Microsoft buys DataSense from BrightBytes
Microsoft buys DataSense from BrightBytes
Microsoft announced that it is acquiring data integration platform DataSense from San Francisco-based BrightBytes, a provider of analytics tools for education organizations.
Spotify eyes Gimlet, as podcast deals rise
Podcasting, once a sleepy sector largely ignored by deep-pocketed investors, has become increasingly hip. The latest boost for the space is a report that Spotify is in talks to acquire Gimlet, a Brooklyn-based publisher of narrative podcasts, in a deal that could be valued at over $200 million.
US coasts don’t have monopoly on big early rounds
The average U.S. early-stage deal grew over 20 percent between 2017 and 2018. And while the bulk of investment went to startup in coastal states, not all did. Crunchbase News looks at the top funding recipients in the Midwest and Southeast.
Hellman to buy Ultimate Software for $11B
Ultimate Software, a provider of cloud-based human resources management tools, is going private. An investor group led by private equity firm Hellman & Friedman has agreed to pay $11 billion for the Weston, Florida-based company, in what could rank as the largest M&A deal to date for the HR software space.
VC rounds target men’s health, shipping, and more
We take a look at venture rounds from the past week that may have flown-under-the radar. Investors stayed busy with deals in areas including men’s health, autonomous shipping, data center energy-tracking, and more
Slack files confidentially for IPO
Slack, the well-known business chat service, has taken the first step toward an IPO by submitting a confidential prospectus to regulators. The offering has been hotly anticipated due to Slack’s prodigious fundraising, explosive growth rates, and quick penetration into the workflows of tech companies.
Databricks raises $250M at $2.75B valuation
Databricks, a developer of analytics software based on the Apache Spark open source platform, has raised $250 million in a Series E funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz. The financing sets a valuation of $2.75 billion for the six-year-old, San Francisco-based company.
CoverHound secures $58M for online insurance
CoverHound, an online insurance marketplace for businesses and individuals, raised a $58 million Series D round led by Hiscox, with participation from insurance providers Chubb and Aflac Ventures.
Ritual swallows $25M for vitamins
Los Angeles-based Ritual, a provider of vitamins for women, just closed on a $25 million Series B round of funding that brings its total raised to just over $40 million.
Sales negotiation: How to close more deals
It’s paramount that salespeople practice negotiating techniques to close deals with desired terms and pricing. Here is a quick 3-minute guide to master the art of negotiation.
