TechRise operates as a multi-stakeholder initiative supporting Chicago’s Black and Latinx tech founders. The company is powered by P33 in partnership with Verizon, 1871, investors, incubators, community leaders, and startup founders. TechRise offers a community, capital, and connections for every stage of business.
Aeternal Upcycling addresses the global plastic waste crisis by providing innovative upcycling services aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing sustainability. The company employs advanced technology to transform plastic waste into high-value chemical products, including waxes, surfactants, adhesives, and lubricants. These products serve as sustainable alternatives in various industries, such as lubricants, consumer goods, and cosmetics. By facilitating the use of plastic-derived materials, Aeternal Upcycling contributes to a circular carbon economy, promoting environmentally friendly practices and supporting a cleaner future.
Curiva is a femtech company focused on advancing women's health through innovative diagnostic solutions. The company has developed a non-invasive platform that utilizes diagnostic patches for the detection of gynecologic malignancies, particularly cervical cancer. This technology allows for same-day analysis and provides patient-centered results, enabling healthcare providers to diagnose patients efficiently and effectively. Curiva's approach aims to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of gynecologic cancer diagnosis, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Kazadi Enterprises has developed a breakthrough technology allowing the use of environmental heat energy as an energy source. This technology has myriad uses. A first use is in the dehumidification space where it will reduce the energy footprint of dehumidification by up to 90%.
Lemonaide operates an insurtech platform focused on the automotive industry, providing software that manages and processes data related to automotive history and technology. This software is designed to autonomously authenticate products, serving all stakeholders involved in automotive transactions. By addressing issues of asymmetric and misleading information, Lemonaide enables buyers and sellers to make informed decisions while effectively managing resources.
OrdrSmart helps B2B manufacturers solve their biggest customer acquisition problem - physical product sampling. The OrdrSmart platform not only cuts costs but also significantly boosts revenue for the +600K B2B manufacturers managing over 10 million product samples annually.
Vasowatch specializes in clinical decision support technology aimed at enhancing maternal outcomes and promoting health equity in childbirth. The company has developed innovative labor and delivery solutions that continuously monitor a mother’s risk for postpartum hemorrhage, which is a leading cause of maternal deaths and complications worldwide. Vasowatch's proprietary technology offers significantly improved predictive accuracy, providing vital insights hours before delivery, which surpasses traditional expert-based risk assessments conducted at hospital admission. By focusing on early detection and intervention, Vasowatch aims to save lives, reduce complications, and lower obstetric costs.
Globowl specializes in providing organic, shelf-stable food products for babies and toddlers, catering to the diverse tastes and nutritional needs of young children. The company focuses on creating international-inspired meals that not only reduce the risk of allergies and address picky eating but also foster adventurous eating habits from an early age. By delivering nutritious and flavorful options, Globowl aims to meet parents' demands for healthy meal solutions while introducing children to a variety of cultural flavors.
Babygami is designed to make it easier for families to spend time outside! They accomplished this by creating the first collapsible infant bottle and sippy cup, as well as a varied community through events.
PiggyBack Network is a youth transportation service that connects families by matching parents and guardians based on their existing driving routes. Utilizing a RoutePool approach, the platform fosters a community where families can share rides with those they know and trust, enhancing safety and reliability. By offering a closed-group ride-sharing experience, PiggyBack Network enables families to coordinate transportation schedules more efficiently and affordably. This service aims to alleviate logistical challenges, allowing families to navigate their busy lives more effectively and support their children's activities.
Satin Sheen Cleaning Services
Grant in 2023
Satin Sheen Cleaning Services specializes in deep cleaning home, small businesses, churches, small restaurants, and more.
Aeternal Upcycling addresses the global plastic waste crisis by providing innovative upcycling services aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing sustainability. The company employs advanced technology to transform plastic waste into high-value chemical products, including waxes, surfactants, adhesives, and lubricants. These products serve as sustainable alternatives in various industries, such as lubricants, consumer goods, and cosmetics. By facilitating the use of plastic-derived materials, Aeternal Upcycling contributes to a circular carbon economy, promoting environmentally friendly practices and supporting a cleaner future.
PainNavigator provides an accessible and evidence-based interdisciplinary therapeutic program via a digital platform to help people with acute and chronic nonsurgical pain
Route is a business management platform tailored for the commercial cleaning industry, designed to meet the unique needs of service providers. It consolidates essential sales processes into a single cross-platform system, offering tools for bidding, job management, contractor relationships, time and attendance tracking, scheduling, and inventory management. The platform features a web portal and a mobile app with offline capabilities, enabling real-time analytics on team performance and providing workflow guidance during job execution. Additionally, Route’s Walkthrough Builder collects and organizes the scope of work on-site, allowing users to calculate bids and generate customized proposals efficiently. By leveraging these tools, Route aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve service quality, and facilitate contract acquisition in a competitive marketplace.
Kadeya is a closed-loop water vending business founded by Manuela Zoninsein. The company offers a service that features digitally connected reusable water bottles and compact bottling equipment. By leveraging technology, Kadeya provides recyclable, non-porous water bottles filled with locally sourced water from convenient vending stations. This approach aims to help office managers lower costs and overhead while minimizing operational challenges and health risks associated with traditional water delivery methods.
Sanarai is an online platform dedicated to enhancing mental health support for the Latinx community. It connects users to mental health professionals across Latin America, offering culturally sensitive and Spanish-language emotional assistance. By focusing on accessibility and affordability, Sanarai aims to improve the quality of life for its users through personalized support from qualified experts. The platform addresses the unique needs of the Latinx population, ensuring that mental health services are both relevant and attainable.
Curiva is a femtech company focused on advancing women's health through innovative diagnostic solutions. The company has developed a non-invasive platform that utilizes diagnostic patches for the detection of gynecologic malignancies, particularly cervical cancer. This technology allows for same-day analysis and provides patient-centered results, enabling healthcare providers to diagnose patients efficiently and effectively. Curiva's approach aims to enhance the accuracy and accessibility of gynecologic cancer diagnosis, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Science On Call is a subscription-based tech support platform for restaurants. Help with POS, internet, Wi-Fi, online ordering & more—just one call or text away, even on nights & weekends! A Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator portfolio company (2021), Food Foundry (2020)
Blip Energy is focused on developing innovative battery energy storage systems to address rising peak demand and enhance the smart grid infrastructure. The company offers a smart, plug-and-play battery system that leverages artificial intelligence to help households reduce electric bills while providing essential backup power. By creating a distributed network of Internet of Things (IoT) batteries, Blip Energy aims to empower grid operators with the necessary tools and data to stabilize the grid and optimize energy costs for users. Their solutions facilitate energy management without the complexities of permitting and installation, aligning with current needs for resilience and cost savings. Blip Energy's approach supports the transition to a more sustainable, efficient, and reliable power grid for all.
Hubly Surgical Inc. is a medical technology company focused on enhancing patient outcomes and improving the quality of care in neurosurgery. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Chicago, the company has developed an integrated electric drill system that replaces traditional free-hand techniques. This innovative device aims to reduce the rate of lethal complications associated with surgical drilling and is designed to facilitate bedside intracranial access, decreasing the reliance on operating rooms. Hubly's mission is to make its safety technology the standard of care for medical drilling, ensuring that both standard and underserved settings can benefit from improved surgical procedures.
Route is a business management platform tailored for the commercial cleaning industry, designed to meet the unique needs of service providers. It consolidates essential sales processes into a single cross-platform system, offering tools for bidding, job management, contractor relationships, time and attendance tracking, scheduling, and inventory management. The platform features a web portal and a mobile app with offline capabilities, enabling real-time analytics on team performance and providing workflow guidance during job execution. Additionally, Route’s Walkthrough Builder collects and organizes the scope of work on-site, allowing users to calculate bids and generate customized proposals efficiently. By leveraging these tools, Route aims to enhance operational efficiency, improve service quality, and facilitate contract acquisition in a competitive marketplace.
PiggyBack Network is a youth transportation service that connects families by matching parents and guardians based on their existing driving routes. Utilizing a RoutePool approach, the platform fosters a community where families can share rides with those they know and trust, enhancing safety and reliability. By offering a closed-group ride-sharing experience, PiggyBack Network enables families to coordinate transportation schedules more efficiently and affordably. This service aims to alleviate logistical challenges, allowing families to navigate their busy lives more effectively and support their children's activities.
Flora offers a plant care solution through a freemium app and an IoT device designed to assist users in caring for their plants. The company's electronic sensors leverage artificial intelligence to provide real-time insights and analytics, setting benchmarks and sending custom alerts to help plant owners manage their plants effectively, even when they are away from home. By focusing on enhancing plant care, Flora aims to contribute positively to the environment by promoting the preservation of plants and offsetting carbon in the atmosphere.
OrdrSmart helps B2B manufacturers solve their biggest customer acquisition problem - physical product sampling. The OrdrSmart platform not only cuts costs but also significantly boosts revenue for the +600K B2B manufacturers managing over 10 million product samples annually.
Sparrow Finance is a bitcoin platform and community specifically designed for women, focusing on eliminating technological barriers to entry in the cryptocurrency market. Established in 2022 by Kendra and Lord Cole in Chicago, Sparrow offers a user-friendly platform that allows women to create digital wallets for purchasing bitcoin either as a one-time investment or through auto-monthly contributions. The platform enables users to set up personalized funds to help them stay organized and motivated in achieving their financial goals. Additionally, Sparrow features peer-to-peer bitcoin gifting for celebrating significant life events. By targeting women, particularly those in parenting phases, Sparrow aims to bridge the gap between the growing interest in cryptocurrency and the female demographic, fostering shared experiences and enhancing financial confidence among women. Ultimately, Sparrow seeks to empower women to engage in the cryptocurrency market, supporting their journey towards financial independence while addressing the gender gap in the crypto space.
Bridge to College Inc uses a free survey to match students to colleges that are a social, financial, and academic fit. Next, our team of researchers (PhDs and EdDs with expertise in higher education, race, machine learning, and organizational leadership) provides the data with research to colleges and high schools to support their admissions and counseling processes.
Kinkofa is a digital family history platform designed specifically for the Afrodescended community, facilitating the discovery, recording, and preservation of family origin stories. The platform offers tools that enable users to uncover their genealogy, connect with relatives, and reclaim lost legacies. By focusing on the unique needs of Black individuals seeking to understand their ancestral heritage, Kinkofa aims to provide a more comprehensive view of their family histories and cultural identities.
ConnectCareHero operates a digital community platform aimed at enhancing social engagement among older adults. The platform focuses on managing activities and providing culturally relevant content to help organizations connect with seniors and promote a sense of community. By curating entertainment options and facilitating social interactions, ConnectCareHero addresses the issue of social isolation among senior citizens, supporting their overall health and well-being. The company's mission is to empower older adults to remain socially active, thereby improving their quality of life and health outcomes.
Hubly Surgical Inc. is a medical technology company focused on enhancing patient outcomes and improving the quality of care in neurosurgery. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Chicago, the company has developed an integrated electric drill system that replaces traditional free-hand techniques. This innovative device aims to reduce the rate of lethal complications associated with surgical drilling and is designed to facilitate bedside intracranial access, decreasing the reliance on operating rooms. Hubly's mission is to make its safety technology the standard of care for medical drilling, ensuring that both standard and underserved settings can benefit from improved surgical procedures.
Hyfé is a feedstock processing company focused on transforming food waste into valuable chemicals, materials, fuels, and foods through fungal fermentation. By upcycling waste generated in food manufacturing, Hyfé aims to create sustainable, cost-competitive products that benefit various industries. This innovative approach not only maximizes profits for food manufacturers but also helps reduce the carbon footprint of the food industry, promoting a more sustainable future. The company is dedicated to unlocking the full value of crops, allowing for the production of essential goods without reliance on petroleum.
Kadeya is a closed-loop water vending business founded by Manuela Zoninsein. The company offers a service that features digitally connected reusable water bottles and compact bottling equipment. By leveraging technology, Kadeya provides recyclable, non-porous water bottles filled with locally sourced water from convenient vending stations. This approach aims to help office managers lower costs and overhead while minimizing operational challenges and health risks associated with traditional water delivery methods.
makeART
Grant in 2023
makeART is an interactive art, graphics and design app.
ConnectCareHero operates a digital community platform aimed at enhancing social engagement among older adults. The platform focuses on managing activities and providing culturally relevant content to help organizations connect with seniors and promote a sense of community. By curating entertainment options and facilitating social interactions, ConnectCareHero addresses the issue of social isolation among senior citizens, supporting their overall health and well-being. The company's mission is to empower older adults to remain socially active, thereby improving their quality of life and health outcomes.
SMART Charts is a physical, occupational, and speech treatment tool. With stimulating images, the tool automates notetaking and conveys patient progress.
Eventnoire is a provider of an event management platform that simplifies the complexities of organizing events. The platform offers a suite of tools for online event registration, venue selection, and event management, as well as mobile applications and email marketing services tailored to users' needs. In addition to these functionalities, Eventnoire serves as a resource for event marketers, allowing them to promote their events to consumers based on interests and relevance. By tracking sales and optimizing marketing campaigns, Eventnoire enables event planners and organizations to enhance brand visibility and effectively engage with their target audience.
Skilbi develops and operates an online platform that organizes students' information and connects them with professionals and enterprises. It is based in Chicago, USA.
Ticket Falcon is an online event registration and management platform for general admission and reserved seating events. Event organizers can create, sell and promote their event(s) and receive direct payouts to their Stripe account, our verified partner.
Pie for Providers builds human-centered technology to unlock billions of dollars for child care providers across fragmented government funding streams. We envision a world in which all child care providers operate thriving small businesses that anchor their communities, and in which government systems respect providers’ judgment, expertise and time. Our software is Turbotax for child care, helping providers access more and more predictable revenue through a more respectful, humane process.
Flora offers a plant care solution through a freemium app and an IoT device designed to assist users in caring for their plants. The company's electronic sensors leverage artificial intelligence to provide real-time insights and analytics, setting benchmarks and sending custom alerts to help plant owners manage their plants effectively, even when they are away from home. By focusing on enhancing plant care, Flora aims to contribute positively to the environment by promoting the preservation of plants and offsetting carbon in the atmosphere.
Packed with Purpose is a specialty gifting company that focuses on providing meaningful and environmentally friendly gifts. The company sources its products from businesses committed to social and environmental responsibility. It offers a range of customizable gift boxes, allowing clients to select items tailored to various occasions. This approach aims to transform the gifting experience for both companies and individuals, emphasizing purpose-driven selections that reflect the values of the recipients and the givers.
Buoy is a revenue management tool specifically designed for the global vacation rental industry. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Buoy aims to optimize pricing strategies for vacation rental properties. The platform assists property owners and managers in maximizing their revenue through data-driven insights and analytics tailored to the unique dynamics of the vacation rental market.
NakiNoku is a Food and Beverage company that serves local bbq sauces, spice rubs, and condiments in an affordable price. NakiNoku reduces food waste while supporting local brands. Founded by Tonny Thomas in 2021 and is located in Chicago, IL.
Dawatek is a biotech company focused on developing affordable diagnostic medical devices that enhance healthcare accessibility. The company specializes in creating advanced technology that aids in the rapid screening of various diseases by utilizing lasers and machine learning to analyze body fluids for specific chemical signatures. This innovative approach allows healthcare providers to diagnose infections and chronic illnesses swiftly, often within minutes at the point of care. By prioritizing patient needs and addressing existing challenges in the medical field, Dawatek aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis, ultimately striving to ensure that no one suffers from a lack of access to essential medical technology.
Script Health is a stealth mode health-tech company based in Chicago, IL. The company’s first public health initiative addressed the nation’s growing opioid crisis. Naloxone Exchange (www.naloxoneexchange.com) is the nation’s first secure online platform that allows organizations and consumers to purchase the life-saving opioid antidote Naloxone, receive effective training on how to use it, and have it shipped discreetly to their door from a licensed pharmacy. When purchasing Naloxone using the NaloxoneExchange, no doctor’s prescription is necessary.
Kadeya is a closed-loop water vending business founded by Manuela Zoninsein. The company offers a service that features digitally connected reusable water bottles and compact bottling equipment. By leveraging technology, Kadeya provides recyclable, non-porous water bottles filled with locally sourced water from convenient vending stations. This approach aims to help office managers lower costs and overhead while minimizing operational challenges and health risks associated with traditional water delivery methods.
Roomii operates as an online marketplace specializing in furniture rental and sales. The platform allows individuals to lease their furniture to others who prefer not to own items outright. By facilitating peer-to-peer furniture sharing, Roomii enables users to earn returns on their furniture investments while providing customers with access to quality pre-owned furniture for short-term needs. The service caters to those looking for flexible furnishing solutions without the commitment of ownership.
EDUrain is an off-campus housing company that connects verified students with property listings and subleases, offering a comprehensive housing ecosystem tailored for college students. The platform features a roommate search tool and partnerships with renters' insurance services, facilitating the rental process. Additionally, EDUrain provides resources such as a college renter's guide, automatic credit building, background checks, and access to pro-bono legal assistance. The company also integrates essential services, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, scholarships, security deposit alternatives, and tools for lease management and rent processing, ensuring a streamlined experience for both students and property managers. For more information, inquiries can be made through contact details available on their website.
GABA is a career development platform and peer learning community focused on enhancing student success through innovative technology. Originally an independent consulting firm, GABA transformed its approach in 2019 by implementing an algorithmic system that achieved an 86% improvement in student performance. The platform utilizes machine learning to match medical trainees with effective study tools, providing reviews on residency programs, educational resources, and personalized career development insights. GABA's mission is to democratize access to career development and diversify professional fields, a goal recognized by the Mountain Dew and BET $1M Real Change Opportunity Fund. Through its web and mobile interfaces, GABA helps students worldwide discover and pursue their desired career paths effectively.
Brown Girl Project is a coworking + socially interactive space designed with women of color in mind. With technology and the new work-space landscape changing for GenX and Millennial women, it's important now more than ever that these women have a space to network, collaborate, share ideas. This BGP space has three important elements that will not only inspire young women to join and will attract other entrepreneurs and innovators to be a part. With elements like the Powder Room a beauty space, where technology and brand integration happen. the Kitchen, where cultures and conversation collide, and the Labs, where brown girl magic is always happening! This space offers everything this new, young career woman needs.
Flora offers a plant care solution through a freemium app and an IoT device designed to assist users in caring for their plants. The company's electronic sensors leverage artificial intelligence to provide real-time insights and analytics, setting benchmarks and sending custom alerts to help plant owners manage their plants effectively, even when they are away from home. By focusing on enhancing plant care, Flora aims to contribute positively to the environment by promoting the preservation of plants and offsetting carbon in the atmosphere.
AeroStar to provide professional leadership training and management consulting through education centers to students and professionals. It was founded in 2017.
Kadeya is a closed-loop water vending business founded by Manuela Zoninsein. The company offers a service that features digitally connected reusable water bottles and compact bottling equipment. By leveraging technology, Kadeya provides recyclable, non-porous water bottles filled with locally sourced water from convenient vending stations. This approach aims to help office managers lower costs and overhead while minimizing operational challenges and health risks associated with traditional water delivery methods.
Sanarai is an online platform dedicated to enhancing mental health support for the Latinx community. It connects users to mental health professionals across Latin America, offering culturally sensitive and Spanish-language emotional assistance. By focusing on accessibility and affordability, Sanarai aims to improve the quality of life for its users through personalized support from qualified experts. The platform addresses the unique needs of the Latinx population, ensuring that mental health services are both relevant and attainable.
Dripb LLC is a Beauty company that offers quality protective hair styling products curated specifically for people of color. Dripb LLC brings beauty to our communities in need by donating self-care kits for every braid kit you purchase to women and children experiencing homelessness. Founded in 2022 and is located in Chicago, IL.
JustAir Solutions is an air pollution monitoring company. They provide mapping, monitoring, and visualizing. Monitor the air people breathe at a neighborhood level. They observe the activity and trends that drive air quality.
Sparrow Finance is a bitcoin platform and community specifically designed for women, focusing on eliminating technological barriers to entry in the cryptocurrency market. Established in 2022 by Kendra and Lord Cole in Chicago, Sparrow offers a user-friendly platform that allows women to create digital wallets for purchasing bitcoin either as a one-time investment or through auto-monthly contributions. The platform enables users to set up personalized funds to help them stay organized and motivated in achieving their financial goals. Additionally, Sparrow features peer-to-peer bitcoin gifting for celebrating significant life events. By targeting women, particularly those in parenting phases, Sparrow aims to bridge the gap between the growing interest in cryptocurrency and the female demographic, fostering shared experiences and enhancing financial confidence among women. Ultimately, Sparrow seeks to empower women to engage in the cryptocurrency market, supporting their journey towards financial independence while addressing the gender gap in the crypto space.
Science On Call is a subscription-based tech support platform for restaurants. Help with POS, internet, Wi-Fi, online ordering & more—just one call or text away, even on nights & weekends! A Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator portfolio company (2021), Food Foundry (2020)
Flamingo is a free resident engagement platform that simplifies various tasks for residents in multifamily housing. The application allows users to pay rent, book house cleaning services, and access concierge-style amenities such as massage therapy. Additionally, it keeps residents informed about upcoming events, weather updates, and transit information, enhancing their overall living experience. By offering these services in one app, Flamingo aims to streamline daily activities and improve resident satisfaction.
Grapefruit Health is a healthcare technology company founded in 2022 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The organization addresses the significant staffing shortages in the healthcare sector by leveraging a workforce comprised of clinical students. Its platform focuses on recruiting, training, and managing these students to engage with patients remotely, thereby enabling healthcare institutions such as hospitals and clinics to operate more efficiently. Through this innovative approach, Grapefruit Health aims to create a semi-clinical workforce that contributes positively to patient interactions while alleviating the pressures faced by traditional healthcare staffing.
Cyber Pop-up is an on-demand cybersecurity service platform that connects businesses with skilled cybersecurity experts to meet their security needs. By offering a flexible and affordable solution, Cyber Pop-up makes cybersecurity accessible to organizations of all sizes, particularly small and medium-sized businesses that may lack the resources to hire full-time cybersecurity staff. The platform provides a range of services, including cybersecurity assessments, information security policy development, vulnerability management, and training. Additionally, Cyber Pop-up accommodates custom cybersecurity projects, ensuring that clients receive tailored support. The company is committed to social impact by promoting diversity within the cybersecurity field, fostering a network of underrepresented talent. Through its innovative approach, Cyber Pop-up aims to create a comprehensive, subscription-based hub for effective cybersecurity protection.
Waldorf Astoria is a hospitality company based in New York City, known for its portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. The company offers a range of amenities, including elegantly designed rooms and suites, multiple dining options such as restaurants and bars, and recreational facilities like indoor pools and golf courses. Additionally, Waldorf Astoria provides wellness services, including spas and health clubs, catering to guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The properties are also equipped for hosting events, with facilities for weddings, meetings, and banquets, making them a versatile choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Organic Harvest Digital is an environmental organization that focuses on adapting climate hardware and IoT for food sustainability.
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