HubSpot acquires PieSync

HubSpot, a leading growth platform has acquired PieSync, the fastest-growing real-time intelligent customer data synchronization platform. PieSync is one of the iPaaS offerings that provide both a current and historical two-way sync of customer data that operates in the background, freeing up precious time so companies can focus their energy on their customers instead of their software.

To grow today, companies need to put their customers at the center of their entire operation. That can be hard to do when customer data is spread across disparate solutions, the average employee uses at least eight apps on any given day. Even when the software is integrated, customer data can become out-of-date and inconsistent across tools, leading to complexity and friction for internal teams and customers alike. PieSync enables companies to have a consistent view of their customers across every piece of technology they use. 

PieSync was launched in 2014 with a startup investment from accelerator program Imec.istart and investor Dirk Vermunicht. In 2016, the company raised an additional seed round from AAAF, PMV, Luc Burgelman, and an additional investor. Subsequently in 2018, the company raised a Series A funding led by Fortino Capital and all existing investors.

HubSpot is a leading growth platform. Since 2006, HubSpot has been on a mission to make the world more inbound. Today, over 64,500 total customers in more than 100 countries use HubSpot's award-winning software, services, and support to transform the way they attract, engage, and delight customers. Comprised of Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, Service Hub, and a powerful free CRM, HubSpot gives companies the tools they need to Grow Better.

Google to buy Fitbit

Google has agreed to buy Fitbit for $2.1 Billion in a move giving the US tech giant entry into the wearable technology space. The move comes with Google seeking to expand beyond its core the business of online search into hardware, and with Fitbit struggling against rivals including Apple.

While Fitbit was among the first to popularize fitness bands, it has lost ground in recent years to rivals. A survey by research firm IDC for the second quarter of 2019 found Fitbit in fourth place in a market led by China's Xiaomi leading the global market, followed by Apple -- which makes the leading smartwatch -- and Chinese-based Huawei.

Fitbit has introduced its own smartwatch in 2017 but it has failed to keep pace with the Apple Watch. Google, which faces pressure from regulators around the world over its dominance of internet search has been boosting its hardware offerings, including a line of Pixel smartphones and tablets, along with connected speakers.

Fitbit’s fitness trackers monitor users’ daily steps, calories burned and distance traveled. They also measure floors climbed, sleep duration and quality, and heart rate. The company has been partnering with health insurers and has been making tuck-in acquisitions in the healthcare market, as part of efforts to diversify its revenue stream.

Shopclues acquired by Singapore based Qoo10

Three years after achieving unicorn status, online marketplace Shopclues that has been struggling to survive in the competitive e-commerce space in India, has merged with Singapore headquartered e-commerce platform Qoo10 Pte Ltd, in an all-stock deal.

ShopClues has received a very small cash infusion from (Singapore-based) Qoo10 Pte Ltd along with the full stock merger deal, to keep the company (ShopClues) afloat. Qoo10 has a strong presence in the Southeast Asia market, and their acquisition of ShopClues in India also in line with its proposed IPO plans, as it looks to grow its market base, as well as the seller base.

Founded in 2011, the Gurugram-headquartered ShopClues joined the billion-dollar club in January 2016, when it raised a round of funding led by sovereign wealth fund GIC Pte Ltd, along with participation from existing investors Tiger Global and Nexus Venture Partners.

In May this year, Snapdeal is believed to have carried out due diligence for a potential acquisition of ShopClues. However, the deal did not go through. Two months later, ShopClues reportedly laid off around 150-200 employees, across various departments.