Vanderbilt University Endowment

For nearly a century, the energetics sector- factories, munitions, and propellants have been stagnant, plagued by a lack of innovation and sophistication. Despite a total addressable market of nearly $6 trillion, this industry has largely been dominated by outdated technologies and entrenched legacy players who have failed to adapt, eroding their credibility and trust currency across the global stage. The U.S. energetics enterprise is now outmatched, outclassed, and outranged by our adversaries. Our ability to project power and influence outcomes for the U.S. and our Allies is crippled. The U.S.’s position has weakened as our adversaries advance. The West is vulnerable. Our edge is gone. Enter: UNION.

EnCharge AI is a developer of advanced artificial intelligence hardware and software systems specifically designed for edge computing. The company provides a robust computing platform that enhances AI performance by enabling larger models, improved accuracy, higher resolutions, and support for multiple camera channels. With a focus on scalable AI architectures and flexible software integration, EnCharge AI's technology allows businesses to efficiently access and implement advanced AI capabilities without the need for time-consuming and costly workarounds. The company's innovations are rooted in extensive research and development, positioning it as a leader in the AI hardware and software landscape.

Bilt Rewards offers a rewards program that allows renters to earn points on rent and create a path towards homeownership. With an alliance of the U.S.' largest real estate owners, Bilt Rewards will enable renters in more than two million units across the country to earn points just by paying rent. Launched in June 2021, Bilt Rewards boasts one of the highest value rewards programs on the market today, including one-to-one point transfers for travel across over 100 major airlines and hotel partners; fitness classes at the country’s top boutique studios; limited-edition and exclusive collections of art and home decorations through the Bilt Collection, and the ability to use points for rent credits or towards a future down payment. Bilt has also partnered with Mastercard and Wells Fargo to create the Bilt Mastercard - the first and only credit card that can be used to pay rent with no fees. In October 2022, Bilt announced a valuation of $1.5 billion following a $150 million growth round to advance its loyalty program and credit card for renters.

Paywatch is a company that has developed a platform allowing employees to access their earned wages before the official payday. By partnering with major banks, Paywatch facilitates low-cost financing for workers seeking immediate access to their earnings. The platform assesses how much work an employee has completed and allows them to withdraw funds accordingly. This service not only provides quick financial relief but also aids employees in becoming banked, establishing credit, and achieving financial stability. Through its innovative approach, Paywatch aims to empower workers to lead healthier financial lives.

Paywatch Korea is a payroll advance payment service with good social influence.

Founded in 2012, MyRealTrip is Korea’s leading online travel platform, helping Koreans to travel abroad and domestic.

HeroWear is a company focused on developing innovative wearable technology aimed at reducing physical strain and fatigue for workers in demanding jobs. Its flagship product, the Apex, is a back-assist exosuit designed for both men and women, providing support while maintaining a comfortable fit akin to regular clothing. This exosuit incorporates patent-pending dual-mode technology, allowing users to easily toggle the back assistance on or off, making it adaptable for various work environments. Additionally, its modular textile design offers over 50 possible combinations, ensuring that the fit and level of support can be customized to meet the unique needs of each user. By specializing in lift assistance, HeroWear's products contribute to improved safety, health, and productivity for those engaged in physically strenuous tasks.

IDBiologics, founded in 2017, specializes in the discovery and development of human monoclonal antibodies aimed at preventing, treating, and curing infectious diseases. The company utilizes an innovative fully human monoclonal antibody platform that facilitates the rapid discovery and optimization of broad and potent therapeutic molecules. This proprietary technology has enabled IDBiologics to achieve significant success in isolating antibodies for various infectious diseases, with several lead candidate molecules advancing through development. Through its focused efforts, IDBiologics aims to provide effective solutions for physicians to combat infectious diseases.

IDUS is an online store that sells watches, home fabric, shoes, rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, phone cases, digital accessories, and home interior products. They enable customers to transact directly with sellers over the Internet via a web browser or a mobile app. Their goods benefit customers.

Backpackr Inc. is a software development company based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in mobile applications for Apple devices. Founded in 2012, the company offers a diverse portfolio of applications designed to enhance user experience and functionality. Its products include Good Sleep, which aids users in achieving restful sleep; Quick Search, a tool for efficient information retrieval; Quick Message + for seamless communication; Quick Dial + for simplified calling; Smart Photo Organizer for managing digital photos and videos; Star Wallpapers for personalized wallpaper creation; and Ringtones Plus+ for customizing ringtones. In addition to its application development, Backpackr operates an online app store that allows users to purchase a variety of smartphone applications.

Paywatch Korea is a payroll advance payment service with good social influence.

Cera Care Limited is a leading provider of digital-first home healthcare services in Europe, specializing in care for elderly individuals. Founded in 2016 and based in London, the company offers a wide range of services including elderly care, palliative care, respite care, post-discharge care, dementia care, and private nursing. Cera Care utilizes advanced technology and data analytics to enhance care delivery, enabling over 10,000 carers and nurses to conduct 60,000 in-person appointments daily. This tech-enabled approach has significantly improved patient outcomes, leading to a reduction in hospitalizations by up to 70%. Cera Care is recognized for its innovative practices, receiving multiple industry awards, including accolades for being the Most Outstanding Home Care Provider. The company was co-founded by Dr. Ben Maruthappu and is supported by an Advisory Board chaired by Sir David Behan, former CEO of the Care Quality Commission. With its commitment to high-quality care and the effective use of technology, Cera Care stands out in the home healthcare sector across multiple regions in the United Kingdom.

Aumni is a data-driven investment analytics platform based in the United States, focusing on private capital markets, which include venture funds, family offices, university endowments, and corporate venture firms. Founded by former corporate attorneys Tony Lewis and Kelsey Chase in Salt Lake City, Utah, Aumni leverages a combination of artificial intelligence and human expertise to extract and analyze critical deal data from complex legal agreements. The platform provides strategic insights into the economic positions and legal rights of investors, converting intricate deal data into a comprehensive and accurate dataset. By auditing and analyzing every transaction, Aumni enables investors and venture firms to make informed decisions, having already analyzed a vast array of private capital data linked to over $1 trillion in assets under management.

Monzo is a digital bank that operates primarily through its mobile application, offering a range of banking services including current, savings, and business accounts, as well as overdrafts and loans. It provides real-time spending updates, categorized transactions, budgeting tools, and instant transaction notifications. Monzo's unique features include 'Pots', sub-accounts for saving towards specific goals, and Monzo Plus, a premium subscription service offering additional benefits. The company, founded in 2015 and based in London, aims to serve customers who prefer managing their finances digitally, without the need for physical branches.

The University of Texas’s Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, strives to enable students to become leading practitioners, teachers, and investigators in the healthcare field. Academics at the UT Medical Branch are available through four different schools, each with its own specialization: * School of Medicine * School of Nursing * School of Health Professions * Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences In addition to programs in these schools, the Medical Branch also offers three combined MD-PhD degrees: Biomedical Sciences, Medical Humanities, and Biomedical Engineering. Graduate students may enroll in their choice of more than 25 residencies and 35 subspecialty fellowship programs, gaining real world experience for their future career in professional environments. Some of these programs are: * Aerospace Medicine * Anesthesiology * Dermatology * Internal Medicine * Obstetrics and Gynecology * Ophthalmology * Radiation Oncology * And many more On-campus housing is not offered, but the school provides information of nearby housing options. Financial aid is available to eligible students through federal work study, scholarships, and student loans.

Pathfinder Therapeutics provides research and drug development to treat infectious diseases and cancer. They use novel gene therapy and vaccine tools to bring hope and implement solutions for people in need.

NephroGenex is a drug-development company focusing on kidney disease. The Company is developing Pyridorinâ„¢ (pyridoxamine dihydrochloride) as a treatment to slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease.

Caden Biosciences is a life sciences tools and services company focuses on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs).

ActivBiotics develops and sells antibiotics and combination therapies for the treatment of acute and chronic infections. The company’s lead product candidate, Rifalazil, is a proprietary, orally administered antibacterial agent which is in a Phase III clinical trial for the treatment of intermittent claudication associated with peripheral arterial disease. The company’s other product candidate, M40403, is a proprietary small molecule to mimic the function of a naturally occurring enzyme, which plays a role in various inflammatory disease states. It also develops ABI-0043 as a proprietary antibacterial agent for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the company identifies product candidates from its proprietary compound libraries for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and bacterial infections. The company’s superoxide dismutases (SOD) mimetic library consists of approximately 250 small molecules that mimic naturally occurring SOD enzymes.

Zeno Power is a company that creates advanced power systems that use radioisotopes. The company intends to increase the production of small-scale nuclear batteries capable of powering spacecraft and undersea technologies for years. Zeno, founded in 2018 by three Vanderbilt University students, intends to be the first to enter the commercial market with a novel new combination of affordability and lightweight.