With help from local investors, Revolar is back in business
Last month, unable to pay its debts and embroiled in a contentious patent dispute (since resolved), Denver-based Revolar suddenly shut down operations. But this week, the maker of wearable safety devices announced it was back in business, thanks to local investment firms Empowerment Capital and Volante Capital Advisors. The investors purchased all of Revolar’s assets, but plan to keep the company and its leadership in place here in Denver. [The Denver Post]
Techstars Ventures launches effort to raise $400M in a new venture fund
According to a recent SEC filing, Boulder-based Techstars Ventures is seeking investments in its fourth venture capital fund to the amount of $400 million. The venture capital fund largely invests in Techstars accelerator graduates or startups launched by Techstars alumni. The latest fund will prove to be its biggest fund to-date, far surpassing its last fund of $150 million. [TechRockies]
Zayo Group buys 825-mile fiber line for $127M
Boulder-based telecom giant Zayo Group closed a deal with Spread Networks, purchasing an 825-mile-long fiber route that stretches from New York to Chicago. The new route already serves more than 60 business customers, particularly financial services with operations in both major trading hubs. The latest purchase enables the company to now offer coast-to-coast fiber internet networks. [Denver Business Journal]
Workforce reintegration non-profit Path Forward opens Spring 2018 program
Return Path CEO Matt Blumberg launched Path Forward over three years as a way to help women and men reintegrate into the workforce after taking a career hiatus to focus on caring for children. Now, it’s a full-blown non-profit, working with 20 major tech companies across the country. This week, the organization opened applications for its Spring 2018 programs taking place in Boulder and Denver, as well as San Francisco, New York and New Jersey. [Press release]
Boston-based ThriveHive acquires Denver creator of Perch social marketing app
Denver-based Closely is best known for its social marketing app Perch, which helps small businesses monitor and aggregate live social media data. Recently, the company was purchased by Boston-based guided marketing platform ThriveHive. Closely founder Perry Evans will join as SVP of product strategy and corporate development for ThriveHive, leading the Denver office, which will become a hub for product and engineering. [Press release]
