Affirmed Networks rakes in $38M to grow customer base
Affirmed Networks, a virtualized mobile networks provider, secured $38 million in a recent round of funding. Led by Centerview Capital Technology, the investment lands during a time of major customer growth for the company. Affirmed Networks, which focuses on virtualized and cloud-based network solutions that provide “5G-styled services,” has over 100 customers worldwide, including many top mobile service providers. The company plans to use the funding to expand into more markets, grow their customer base and develop new products. Qualcomm Ventures LLC, Eastward Capital Partners and other existing Affirmed investors, contributed to the round. [PR Newswire]
Watch out, Silicon Valley: Boston moves up in tech hub ranking
Move over Silicon Valley, there are new tech hubs in town. In fact, a recent survey by KPMG predicts that Silicon Valley will lose its top spot in as little as four years. Boston moved up in the survey’s tech hub rankings from the 12th spot in 2018 to the eighth spot this year — tied with Austin. New York and Beijing were listed as the No.1 and No.2 cities, respectively. And San Francisco fell all the way way to No.17. This might be tough news for the Bay Area, but things are looking up for Boston. At this rate, Boston could reach the No.1 spot by 2023 — only time will tell. [Boston Business Journal]
Knock knock: Polis’ door-to-door sales tech is fueled with $2.5M in seed funding
If you haven’t been introduced to Polis on your front step yet, just wait. The political canvassing and door-to-door sales technology company is growing. The startup just raised $2.5 million in seed funding, led by Haystack VC. The technology was originally designed by founder Kendall Tucker to be used as campaign software during political canvassing. The company has since added sales tech services to help outdoor salespeople efficiently log and keep track of their work. The funds will help the startup develop an on-demand workforce for Polis’ clients to use alongside the technology. [Xconomy]
Lightmatter raises $22M, securing a grand total of $33M in Series A round
Lightmatter, a producer of a light-fueled artificial intelligence chip, scored $22 million in Series A-1 funding. Their latest round, led by GV, brings them to a grand total of $33 million raised in a Series A. The company intends to channel the funds into development of its computing platform that’s powered by light. Founded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2017, the company harnesses the power of light instead of electrical signals. Matrix Partners and Spark Capital also participated in the funding. [FINSMES]
Tulip raises $18.4M in Series B, sets sights on doubling headcount by 2020
Manufacturing app platform Tulip also made some money moves this week. The Somerville-based company (also born out of MIT), raised $18.4 million in a Series B round of funding. Used by top manufacturers like Kohler, Natique and New Balance, the startup aims to boost efficiency on shop floors by creating easy-to-use apps. The company has big plans to double its headcount by 2020. The latest round follows a momentous year of 400 percent growth. [Built In Boston]
