PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUDY AROCHA.
ClearDATA scores mega funding to grow cloud services
Healthtech startup ClearDATA raised $26 million in funding this week from investors that included Humana and Health Care Service Corporation, Norwest Venture Partners, Merck GHIF and Excel Venture Management. The funding will be used to extend its platform and reach within the healthcare industry. ClearDATA launched in 2012 and provides secure and accessible cloud solutions for healthcare data. [Built In Austin]
Austin ranks second in the country for startup presence
According to this year’s Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs, Austin ranks as the second most popular startup city in the country. Locally, startups under four years old account for nearly 40 percent of the total businesses in the city. Las Vegas claimed the number one spot with just over 40 percent. The Austin Chamber of Commerce published a list of the key findings from this year’s report. [Austin Chamber of Commerce]
Credit-building startup Self Lender secures $10M in funding
Fintech startup Self Lender raised a $10 million Series B last week, which will be used for hiring, marketing and expanding its suite of products. Altos Ventures led the round, which included participation from Accion Venture Lab, local firm Silverton Partners and others. The company helps clients restore or build their credit scores without relying on credit cards. [FinSMEs]
Samsung announces $291M investment in its Austin presence
Samsung recently announced it will invest about $291 million toward its Austin semiconductor business that will likely help Samsung Austin maintain its tax incentives from a state initiative. The money will be used over the next five years toward facility upgrades, tools and equipment. The company currently employs nearly 3,000 employees at its semiconductor campus in North Austin. [Austin Business Journal]
CrowdOut Capital raises $2.5M from members of its own lending platform
CrowdOut Capital, a local startup that helps middle- and lower-market companies raise capital over a web-based platform, secured $2.5 million in funding. CrowdOut co-founder and CEO Alexander Schoenbaum led the round. Members of CrowdOut’s investor network also participated in the seed funding. The investment will be used toward technical enhancements and team expansions. [Press Release]
Capital One acquires Austin startup
Wikibuy, an Austin startup launched in 2014 that helps online shoppers find the best deals via a Chrome extension, announced this week that it has been acquired by Capital One. Since going live, Wikibuy has built a user base of more than two million members and has saved them more than $50 million collectively, according to a blog post by Wikibuy’s co-CEOs, Walt Roloson and Adam Gauvin. As part of the acquisition, the entire Wikibuy team will join Capital One and remain headquartered here in Austin. [Press Release]
SparkCognition and Boeing launch startup to develop unmanned aircraft software
Following SparkCognition’s $32.5 million funding round in 2017 led by Boeing’s VC division, the two companies have partnered for the launch of SkyGrid. The new venture will address drone-related issues like traffic management, package deliveries, remote sensing, inspections and emergency responses. SparkCognition CEO Amir Husain will also serve as CEO of SkyGrid. [GeekWire]
