Latest Lightbank Stories

-- New Social Community Allows Parents, Experts and Brands to Connect, Help Each Other Select the Right Baby and Parenting Gear for Them -- CHICAGO, April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sippy cups, strollers, and diaper bags... oh my! New and expecting parents are faced with an endless, often overwhelming stream of purchasing decisions - even before baby is born. Enter SunnyBump, the fun new social community designed to help parents quickly and easily navigate the ever-expanding world of...

CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightbank, a venture capital firm founded by entrepreneurs Brad Keywell and Eric Lefkofsky, today announced the opening of its second location in the Flatiron District of New York. Lightbank's New York presence will enable the firm to better serve and grow its portfolio in New York and the East Coast, where it will join a community full of promising tech startups. "New York is an active and diverse tech hub that has produced many remarkable...

BOSTON, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ovuline, a leader in healthcare IT for pregnancy, today announced $1.4 million in seed financing. Lightbank led the round, with participation from Launch Capital, LionBird and Techstars founder and CEO David Cohen. The funding allows Ovuline to continue development of its mobile and Web-based Smart Fertility(TM) product and expand its presence in the pregnancy tracking space. Launched in June 2012, Ovuline uses technology and machine learning...

CHICAGO, Dec. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightbank, a venture capital firm founded by serial entrepreneurs Brad Keywell and Eric Lefkofsky, has launched Lightbank Design to provide emerging design talent with mentorship and real-world experience working with Lightbank-backed startups. Lightbank Design is a paid 3-month program in which designers will hone their skills working side-by-side in Lightbank's office with some of the most innovative minds in its portfolio of more than 50...

CHICAGO, May 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloud accounting software leader FreeAgent, the UK's top small business and freelancer online accounting software provider, kick-started its global expansion strategy by completing its first US acquisition. The company announced the acquisition of Lightbank-backed financial forecasting software firm 60mo, whose team will be incorporated into FreeAgent's new American division, FreeAgent Inc. In addition to the acquisition, FreeAgent's fortunes...

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Social activities discovery site Lifecrowd today announced it has secured $5 million in initial funding to expand its online marketplace that helps users discover and participate in fun activities in their area, connect with friends and meet new people. Lightbank, the Chicago based investment fund focused on early-stage technology companies, is leading the investment and will take a seat on the Lifecrowd board of...

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Udemy, "the Academy of you", today announced it has completed a $3 million Series A financing. The round was led by Lightbank, the Chicago-based technology investment fund started by Groupon co-founders Eric Lefkofsky and Brad Keywell, and with additional support from funders MHS Capital and 500 Startups. Udemy's new capital will be used primarily to add key employees to the company's marketing and business development teams. Launched in May...

CHICAGO, Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BodyShopBids, developers of a free online service that enables consumers to get auto repair estimates from local body shops, today announced that it has closed a seed round of outside venture capital from Lightbank, the technology investment fund started by Eric Lefkofsky and Brad Keywell. The website, iPhone and Android apps are currently operational in Chicago and have been generating regular savings of over 70% on auto collision repairs for...

SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BeachMint has secured a $23.5 million round of funding led by Scale Venture Partners and Lightbank, the technology investment fund started by Eric Lefkofsky and Brad Keywell, cofounders of Groupon. Existing investors, New Enterprise Associates, Trinity Ventures, and Anthem Ventures also participated in the round. The new funding will be used to grow the existing brands, JewelMint and StyleMint (launching July 1), to accelerate the...

CENTENNIAL, Colo., June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightbank and online pawnbroker Internet Pawn announced today the two have partnered to launch Pawngo.com, reinventing the traditional pawn shop and offering consumers a more practical and affordable option to credit cards, loans and payday lending to get cash quickly without going into debt. Backed by $1.5 million in Series B funding from Lightbank, and an additional $800,000 from Series A investors Access Ventures Partners and Daylight...