CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New World Ventures, Chicago’s largest technology venture capital firm, today announced a $15 million investment in Chicago-based SMS Assist, a national facilities maintenance company that uses technology to simplify critical maintenance services.
SMS Assist’s robust technology platform enables it to access and manage more than 10,000 sub-contractors nationally. SMS Assist’s system tracks service orders, bills customers, provides compliance reports and manages quality. Customers also benefit from real-time visibility into work orders and expenses by store, service type and geography – data that is unique to SMS Assist. Over the past 5 years, SMS Assist’s proprietary technology and unique approach to customer service have driven rapid growth. The company today provides services at more than 20,000 locations for national clients including big- and small-box mass merchants and specialty retailers.
Using its proprietary online platform, ServiceTrack™, SMS Assist manages and provides critical maintenance services, such as floor cleaning, snow removal, landscaping, HVAC maintenance and other interior and exterior services. SMS Assist dramatically simplifies facilities maintenance, offering retailers a single, automated source for multiple services at all their retail locations.
“SMS Assist brings facilities maintenance into the 21st century,” said Matt McCall, partner at New World Ventures. “We are impressed by their exponential growth and the amazing amount of automation and technology SMS has deployed in what is traditionally a very labor-intensive industry. SMS has developed a platform that provides the highest quality service with the lowest cost structure.”
“Most large and small retailers are looking to consolidate their facilities maintenance but have been unable, until now, to find a provider with the systems to manage a complex, national network,” said Mike Rothman, SMS Assist founder and CEO. “With the backing of New World Ventures, we will accelerate market penetration and push our technology lead even further.”
McCall will join the SMS Assist board of directors.
SMS Assist is the latest of New World Ventures' investments in interconnected platforms and services, a primary focus area for the group. Other New World investments in this area include Active Networks (NASDAQ: ACTV), Playdom, TicketsNow, Alliance Health Networks, Sittercity and Zinch.
About New World Ventures
Founded in 1996, New World Ventures is Chicago's largest and most innovative technology venture investor. With a combined 75 years of venture capital and entrepreneurial experience, a broad network of strategic relationships, thought leadership and multi-stage investment capital, New World helps entrepreneurs and management teams build market-leading information technology companies. The firm has five focus areas: next-generation commerce technologies, enterprise applications, interactive health, interconnected platforms and services, and intelligent energy systems. Unique for its tremendous flexibility with size, structure and duration of investment, New World Ventures stands on the same side of the table with entrepreneurs who simply want to build great businesses. Along with more than 50 venture investments made and the backing of The Pritzker Group run by J.B. Pritzker and Tony Pritzker, New World's partners bring a strong reputation for integrity. The firm's engagement with local and national entrepreneurship organizations, close relationships with industry-specific mentors and partners, and strong track record of success allow New World Ventures to add value for entrepreneurs and companies on day one.
For more information visit www.newworldvc.com.