Midwest Funding Roundup: Solar Power Wins big with Greenlight Planet

The Funding Roundup is a weekly note about companies that raised venture capital.  We use four sources – 1) those that are sent to us via press release ([email protected]), 2) Form D filings in the sixteen states that we cover, 3) Databases to which we subscribe (particularly Pitchbook, Crunchbase), 4) Other sources (such as SBIR grant database).  The goal of the funding roundup is to provide a quick synthesis of companies that are actively raising money.  This is not a value judgment placing VC backed companies over bootstrapped – only a recognition that VC backed companies often file paperwork that puts them on our radar. 

Greenlight Planet is bringing solar energy to people all over the globe who are “off-grid”.  The company indicates on its website that it has reached more than 12 million homes and 60 million users.  This incredible company is based in Chicago…in the Middle.  Coterie is a small business insurance company that works through regular streams but makes it easier for small businesses to find insurance.  CompanyCam is a Lincoln, Nebraska company that helps construction companies.  The point of telling these three blurbs is the diversity of ideas and companies in the Middle.  Just like other hotbeds for entrepreneurship and innovation – amazing things happen here.