Redefining fashion in the metaverse | Frist Cressey Ventures raises $26.98M

Redefining fashion in the metaverse

WAKE FOREST, NC–A North Carolina startup has raised $6 million to redefine fashion—in the metaverse. Digital-first fashion band House of Blueberry deals in the metaverse by providing styles in video games such as Roblox and The Sims. The company hopes the funding will accelerate its goal of reaching a broader audience in gaming and online communities, as well as helping it to further focus on its mission of backing female design and aesthetic in a largely male-dominated tech industry.

Helping formerly incarcerated job seekers

MILWAUKEE, WI–A startup that helps formerly incarcerated job seekers through its The Way Out app has received $400,000 in seed funding from Gateway Capital Partners, a Milwaukee-based Black-owned venture capital fund. The Way Out connects formerly incarcerated job seekers with potential employers, re-entry service providers, training programs, and even transportation to get to and from work.

Frist Cressey Ventures raises $26.98M

NASHVILLE, TN–Frist Cressey Ventures, one of the largest venture capital firms in Middle Tennessee, has raised $26.98 million from 33 investors. The firm, which was co-founded in 2016 by former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, will use the funds to focus on health care ad technology investments.

Minnesota grant awards

MINNESOTA–The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $386,964 in Launch Minnesota Innovation Grant awards to startups across the state, half of which are led by entrepreneurs of color, veterans, women, or located in Greater Minnesota, that have the most promising innovative and scalable technology businesses in the state.