NYC startups raked in over $1.3 billion VC dollars in July
July was another successful month for NYC startups, as they raised a total of $1.3 billion in funding. Top funding rounds include WeWork at $760 million, Vroom at $76 million and Betterment at $70 million. [Built In NYC]
Chariot expands to NYC to help alleviate public transit disruptions
Ford’s crowd-sourced shuttle service Chariot is coming to Manhattan and Brooklyn in August. The company’s goal is to supplement existing transportation options with flexible routes that respond quickly to riders. It will begin service routes from the Lower East Side to Midtown, and from Greenpoint to Dumbo. [TechCrunch]
Optimove announces new CTO to accelerate AI capabilities
AI-led marketing cloud company Optimove announced its new Chief Technology Officer, Tal Kedar, who previously served as the Director of Emerging Technologies at Sears Holdings Corporation. In his new role, he’ll help marketers build a loyal customer base and accelerate customer retention through artificial intelligence. [Press release]
Top fundings of the week
WeWork, $500 million.
Investors: Hony Capital, Japanese internet giant SoftBank, Greenland Holdings and China Oceanwide
Coworking space giant WeWork raised $500 million just weeks after raising a massive $760 million in funding. This latest round will go toward expanding its presence in China. [Business Insider]
Bread, $126 million.
Investors: BoxGroup, Greycroft Partners, Colle Capital Partners, Cue Ball, RRE Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Menlo Ventures
Bread raised $126 million through a Series B funding round of combined debt. The money will be put toward expanding the number of retailers that offer its financing. [Forbes]
ExecOnline, $16 million.
Investors: New Atlantic Ventures, Thomas Lehrman, Kaplan, Osage Venture Partners, NewSpring Capital
ExecOnline, an online provider of leadership development, raised a $16 million Series B investment round led by NewSpring Growth Capital. Funding will be used to expand sales and marketing capabilities and grow its suite of enterprise-focused online leadership development offerings. [Press release]
Images via Shutterstock.
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