Women-founded unicorns are on the rise. According to a recent Crunchbase report, the industry is on track to mint a record number of women-founded unicorns in 2019. According to the report, 10 women-founded companies have become unicorns in 2019 alone compared to 2018, which holds the previous record at 12. EzCater is one big Boston unicorn to watch out for. [Built in Boston]
India’s Flock is setting up HQ in Boston. The Mumbai, India-based tech company that creates tools to strengthen workplace collaboration, is building a United States HQ in Boston. With two new executive hires sitting in Boston, Flock is planning on hiring 20 new employees in content, sales and marketing [Built In Boston]
Chewy is going public at a $7 billion valuation. The e-retailer, which is currently owned by PetSmart, plans to fetch $749 million at $17 to $19 per stock, according to paperwork filed last week. Petsmart will retail a majority stake in the company, according to Bloomberg. [Bloomberg]
Voatz raised $7 million to boost voter turnout. The Boston-based startup, which uses blockchain technology to let users vote on their smartphones, piloted its tech in West Virginia’s midterm elections in 2018. Medici Ventures and Techstars co-led the Series A round, which Voatz will invest in improving accessibility, improve the user experience and run new pilots, including one slated for Denver’s 2019 municipal elections. [Built In Boston]
Truss’s new launch: a platform for brokers with complete price transparency. Deal! The commercial real estate marketplace is launching Truss CRE which will streamline leasing transactions, making it easy on brokers. With more than 50 percent of broker firms in Boston’s downtown area signed up, Truss plans to expand Truss CRE into more markets soon. [Press Release]
