Cannatech startup Wurk closes $3.2M bridge round
Yesterday, the Denver-based cannatech startup Wurk announced it raised a $3.2 million bridge-funding round to fuel growth and hiring. The round was led by Poseidon Asset Management, as well as Phyto Partners, Altitude Investment Partners, Arcview Investor Network and Arcadian Fund. The startup, which went through the Canopy Boulder accelerator program in 2016, raised a $2 million seed round in April 2017, and with the recent implementation of recreational marijuana in California, has seen accelerated growth. [BizWest]
Polaris Alpha to expand, add 450 news jobs in Denver and Colorado Springs
Provider of technology and software for the defense and intelligence community, Polaris Alpha announced plans for a major expansion in Colorado. The Colorado Springs-based company will create 450 new jobs between Denver and the Springs over the next eight years, adding 150 jobs in the first phase which includes the construction of a new 20,000-square-foot office in Denver. In the second phase, the company plans to expand its Colorado Springs operation by another 80,000 square feet and add another 300 employees. [Press release]
PHOTO BY MICHAEL NYFFELER.
FoodMaven continues expansion with executive hires and new warehouse
Following the close of an $8.6 million Series A funding in January, Colorado Springs-based FoodMaven continues to grow at a rapid clip. It added two key executives to its team, including Damon Miller as vice president of marketing and Brad LaRue as director of sales. The company also opened a new, 22,00-square-foot food storage facility, which will house more than 30 employees and dramatically increase the size of its storage capacity. The new facility was needed to meet growing demand, as the startup continues to see 100-percent year-over-year growth. [Press release]
Amsterdam-based autonomous vehicle mapping company launches Boulder office
Here Technologies, which develops next-generation mapping technology for autonomous vehicles, opened a new research and development office in Boulder this week. The new office will work on improving the company’s technology and building out new features to help motorists navigate changing road conditions in real time. Majority owned by Audi, BMW and Daimler, the Amsterdam-based company chose Boulder because of its wealth of geospatial engineering talent. [The Denver Post]
WOW! makes 3 key executive hires to lead growth strategies
Internet and cable provider WOW! added three new executives to its team this week to help drive and lead the company’s growth strategies. The hires mark an investment in the telecom company’s marketing and human resources efforts, enabling it to strengthen its focus on both employees and customers. Amy Bell will join the team as senior vice president of marketing; Leslie Peabody was named vice president of human resources business partners; Bill Case will act as vice president of total rewards. [Press release]
