Dealroom Raises €6 Million Series A

Daily Crunch: December 22, 2021

A daily summary of TechCrunch’s most significant and impactful stories can be delivered directly to your inbox each day at 3 p.m. PST. You can subscribe here to receive this service.

Greetings, and welcome to today’s Daily Crunch for December 22, 2021. Greg will be managing the newsletter during Alex’s well-earned time off for the remainder of the year.

Slower Pace of Tech News

The flow of tech news often diminishes during the concluding weeks of the year. This slowdown is largely attributable to the holiday season.

However, should any major developments occur, rest assured that we will promptly inform you. We are committed to keeping you updated on critical events.

—Greg

TechCrunch's Top 3 Developments

The technology landscape is constantly evolving, and recent news highlights both innovation and unexpected vulnerabilities. Here's a look at three key stories covered by TechCrunch.

A New Smartphone Challenger: OSOM

The smartphone market is largely dominated by Apple's iPhone and various popular Android devices. However, a new company, OSOM (pronounced "awesome"), is aiming to disrupt this duopoly.

Founded by ex-employees of Essential – a company known for its ambitious but ultimately short-lived smartphone venture – OSOM is developing an Android phone with a strong focus on user privacy.

Essential previously shipped a single phone before being acquired by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei. The team behind OSOM believes there's space for a new competitor prioritizing data security.

Concerns Arise with Bluetooth COVID-19 Tests

At-home COVID-19 tests utilizing Bluetooth technology for certified results offer convenience. However, recent research has revealed potential security flaws.

Researcher Ken Gannon discovered vulnerabilities that could allow manipulation of the test results, raising questions about the reliability of this testing method.

Bluetooth Vulnerabilities Extend to Nostalgic Toys

Beyond medical testing, Bluetooth technology in consumer products is also facing scrutiny. The Fisher-Price Chatter Phone, a retro-inspired novelty speaker, has been found to possess security issues.

It appears that the device may be susceptible to unauthorized access when not properly secured, prompting recommendations to ensure it's disconnected when not in use.

This highlights the importance of security considerations across a wide range of connected devices, even those designed for entertainment.

Startup and Venture Capital News

Recent developments in the startup world indicate continued investment and strategic shifts. Several companies have announced significant funding rounds and plans for public offerings.

Veho Achieves Unicorn Status

Veho, a New York-based company focused on streamlining next-day package delivery, has reached a valuation of $1 billion. This milestone was achieved through a recent funding round where the company secured $125 million in investment.

Veho differentiates itself by offering customers greater control over their deliveries. Specifically, it provides options regarding the timing, location, and method of package receipt, enhancing delivery transparency.

Dealroom Secures Series A Funding

Dealroom, a European data provider competing with platforms like PitchBook, CB Insights, and Crunchbase, has successfully raised €6 million in a Series A funding round.

Analysis by Alex Wilhelm details the company’s core focus, its unique approach to data aggregation, and its future strategic direction. Dealroom aims to provide comprehensive insights into the European startup ecosystem.

Triller Pursues Public Listing

Triller, a video-sharing platform positioned as a competitor to TikTok, is preparing to become a publicly traded company. This will be accomplished through a reverse merger with SeaChange, a video technology firm based in Massachusetts.

The resulting entity will operate under the name “TrillerVerz Corp.” This move signifies Triller’s continued efforts to expand its reach and compete within the short-form video market.

These events demonstrate the dynamic nature of the startup landscape, with companies continually seeking funding, innovating their services, and exploring avenues for growth and public access.

Initiating Brand Development: The Visioning Workshop

Prior to substantial financial investment in establishing a brand identity, nascent startup teams should prioritize the construction of a robust base mirroring their shared outlook.

This article, the inaugural installment in a series concerning startup branding, features Fuel Capital’s CMO, Jamie Viggiano, guiding readers through the implementation of a workshop designed to facilitate a profound exploration of the founding team’s collective drives, influences, and aspirations.

The Importance of Internal Alignment

This preparatory work represents a vital investment. Engaging a branding agency or consultant without prior internal alignment risks a less genuine outcome, as they will undertake this process independently.

As Viggiano points out, neglecting this foundational ethos work is a potentially expensive error, leading to a fragmented and directionless brand, which directly hinders the company’s growth trajectory.

Authenticity is key to a successful brand.

(TechCrunch+ is a membership program dedicated to empowering founders and startup teams. Registration is available here.)

A clear vision provides a strong foundation.
Internal workshops foster team alignment.
Authenticity is crucial for brand success.

Establishing a shared understanding of the company’s core values and purpose is paramount before external branding efforts commence.

The workshop serves as a crucial step in defining these elements, ensuring that the resulting brand accurately reflects the team’s collective identity.

Big Tech Inc.

Zillow is introducing a collaborative feature to its platform, transforming house hunting into a shared experience.

This innovation stems from the increased comfort people developed with remote activities during the pandemic, including leisure browsing of real estate listings.

SharePlay Integration

Leveraging Apple’s SharePlay technology, Zillow now enables users to remotely explore properties with friends and family.

This allows for a co-op approach to the home search process, even when physical proximity isn't possible.

The Rise of Remote House Hunting

The pandemic significantly increased the number of individuals using Zillow as a form of entertainment.

Recognizing this trend, Zillow is capitalizing on it by integrating social features that enhance the user experience.

Benefits of Collaborative Searching

Enhanced Decision-Making: Multiple perspectives can lead to more informed choices.
Convenience: Friends and family can participate regardless of location.
Shared Experience: The home search becomes a more engaging and enjoyable process.

By combining the popularity of remote interaction with the engaging nature of property browsing, Zillow aims to redefine the way people find their next home.

Seeking Recommendations for Top Tech Consultants

TechCrunch is currently soliciting recommendations for skilled software consultants. Expertise sought includes areas like UI/UX design, website development, and mobile development.

Invitation to Clients

If you have partnered with a software consultancy, TechCrunch encourages you to share your positive experiences. A survey has been created to gather feedback on why clients value their collaboration with these firms.

Consultants are asked to forward this survey to their clientele. The goal is to identify and highlight companies delivering exceptional service.

Areas of Expertise

UI/UX: User Interface and User Experience design.
Website Development: Creation and maintenance of web-based applications.
Mobile Development: Building applications for iOS and Android platforms.

TechCrunch aims to compile a list of highly-regarded consultants based on direct client testimonials. Your input is valuable in recognizing outstanding performance within the tech industry.

Participation in the survey will help TechCrunch readers discover reliable and effective software development partners.