UpStart Weekly Rundown - October 22, 2024

Zeal Zips Up $15M Series B to Put Payroll on Autopilot

Zeal, a modern payroll platform, just secured a $15 million Series B round, led by Portage with backing from Spark Capital and Commerce Ventures. With a mission to transform payroll for today’s flexible and gig-driven workforce, Zeal is using this funding to boost automation, roll out custom solutions like mobile I-9 verification and white-label apps, and introduce new offerings like paycards and earned wage access. Zeal aims to streamline payroll for companies that want to simplify operations while catering to modern worker needs

Game, Set, Smash: Blitzer, Morey Serve Up Investment in Major League Table Tennis

Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) has just racked up a $5.5 million investment, with sports industry heavyweights David Blitzer (Blackstone exec) and Daryl Morey (76ers' President) joining the game. The funds aim to boost MLTT’s presence in North America by expanding into new markets, ramping up player development, and leveraging tech to create immersive fan experiences. MLTT is poised to elevate table tennis from basements to the big leagues, attracting fans with Olympian-level talent and innovative viewing experiences

TOCA Football Nets $100M for U.S. Expansion, Harry Kane Among Key Backers

TOCA Football, the startup blending soccer and social vibes, just scored a $100 million round to take its immersive experience global. With the backing of Harry Kane, Jim Kavanaugh, and a few new players, TOCA is ready to bring its "soccer-meets-Topgolf" concept to the U.S. Starting with a major venue in Texas—just in time for the 2026 World Cup—the company is aiming to kick off a wave of soccer love across North America. Think soccer training meets social hangout, making it a win-win for both budding players and fans

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