A Brief Note on New Financing for Experiencia

Week in Midwest Business: Origin of Howard Tullman's Experiencia

CHICAGO -- This week in Midwest business, we take a peak at Howard Tullman's latest venture that recently received $2.575 million in VC financing.

Are You Experienciad?

Serial entrepreneur Howard Tullman very well may have founded or directed more companies than the Chicago Bears currently have wins.

The guy who brought us companies including insurance automation specialist CCC Information Systems, music site Tunes.com and digital strategy shop Xceed Group has jumped back on the entrepreneurial horse after a stint turning around Chicago-based culinary school Kendall College.

Tullman is the chairman of for-profit educational company Experiencia. Founded in 2001 and located near the intersection of Chicago Avenue and the Chicago River (old stomping grounds for divine InterVentures and Sears), Experiencia recently closed on a $2.575 round of institutional financing led by Origin Ventures.

Founded by former Quill director of business development Steve Miller in 1999, Origin invests in Midwest-based seed and early stage technology companies. The firm has also backed insurance automation company Claimforce and iNest. iNest is a new-home builder referral network that was sold to Lending Tree in 2004.

Experiencia also raised money from private investors. The firm partners with grammar schools to offer "immersive leaning" programs for students grades three through six. To date, more than 1 million students have experienced the service. Investment proceeds will be allocated toward national expansion.