Last week’s developments in the Austin tech sector saw fresh funding rounds, big announcements and new initiatives. Find out what companies are hiring and more. This is the Built In Austin weekly refresh.
Nano Cures raised $90M. The biotech company secured pre-IPO funding led by Opulence Capital Management. It plans to invest the new funding in its COVID-19 platform that works to enable pharmaceutical companies to send self-administered vaccines to areas like Southeast Asia and Latin America that may have less access to the vaccine. [Austin Business Journal]
SXSW 2021 gets a VR makeover. In an effort to make this year’s all-virtual convention as immersive as possible for attendees, SXSW film programmers and cross reality experts joined forces to build an AR version of the festival’s usual hotspots. Locations like Congress Avenue, the Paramount Theatre, Red River Street and more were brought to life through social platform VRChat in a colorful and interactive way. [Mashable]
Austin Tech Quote of the Week
Bold Commerce is making 125 new hires. With its solution that helps retailers and DTC brands create unique commerce experiences across multiple channels, Bold is conducting a hiring push to keep up with rising demand. Positions are currently open between its Austin office and Winnipeg HQ on its engineering, data science, cybersecurity, sales and marketing teams and more. [Built In Austin]
SchoolLinks pulled in $8.3M. Its platform works to improve the college counseling process, offering students college options, career guidance, internship opportunities and more. With Series A funding led by LiveOak Venture Partners, the startup is looking to establish new partnerships and expand its team. [Built In Austin]
CrowdStreet expands into Austin. Currently headquartered in Portland, Oregon, real estate investment startup CrowdStreet is planning to move into a new Austin HQ. Having seen substantial growth last year with multiple investments and a growing network of partnered firms, CrowdStreet is continuing its momentum with its plans to hire 80 new team members in Austin and remotely. [Built In Austin]
Social Solutions launches new initiatives. In addition to becoming a Public Benefit Corporation, the company that works to help nonprofits and organizations manage their data is making more moves. It announced its program Impact Partners that will raise money for new tech for its client. It also acquired Canadian company Athena Software and its case management platform. [Built In Austin]
