Google buys business intelligence software and big data analytics company, Looker, for $2.6B

Google buys Looker for $2.6B

Google announced it’s acquiring Looker, a business intelligence software and big data analytics company, for a whopping $2.6 billion in cash. Founded in 2011, Santa Cruz, Calif.-based Looker previously raised over $280 million in venture funding.

Scooter consolidation may be upon us

Scooter startup Bird is reportedly in talks to acquire rival Scoot. This is not entirely a surprise, given the high number of scooter companies out there and the operational challenges they’ve faced.

SoftBank backs big rounds for Brazil’s Loggi, Creditas

SoftBank has been busy in Brazil. The firm reportedly led a $150 million investment in Brazilian shipping logistics platform Loggi at a reported valuation of over $1 billion. It also pumped $200 million in Brazil-based fintech startup Creditas at a reported $700 million post-money valuation.

Texas VCs had a busy month

May was a pretty active month for Texas startups. Combined, startups around the state raised a known $256 million. And so far in 2019, total venture funding in Texas looks on track to exceed last year’s levels.

Unprofitable IPOs are getting bigger

The number of unprofitable companies that rank among the largest IPOs in the current cycle is staggering. While many money-losing unicorns are taking a valuation haircut to join the public markets, it’s clear they’re not staying away.

Crunchbase Spotlight: Diane Henry, Rogue Capital Collective

As the founder of a commercial real estate company before becoming a VC, Diane Henry can share insights from both sides of the table. We spoke about her career as an entrepreneur and now an investor, as well as her insights into how VCs think.