A wide variety of tech developments came to Austin last week with companies making growth-oriented moves and innovating new uses for their products. This is the Built In Austin weekly refresh.
AlertMedia sold a controlling stake to Vista Equity. Its emergency communications platform helps businesses alert their employees to dangerous situations. After increasing its customer base by 50 percent last year due to the pandemic, the company is planning to put this new investment toward expanding internationally and branching out into additional industries. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Fortune estimated the new investment at $400 million. [Fortune]
Austin companies made Forbes’ best startup employers list. Based on factors like employer reputation, employee satisfaction and growth, Forbes compiled a list of startups that could make ideal workplaces. There were 17 Austin-based companies listed, and the highest-ranked of them include Convey, Iris Telehealth, Everlywell, Innovetive Petcare and The Zebra. [Built In Austin]
Austin Tech Quote of the Week
ICON’s tech is seeing groundbreaking uses. The 3D printing company’s tech was used to create the world’s first 3D printed rocket pad. The launch and landing pad is designed for use exploring the moon’s surface. ICON is also employing its tech to create a neighborhood of 3D printed houses in East Austin. The homes are projected for completion by summer and will go on sale for $450,000. [Built In Austin]
Refraction AI raised $4.2M. This startup created autonomous delivery robot REV-1. It also just secured seed funding in a round led by Pillar VC that will go toward acquiring new customers, expanding its geographic presence and developing its product. Currently, the company’s tech serves restaurants and grocery stores in Ann Arbor, Michigan. [FinSMEs]
Tech entrepreneurs launched a SPAC. Cotter Cunningham, founder of RetailMeNot, and Brian Sharples, co-founder of HomeAway, are joining forces to take part in the ongoing trend involving special purpose acquisition companies. The two are launching Moose Pond Acquisition Corp. which will trade under the ticker symbol “MOOSU.” MPAC is looking to acquire a company that serves a Millennial and Gen Z demographic. [Austin Inno]
