Seed funding
E-commerce platform VIDA has announced its launch and raised $1.3 million in seed funding from investors including Google Ventures, The Valley Fund, Universal Music Group, Nanon and Don Mattrick’s Beehive Holdings, Dave Morin’s Slow Ventures, and Jesse Draper. The funds will be used for recruiting and product development by the company, which aims to connect the gap between designers, artists, producers and consumers. “VIDA’s approach to e-commerce connects shoppers directly with designers and makers to create unique pieces, at scale,” said Google Ventures partner Dave Munichiello.
Series A
HealthCare.com, a privately owned comparison site for health insurance plans, has raised $7.5 million in Series A funding. The company will use the funds to build out its offerings and expand its reach. The round was led by Jeffery H. Boyd, Chairman of the Board of The Priceline Group, and Robert J. Mylod. “HealthCare.com is pleased to have the backing of Mssrs. Boyd and Mylod, two entrepreneurs who share our commitment to educate individuals to become better buyers of healthcare,” said Jeff Smedsrud, Chief Executive Officer of HealthCare.com. “Their track records demonstrate that these gentlemen know what’s required to build highly engaging consumer-facing businesses.”
Series B
Fraud prevention solution provider Forter has closed a $15 million Series B round from New Enterprise Associates (NEA) and Sequoia Capital. The company offers a real time decision engine for the e-commerce industry, which has suffered a number of high profile breaches in the past year. “There has been a growing interest among investors to find a comprehensive solution that truly eliminates the pains of fraud prevention for the merchant,” said Peter Barris, managing general partner at NEA. “At the advent of widespread data breaches and major technology changes in the payments space, Forter is the first company to truly innovate and change the way merchants address fraud prevention and allow them instead to focus on growing their business.”
Funding
VISANOW, which provides online immigration services in the U.S., has raised $16.1 million in funding from General Catalyst Partners. The company will use the cash to grow its team and for growth. “VISANOW’s patented approach levels the playing field for consumers and small businesses by giving them access to high quality immigration services at a fraction of the cost of other options,” said Bob Meltzer, VISANOW founder and CEO. “VISANOW gives small businesses the tools and ability to affordably compete for talent with much larger companies, and gives individuals greater control over their own destiny.”