Ride-sharing app Lyft has raised an additional $150 million in funding, led by $100 million from Carl Icahn’s Icahn Enterprises. The company is now reportedly worth $2.5 billion. “We are very happy to be investing in Lyft. I believe that ridesharing is poised to become a fundamental component of our transportation infrastructure. The Company’s revenue growth to date has been extremely compelling, and increasing urbanization over the next 5 to 10 years should enable the Company to maintain that trajectory. Additionally, I’ve been very impressed with Lyft’s founders and management team, and I believe they are well-suited to take advantage of this opportunity and to make Lyft an extremely successful company,” said Carl Icahn.
Brazilian education technology company Geekie has raised $7 million from Mitsui & Co. and Omidyar Network. The startup will use the funds for product development and market expansion. Gera Venture and Virtuose, both previous investors, also participated in this round. “We are delighted to partner with Geekie. At Omidyar Network we are focused on supporting innovative and affordable technologies that have a positive impact on the learning outcomes of all students,” said Eliza Erikson, investments director. “Geekie is breaking down barriers for underserved learners by allowing them to improve their academic performance and prospects for employment and social mobility in the long term. Adaptive learning brings the student back into the center of the learning experience and provides an opportunity for all learners to aspire to and achieve academic success.”
RealMassive, a data provider for the commercial real estate industry, has closed an $8 million Series A round of funding led by RHS Investments. Hurt Family Investments, Capital Factory and commercial real estate professionals from leading firms such as HPI Real Estate Services, Aquila Commercial, Avison Young and InSite Realty also participated. “The commercial real estate community in Austin was the first to eagerly embrace RealMassive, and it will be the first to realize the benefits of the company’s premium products and services,” said Brett Hurt, founder of Bazaarvoice, Coremetrics and Hurt Family Investments, which is an investor in RealMassive. “This is an exciting time for the company and I look forward to seeing their continued success and growth.”