North America

UK social care startup Cera Care invests in expansion

UK-based Cera Care, a social care start-up, is committing 10 million pounds in expansion and hiring new carers. In May 2018, Cera Care announced it had raised $17 million in Series A funding, according to Crunchbase. The lead investor was Guinness Asset Management.

BATL closes Series A round, increases funding to $10 mln

Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL), a Toronto-based urban axe throwing company, has raised an undisclosed Series A financing. The round, which brings BATL's total funding to more than $10 million, was arranged by Canadian investment bank FirePower Capital. The investors were not disclosed. Founded in 2006 by CEO Matt Wilson, BATL operates 14 venues across North America for the sport of axe throwing. To date, it has hosted more than 1.25 million visitors in leagues and private events. The company plans to expand its retail footprint to more than 100 locations by 2023.

Workable raises another $50 mln growth financing

Workable said Nov. 20 that it raised another $50 million of growth financing led by Zouk Capital. Also participating were 83North, Balderton, Notion, TriplePoint, and Endeavor Catalyst. Workable, of Boston, provides a recruiting automation platform for SMBs.

Wild Friends Foods pulls in $3.5 mln

Wild Friends Foods, a clean-label food brand, specializing in non-GMO nut and seed butters and nut butter-based breakfast items, has raised $3.5 million in Series Seed funding. Cambridge Companies SPG led the round with participation from other investors that included Katjesgreenfood, Echo Capital, the CircleUp Growth Fund and Portland Seed Fund.

Living Security rallies $1.25 mln seed

Austin, Texas-based Living Security, a cybersecurity training company, has raised $1.25 million in seed funding. Active Capital led the round with participation from other investors that included Cathexis Ventures and Capital Factory.

Panache-backed Communo buys LocalSolo, plans for Series A

Communo, a Calgary-based community of marketing and digital service professionals and agencies, has acquired LocalSolo, a Vancouver-based online network for freelancers. Terms weren't disclosed. Communo said the deal grows its footprint and increases its member-based community. Founded in 2017 by CEO Ryan Gill and COO Chris Kneeland, Communo helps members to share work, talent, resources and knowledge through a digital platform and co-working spaces. Earlier this year, Communo was backed by Canadian seed-stage venture capital firm Panache Ventures. It said it is preparing for a Series A financing expected to close next month.

Intelligent lunch platform Feedr scores funding

UK-based Feedr, an intelligent lunch platform, has secured 1.5 million pounds in funding. The investors included Episode 1 Ventures and Founders Factory.

Green Mountain CBD nets $7 mln from One Better Ventures

Green Mountain CBD, a Vermont-based organic hemp grower and maker of CBD products, has raised $7 million in funding. The investor was One Better Ventures LLC. Green Mountain CBD will rebrand itself as SunSoil in early 2019.

Zero Financial procures $16 mln

San Francisco-based fintech company Zero Financial Inc has raised $16 million in funding. The investors included Eniac Ventures, NEA, Nyca Partners and Silicon Valley Bank.

Dispatch fetches $6 mln

San Francisco-based Dispatch, a provider of tools for entrepreneurs and businesses to develop business solutions, has raised $6 million in funding. The lead investor was Fenbushi Capital.