Andela launches in Uganda to meet growing demand
Andela, a global engineering organization that connects Africa’s top software engineers with tech companies, launched in Kampala, Uganda, its third African market, this week. The company’s first recruitment cycle in Kampala yielded over 800 applications, from which eight developers were accepted to take part in the first-ever Uganda cohort. [Quartz]
Cheddar raises $19 million Series C
Cheddar, the ‘post-cable” financial news network for millennials, announced it raised a $19 million Series C this week. The round was led by Raine Ventures, along with strategic investors including AT&T, Amazon, Altice USA, the New York Stock Exchange and Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video. With this round, the New York-based company has raised $32.1 million to date, with a valuation of $85 million. [Variety]
Target considers buying Casper for $1B, invests instead
According to Recode, Target held serious acquisition discussions over the last few months with mattress startup Casper. Apparently, Target offered $1 billion to buy the fast-growing New York City-based company, but the two sides couldn’t work out a deal. Instead of acquiring Casper, Target will likely be the lead investor in a large new round of funding that could be announced in the coming weeks. [Recode]
YC-backed KidPass raises $5.1 million
KidPass, a membership-based online marketplace of activities for kids, raised a $5.1 million round this week. Javelin Venture Partners led the round, with participation from both new investor FJ Labs and existing investors, including CoVenture, Y Combinator, TIA Ventures, Bionic Fund and Cocoon Ignite Ventures. [VentureBeat]
BounceX raises $31 million
This week, martech company BounceX raised a $31 million growth capital financing, which it plans to use towards both acquisition and hiring efforts. The round was led by Silicon Valley Bank. [Business Insider]
Raise.com releases new app
Raise.com, a Chicago-based company that recently opened an office in Chelsea, announced the launch of its new app on Wednesday. Through the app, consumers can buy discounted digital gift cards instantly to redeem in-store or online through the more than 300 retail partners and 3,000 brands available on Raise’s marketplace. [Press Release]
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