Manta Biofuel
Seed Round in 2021
Manta Biofuel develops and markets algae-derived renewable crude oil produced through hydrothermal liquefaction. Founded in 2014 and based in Reisterstown, Maryland, the company converts algal biomass into crude oil intended for use in petroleum and refinery applications to reduce carbon emissions. It has developed a distributed magnetic harvesting system and patent protection focused on cost-effective production, with initial emphasis on the heating oil market and long-term plans to support carbon-neutral fuels for international shipping.
Retrium
Seed Round in 2019
Retrium, Inc. is a software company based in Silver Spring, Maryland, that specializes in developing solutions for agile retrospectives. Founded in 2016, Retrium provides a platform that enhances team collaboration during retrospectives by offering a range of prebuilt facilitation techniques, such as 4Ls, Mad Sad Glad, Start Stop Continue, and Lean Coffee. The platform is designed to operate alongside video or audio conferencing tools, facilitating distributed scrum retrospectives and enabling organizations to create actionable plans that promote continuous improvement. By allowing teams to inspect their workflows and adapt based on insights gained, Retrium aims to help organizations deliver value to their customers more effectively.
ARMR Systems
Seed Round in 2018
ARMR Systems develops wearable hemorrhage control systems that increase survivability of traumatic battlefield injuries when advanced medical support is unavailable. The company’s products combine an ergonomically fitted harness with a tourniquet‑style direct‑pressure device to rapidly compress damaged arteries in critical torso‑junctional areas, limiting blood loss. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, ARMR collaborates with military and medical institutions to refine its technology. Its multidisciplinary team applies diverse perspectives to evaluate and improve trauma‑care solutions, providing warfighters, combat medics, and other field personnel with reliable, life‑saving capabilities.
Zest Tea
Seed Round in 2017
Zest Tea designs and produces caffeinated tea products aimed at boosting energy and mental clarity. Founded in 2014 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the company emphasizes science-backed ingredients to deliver energizing beverages with low to no sugar and natural ingredients.
North American Wave Engine Corporation
Seed Round in 2016
North American Wave Engine Corporation, founded in 2015 and headquartered in College Park, Maryland, specializes in the design and development of innovative wave engines for jet propulsion applications. The company focuses on leveraging recent scientific advancements to create technology that achieves exceptional Thrust-to-Weight and Thrust-Specific Fuel Consumption ratios, all while eliminating the need for moving parts. This approach positions North American Wave Engine at the forefront of propulsion technology, aiming to enhance efficiency and performance in the aerospace sector.