Companies are hard at work with a variety of growth moves. Read more to find out the latest developments in the Windy City tech front. This is the Built In Chicago weekly refresh.
Copado raised $140M. As a newly minted unicorn following its Insight Partners-led Series C, the software company is expanding the reach of its tech. Copado offers a DevOps solution that integrates with cloud and no-code platforms to automate processes like agile planning, analytics and compliance. The funding will enable the company to expand its platform and its headcount. It currently lists a range of positions available at its Chicago HQ. [Built In Chicago]
5thColumn rebranded as UncommonX. The company provides midsize organizations with SaaS-based cybersecurity managed services. In addition to the rebrand, it simultaneously announced the launch of its BOSS intelligent security platform. The solution integrates into an organization’s existing infrastructure to help identify, prioritize and manage ongoing security risks. UncommonX recently doubled its customer base, ARR and employee headcount, and is continuing to grow. [Cision Newswire]
Chicago tech quote of the week
“We are excited to partner with [Sphera CEO and president] Paul Marushka and his team to build on Sphera’s strong momentum as a trusted leader in the ESG solutions space. We look forward to supporting the company in the next phase of its growth journey as they continue to expand their product offerings and innovate to best serve their global customer base.” —Eli Nagler, senior managing director at Blackstone
Sphera was acquired by Blackstone. The Chicago-based startup specializes in providing companies with software to track their environment, social and governance (ESG) performance. The $1.4 billion acquisition shows Blackstone’s commitment to ESG ideals within itself and its multi-billion-dollar portfolio. Sphera was previously owned by Genstar Capital. [Built In Chicago]
Centro made new executive hires. Specializing in enterprise automation technology, Centro announced the addition of two new leaders to its executive team. Joining the company from her previous position of CRO at AdWallet, Toby McKenna will be taking over as SVP of client development. Also, former CMO of Huawei Lee Chow will act as Centro’s new VP of product strategy. [Centro]
ShipBob built out its c-suite. The company that provides SMBs with a cloud-based logistics solution brought on Brittany Smith as its new CFO. Smith formerly served as VP of investor relations and financial planning and analysis at CDW Corporation. Additionally, ShipBob added Rahul Magan from Goodwin Procter LLP as its new VP of legal and Andy Pittman from Mailchimp as its VP of global talent acquisition and onboarding. [PR Newswire]
https://www.builtinchicago.org/2021/09/20/chicago-tech-news-092021