Fast 50: Software firm debuts on The List at No. 29
Minneapolis software firm Kipsu Inc. debuts on the Business Journal's 2024 Fast 50 list at No. 29. The company reported 2023 revenue of nearly $13.7 million, representing an increase of 66.12% from 2021.
Branch featured in Power Partner Awards 2024
Introducing the Businesses Proven to Help Other Companies Succeed
Every one of the 359 companies on this list offers a best-in-class product and service and will make running your business easier and better.
Top 10 US Cities for Startup Ecosystems
Are you an entrepreneur looking for the perfect place to launch your startup? While Silicon Valley and the East Coast have long been the go-to destinations for new businesses, times are changing. Today, exciting opportunities are popping up all across the United States.
Let’s explore some of the best cities for startups in 2024, focusing on locations outside the traditional tech hubs.
In Detroit, Creating a New Hub for Innovation
Entrepreneurs once flocked to Motor City to build cars. Now, they’re building its mobility future.
This Female Founder Has Raised $53 Million–but It Hasn’t Come Easy
Soona is changing the game for how brands create visual assets, but CEO Liz Giorgi has faced her fair share of challenges–and made her fair share of mistakes.
Indeed Flex Partners with Branch to Deliver Same Day Pay for Flex Workers
Collaboration Delivers Greater Payment Choice, Financial Wellness Tools, and More Flexibility to Temporary Workers
Key benefits of the partnership include:
- Same Day Pay: Workers can access up to 50% of their earnings on the same day they complete work at no cost via the Branch App, reducing financial stress and providing greater control over their personal finances.
- Fee-Free Digital Banking: The Branch App offers a digital wallet backed by a fee-free bank account* and Mastercard debit card along with free ATM options so that Flexers can eliminate traditional banking fees and have another direct deposit option.
- Financial Management Tools: Branch provides a suite of financial wellness tools, including cashback rewards, cash flow insights, and a marketplace for additional personal financial solutions, to help workers manage their finances more effectively.
- Enhanced Flexibility: The payments partnership aligns with Indeed Flex's commitment to empowering job seekers with control over work opportunities, ensuring that workers have the financial flexibility to match their work arrangements.
Frate Raises $3.6M in Seed Funding
Frate, a Toronto, Canada-based startup transforming the retail returns process, raised CAD$3.6M in Seed funding. The round was led by Matchstick Ventures with participation from 2048 Ventures (NYC), Whitecap Venture Partners (Toronto), Closed Loop Venture Partners (NYC), and BeSer Ventures (San Francisco). The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts. We co-led the Pre-Seed round in Frate.
Two Boxes Secures $5.3M in Oversubscribed Funding Round
Two Boxes, the best way for brands and 3PLs to streamline returns and capture critical data from the process, has successfully raised $5.3 million. The oversubscribed funding round led by Peterson Ventures and saw participation from new investor Assembly Ventures, alongside renewed support from existing backers Vinyl, Range Ventures, and Matchstick Ventures. With more than one million returns processed to date, the company is a proven logistics solution. We led the Pre-Seed round and are super excited about their progress.
ALLCITY Network Launches DLLS in Dallas with YouTube- and Podcast-Based Sports Coverage
A week after announcing a $12 million Series B funding round, Denver-based ALLCITY Network has launched its DLLS outlet in Dallas. Helmed by local NBA insider Marc Stein, DLLS will offer daily weekday shows covering the Cowboys, Mavericks, Stars, Rangers, and more on YouTube and podcast platforms.
Tilt Secures $15M Series B
Tilt, the pioneering platform for leave management solutions, is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its $15 million Series B funding round. This round was led by Bramalea Partners, with additional participation from HearstLab and continued support from Firework Ventures, Origin Ventures, and Techstars. As a reminder, we led a Pre-Seed round in Tilt.
Zed collaborating with AnthropicAI
Introducing Zed AI, in collaboration with AnthropicAI. Zed AI brings LLMs directly into your editor with an extensible, text-centric approach. We're also piloting anthropicAI's new Fast Edit mode for Claude 3.5 Sonnet with a small set of Zed users.
ALLCITY Network is changing sports media and raises $12M Series B
ALLCITY Network is changing sports media and based on the millions of engaged users they just raised a $12 million Series B. They make it more fun to be a sports fan. We led their Seed round.
Deals are starting to get done', Chicago investors say
Pre-seed and seed deals for local early-stage startups are starting to close faster heading into the second half of 2024. Find out what other insights local investors shared during TechWeek Chicago.
Our investment in Althea
We are excited to announce that Matchstick Ventures Fund III has completed an investment in Althea. Althea is an end-to-end software for the introduction of regulated psychedelics into health care.
After.com raises $10 Million in Series A Funding
After.com raises $10 million in Series A funding led by HIPstr, the early-stage investment arm of HighPost Capital, LLC. The pioneering end-of-life technology services platform will use the proceeds to enter new markets, boost marketing efforts, and expand its team. We led their Seed round.