Maven raises $27M in Series B funding
Women’s healthcare platform Maven announced $27 million in a Series B funding round led by Sequoia Capital and Oak HC/FT with participation from existing investors Spring Mountain Capital, 14W and Female Founders Fund. This investment, which will be used to enhance the company’s family benefits platform, brings its total funding amount to $42 million. As part of the deal, Sequoia partner Jess Lee and Oak HC/FT partner Nancy Brown will join the Maven board. [Press release]
Video creation platform Wibbitz opens in London
Wibbitz, an AI-powered service that translates text into video content, announced it’s opening an office in London, and Managing Director Jane Loring will lead the team. Loring, who has years of experience driving innovations and digital revenue for the country's leading media business and agencies, will continue to transform the digital space. [Press release]
Rebecca Minkoff launches podcast series
Fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff is branching off into new territory: The brand recently launched a “Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff” podcast focusing on the “many hats women wear” on a daily basis. Each episode features a different woman and details how she’s been able to accomplish her goals without sacrificing her multidimensionality. [Email]
French startups to attend NYC startup program
Le Creative Lab North America is a program that helps early-stage French startups find success in North America. This year, the program will run from Nov. 6-13 and work with French tech companies working in the culture, entertainment, creative and travel industries. Nine startups have been chosen and will begin the program in NYC before traveling to Montreal for a second phase. [French Culture]
Rally Rd. raises $10M in new funding
Rally Rd., a marketplace for making investments in collector cars, just raised $10 million in new funding. It will use the funds to open a live showroom in each of its markets, starting with NYC in November. Users will be able to invest in the collectible cars they see on the spot. The latest round was led by Upfront Ventures with participation from Anthemis Group, Social Leverage, Jeffrey Katzenberg’s & Anthony Saleh’s WndrCo, Nas, Eli Broverman and Jeff Cruttenden. [Email]
Waave is now available in all 5 boroughs
Taxi app Waave just announced it has expanded its service to all five boroughs in NYC. The app, which lets riders book yellow and green cabs, works much like other rideshare services, but partners with the city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission services to offer lower rates on long distance trips, like those to JFK and outer boroughs. [Email]
