Startup news platform Tech.co acquired by digital marketing firm MVF

Tech.co, an online platform and events organizer for startups, announced today that it has been acquired by digital marketing firm MVF. The deal’s terms were undisclosed.

Though Tech.co is known for its events, a MVF representative said it bought its publishing business only. Tech.co originated from Tech Cocktail, which was created in 2006 by Frank Gruber and Eric Olson to connect the Chicago startup ecosystem by hosting regular events before accelerators and coworking spaces became common. After Olson left, Jen Consalvo joined Gruber as co-founder and the two launched Tech.co in 2011.

In addition to events, Tech.co, which Gruber said in a blog post now has millions of readers, also publishes news and features for startup leaders. It raised $2.5 million in a 2013 seed round led by Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project, according to Crunchbase.

Headquartered in London, MVF began its United States expansion in 2015 with the opening of an office in Austin, Texas. Gruber wrote that he and Consalvo "will spend the next few months ensuring a successful transition of Tech.co to MVF, while we continue our work advising, investing, speaking and consulting with some of the most innovative organizations in tech and media."