$100M in funding for EV digital circuit breaker | TitletownTech raises $80M | Notre Dame’s research funding in 2022
TitletownTech raises $80M in second fund
GREEN BAY, WI–Three years ago, the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft teamed up on a $25 million venture capital fund to boost startup activity in Wisconsin. And now, it’s gearing up for an even larger fund. TitletownTech is raising up to $80 million for its second fund, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm invested in 23 startups in its first fund.
$100M for maker of EV digital circuit breaker
HUNTERSVILLE, NC–Atom Power, a startup that has developed a digital circuit breaker that provides more control, flexibility, and reliability to EV charging, has gotten a $100 million investment from Korea’s SK Inc. SK said Atom Power’s core technology was “the primary driver” behind its decision to invest.
Kansas State University gets $2M grant for digital manufacturing focus
MANHATTAN, KS–Kansas State University’s Technology Development Institute will use a $2 million Economic Adjustment Assistance grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) to help the region expand its digital manufacturing capabilities. Focus areas will include 3D printing and robots. The grant is matched with a $500,000 commitment from Kansas State.
Farm autonomy company raises $17M
NEVADA, IOWA–Farm autonomy company Sabanto has raised $17M in Series A funding. The round was led by Fulcrum Global Capital, with participation from DCVC Bio, Hico Capital, Yara Growth Ventures, Cavallo Ventures, Johnsonville Ventures, and Trimble Ventures. Sabanto automates small farming equipment such as tractors with between 60 and 90 horsepower. The company also provides supporting software to maximize the use of autonomous tech. With the new funding, the company is looking to scale its autonomous solutions.
Detroit’s rise
DETROIT, MI–According to the 2022 Global Startup Ecosystem (GSER) report, the Motor City leads the pack in startup ecosystems. The report ranked Detroit No. 1 with an ecosystem value of $90.6 billion, earning a score of 10/10 for performance and 8/10 for funding.
Company that makes navigation tool for visually impaired gets fresh funding
LOUISVILLE, KY–GoodMaps, launched out of the American Printing House for the Blind, has been creating technology that helps the visually impaired navigate indoors and outdoors safely. Now the company has closed on $3.5 million in fresh capital that will be used to scale the company’s operations and do additional work on its technology. The seed round was led by Strike Ventures, with participation from Future Labs Capital, Keyhorse Capital and several local and regional angel investors. [We interviewed GoodMap’s CEO Jose Gaztambide when the company first launched.]
Notre Dame reaches $244M in research funding in fiscal year 2022
SOUTH BEND, IN–Researchers at the University of Notre Dame received $244 million in research award funding during fiscal year 2022. This total includes nearly 800 separate awards from a broad array of federal, foundation, and industry sources. The largest research award of the year—a $35 million grant—came from Lilly Endowment Inc. and will enable the University to expand its regional focus to challenges of human and environmental health. Building Indiana Business lists 2022’s largest new awards to each college and school.