Square Root Acquired, Firefly Got $93.3M, and More Austin Tech News

February 8, 2021
austin tech news square root acquired
Photo: Square Root

Companies on the Austin tech scene got funding rounds big and small last week. From moon missions to edtech advancements, learn more about the latest news. This is the Built In Austin weekly refresh.

Square Root becomes part of CDK GlobalAustin-based Square Root developed a platform that aims to help automotive OEMs make use of data patterns and opportunities for market retailers. The acquisition will allow CDK to accelerate the expansion of its data platform that works to use automotive industry insights to influence the development of new products. [Business Wire]

Sputnik ATX announces winter cohortThe VC firm and startup accelerator’s program offers participants training, networking and mentoring opportunities, as well as a $100,000 investment. Some of the companies chosen for this year’s program include telemedicine startup CribMD, education company Rex Academy and TIDY, an app for booking cleaning services. [Built In Austin]

Austin Tech Quote of the Week

“The number of employees at Firefly has nearly doubled over the last year, and we continue to aggressively recruit top technical talent to develop our next-generation spacecraft and rockets.... Space is expected to be the fastest-growing industry of the 21st century, and Firefly is determined to be perfectly positioned to lead the way in this new emerging space economy.” — Firefly CEO Dr. Tom Markusic

Firefly raised $93.3MThe Cedar Park-based aerospace company is helping NASA complete a mission to the moon. Firefly plans to send 10 NASA-sponsored payloads to the moon in its Blue Ghost lunar lander come 2023. The NASA payload will help the agency explore the Mare Crisium region of the moon. Firefly is currently hiring for 22 open positions as it advances toward its future goals. [Built In Austin]

Brightwheel raised $55MThis early education startup is working to help schools make digital transformations in teaching young students. Its software platform for institutions including preschools and the like helps administrators manage operations and teachers manage their classrooms. With the Series C funding led by Addition, Brightwheel is looking to hire new team members in Austin, San Francisco and remotely. [Built In Colorado]

Routefusion got $3.6MThe fintech company’s platform lets software developers embed cross-border payments for its customers in as little as two days. The funding round was led by Silverton Partners and will allow Routefusion to grow its team in the product and operations departments, as well as fuel international banking partnerships and the continued development of its product. [Crunchbase News]

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