Attention early-stage startups. Are you seeking a small amount of funding? If you live in the Big Apple or Boston, then Spark Capital is right up your alley. New York-based Spark Capital will put seed capital into startups through a new program called Start@Spark. What’s the criteria? You have to be a startup focused on media, tech, and entertainment. If the partners like you, they will invest a standard quarter million loan that will convert to equity at your next round of financing at a 20% discount. Is it a good deal? The only thing I can say is, at least they’re spending.
See: Spark Capital starts seed-stage investing
Tired of the old pizza delivery service? Want to know who else delivers? Try GrubHub, a company that lets you find takeout delivery meals. The Chicago-based company raised $2 million for essentially a takeout delivery directory. This is great news for those hard-charging work-aholics. What’s more, you don’t have to read the fine print on a Web site about whether a restaurant delivers. The trick for GrubHub is building an audience. I mean when you think of takeout delivery, Grubhub doesn’t exactly come to mind.
See: GrubHub gets fed some cash
The winner of the Wine 2.0 Vator contest will be announced on April 2. It’s an exciting time for these companies especially since last year’s winner went on to raise $9 million. This year’s champion will have a one hour session with each judge. Judges are VCs and a few big names in the media industry. So far, Vinobilia, an educational wine site for consumers is leading the way. Behind them is Bibola, an online platform to buy wines. And following them is Curiosk, a site that lets consumers create a personalized touch to the bottle. Good luck to all. Cheers to our future winner!