The Briefing: Lidar-maker Ouster Eyes Public Market, Peloton Buys Precor, And More

Here’s what you need to know today in startup and venture news, updated by the Crunchbase News staff throughout the day to keep you in the know.

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Lidar company Ouster said to eye public markets

San Francisco-based Ouster, a startup that makes lidar sensors for self-driving cars and smart cities, is reportedly in discussions for a deal to go public at a roughly $1.9 billion valuation through a merger with a blank-check acquisition firm.

Reuters reports that the deal would involve a merger with blank-check acquirer Colonnade Acquisition Corp.

Founded in 2015, Ouster previously raised $132 million in venture funding, per Crunchbase data.

Peloton to buy Precor for $420M

Connected fitness provider Peloton announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Woodinville, Washington-based exercise equipment maker Precor in a transaction valued at $420 million.

New York-based Peloton says the acquisition will enable it to establish U.S. manufacturing capacity, boost research and development, and accelerate Peloton’s penetration of the commercial market.

The deal follows a blowout year for Peloton, which has seen demand for its products soar as more consumers seek at-home fitness options, with the company securing a public market capitalization of around $42 billion.

Funding rounds

Ironclad reportedly raises $100M-plus: San Francisco-based Ironclad, a developer of software for managing contracts, has reportedly raised at least $100 million in a Series D funding led by VC firm Bond at a post-money valuation of more than $950 million.
Liberis banks 70M pounds for business finance platform: Liberis, a London-based embedded business finance platform, secured 70 million pounds ($93.5 million) in financing and venture debt from British Business Investments, Paragon Bank, BCI Europe and Silicon Valley Bank.
MINDD lands $1M for women’s intimate apparel: MINDD, a Los Angeles-based intimates company for women, announced a $1 million seed round led by The51 Ventures.