Union Square Ventures

News Byte

Etsy Secures $40 Million for International Expansion

Tricia Duryee in Commerce on May 9 at 9:43 am PT

Etsy, the online marketplace where people sell their arts and crafts, has raised $40 million in funding. Investors include Index Ventures (which led the round), Accel Partners, Union Square Ventures, Hubert Burda Media and Glynn Partners. In a blog post, Etsy CEO Chad Dickerson said the company will expand internationally. To date, Etsy has raised $91 million in capital.

Simulmedia Raises $6 Million More for Web-Like TV Ads

Peter Kafka in Media on April 30 at 9:26 am PT

After raising $27 million, Web ad pioneer Dave Morgan says his take on targeted TV ads is “very close” to profitable.

Cloud-Based Phone Software Start-Up Twilio Taps Former Jive Exec as Its CMO

Arik Hesseldahl in News on April 27 at 5:30 am PT

Not clear on what Twilio is all about? Then someone has her job cut out for her.

From Kik to Clik: A Video-Sharing App That Works Without Wi-Fi

Lauren Goode in Mobile on February 16 at 9:47 am PT

The creators of Kik Messenger have shifted focus to a new video-streaming app called Clik.

Hello, Brooklyn! You’ve Got Your Very Own VC Fund.

Peter Kafka in News on January 17 at 4:30 am PT

Charlie O’Donnell leaves First Round Capital and sets up shop across the bridge. (Don’t worry, he’ll stray out of King’s County, too.)

Reminder: It’s Really Easy to Pirate TV. Even Live Sports.

Peter Kafka in Media on January 3 at 3:30 am PT

Today’s reminder, courtesy of the NBA, the cable guys and Union Square’s Fred Wilson.

Reid Hoffman and Matt Cohler Team Up to Give Edmodo $15M

Liz Gannes in Social on December 8, 2011 at 4:30 am PT

Edmodo, which helps K-12 teachers and schools create private social networks for their classrooms, has raised $15 million.

News Byte

Twilio Nabs $17 Million More in Funding From Current Investors

Ina Fried in News on December 7, 2011 at 4:30 am PT

Twilio, whose technology lets developers build telephony and messaging into their apps, announced Wednesday that it has raised $17 million from Bessemer Venture Partners and Union Square Ventures — two of its existing investors. The San Francisco-based company, which has around 100 employees, plans to use the money to help fuel continued hiring and international expansion.