The Chicago-area venture firm Origin Ventures is raising the biggest fund in its history, according to a regulatory filing, and a smart bet — and new partner — may explain why.

Ifbyphone, a voice-based marketing automation platform, has secured a debt financing commitment of $2 million from industry-focused debt provider BlueCrest Capital Finance. In the past, Ifbyphone has received $18 million in funding from investors such as Illinois Innovation Accelerator Fund (I2A), Apex Venture Partners, Origin Ventures, Spring Mill Ventures, and River Cities Capital Funds. Most [...]

Not long ago, the daily deals giant Groupon was the toast of Chicago, a press darling that received the blessing of Oprah Winfrey, was commended by Forbes as the “fastest growing company ever,” and even reportedly spurned a multibillion-dollar buyout offer from Google. A Chicago Tribune headline from last December summed up its place in [...]

Campus Explorer, an online site that matches students to colleges based on their interests, has raised an undisclosed amount of Series C financing. Vicente Capital Partners led the round. Existing investors OCA Venture Partners and Origin Ventures also participated pro-rata in the round. Campus Explorer will use the capital to expand its technology infrastructure and form partnerships with schools.

Ifbyphone has raised $8 million in Series B financing from Apex Venture Partners, Origin Ventures, Spring Mill Ventures, Second Century Ventures and the i2A Fund. Ifbyphone has raised $16 million in total venture funding to date. Skokie, Illinois-based Ifbyphone provides voice applications for enterprise customers.

Madison, Wis.-based Shoutlet has raised $6 million in Series B financing for its social media platform. Madison-based American Family Insurance led the round, with participation from existing shareholders Origin Ventures and Leo Capital Holdings. Shoutlet’s enterprise-focused social media platform incorporates Facebook and Twitter management, Social CRM and widget building. The company’s customers include Perry Ellis and True Religion Jeans.