North America

KSQ Therapeutics rakes in $80 mln Series C

Cambridge, Massachusetts-based drug developer KSQ Therapeutics has secured $80 million in Series C financing. The investors included Baillie Gifford, Cowen Healthcare Investments, Invus, Lilly Asia Ventures, Flagship Pioneering, Polaris Partners, ARCH Venture Partners and Alexandria Equities.

Softomotive lands $25 mln Series A

UK-based Softomotive, a provider of robotic process automation solutions, has raised $25 million in Series A financing. The investor was Grafton Capital.

LiveSafe snaps up $11 mln

Arlington, Virginia-based LiveSafe, a provider of a risk intelligence technology platform, has secured $11 million in funding. The investors included Hearst, Enterprise Investment Partners, IAC, Revolution's Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, GXPI and the Kilberg family.

SeventySix adds NBA Hall of Famer Sampson to athlete venture group

SeventySix Capital, a sports-focused venture firm, has added NBA Hall of Famer Ralph Sampson to its athlete venture group. In his new role, Sampson will work hands-on with the company’s current sports tech fund. During his career, Sampson played for the Houston Rockets.

Daisy Intelligence wins $5 mln in funding from Espresso

Daisy Intelligence Corp, a Vaughan, Ontario-based artificial intelligence (AI) software-as-a-service platform, has raised $5 million in funding from Espresso Capital, a Canadian provider of technology debt financing. The deal was a result of Daisy taking first place at ElevateR Pitch, a competition for Canadian companies in an AI or related sector. Founded in 2003 by CEO Gary Saarenvirta, Daisy analyzes transaction and operational data to make automated operational decision recommendations for improving businesses. It will use the funds raised for talent acquisition and marketing and to support growth in key industries.

Alexa Fund backs three voice startups

The Alexa Fund has made investments in three early-stage voice startups Bamboo Learning, Endel and Aiva, according to a post. No financial terms were disclosed. The Alexa Fund provides up to $100 million in venture funding for voice technology.

Global coding community SoloLearn rallies $5.6 mln

SoloLearn, a global coding community, has raised $5.6 million in funding. Naspers led the round with participation from return backer Learn Capital.

AbCellera closes $13 mln Series A financing led by DCVC Bio

AbCellera, a Vancouver-based developer of therapeutic antibodies, has raised close to $13 million (US$10 million) in a Series A financing. The round was led by DCVC Bio, a U.S. biotechnology venture capital firm. Managing Partner John Hamer joined the board. AbCellera was founded in 2012 based on technology created at the University of British Columbia. Its antibody discovery engine combines a range of innovations, including artificial intelligence and microfluidic screening technology. Led by CEO Carl Hansen, the company will use the funds raised for growth, including investments to build capacity and integration of advanced technological capabilities.

Real estate tech company Compass fetches $400 mln

New York City-based Compass, a real estate technology company, has raised $400 million in Series F financing. The Softbank Vision Fund and Qatar Investment Authority led the round with participation from Wellington, IVP and Fidelity.

Arrowroot Capital targets $315 mln for fourth fund

Arrowroot Capital is seeking to raise $315 million for its fourth fund, according to an SEC filing. Santa Monica, California-based Arrowroot Capital Management is a growth equity firm that invests in B2B software firms.