SEPTA’s recycled energy program, backed by Benjamin Franklin Technology Partners, launches [VC Roundup]

MUST READS

Last week, SEPTA launched a cutting edge regenerative braking program, funded in part by Benjamin Franklin Technology Partners, that recycles trains’ kinetic energy, Product Design and Development reported. This project has received plenty of press, with articles in Grid Philly, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the New York Times.

MIGHT BE WORTH YOUR TIME

Center City-based Vistar Media Inc. raised $150,000 last month, according to an SEC filing. The company, led by an Invite Media co-founder and former chief architect, created a platform for buyers to “plan, execute and analyze their place-based media campaigns through a single interface,” according to its website.

MentorTech Ventures led a $3 million series B round for Seattle-based startup SeniorHomes.com, the Puget Sound Business Journal reported. The company “offers a free housing directory and other information to help consumers make informed decision about healthcare for aging relatives,” according to the Business Journal.

GIVE A GLANCE

First Round Capital was part of a recent $1.2 million round for New York City-based CasaHop, the “social travel club” founded by founded by former Huffington Post CTO Paul Berry and former VP Strategy and Business Development at Gilt City Florent Peyre, Business Insider reported.

The firm also participated in a $7 million series A round for New York-based Jirafe, a company that provides analytics for ecommerce retailers.

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Mike Armstrong recaps all the latest news from business accelerator DreamIt Ventures, noting that the “homegrown business” is expanding. Armstrong reports that since executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Angel Group (MAG), Karen Griffith Gryga, has recently moved to DreamIt Ventures, MAG is searching for a replacement. Check out our recent DreamIt coverage here.

Innovation Works, the Benjamin Franklin Technology Partner of Southwestern Pa., is accepting proposals for projects focused on digital and/or robotics research, according to a press release. The economic development organization will award up to $800,000 to fund these proposals.