Blinker wins SXSW Interactive Innovation Award
Blinker, a Denver-based startup that connects buyers and sellers of used cars directly, took first place in the New Economy category of the SXSW Interactive Innovation Award on Tuesday. When a seller takes a photo of their car with Blinker, the app automatically pulls information like its make, model and service history, which is used to estimate the car’s value before putting up a listing. The company competed against a fellow Denver startup, Tokken, in the category. [7NEWS Denver]
Baker boosts seed round to $3.5M
Baker, which makes customer engagement software for marijuana dispensaries, announced on Tuesday that it has added $1.6 million to the seed round it raised in August 2016, bringing its funding total to $3.5 million. In the past year, the Denver-based company has doubled its number of dispensary customers to 250 and expanded to six new markets. Poseidon Asset Management led the round, and Baker will use the funding to fuel its continued growth. [Press release]
Fluid gets new office, plans new market expansions
Fluid, the Denver startup that lets its users rent things like tools, electronics and camping gear from each other, moved into a new office in Five Points last Friday. The company aims to reduce waste and save customers money by reducing the number of single-use purchases they make. Fluid is currently only available in Denver, but founder James Eberhard told BusinessDen that he plans to launch in additional U.S. markets over the next year. [BusinessDen]
Uber offers Denverites steep discounts on St. Patrick's Day
Through a partnership with seven Denver Irish pubs, Uber is offering 50 percent discounts on two rides during the week of St. Patrick's Day. By offering discounted rides, the company hopes to make it easier for those who wish to partake in the festivities to leave their cars at home. To qualify for the discount, riders must begin or end their journey at one of the participating locations. [Press release]
CTA launches new community initiative
On Monday, the Colorado Technology Association announced the launch of a new initiative that will connect promising startups with the state’s leading enterprise technology CXOs. The Colorado Tech Nucleus, as the program is called, is intended to strengthen bonds between different parts of the tech ecosystem and create new opportunities for collaboration and mentorship. [InnocatioNews]
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