Ope, we went there… 👀

⏰ Midwest Minute 

In the Midwest, rivalries run deep—and not just on the scoreboard. Sure, Michigan and Ohio State fans have been at war since the 1800s (the football rivalry kicked off in 1897, but the tension started even earlier with the Toledo War over a disputed border source), but those same high-stakes feelings apply when you suggest St. Louis-style pizza is better than Chicago deep dish. Or when you casually say “soda” in Minnesota. Or when a Wisconsinite catches you buying non-local cheese. Every state has its quirks. When it comes to defending them? Basically a sport.

Even the word Hoosier comes with its own folklore battlefield. Some say Indiana settlers used to shout “Who’s here?” when approaching cabins—eventually slurring into “Hoosier.” Others think it came from old British slang for “hill people” or was popularized by a boatman named Hoosier who hired rough river workers. Whatever the origin, ask anyone from Indiana and they’ll tell you: it’s a badge of honor, even if no one can quite explain it. Add in your standard casserole vs. hotdish debates, Culver’s vs. Kopp’s, Skyline Chili and Gold Star loyalties and the great “ranch goes with everything” consensus—you’ve got a region where the friendliest people somehow have the pettiest, yet entertaining, turf wars. Find an unrivaled list of the latest funding announcements from across the region below.

Have any insights into the Midwest ecosystem or a funding announcement to share? Want to share your thoughts on any given Midwest rivalry? Send us an email: [email protected] 

📰 Notable News

Exits

• Chicago-based SPINS acquired Lucky Labs for an undisclosed amount

• St. Paul-based Sentera was acquired by John Deere & Co. for an undisclosed amount

Startup Funding

• Alpheus Medical - $52M Series B co-led by HealthQuest and Samsara | Chanhassen, MN

• The Nuclear Company - $51M Series A led by Eclipse | Lexington

• Tern - $13M Series A led by Viewpoint Ventures | Plymouth, MI

• XP - $6.2M Seed led by Blockchange | Chicago

• Prediction Guard - $3.7M Seed led by Sovereign’s Capital with participation from M25 and others | Lafayette, IN

• Catalyxx - $3.4M round led by Axon Partners Group | Chesterfield, MO

VC Funds

• M25 - $36.5M FIV | Chicago

Other News

• Tech IPO market is finally showing signs of life

• Newly created firm acquires onetime St. Louis unicorn company out of bankruptcy

• 6 local startups included in Missouri Technology Corp.'s $2.6M investment round

• University of Chicago's New Venture Challenge unveils 10 finalists vying for $1M+ prize pool

• PitchBook Indexes

📆 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]