Tech roundup: Denverite merger, new Techstars program and more

by Sam Dewey
March 9, 2017

Couragion secures grant from National Science Foundation

This week, Denver-based Couragion — a fun search-and-discovery app that helps kids explore various STEM careers they might enjoy — announced they received a $750,000 grant from the National Science foundation at the end of February. According to the BusinessDen, the funds will be used to build out additional features and fuel market research. [BusinessDen]

 

N.io adds two key hires to its leadership team

N.io, a Broomfield-based tech company building digital solutions in the arena of the internet of things, announced the appointments of two key C-Suiters to the team in Sven Gerjets and Christopher Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe will take on the role of chief marketing officer, while Gerjets joins as chief product officer. “I have no doubt that the industry is on the cusp of a new digital revolution and companies must be ready to compete in new unimagined ways. Sven Gerjets and Chris Ratcliffe will help n.io and our customers on this journey,” said CEO Doug Standley in a statement. [Press release]

 

Denverite merges with Spirited Media

The Denverite, a hyper-local and tech-driven publication dedicated to Denver news, announced this week it will merge with Spirited Media — a company that hosts other similar local news sites. Along with its team of nine, Spirited Media will manage the Denverite’s day-to-day operations and assets. Photo by Kevin J. Beaty of Denverite [BillyPenn]

 

Techstars to launch a new Philly program

It’s no secret that Techstars has taken the global tech scene by storm. Now, Boulder’s storied accelerator program is setting up shop in Philadelphia as the city looks to build out its tech center (physically as well as figuratively). The program will be based out of the newest building on the city’s skyline, set to open in 2018. [Technical.ly]

 

Colorado tech gearing up for SXSW

As tech companies and startups the nation-over head down to Austin, Texas for SXSW’s kickoff this Friday, two Denver startups are preparing to pitch. Blinker, a company that wants to move the car buying and selling experience to your smartphone, and Tokken, an app seeking to digitize the payment process for Colorado’s budding cannabis industry, are both finalists at the festival. [Denver 7 News]

 

JumpStart Academy kicks off

JumpStart Academy, a training program for local startups operated by the Denver Office of Economic Development, launched on Wednesday. The program takes a peer-cohort approach to preparing founders to take their companies to the next level. Its inaugural class of six companies all have founders who have graduated from regional incubators and accelerators. [City of Denver]

 

SendGrid makes another acquisition

SendGrid, a pillar in the Denver tech community, recently made headlines after announcing the acquisition of a Bay-area email marketing automation startup called Bizzy. “"Bizzy's talented team will help accelerate our email marketing product roadmap and bring new, innovative capabilities to Marketing Campaigns," said Steve Sloan, chief product officer, in a statement. [Press release]

 

Photos via featured companies, Shutterstock and social media.

Have a tip or know of a company worth covering? Email us.

Colorado startup guides

LOCAL GUIDE
Best Companies to Work for in Denver & Boulder
LOCAL GUIDE
Coolest Tech Offices in Denver & Colorado Tech
LOCAL GUIDE
Best Perks at Colorado Tech Companies
LOCAL GUIDE
Women in Colorado Tech