STARTUP & SMALL BUSINESS NEWS: OCTOBER 29, 2020
Despite Economic Uncertainty, Startups Find Opportunities
New companies address retail, work-from-home, and other challenges caused in part by the COVID pandemic
Obsess
The COVID pandemic has dramatically impacted the retail industry. Now you can “visit” your favorite stores without leaving the safety of your living room. Obsess received $3.4 million in seed funding for its platform that allows retailers to create a virtual version of their store. The software creates an interactive 360-degree shopping experience that even integrates with VR headsets. The technology has already found early adopters that include Levi’s, Ulta, Tommy Hilfiger, and Samsung. The funding round was led by Venture Reality Fund, WXR Fund, and Jump Capital.
Swit
One frustration for remote work teams is the lack of a fully integrated productivity platform. You have one software for your project management, one for your instant messaging, and another to share files. Swit has introduced a new platform that combines all the best features of leading workplace software like Slack, Asana, Microsoft Teams, and Trello into a single user-friendly platform designed to “optimize work.” Swit recently announced closing $5 million in additional funding to supplement $7 million in seed funding raised in 2019. The new investor is SV Investment.
The Naked Market
We all know that a productive workday starts with a healthy breakfast, but with all the juggling of work platforms, who has time for that? Enter The Naked Market and their new plant-based Project Breakfast. The high-protein, low-carbohydrate beverage is available in several flavors, and through the utilization of a D2C model, the company has beat its 2020 sales goal by a whopping 400%. Project Breakfast adds to a portfolio of brands by The Naked Market that include Beach House Bowls, Flock Chicken Chips, and AvoCrazy Avocado Puffs. The Naked Market closed a $6 million seed funding round from Holtzbrink Ventures, BEB Capital, Integrated Capital, and several others.
Nice Healthcare
Following a trend we’re seeing across the industry, Nice Healthcare has introduced its subscription-based online AND at-home primary care medical platform. That’s right: if your ailment can’t be resolved by a virtual visit, they will send a medical provider to your house for exams, blood work, and even x-rays. Targeted to small- and medium-sized employers as a cost-effective way to provide health insurance to their employees. Rates are as low as $30 per month per employee, with free coverage for dependents. The company, which already has 200 small businesses and 30,000 members, recently closed $5 million in seed funding that will allow 10 new markets to be added to its current five. The funding round included indie.vc, Conductive Ventures, and Waterline Ventures.
Cobble
Do you and your significant other need help planning date night? There’s (now) an app for that! Cobble allows users to scroll through restaurants, activities, events, movies, etc., and swipe right on those that interest them, much like a dating app. Once a couple matches, they are notified and can then schedule their next night out. Cobble secured a seed round of $3 million from Kerr Tech Investments and other undisclosed investors.
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