10 things in tech startups you need to know today Thursday, December 7

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know this Thursday in tech startup news.

AliveCor announced a new health trackers that warn of heart-attack risk, discreetly. AliveCor , a startup that develops the app to take a medical-grade EKG anytime, anywhere, announced it has received FDA clearance for a connected wristband for the Apple Watch.  In a press release, AliveCor announced the FDA clearance of KardiaBand in the U.S., will allow Apple Watch users to discreetly capture their EKG anytime, anywhere in order to quickly detect normal sinus heart rhythms and atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common heart arrhythmia.

New York City unicorn startup Compass  just raised $450 million at a $2.2 billion valuation. Compass, a New York City startup that aims to make finding a home easier just raised $450 million  from SoftBank valuing the startup at  $2.2 billion. The company plans to use the new funding for global expansion.

Dutch toilet startup  Mr.Friendly has built a smart urinal that serves ads while you pee.  Mr.Friendly, a Dutch toilet startup has found a creative way to advertising while you pee. Mr.Friendly advertisement is based on a built-in media player. It enables businesses to communicate with customers in a unique way.

Less than 30 percent of Africa’s e-commerce startups are profitable.  According to the African E-commerce Startup Ecosystem Report 2017 released by Disrupt Africa, less than 30 per cent of startups surveyed  are profitable. The report also highlighted slow funding for e-commerce startups because investors are not convinced of how quickly they can get return on their investments.

SwipeSense has raised $10.6 million to expand its technology team. SwipeSense, a Chicago-based startup that uses a combination of software and connected sensors to stop infections from spreading in hospitals, just received a $10.6 million Series B2 round of funding.

Lenskart partners with GlassesOn app to help you check power of your lenses. Online eyewear retailer Lenskart has established a partnership with Israel-based startup 6over6 to enable users to determine power of their lenses fitted in their eyeglasses using a smartphone app.

Zipjob, a new startup announces a new service to get your resume noticed. Zipjob is a resume writing service with a unique twist. Zipjob matches customers to a certified professional resume writer who work with candidates to improve their resume. The startup also offers a free resume review.

CarbonX, a new retail loyalty program is using Blockchain to encourage eco-friendly choices. CarbonX, a Canadian venture, plans to buy carbon credits (Certified Emission Reduction Credits), through the United Nations scheme REDD+, on behalf of retailers and manufacturers and then turn them into CxTs. Consumers receive the new token as a reward for their sustainable shopping choices.

Volkswagen executive imprisoned for seven years over emissions scandal.  Oliver Schmidt, the general manager of Volkswagen’s Engineering and Environmental Office in Michigan, has been sentenced to seven years of imprisonment and charged a fine of $400,000 over his involvement in Volkswagen  emissions scandal.

Ikove Venture Partners leads $4.1 million round for ParaGen. In a press release announced today, ParaGen Technologies, a parent company of four medical device companies, has raised $4.1 million in seed funding. ParaGen focuseson diverse clinical areas including wound care, orthopedics, peripheral vascular and hernia repair.