Co. has donated $250,000 to the Austin Community College Foundation to fund scholarships for adult students entering ACC’s Career ACCelerator Program. Career ACCelerator combines instruction with financial assistance, support services, and paid internships to help adults — particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed — train for high-demand occupations. The Chase donation will fund scholarships for 100 program participants. [Austin Community College]

Duo Security opens office, plans to hire

Cybersecurity company Duo Security has opened an office in Austin and plans to hire 30 people this year. The Michigan-based business is located in the Heierman Building at 115 E. Fifth St. [Built In Austin]

Legacy Star Private Equity Funds raises $2M

The former CEO of Cielo Private Equity Funds has launched a private equity firm focused on the technology, energy, real estate and manufacturing sectors. Legacy Star Capital Partners LLC has raised $2 million of a planned $4 million financing from eight investors, according to a Monday filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. [Austin Business Journal]

Dell embraces work from home

CNN Money reported this week that Dell is making it a conscious business strategy to support employees who want to work from home. They explain it helps save money and helps the environment. Today, 25 percent of Dell employees work from home either full-time or a few days a week. The company is aiming to double that share to 50 percent by 2020. [CNN Money]

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