Let the good times roll in the Midwest! 💜💚💛

⏰ Midwest Minute 

Laissez les bons temps rouler... in the Midwest? When one thinks of Mardi Gras, New Orleans may come to mind, but did you know the Midwest has its own deep ties to French heritage? Long before tech startups and co-working spaces dotted our cities, French explorers and traders shaped the region’s identity. Cities like St. Louis, Detroit and Vincennes (Indiana’s oldest city) were founded by the French and still carry that legacy today. Historic sites like Fort Michilimackinac in Michigan offer a glimpse into life during the fur trading era. Street names, architecture and even local festivals across the region pay homage to the French. The influence of French settlers began to diminish after the French and Indian War (1754–1763), when France ceded much of its North American territory to Britain, reshaping the cultural and political landscape of the region.

St. Louis hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans, bringing the energy to the region every year. Let’s not forget Chicago’s deep connection to Mardi Gras culture—when jazz musicians migrated north during the Great Migration, they brought the soulful sounds of New Orleans with them, turning Chicago into the jazz hotspot that still thrives today. It’s often said that jazz was born in New Orleans, but grew up in Chicago. Missing that authentic Mardi Gras flavor? Midwest bakeries like Chicago’s Bennison’s Bakery, St. Louis’ La Patisserie Chouquette and Milwaukee’s Aggie’s Bakery serve up some of the best king cakes north of New Orleans. So grab a slice of king cake, find your local Mardi Gras gems and make sure to let the good times roll before Fat Tuesday arrives on March 5th! Find all the latest funding announcements below.

Have any insights into the Midwest ecosystem or a funding announcement to share? Want to share your favorite spot to grab beignets? Send us an email: [email protected] 

📰 Notable News

Exits

• Cincinnati-based Clubessential Holdings acquired Momence for an undisclosed amount

Startup Funding

• Abridge - $250M Series D led by Elad Gil and IVP | Pittsburgh

• High Definition Insurance Vehicle - $40M round from insiders | Chicago

• Endera - $36M round led by Pulse Fund and Pritchid Auto | Ottawa, OH

• Relish - $25M Series B led by Base10 Partners | Cleveland

• Avandra - $17.8M round led by Aegis Ventures | Cleveland

• Cognida ai - $15M Series A led by Nexus Venture Partners | Chicago

• InvestNext - $15M Series B led by Beringea | Detroit

• ElectronX - $10M round led by Systemiq Capital | Chicago

• CircNova - $3.3M round led by South Loop Ventures | Detroit

• Tusk Logistics - $2M Seed led by Ivy Ventures | Chicago

• Vigil - $1.3M Pre-Seed led by M25 | Columbus

Other News

• Google’s ‘Career Dreamer’ uses AI to help you explore job possibilities

• Silicon Prairie Rising: a blueprint for Omaha’s innovation future

• Foxtrot to reopen its 2nd location in Wicker Park this week

• Illinois innovation grants invest $2.3 million to pair tech startups with universities

📆 Mark your Calendar

Need to fill your social calendar? We’ve scoured newsletters, scanned LinkedIn and found some of the latest tech + startup events in the region. Know of any upcoming events and want to share them in our next newsletter? Send us an email: [email protected]