Slightly different news update structure this morning – listing notable investing deals between investors and impacting enterprises in the past week.
ProducePay – this week’s spotlight is a financing platform for farmers, which has raised $77 million in equity and debt funding. It aims to solve what its founders say is a major issue for farmers — getting paid in a timely manner for their crops. CoVenture led the round, and who was then joined by Menlo Ventures, Arena Ventures, and Social Leverage. Based in Los Angeles, California.
AliveCor – offering an “artificial intelligence enabled” stroke-prevention platform, with a $99 EKG reader device, announced $30 million in new funding, led by Omron Healthcare and Mayo Clinic. “Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States,” according to its CEO. Based in Mountain View, California.
Beekeeper – a communications platform to “connect the unconnected” for organizations to better connect with non-desktop, blue-collar, service-oriented workers. US$8 million in Series A funding via Keen Venture Partners, Fyrfly Venture Partners, Polytech Ecosystem Ventures and b-to-v Partners. Based in Switzerland and in the U.S.
Countable – a new digital platform for civic engagement, has raised $2 million in seed funding from Canaan Partners. Based in San Francisco, California.
EndoMaster – an NTU-NUS developed robotic-assisted surgical system that removes gastro-intestinal cancer tumours without surgical incisions, has raised S$20.5 million in Series B funding. Based in Singapore.
FarmLead – a digital marketplace that allows buyers and sellers to list, negotiate and finalize grain deals, has raised US$6.5 million in Series A funding via Monsanto Growth Ventures, Avrio Ventures, the MaRS Innovation Accelerator Fund and Serra Ventures. FarmLead serves more than 4,000 farms. Based in Ottawa, Canada.
Homage – offers a platform that connects caregivers with elderly people seeking assistance, has closed a $1.2 million seed round. Via 500 Startups’ Southeast Asia fund, Golden Gate Ventures, and SeedPlus, a fund affiliated with Jungle Ventures. Based in Singapore.
HoundLabs – the “world’s first marijuana breathalyzer,” has raised $2.4 million in funding per an SEC filing. Via Intersection Ventures and CamberView Partners. Based in Oakland, California.
LendUp – socially-responsible lender to the “56% of the US population” segment who are unbanked or under-banked because of poor credit or unstable incomes. $100 million in debt financing from Victory Park Capital. The financing comes at the same it announced surpassed $1 billion in loan-origination. Based in San Francisco, California in the U.S.
Livongo Health – modern health platform for chronic conditions like diabetes, offering new products like a connected meter that automatically uploads blood glucose readings for the benefit of care organizations and patients. Raised $52.5 million in Series D via General Catalyst and Kinnevik. Based in Mountain View, California.
Moximed – developed an “Atlas System” designed to treat knee osteoarthritis by absorbing excess load placed on knee joint, has raised $50 million in Series C funding via Advent Life Sciences, GBS Venture Partners, Future Fund, NEA, Morgenthaler Ventures and Vertex Healthcare. Based in Hayward, California in the U.S.
Social Finance Inc – better known as Sofi, is a non-bank lender best known for its student loan refinancing product, but also offers mortgage loans, personal loans, and wealth management products. Target market to highly-affluent, well-educated student loan borrowers. Raised $452 million in Series D per SEC filing. Based in San Francisco California.
Sprouts – a favorite among organic food conscious consumers and a less expensive alternative to Whole Foods is said to be in talks to be added to Albertsons’ portfolio, which includes Safeway stores. Food deflation and price competition are impacting the sector. Based in Austin, Texas in the U.S.
Sources: Crunchbase, TechCrunch, SEC
