NAPIGEN is a biotechnology company focused on innovative genome engineering across a variety of organisms, including plants, microbes, and animals. The company specializes in targeting organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, which contain DNA essential for cellular energy production. By harnessing the capabilities of these organelles, NAPIGEN aims to enhance biological functions and contribute to advancements in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and other sectors, ultimately improving the quality of life in society.
Glyscend Therapeutics is focused on developing innovative treatments for type 2 diabetes, drawing inspiration from the metabolic benefits observed in bariatric surgery. The company has created a non-invasive, orally ingestible intestinal coating designed to replicate the effects of surgery by preventing stimulation of the duodenal mucosa and inhibiting crucial neurohormonal pathways in the proximal gut. This novel approach aims to provide patients with effective glucose control while minimizing side effects such as weight gain and hypoglycemia. Glyscend also seeks to equip endocrinologists and primary care physicians with advanced tools to treat diabetes more effectively, rather than merely managing the condition. Founded in 2014 by Ashish Nimgaonkar, Michael Parlato, and Pratik Patel, Glyscend is committed to enhancing the care pathway for individuals living with type 2 diabetes.
DropGenie is building connected hardware to automate gene editing. They are accelerating the pace of discovery through the generation of standardized and compatible scientific information.
NAPIGEN is a biotechnology company focused on innovative genome engineering across a variety of organisms, including plants, microbes, and animals. The company specializes in targeting organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, which contain DNA essential for cellular energy production. By harnessing the capabilities of these organelles, NAPIGEN aims to enhance biological functions and contribute to advancements in agriculture, environmental sustainability, and other sectors, ultimately improving the quality of life in society.
DropGenie is building connected hardware to automate gene editing. They are accelerating the pace of discovery through the generation of standardized and compatible scientific information.
Nuclease Probe Technologies specializes in developing rapid diagnostic assays that focus on phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing. The company’s innovative tests enable the detection of disease-associated nuclease activities and facilitate rapid pathogen identification directly from blood samples. This approach is particularly beneficial for patients suspected of having bloodstream infections, as it allows healthcare providers to quickly determine the most effective antibiotic for treatment. By providing early and accurate infection testing, Nuclease Probe Technologies aids veterinarians and physicians in making informed treatment decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary delays in care.
SciBac Inc. develops innovative live biotherapeutics aimed at treating antibiotic-resistant diseases while strengthening the microbiome. Founded in 2015 and located in Milpitas, California, the company utilizes a patented MERGE platform that employs directed evolution to enhance the efficacy of beneficial microorganisms. SciBac's initial therapeutics focus on chronic infections associated with cystic fibrosis, targeting pathogens such as Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Burkholderia, and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). By safely transferring beneficial genetic traits, SciBac's approach aims to promote rapid recovery and minimize the risk of reinfections, thereby improving treatment outcomes for patients facing these challenging infections.
Pelitex is a Product Development and Technology Licensing firm with an IP license to practice and exploit a key disruptive technology called Nanogradient™ materials.Nanogradient™ is a customizable nanoscale alloy that exhibits magnetic, electrical, thermal, mechanical, and anti-‐corrosive properties critical to the performance of products across many market and industry sectors. This technology is utilized to fabricate pure nano-‐scale materials that exhibit high super-‐paramagnetic characteristics as well as extremely high thermal and electrical conductivity. Additionally, the material is exceptionally stable, impermeable, and resistant to corrosion. It can also be functionalized, magnetically tuned, and chemically conjugated to address a number of difficult problems across multiple market segments and industry applications. In broad terms, Pelitex’s technology has performance advantages and competitive attributes in just about any industry area where ferric oxide is used for its magnetic capabilities. The Nanogradient™ technology was developed over the last ten years, and is now a seminal platform technology capable of changing/disrupting the market landscape now occupied by iron oxide, due to its extremely enhanced magnetism, stability, and related attributes.
Phase Two Chemicals is a clean chemistry company focused on developing innovative technology for the on-site production of hydrogen peroxide. By utilizing an electrochemical catalyst research platform, the company aims to simplify the hydrogen peroxide production and delivery process. This technology enables clients, particularly in the pulp and paper mill industry, to produce cost-efficient electric chemicals. Through its advancements, Phase Two Chemicals seeks to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of hydrogen peroxide production.
CyteGen Corp., based in Shorewood, Wisconsin, operates a discovery platform focused on enhancing human health span by addressing age-related decline. The company explores new pathways that affect mitochondrial fitness and has shown potential in recovering cardiovascular and neurological functions through therapeutic interventions. Its platform has identified molecules that promote the removal of damaged mitochondria while facilitating the creation of new, healthy ones. This innovative approach enables healthcare professionals to integrate various data types, such as genomics, proteomics, and biochemical information, to enhance cellular metabolism and combat age-related diseases and suffering.
Phase Two Chemicals is a clean chemistry company focused on developing innovative technology for the on-site production of hydrogen peroxide. By utilizing an electrochemical catalyst research platform, the company aims to simplify the hydrogen peroxide production and delivery process. This technology enables clients, particularly in the pulp and paper mill industry, to produce cost-efficient electric chemicals. Through its advancements, Phase Two Chemicals seeks to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of hydrogen peroxide production.
UbiQD, LLC is a manufacturer of low-hazard semiconductor nanocrystals based in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Founded in 2014, the company specializes in producing low-toxicity quantum dots and polymer composites that are designed for a variety of applications, including agriculture, solar energy, and lighting. One of its key products, UbiGro, is a retrofit luminescent film that can be easily installed in greenhouses to enhance crop growth by optimizing sunlight. UbiQD's focus on creating inexpensive, cadmium-free quantum dots positions it to become a significant player in cleantech materials, facilitating collaborations with leading scientists in the region, particularly from Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories.
Ras Labs produces Synthetic Muscle electroactive polymer-based materials and actuators that contract and expand at low voltages. The company is driven by its mission is developing capabilities to improve the interface between mechanical devices and humans, particularly for prosthetics, rehabilitative robotics, and protective devices. It was founded in 2003 and headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts.
Blumio, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in developing non-invasive wearable sensors for cardiovascular diagnostics, particularly blood pressure monitoring. The company’s innovative technology employs radio frequency to detect and analyze arterial tissue movements, allowing for continuous blood pressure measurement without the need for traditional inflatable cuffs. Blumio aims to address the limitations of conventional blood pressure monitoring methods, which typically rely on measurements taken at rest with a sphygmomanometer. By providing a portable sensor that can be integrated with everyday devices, such as an iPhone case, Blumio enables users to accurately track their blood pressure throughout daily activities, enhancing the understanding of cardiovascular health.
C2Sense, Inc. specializes in developing chemiresistive gas sensors and miniaturized sensing technologies aimed at enhancing food quality and safety, particularly in the food and agriculture sectors. Founded in 2013 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company’s sensors detect gases like ethylene and biogenic amines at low concentrations, allowing stakeholders throughout the supply chain—from growers to consumers—to monitor the freshness of fruits, meats, and other perishable goods, ultimately reducing waste. C2Sense is also advancing its Halo Diagnostics product, a digitally connected immunoassay reader that offers near-PCR sensitivity and facilitates real-time test results through a cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant platform. This technology supports remote healthcare by enabling physicians to access patient test results instantly. Additionally, C2Sense has developed versatile sensing solutions that provide product quality information and counterfeit detection, using safe molecular additives that report on the status of goods throughout the distribution process, thereby enhancing security in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and luxury goods.
CalWave focuses on developing innovative ocean wave technologies to provide reliable and cost-effective renewable energy solutions. Its proprietary wave energy converter operates fully submerged, ensuring high performance and durability in extreme weather conditions. By harnessing the energy of ocean waves, CalWave's technology converts this energy into electricity and freshwater. Given the consistent and predictable nature of wave power, it has the potential to meet 20-30% of global energy demand. CalWave aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, targeting a displacement of 500 million tons annually by 2050. This technology could potentially power over 100 million homes in the United States, contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.
Mat3ra is a company that offers a software platform aimed at enhancing the research and development of advanced materials and chemicals through materials modeling. By integrating high-fidelity simulations, large-scale data analytics, and machine learning, Mat3ra provides a hosted environment suitable for both public and private cloud deployments. This technology enables materials scientists to efficiently learn and utilize various physics-based artificial intelligence and machine learning modeling tools, facilitating the design and discovery of materials at the nanoscale.
Flightwave Aerospace Systems, based in Santa Monica, California, specializes in the development and manufacturing of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aerospace systems. Established in 2014, the company focuses on utilizing carbon-free energy sources to enhance the endurance and operational range of its vehicles, which range from small UAVs to advanced spacecraft. Flightwave's systems are designed for a variety of applications, including asset protection, environmental mapping, and wildlife monitoring. Their innovative thrust-vector control technology allows for seamless transitions between multi-rotor and fixed-wing flight, enabling aerial operations in diverse conditions without the need for pilot intervention.
Private Equity Round in 2017
Positron Dynamics LLC was founded in 2011 by Ryan Weed and Joshua Machacek. Our area of expertise is in the use of ‘cold’ positrons as a diagnostic for materials and in low-energy collisions with atoms and molecules. The company develops positron beam technologies for use in non-destructive testing (NDT) of critical components in the aerospace and defense markets. At the heart of these technologies is a novel method of producing and moderating positrons, for which several patents were awarded in 2011.
Azitra is a clinical-stage medical dermatology company that leverages extensive scientific knowledge about the skin microbiome to discover and develop novel products for the treatment of adverse skin conditions and diseases.The Company’s technology platform, developed in collaboration with scientists at Yale University and the Jackson Laboratory, is based on a proprietary strain of the natural commensal bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Seatrec is a climatetech startup focused on generating clean and sustainable energy from temperature differences in ocean waters. Founded in 2012 by Dr. Yi Chao, the company has leveraged technology developed at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory to create patented thermal engine systems. These systems provide renewable electricity to power oceanographic research equipment such as drones, floats, and gliders. By utilizing Seatrec’s technology, researchers can significantly extend the operational life of their equipment, reduce costs, and enhance data collection capabilities, all while producing zero emissions and waste. The applications of this technology span various fields, including ocean data capture, seafloor mapping, offshore aquaculture, Arctic research, meteorology, and climate change mitigation.
ZymoChem, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2013. It specializes in the development of eco-friendly chemicals and bioprocesses using engineered microbes to convert renewable feedstocks, such as sugars, into industrial chemicals. The company’s bio-manufacturing platform aims to produce bio-based materials while minimizing carbon emissions during production, thereby supporting a carbon-efficient economy. By establishing cost-effective bioprocesses and novel biosynthetic pathways, ZymoChem enables clients to reduce production costs and enhance their competitiveness in the market. Through its innovative approach, the company contributes to sustainable manufacturing practices and the advancement of a real-zero economy.
C2Sense, Inc. specializes in developing chemiresistive gas sensors and miniaturized sensing technologies aimed at enhancing food quality and safety, particularly in the food and agriculture sectors. Founded in 2013 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company’s sensors detect gases like ethylene and biogenic amines at low concentrations, allowing stakeholders throughout the supply chain—from growers to consumers—to monitor the freshness of fruits, meats, and other perishable goods, ultimately reducing waste. C2Sense is also advancing its Halo Diagnostics product, a digitally connected immunoassay reader that offers near-PCR sensitivity and facilitates real-time test results through a cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant platform. This technology supports remote healthcare by enabling physicians to access patient test results instantly. Additionally, C2Sense has developed versatile sensing solutions that provide product quality information and counterfeit detection, using safe molecular additives that report on the status of goods throughout the distribution process, thereby enhancing security in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and luxury goods.
nanoGriptech, Inc. specializes in manufacturing micro-fibrillar polymer-based dry adhesives and surfaces, drawing inspiration from the natural adhesion mechanism of gecko feet. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a range of products, including the Setex Gecko Tape, which is a repeatable, residue-free, non-tacky tape, and the Setex Ultra-Thin Fastener, designed for seamless integration with smooth surfaces. Its innovative adhesive solutions are tailored for diverse applications such as wearables, sports gear, semiconductors, robotics, medical devices, automotive components, and packaging. nanoGriptech aims to provide a superior alternative to traditional reusable adhesives, focusing on durability and customization. The company has established partnerships with multinational corporations and has recently begun small volume sales in the high-friction clothing market.
Maxterial modifies the surface shape or texture of versatile materials, through a method that is very affordable and easy to introduce into the existing manufacturing process. The resulting microtextured materials dramatically reduce the contact area for the objects and droplets that contact the material surface.
G-Tech Medical is focused on developing a wireless, wearable, and disposable electrode patch known as the GutCheck, which measures the electrical activity in the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the stomach, small intestine, and colon. This innovative device addresses a significant gap in diagnosing functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating, which are often overlooked by traditional diagnostic methods like colonoscopies and CT scans. By monitoring myoelectrical signals over several days, the GutCheck patch provides physicians with valuable insights into gastrointestinal motility, enabling them to better tailor treatments for their patients. This non-invasive solution aims to improve clinical outcomes and reduce healthcare costs associated with gastrointestinal conditions.
Quince Therapeutics is a preclinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative precision therapeutics aimed at treating debilitating and rare diseases. The company has created a unique bone-targeting drug platform that enables the precise delivery of small molecules, peptides, or larger compounds directly to the site of bone fractures and related diseases. This targeted approach is designed to promote faster healing while minimizing off-target safety concerns commonly associated with traditional therapies. By concentrating on the specific needs of patients suffering from impairment of strength, functionality, or debilitating conditions, Quince Therapeutics aims to provide effective treatments that enhance patient outcomes.
EpiBone, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Brooklyn, New York, focused on developing advanced solutions for bone and cartilage repair. Founded in 2013, EpiBone utilizes patient-specific scans and their own stem cells to create customized bone grafts, which are cultivated in a bioreactor to facilitate growth. The company aims to improve skeletal repair and enhance bone formation and regeneration through its innovative technologies. EpiBone's lead product, a living 3D bone graft, successfully completed its Phase I/IIa clinical trial in August 2023. Additionally, the company is advancing its cartilage repair pipeline, which includes an allogeneic osteochondral plug that received Investigational New Drug approval in July 2023, and an injectable cartilage filler, partly funded by the Department of Defense. Through these developments, EpiBone seeks to revolutionize orthopedic repair and provide patients with more effective treatment options.
Modern Meadow, LLC is a biofabrication company based in Brooklyn, New York, founded in 2011. The company specializes in creating animal-free leather from living cells, utilizing its proprietary Bio-Alloy and Bio-Farm technology platforms. These innovations leverage tuned proteins to produce sustainable materials that eliminate the need for petrochemical and animal-derived inputs while maintaining high performance. Modern Meadow’s products are designed for seamless integration into existing infrastructures across various industries, including materials and beauty. The company emphasizes lab-to-brand traceability, ensuring that its offerings are fully transparent throughout the production process. By focusing on fermentation-based bio-collagen and lightweight materials, Modern Meadow aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability without compromising quality or appearance.
C2Sense, Inc. specializes in developing chemiresistive gas sensors and miniaturized sensing technologies aimed at enhancing food quality and safety, particularly in the food and agriculture sectors. Founded in 2013 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company’s sensors detect gases like ethylene and biogenic amines at low concentrations, allowing stakeholders throughout the supply chain—from growers to consumers—to monitor the freshness of fruits, meats, and other perishable goods, ultimately reducing waste. C2Sense is also advancing its Halo Diagnostics product, a digitally connected immunoassay reader that offers near-PCR sensitivity and facilitates real-time test results through a cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant platform. This technology supports remote healthcare by enabling physicians to access patient test results instantly. Additionally, C2Sense has developed versatile sensing solutions that provide product quality information and counterfeit detection, using safe molecular additives that report on the status of goods throughout the distribution process, thereby enhancing security in various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and luxury goods.
CytoVale, Inc. is a medical technology company based in San Francisco, California, established in 2012. The company specializes in developing biomarkers that leverage the mechanical properties of individual cells, a field known as mechanomics. By utilizing microfluidics technology, CytoVale can efficiently route and physically probe single cells to measure multiple biomarkers simultaneously. This innovative approach aims to enhance early detection of immune-mediated diseases, particularly sepsis, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing treatment costs. CytoVale's integration of cell mechanics with machine learning positions it at the forefront of revolutionizing diagnostic practices in healthcare.
Pareto Biotechnologies has pioneered development of a revolutionary synthetic biology platform that produces naturally derived, high value “designer molecules.” Pareto’s technology is the result of over a decade of academic and private sector research and intellectual property focused on one particular polyketide pathway. Building on Dr. Joe Noel’s groundbreaking research at the Salk Institute, this pathway – previously dismissed as the “poor man’s pathway” – is the foundation of Pareto’s platform, capable of generating known products and novel molecules.
Siva Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative nanotechnology solutions for cancer treatment. Founded in 2011 and based in Boulder, Colorado, the company specializes in creating SivaRods, a photothermal device that utilizes heat to irreversibly damage solid tumor tissues. By employing gold nanorods and an infrared light device, Siva Therapeutics offers a therapy that is more selective than traditional chemotherapy, less harmful than radiation, and avoids the risks associated with surgical interventions. The company's mission is to provide safe, minimally invasive, and cost-effective medical device treatments that enhance patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.
Siva Therapeutics Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative nanotechnology solutions for cancer treatment. Founded in 2011 and based in Boulder, Colorado, the company specializes in creating SivaRods, a photothermal device that utilizes heat to irreversibly damage solid tumor tissues. By employing gold nanorods and an infrared light device, Siva Therapeutics offers a therapy that is more selective than traditional chemotherapy, less harmful than radiation, and avoids the risks associated with surgical interventions. The company's mission is to provide safe, minimally invasive, and cost-effective medical device treatments that enhance patient outcomes in the fight against cancer.
Longevity Biotech, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutic drug candidates using its proprietary Hybridtide peptide technology. This platform enables the creation of customizable peptides that offer improved stability and absorption, enhancing treatment options for various medical conditions. The company's pipeline includes LBT-3627, a neuroprotective agent aimed at treating disorders such as Parkinson's disease; LBT-6030, a dual agonist targeting glucagon for metabolic conditions; and LBT-5001, a fusion inhibitor. Additionally, Longevity Biotech is conducting clinical studies to identify specific immune and inflammatory markers for the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Founded in 2010 and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Longevity Biotech is committed to advancing drug discovery and development in the biopharmaceutical sector.
Immusoft Corporation is a biotechnology company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing autologous cell therapies for various human diseases through its proprietary Immune System Programming (ISP) technology. Founded in 2009, the company modifies a patient's immune cells, specifically B cells, to create miniature drug factories that produce gene-encoded medicines, or biologics. By reprogramming these cells, Immusoft's technology enables the in vivo delivery of therapeutics that can replace missing or defective enzymes and proteins. The core ISP technology was initially developed at the California Institute of Technology and is exclusively licensed to Immusoft. This innovative approach aims to improve treatments for rare and infectious diseases by harnessing the body's own immune system.