• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Jeff Bezos pledged $10 billion for climate change. With the 2030 clock ticking, his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, is leading the charge to spend it

2

Anne Hathaway says she was spammed with ChatGPT-written thank you notes after hiring for a recent role: ‘Nobody on that list gets that job’

3

Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer publicly dismissed Chrome as a 'rounding error'—but Google’s CEO says he used the jab as fuel to win the browser-wars

1

Jeff Bezos pledged $10 billion for climate change. With the 2030 clock ticking, his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, is leading the charge to spend it

2

Anne Hathaway says she was spammed with ChatGPT-written thank you notes after hiring for a recent role: ‘Nobody on that list gets that job’

3

Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer publicly dismissed Chrome as a 'rounding error'—but Google’s CEO says he used the jab as fuel to win the browser-wars
NewslettersTerm Sheet

Venture capital is calling out racism. But can it put its money where its mouth is?

Lucinda Shen
By
Lucinda Shen
Lucinda Shen
Down Arrow Button Icon
Lucinda Shen
By
Lucinda Shen
Lucinda Shen
Down Arrow Button Icon
June 2, 2020, 10:21 AM ET
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Major venture capital firms are condemning racism following George Floyd’s death, with the likes of Accel and Benchmark donating to various civil-rights causes and others like First Round or Kleiner Perkins voicing their support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

“We can, and will, do better,” Kleiner Perkins’ statement read. “In order for society to operate with a higher ethical code and sustain change, it requires all of us to change.”

It’s no secret the venture capital community is far from the most colorful crayon box. While many VCs have voiced support for diversity and called for more inclusivity in their portfolios and in their investing teams, the industry remains far from representative. As systemic racism comes to the fore following the death of Floyd, the pressure is only stronger for investors to put the money where their mouths are.

But here lies the challenge for venture capital firms: The ongoing coronavirus could be a step back for diversity in the industry. In the middle of the pandemic, investors have turned much of their focus to the existing portfolio companies or investments they already know well—doubling down on their existing network—which could leave new, underrepresented founders by the wayside.

It’s also a concern whether diversity will take a step back in the realm of new fund managers. While limited partners are largely committed to funding their current commitments, in the next year or further out, LPs could focus on large existing funds—not only hurting founders of diverse ethnicities, but also those of different genders and geographies.

The private coronavirus investor: KKR has been the most active private equity firm since the coronavirus roiled global markets, according to Bloomberg. KKR has deployed about $12.7 billion around the world since the beginning of March, moving fast even before the market hit its all-time lows to avoid its mistakes from the 2008 financial crisis. By dollar volume, Silver Lake comes in second with $5.9 billion in deals during the same period. Among KKR’s notable deals: KKR’s infrastructure team acquired waste management business Viridor for roughly £4.2 billion ($5.2 billion) while KKR acquired the Wella and Clairol beauty brands from Coty in a $4.3 billion tie-up. Read more.

Lucinda Shen
Twitter: @shenlucinda
Email: lucinda.shen@fortune.com

VENTURE DEALS

- Vacasa, the rental property management startup, raised $108 million in financing. Silver Lake led the round. 

- Locus Robotics, a Wilmington, Mass.-based autonomous mobile robots maker for fulfillment warehouses, raised $40 million in Series D funding. Zebra Ventures led the round, and was joined by investors including Scale Venture Partners.

- Danggeun Market, the startup behind South Korea’s largest neighborhood marketplace and networking app, raised $33 million in Series C funding. Goodwater Capital and Altos Ventures led the round.

- Vention, a Montreal-based manufacturing automation technology company, raised C$38 million ($28 million) in Series B funding. Georgian Partners led the round and was joined by investors including Bain Capital Ventures and White Star Capital.

- Cortex, a São Paulo, Brazil-based company measuring for digital marketing campaigns, raised $22 million in Series B funding. SoftBank’s Latin America Fund led the round and was joined by investors including Redpoint eventures and Endeavor Catalyst.

- Tovala, a Chicago-based meal service and countertop smart oven that scans, steams, broils and bakes chef-crafted meals, raised $20 million in Series B funding. Finistere Ventures led the round and was joined by investors including Comcast Ventures, OurCrowd and Rich Products Ventures

- Ezra, a New York-based provider of early cancer screenings using full-body MRI and AI, raised $18 million in Series A funding. FirstMark led the round and was joined by investors including Jeff Raider and Dave Gilboa of Harry’s and Warby Parker, Vlad Tenev of Robinhood, Fred Destin of Stride VC, and Andrei Dunca of LiveRail.

- Bonusly, a compensation platform, raised $9 million in Series A funding led by Access Venture Partners. Next Frontier Capital, Operator Partners and existing investor FirstMark Capital also participated in the round. Read more.

- Zeleros Hyperloop, a Spain-based mobility startup focused on the hyperloop project, raised €7 million ($7.8 million). Altran led and was joined by investors including Grupo Red Eléctrica, Goldacre Ventures, Road Ventures, Plug and Play, Spanish Angels Capital and MBHA.

- Oloid, a Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company building contactless biometrics platform for “deskless workers,” raised $5 million in seed funding. Emergent Ventures led and was joined by investors including Unusual Ventures.

- NEOU, a New York-based live streaming and on-demand platform for workouts, raised $5 million in capital from investors including Ares Management CEO Mike Arougheti. Read more.

- Biobot Analytics, a Massachusetts-based company tracking Covid-19 through sewage, raised $4.2 million in funding. The Engine led the round, and was joined by investors including AmFam Institute Impact Fund as well as returning investors Y Combinator and DCVC. Read more.

- Rise Gardens, a Chicago, Ill-based provider of an in-home garden system, raised $2.6 million in seed funding. True Ventures led the round.

- Ahana, a San Mateo-based analytics company, raised $2.25 million in funding led by GV (formerly Google Ventures) along with participation from Leslie Ventures and other angel investors.

- Temporall, a U.K.-based AI and analytics-based platform for performance, raised over £1 million ($1.3 million) in seed funding. Luminous Ventures led the round.

PE

- Summit Partners made a $37 million minority investment in Appway, a Switzerland-based provider of business process automation software focused on customer management for financial institutions. 

- Hunter Boot, a U.K.-based footwear and outdoor lifestyle brand, was recapped with £18.5 million by existing shareholder Pall Mall Legacy, and supported by Searchlight Capital, Pentland, and more. 

- Arcline Investment Management acquired a controlling stake in Glebar Company, a Ramsey, N.J.-based maker of turnkey micro machining for the production of guidewire. It also acquired the electrochemical grinding assets of Everite Machine Products from Eureka Equity Partners. 

- BDC Capital invested in Beehivr Technology, a Montreal-based provider of mobile applications for sales teams with integrated videoconferencing. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- Copperweld, backed by Kinderhook Industries, acquired Seminole Wire & Cable Co, a Pennsauken, N.J.-based provider of specialty wire and cable products. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- Enhanced Healthcare Partners is creating a medical-staffing services provider by buying Synergy Surgicalists Inc. and EA Health and merging them into EA-Synergy. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Read more.

- Osceola Capital recapitalized Central Medical Group, a Flanders, N.J.-based provider of outsourced equipment management solutions for hospices. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- Suma Capital acquired a minority stake in Nice People at Work, a creator of analytics for video content providers. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- Thoma Bravo agreed to acquire Exostar, a business collaboration platform for aerospace and defense, life sciences and healthcare industries. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- Topspin Consumer Partners invested in reCommerce, a selling partner of brands through Amazon. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- AE Industrial Partners acquired Deep Space Systems, a Littleton, Colo.-based provider of payloads, systems and components for the space industry. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- Pexco, backed by AEA Investors, acquired Exlon Extrusion, a Greensboro, N.C.-based  precision extruder of plastic tubing. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- Architect Equity acquired Faultless Brands, a Kansas City, Mo.-based company of consumer products and brands. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- Wellspring Capital Management Group acquired Steele Solutions, a Milwaukee, Wis.-based designer and manufacturer of steel infrastructure. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

OTHERS

- Volkswagen Group invested $2.6 billion in Argo AI, a Pittsburgh-based self-driving car startup that raised $1 billion in backing from Ford.

- Western Union Co. is seeking to acquire MoneyGram International, a competing money transfer company, per Bloomberg citing sources. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Read more.

- Shinsei Bank (TYO:8303) acquired Australia and New Zealand Banking Group New Zealand-based asset finance unit, UDC Finance, for NZ$762 million ($479 million).

- Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. agreed to acquire Brandis Tallman, a San Francisco-based investment bank specializing in the underwriting and placement of municipal debt for California issuers. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- Emigrant Partners acquired a minority stake Pure Financial Advisors, a San Diego-based financial planning and investment advisory firm. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

BANKRUPTCIES, HANG UPS, AND BREAKUPS

- Templar Energy, an Oklahoma-based oil and gas driller, filed for Chapter 11 protection.

IPOs

- Vroom, a New York-based online used car marketplace, plans to raise up to $318.8 million in an IPO of 18.8 million shares priced between $15 to $17 apiece. It posted revenue of $1.2 billion and losses of $275.7 million in 2019. L Catterton, General Catalyst, and T. Rowe Price back the firm. It plans to list on the Nasdaq as “VRM.” Read more.

- Shift4 Payments, a Allentown payment processing company focused on the hospitality sector, plans to raise $300 million in an IPO of 15 million shares priced at a range of $19 to $21 apiece. It posted revenues of $731.4 million in 2019 and losses of $58.1 million. Searchlight Capital Partners backs the firm. It plans to list on the NYSE as “FOUR.” Read more.

 - Dada Nexus, a Shanghai-based grocery delivery platform, plans to raise $264 million in an offering of 16.5 million ADSs priced between $15 to $17. It posted revenue of $437.8 million in 2019 and a loss of $348.1 million. JD Group (51.4%), Sequoia Capital China (11.4%), and Walmart (10.8%) back the firm. JD.com and Walmart intend to acquire $90 million worth of ADSs in the offering. It plans to list on the Nasdaq as “DADA.” Read more.

- Applied Molecular Transport, a South San Francisco-based biotech developing oral therapies for inflammatory diseases, plans to raise $130 million in an offering of 10 million shares priced between $12 to $14 apiece. EPIQ Capaital Group (25.9% pre-offering) and Founders Fund (20.7%) back the firm. It plans to list on the Nasdaq as “AMTI.” Read more.

- Calliditas Therapeutics, a Stockholm-based biotech developing therapies for kidney disease, plans to raise $75 million in an offering of 3.8 million ADSs priced at $19.77. It posted sales of $184.8 million in 2019 and a loss of $32.6 million. Stiftelsen Industrifonden (14.9% pre-offering), Linc (12.5%), and Investinor (10.7%) back the firm. It plans to list on the Nasdaq as “CALT.” Read more.

EXITS

- GI Partners acquired a majority stake in Blue Stream Fiber, a Coral Springs, Fla.-based provider of broadband and video and voice services to those in South Florida, from Twin Point Capital. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- Shamrock Capital acquired Adweek, a news publication for the advertising and brand marketing industry, from Beringer Capital. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

- BMC closed its acquisition of Compuware, a provider of mainframe application development, delivery, and performance solutions. Investors including Thoma Bravo and Ares Capital backed Compuware.

F+FS

- OurCrowd is seeking to raise $100 million for its Pandemic Innovation Fund.

- Ofek Ventures raised $110.4 million for its first fund. Read more.

 

PEOPLE

 

- TPG appointed Joseph Konzelmann as a Partner and Head of Fundraising for the Eastern U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.

- Webster Equity Partners named Todd Rudsenske as a Partner.  

PEOPLE

- TPG appointed Joseph Konzelmann as a Partner and Head of Fundraising for the Eastern U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.

- Webster Equity Partners named Todd Rudsenske as a Partner.  

hi

s

About the Author
Lucinda Shen
By Lucinda Shen
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Newsletters

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Newsletters

Google’s Ruth Porat takes a rosy view of AI’s impact on communities: ‘This is a job creator’
NewslettersMPW Daily
Google’s Ruth Porat takes a rosy view of AI’s impact on communities: ‘This is a job creator’
By Emma HinchliffeJune 18, 2026
2 days ago
Man pushing AI in a cart upwards.
NewslettersEye on AI
AI’s free-for-all era may be coming to an end—as companies start counting the cost
By Beatrice NolanJune 18, 2026
2 days ago
Kevin Warsh’s hawkish tone: What CEOs need to know about rates today
NewslettersCEO Daily
Kevin Warsh’s hawkish tone: What CEOs need to know about rates today
By Diane BradyJune 18, 2026
2 days ago
Whatnot is worth $11.5 billion—and its sellers just hit one billion orders
NewslettersTerm Sheet
Whatnot is worth $11.5 billion—and its sellers just hit one billion orders
By Allie GarfinkleJune 18, 2026
2 days ago
France's President Emmanuel Macron (center) with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff (left) and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei (right) at a working lunch meeting at the G7 summit in Evian, France, on June 17, 2026.(Photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP/Getty Images)
NewslettersFortune Tech
AI chiefs call for regulation collaboration at the G7 summit
By Andrew NuscaJune 18, 2026
2 days ago
Brinker’s CIO spent years rebuilding restaurant tech. Now, the Chili’s operator is ready to explore more AI
NewslettersCIO Intelligence
Brinker’s CIO spent years rebuilding restaurant tech. Now, the Chili’s operator is ready to explore more AI
By John KellJune 17, 2026
3 days ago

Most Popular

Jeff Bezos pledged $10 billion for climate change. With the 2030 clock ticking, his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, is leading the charge to spend it
Environment
Jeff Bezos pledged $10 billion for climate change. With the 2030 clock ticking, his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, is leading the charge to spend it
By Sydney LakeJune 19, 2026
1 day ago
Anne Hathaway says she was spammed with ChatGPT-written thank you notes after hiring for a recent role: ‘Nobody on that list gets that job’
Success
Anne Hathaway says she was spammed with ChatGPT-written thank you notes after hiring for a recent role: ‘Nobody on that list gets that job’
By Orianna Rosa RoyleJune 18, 2026
2 days ago
Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer publicly dismissed Chrome as a 'rounding error'—but Google’s CEO says he used the jab as fuel to win the browser-wars
Success
Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer publicly dismissed Chrome as a 'rounding error'—but Google’s CEO says he used the jab as fuel to win the browser-wars
By Preston ForeJune 17, 2026
3 days ago
The affordability crisis is so bad that, for the first time ever, both mom and dad are working full-time in most American families
Economy
The affordability crisis is so bad that, for the first time ever, both mom and dad are working full-time in most American families
By Jacqueline MunisJune 17, 2026
3 days ago
The Great Recession’s missing children are finally bringing college’s financial crisis into sight. Welcome to the ‘enrollment volatility’ era
Economy
The Great Recession’s missing children are finally bringing college’s financial crisis into sight. Welcome to the ‘enrollment volatility’ era
By Tristan BoveJune 20, 2026
10 hours ago
The man who lived through the fall of the Soviet Union and helped wealthy Chinese move to Canada sees a familiar picture in America
Success
The man who lived through the fall of the Soviet Union and helped wealthy Chinese move to Canada sees a familiar picture in America
By Nick LichtenbergJune 17, 2026
3 days ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.