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- Midwest Startups Newsletter - Grocery Edition šš
Midwest Startups Newsletter - Grocery Edition šš
Your twice monthly roundup of the latest startup and VC news from across the Midwest
On the search for tea at the grocery store! šš
ā° Midwest Minute
In the latest scoop from the aisles of the Midwest, it seems the grocery world is experiencing quite a few cleanups in aisleā¦all of them. Weāve got the latest in grocery updates from the Midwest, where the nationās breadbasket is also bringing some of the biggest grocery drama this week.
Chicago-HQād Foxtrot and Dom's Kitchen & Market locations unexpectedly closed their doors, just five months after they announced their merger. Foxtrot, once a beacon for adventurous shoppers seeking artisanal delights, like the food gems you might find on Thingtesting, served as a launching pad for small businesses to showcase new creations. Some former employees are filing a lawsuit due to not being given proper notice before the closure. Their sudden absence leaves us wondering where we'll uncover our next culinary gems. It's a reminder of the delicate nature of supply and demand in the grocery realm.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Cincinnati, Kroger stands as a titan of the grocery game. Their blocked attempt to acquire Albertson's speaks volumes about the strategic maneuvers in this ever-evolving market. Kroger's roots run deep in the Midwest soil, intertwining with the region's rich manufacturing and agricultural history, like with Cincinnati neighbor, P&G, many Midwest states top the charts as the highest food producing states in the U.S. Other grocers are starting to enter Krogerās territory, even as they lead the way as the largest supermarket chain. As technology continues to weave its threads through every aspect of our lives, from Instacart's virtual aisles to doorstep deliveries, the grocery landscape is undergoing an āexpressā digital transformation.
Hereās a few of the latest funding announcements from across the region: Chicago-based Continuum announced their oversubscribed Pre-Seed led by M25. Columbusā Trace announced a $2M round. Chicagoās HPVP announced their Fund IV. More funding announcements below.
Have any insights into the Midwest ecosystem or a funding announcement to share? Want to share your favorite grocery store? Send us an email: [email protected]
š° Notable News
Startup Funding
iVEAcare - $27.5M Series A led by Vensana Capital | Minneapolis
Unicorn - $5.8M round from investors | Chicago
Pelvital - $5M Seed led by Boomerang Ventures | Minneapolis
Trace - $2M Pre-Seed co-led by Rev1 Ventures and Impellent Ventures | Columbus
Continuum - $1.7M Pre-Seed led by M25 | Chicago
Aropha - $1M Seed led by Comeback Capital | Cleveland
VC Funds
Hyde Park Venture Partners - $98M FIV | Chicago
Other News
š Mark your Calendar
Need to fill your social calendar? Weāve 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? Send us an email: [email protected]