Centro named best place to work (again)
Centro, a company whose software makes it easier to create and optimize digital media campaigns, is well known for its award-winning culture. This week, the company added another trophy to its already crowded shelf after Fortune tapped the company as the 9th best place to work in the entire US for medium-sized companies. [50 Best Small and Medium Companies to Work For: Fortune]
Dude Wipes shines on Shark Tank, secures investment from Cuban
Who knew Mark Cuban was such a bro? After appearing on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” the popular investor put his weight behind Chicago-based Dude Wipes, taking 25 percent share of the company for $300,000. Dude Wipes produces exactly what you’re thinking — sanitary, flushable baby wipes for dudes looking for a cleaner experience than they get with two-ply. [Mark Cuban takes a chunk of Dudes' bathroom wipes on 'Shark Tank': Chicago Tribune]
Insureon rakes in over $30M in funding to help small businesses get insured
Insureon, a Chicago-based online insurance provider to small businesses, announced this week a $31 million round of funding, led by fintech VC fund Oak HC/FT. Existing investor Accretive, which led the company’s previous rounds of funding, also returned to participate. The company said the capital will be used to fuel its tech development and cultivate Insureon’s sales and marketing efforts — particularly to small businesses. [Built In Chicago]
Mayor Emanuel provides updated details for controversial ‘cloud tax’
The Chicago Tribune’s Amina Elahi reported this week new details behind the controversial ‘cloud tax,’ a reinterpretation of an older tax statute by the City of Chicago that angered many technology leaders earlier this summer. Key points from the report include the lowering of the tax rate to 5.25 percent for cloud-based software and infrastructure services, as well as clarification that “small new businesses” will be exempt from the tax if and only if they have a valid and current business license, generate under $25 million in sales, and have been in operation for fewer than 60 months. [Emanuel details changes to business side of 'cloud tax': Chicago Tribune]
Greg Zeeman joins Enova’s team as COO
Enova International, a Chicago-based provider of data-driven loans, this week announced they have appointed Greg Zeeman as chief operating officer. As COO, Zeeman brings years of experience as a financial services executive to oversee all of Enova’s business operations and products. Zeeman joins the team from Main Street Renewal and has also previously held the title of COO for HSBC USA.
SpotHero revs its engine in NYC, announces acceleration plans
Chicago darling SpotHero this week announced plans to explode its acceleration in New York City. In a move to drive that growth, SpotHero has brought on Zipcar’s John Horton (pictured below) to lead the company’s NYC expansion efforts. The announcement follows a $20 million Series B secured in August of this year, which was led by New York-based Insight Venture Partners. The announcement reiterated SpotHero’s hiring efforts, as Horton will be responsible for hiring 10 employees to work out of NYC's WeWork. [Built In Chicago]
Chicago Innovation Exchange incubator welcomes six new companies
Anansi, Asian-American Community Exchange, Banyan, Miklal Software Solutions, RDMChem, and Splend have all hopped aboard Chicago Innovation Exchange’s business incubator, following the celebration of a 7,000 square foot expansion last week. The business incubator provides everything from coworking space to mentorship and resources for up to 12 early-stage companies. [A 911 Wearable, Bill-Splitting App Among Six New Companies In CIE's Incubator: Chicago Inno]
One North Interactive announces strategic partnership with Tell Your Story
Chicago-based One North Interactive, a B2B digital agency, this week announced a new strategic investment in another Chicago-based marketing agency, Tell Your Story. Said One North CEO and co-founder in a statement, “Developing and sharing valuable content has become an integral part of creating meaningful digital experiences. This investment and partnership gives us the content marketing piece that many current and prospective clients can benefit from. It’s a natural extension of our services and one that we’re incredibly excited to offer.” (Photo courtesy of James John Jetel (JJ) Photography)
Legal Hero swoops into Chicago to save startups from lofty legal fees
Legal Hero, a legal tech company headquartered in New York that provides on-demand access to legal services, this week announced it is expanding its services to Illinois to answer all of your legal pain points — from business information and employment law to immigration and intellectual property — so you can focus on growth. [Built In Chicago]
Say hello to free same-day Amazon delivery, Chicago
Amazon Prime is now offering free, same-day delivery in Chicago for more than 1 million items, given that the overall purchase is more than $35. Monday through Sunday, online shoppers can expect delivery by 9 p.m. if they submit their order by noon, whith coverage in Chicago reaching out to suburbs as far as Evanston, Arlington Heights, Oak Lawn, Glen Ellyn, and Downers Grove. [Amazon brings free same-day delivery to Chicago: Chicago Tribune]
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