Rumi Spice to dive into the Shark Tank
Rumi Spice, a veteran-led Chicago startup that imports saffron grown by partner farmers in Afghanistan’s Herat province, will be appearing on ABC’s “Shark Tank” on May 5. Saffron is one of the world’s most precious spices, in part because of how difficult it is to cultivate in most climates. By providing Afghani farmers with new avenues for selling their crops, Rumi hopes to contribute to Afghanistan’s reconstruction. [Chicago Tribune]
Currency launches to foster growth in Chicago's fintech sector
On Wednesday, the team behind FinTEx Chicago announced the launch of a new nonprofit group. Currency will help fintech startups navigate the regulatory environment in which they operate and build new corporate relationships. The organization will offer online and in-person resources, as well as a limited number of desks at its headquarters. [Chicago Tribune]
ShopRunner closes Silicon Valley office to expand in Chicago
ShopRunner made waves in the Chicago tech scene last summer when it announced that it is moving its headquarters here. On Wednesday, the company announced that it is officially shutting down its Silicon Valley office. The company expects to grow locally from “a couple dozen” employees to 100 in the next year and a half. [Crain’s]
McDonald’s to expand food delivery with UberEats
McDonald’s is set to expand its UberEats food delivery service by the end of June. The fast food chain has been testing delivery via the UberEats app at 200 restaurants in Florida since late last year, but now, local McDonald’s restaurants will prepare mails for delivery through Uber. [Chicago Business Journal]
Former Walgreens CEO launches startup incubator
On Friday, Gregory D. Wasson, the Chicago-based former CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, announced the launch of his newest project. Innventure, which is a partnership with Michael Otworth, will seek to identify and nurture new technology companies. Innventure will help companies build management teams and provide hard-earned business expertise in exchange for a stake in the fledgling companies. [The New York Times]
ParkWhiz scores former Groupon executive
On Thursday, ParkWhiz announced that Dan Roarty, Groupon's former senior vice president of marketplace, has joined its team. Roarty will be ParkWhiz's president of consumer brands and marketplace. The addition will help ParkWhiz take advantage of its current momentum, said CEO Aashish Dalal in a blog post.
It's Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day!
On Thursday, tiny kCurians invaded the company's offices for Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Participants will tour each of kCura's departments to complete an activity that teaches them what that department does.
Images via Shutterstock and listed companies.
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