Venture University operates as both a multi-stage investment fund and a specialized trade school focused on venture capital, private equity, and angel investing. Its investment arm, VU Venture Partners, targets seed to growth stage companies, with initial investments reaching up to $1 million and follow-on funding of up to $10 million. Each quarter, the investment team engages in 3-6 investments spanning various sectors, including Consumer, Enterprise, Fintech, HealthTech, and more. The institution's competitive trade school offers an Investor Accelerator program, which includes an apprenticeship for individuals aspiring to enter the field of venture capital. With an acceptance rate of less than 2%, the program attracts a diverse range of participants, from aspiring fund managers to seasoned professionals seeking career transitions. Participants gain hands-on experience by joining the investment team, conducting due diligence, and making real investments while building a robust network in the startup ecosystem. Through its dual focus on investment and education, Venture University aims to cultivate top investor talent and generate superior returns, thereby contributing to the broader innovation landscape.
Buyandship is a cross-border eCommerce solution that offers global shipping and logistics services to consumers wanting to shop internationally. The company enables customers to obtain postal addresses in various countries, including the US, UK, Japan, Korea, Mainland China, and Taiwan, allowing them to purchase goods affordably from a broad range of markets. By consolidating, aggregating, and load-balancing shipments, Buyandship creates an efficient logistics experience that is often 30-50% cheaper than traditional carriers. The company connects fragmented logistics infrastructures to facilitate seamless shipping directly to consumers' doorsteps, eliminating geographical restrictions and price monopolies. Currently operating in nine countries and reaching over 1.5 million people monthly, Buyandship aims to provide a transparent system that allows both buyers and sellers to focus on products rather than shipping complexities.
Lora DiCarlo
Funding Round in 2021
Lora DiCarlo is a female-led sexual health and wellness brand focused on creating innovative products that enhance personal pleasure through advanced technology. The company specializes in biomimicry and micro-robotics, translating human anatomy into devices that offer a realistic experience. Its flagship product, Osé, gained recognition as a 2019 CES Innovation Honoree in the Robotics category, followed by the award-winning products Baci and Onda. Since its inception, Lora DiCarlo has expanded from a single product to a diverse range of 15 engineered offerings, establishing a presence in 37 countries and over 600 retail and e-commerce partners. Committed to promoting gender equity and empowerment, Lora DiCarlo aims to foster inclusion through its data-driven designs and educational resources, catering to a broad audience in the sexual wellness space.
Dimension
Seed Round in 2020
Dimension is an innovative company in the waste management sector, focused on modernizing waste disposal services. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company offers an on-demand platform that provides customizable junk removal, dumpster rentals, recycling, and hazardous waste disposal. Dimension aims to meet contemporary consumer expectations for reliability and convenience while promoting environmental responsibility through effective waste diversion strategies. By leveraging a network of independent contractors, the company combines flexibility with accountability and scalability, ensuring a seamless experience for its customers. With significant backing from various investors, Dimension is positioned as a disruptive force in the industry, dedicated to enhancing the cleanliness of public spaces and facilitating responsible waste management.
Farcast
Seed Round in 2020
Farcast is a technology company based in Los Angeles that specializes in developing hardware and software for precision airdrop deliveries. Founded in 2017 and located in Hawthorne, California, the company designs drones that are mounted on commercial aircraft, helicopters, or UAVs to facilitate the delivery of packages in remote or otherwise inaccessible areas. Utilizing advanced mapping software, Farcast evaluates suitable drop points and enables autonomous release and landing of packages, ensuring they land safely within a designated area. This innovative approach allows for rapid and cost-effective delivery solutions, addressing the logistical challenges faced in rural regions.
Spyce
Convertible Note in 2020
Spyce is a restaurant based in Somerville, MA, founded in 2015, that aims to transform the dining experience through automation and innovative cuisine. The company has developed a fully robotic kitchen that integrates a refrigerator, dishwasher, stove-top, and a robotic chef to prepare meals from fresh ingredients without human intervention. This technology allows Spyce to offer a menu of globally-inspired seasonal salads and warm bowls, providing consumers with affordable and healthy fast food options without sacrificing quality. By combining culinary creativity with advanced automation, Spyce is reimagining the fast-food industry and setting new standards for efficiency and taste.
FLOWER
Funding Round in 2020
FLOWER CO is a cannabis wholesale membership club based in Arcata, California, that offers delivery of cannabis products to both medicinal and recreational consumers. Founded in 2018, the company aims to provide significant savings to its members, offering up to 40% off popular brands and products. By partnering with small businesses in various markets, FLOWER CO delivers premium cannabis directly to consumers at wholesale prices, eliminating middlemen and brokerage fees. The company's service currently reaches customers across several locations, including Alameda County, Vallejo, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Marin. FLOWER CO believes that a modern cannabis economy can create high-quality jobs and foster equitable access to quality products.
Dover Microsystems
Convertible Note in 2020
Dover Microsystems, Inc. specializes in developing security software solutions aimed at enhancing the safety and reliability of processors through the use of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). The company offers CoreGuard, a software tool that integrates directly with processors to monitor instruction execution and ensure compliance with established security, safety, and privacy standards. Additionally, Dover Microsystems provides a software development kit (SDK) that includes a simulator, micropolicy authoring tools, and a suite for security micropolicies, facilitating the prototyping and debugging of CoreGuard-integrated designs. Its technology serves various industries, including semiconductors, industrial IoT, transportation, medical, energy, home entertainment, and point of sale. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, Dover Microsystems aims to immunize processors against network-based attacks and software vulnerabilities, thereby providing robust protection for critical systems.
Intelage
Seed Round in 2020
Intelage Corporation is a Bellevue, Washington-based company that has developed a cloud-based global trade management and logistics platform. This platform connects trade suppliers, buyers, and partners, facilitating the creation, tracking, and management of trades within a single application. Intelage's offerings include MarketPlace, which serves as a virtual platform for agricultural suppliers and buyers to engage in transactions involving physical commodities. The platform provides features for centralized negotiations, transaction history, inventory management, and user reviews. Additionally, Intelage offers TradeDesk, a solution designed for trade and operations teams to manage product and information flow from origin to destination. The comprehensive services provided by Intelage encompass sourcing, logistics, tracking, documentation, communication, trade, and regulatory compliance, enabling clients to navigate logistical challenges, automate processes, and enhance visibility into critical trade information.
Bear Flag Robotics
Seed Round in 2020
Bear Flag Robotics, Inc. specializes in developing autonomous technology for farm tractors, aiming to enhance productivity and safety in agriculture. Founded in 2017 by Igino Cafiero and Aubrey Donnellan, the company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Its software enables users to plan routes, schedule jobs, and receive real-time alerts about equipment status. Additionally, it features remote emergency stop capabilities and obstacle avoidance, ensuring safe operation in various conditions. By utilizing perception sensors and robotic actuators, Bear Flag Robotics' technology allows central mission control to manage tractor operations, providing real-time data that helps farmers optimize their practices, reduce input costs, and increase production yields.
Grabango
Convertible Note in 2020
Grabango is a technology company that specializes in checkout-free shopping solutions for the retail industry. Founded in 2016 and based in Berkeley, California, Grabango develops a system that utilizes computer vision and machine learning to enhance the shopping experience in existing grocery and convenience stores. By employing cameras and shelf sensors, the technology identifies items as customers pick them up and adds them to a virtual basket. After selecting their items, shoppers can simply scan a code in the Grabango app to pay via their registered payment method and exit the store without waiting in line. This innovative approach aims to streamline the shopping process, making it faster and more convenient for customers, while also ensuring privacy through anonymized data handling. Grabango partners with large-scale retailers to retrofit their stores, eliminating traditional checkout lines and setting a new standard in retail shopping.
IntegriCulture
Series A in 2020
IntegriCulture Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Bunkyo, Japan, specializes in the development of cellular agriculture products, including clean meat and clean foie gras. The company focuses on improving sustainability and food security while addressing public health issues associated with traditional meat production. IntegriCulture has created a patented large-scale cell culture system that allows for the cultivation of a wide range of cells without the need for expensive growth factors, making clean meat more affordable for consumers. Through its innovative technology, IntegriCulture aims to revolutionize the food industry and promote a more sustainable future.
Xplore
Funding Round in 2020
Xplore Inc is a company that specializes in developing space aircraft and offering space as a service. Founded in 2017 and based in Mercer Island, Washington, Xplore provides a range of services including mission planning, spacecraft engineering, flight financing, payload insurance, communications, data management, and spacecraft operations. The company caters to both government agencies and commercial space enterprises, engaging in missions that span the moon, earth, Venus, Mars, asteroids, and custom expeditions. Xplore's satellite constellation is equipped with remote sensing instruments such as optical, video, and hyperspectral sensors, which generate valuable data and insights for clients. Furthermore, Xplore's edge computing capabilities facilitate the creation of data fusion products, allowing for on-orbit insights and reducing latency and data transmission costs.
Membio
Seed Round in 2020
Membio's single-use 0.2-10 L benchtop bioreactor system uses a proprietary design to provide a constant environment for cells at all scales. One technique will provide the same outcomes at all scales, whether at 0.2 L, 10 L, or anywhere in between. Fully automated single-use bioreactors designed by the business to enable cost-effective and scalable manufacture.
MobileODT
Series B in 2020
MobileODT Ltd develops optical diagnostic devices and software services aimed at early cancer detection. The company offers the EVA COLPO, a portable and FDA-cleared colposcope that connects to the internet, making it easy for healthcare providers to conduct examinations. The EVA SANE system allows for the secure management of patient data, including photos and notes, on a HIPAA-compliant server. Additionally, the EVA WELL tool enhances gynecologic exams through digital visualization. MobileODT also provides a mobile application for remote image capture and patient information tracking, alongside a cloud-based portal for collaboration and reporting. Other products include Eviscope, designed for documenting violence and abuse, EviDx for case documentation, and EviCenter for managing patient data. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, with an office in New York, MobileODT has established a strong presence in markets such as the U.S., Africa, and India, having conducted over 40,000 procedures across 29 countries.
Akash Systems
Convertible Note in 2019
Akash Systems specializes in the development and supply of advanced small satellite technology, including CubeSats, satellite transmitters, and RF power amplifiers. Founded in 2016 by Felix Ejeckam and Ty Mitchell and based in San Francisco, the company leverages a proprietary composite material known as gallium nitride (GaN)-on-Diamond. This innovative material enhances energy efficiency by operating at cooler temperatures, which effectively reduces the size, weight, and operating costs of their products. Akash Systems' technology minimizes waste heat generated by power amplifiers, thereby allowing clients in the aviation and aerospace industries to lower launch costs, decrease cost-per-bit, and improve communication access.
Made In Space
Funding Round in 2019
Made In Space, Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing advanced equipment for space exploration, national security, and sustainable settlement in space. Founded in 2010 and based in Jacksonville, Florida, the company develops a range of products, including space-optimized structures, space telescopes, and additive manufacturing technologies for use in orbit. Additionally, Made In Space focuses on producing space-enabled industrial crystals, hybrid metals manufacturing equipment, and recycling solutions specifically tailored for the space environment. As of June 2020, Made In Space operates as a subsidiary of Redwire, LLC, which provides critical space solutions and components, leveraging a combination of extensive flight experience and innovative practices to address the evolving demands of the space economy.
Finless Foods
Funding Round in 2019
Finless Foods Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Emeryville, California, that specializes in producing seafood products for human consumption using cellular-agriculture technologies. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on growing marine-animal cells to create alternatives to traditional fish and seafood, including bluefin tuna. By offering a variety of responsibly produced food options, Finless Foods aims to cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs while promoting sustainability and better ocean health. The company's innovative approach provides consumers with healthy and accessible seafood alternatives, enabling them to maintain a balanced diet without compromising on flavor or variety.
Orbit Fab
Seed Round in 2019
Orbit Fab, Inc. is a company focused on developing orbital propellant depots to support satellite servicing and expand the operational capabilities of space assets. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company provides various products, including the Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI) for on-orbit refueling and docking, as well as prototypes of rigid and flexible tankers for the International Space Station (ISS). By creating the necessary infrastructure for in-space fuel supply, Orbit Fab aims to foster a growing market for satellite maintenance and new industries such as space tourism, manufacturing, and mining. Their technology enhances the flexibility and operational lifespan of satellites, enabling operators to acquire fuel and materials as needed, thus transforming the way satellites are serviced in orbit.
Bitesize
Seed Round in 2019
Bitesize, Inc. is a company founded in 2017 that operates a two-way messaging platform designed to facilitate personal dialogue between brands and consumers. Utilizing artificial intelligence, the platform enables brands to send and receive messages in bulk while organizing responses based on context, keywords, and sentiment. Bitesize caters to various industries, including automotive, home services, healthcare, and entertainment. The company aims to transform customer interactions by providing a unique conversational experience, allowing brands to engage meaningfully with consumers and drive sales. By enabling genuine one-on-one conversations at scale, Bitesize addresses the modern consumer's desire for authentic engagement beyond traditional marketing methods.
Fan Controlled Football
Series A in 2019
Fan Controlled Football is the first fan-run professional sports league. From selecting the team logos, colors and head coaches to calling plays, the fans are calling the shots.
Picap
Seed Round in 2019
Picap Inc. is a Colombian mobility platform that specializes in mototaxi and ride-hailing services. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Bogotá, the company connects passengers seeking transportation with motorcycle and car owners looking to earn extra income. Picap operates in 13 cities across Colombia, including major urban centers such as Medellín, Bucaramanga, and Cartagena. In addition to its ride-hailing services, Picap also offers logistics solutions, providing businesses with dedicated fleets and warehousing services to facilitate the transport and delivery of goods. This dual focus allows Picap to cater to both individual riders and corporate clients, enhancing its role in the transportation and logistics sectors.
askporter
Seed Round in 2019
AskPorter is an AI-driven messaging platform designed to enhance property and facilities management by automating and streamlining various processes. It aims to reduce administrative costs and improve customer satisfaction by replacing outdated communication methods with more efficient, technology-based solutions. The platform serves property managers, owners, and operators, allowing them to focus on strategic priorities while minimizing the administrative burden typically associated with property management. By leveraging deep-learning artificial intelligence, AskPorter facilitates a more effective management experience, enabling users to thrive and scale their operations without increased hassle.
EnClear Therapies
Seed Round in 2019
EnClear Therapies, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Newburyport, Massachusetts, focused on developing device-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The company specializes in the delivery and monitoring of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and has created a proprietary therapeutic platform aimed at removing toxic proteins from the CSF. EnClear's products are primarily designed to improve the lives of patients suffering from conditions such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). By providing innovative solutions in the treatment of these neurological diseases, EnClear Therapies aims to help halt disease progression and extend patient lifespans.
iComply Investor Services
Seed Round in 2019
iComply Investor Services Inc. is a regulatory technology company based in Vancouver, Canada, specializing in compliance solutions for digital finance and cryptocurrencies. Founded in 2017, it offers a global platform that automates compliance procedures for initial coin offerings and digital securities. The company's services include record keeping, reporting, and transaction monitoring, aimed at reducing the complexity of compliance for clients. Key products include iComplyICO, which facilitates compliance and governance for token trading on public blockchains, and iComplyKYC, a platform focused on Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and risk management for decentralized finance applications. By leveraging AI for data validation, iComply helps compliance teams significantly reduce costs and streamline operations, thereby enhancing the efficiency of managing AML risks throughout the customer lifecycle. The company serves a diverse clientele, including investors, regulators, securities issuers, and capital markets service providers.
3TEN8
Seed Round in 2018
3TEN8, Inc. is a technology company based in Santa Clara, California, that specializes in developing a cloud-based software platform aimed at assisting mobile operators in optimizing their wireless networks and enhancing subscriber experience. Founded in 2014, 3TEN8 focuses on creating cognitive operations technology, utilizing artificial intelligence to predict network outages and performance degradations. This self-learning technology provides actionable insights that facilitate self-healing and self-operating capabilities within 4G, 5G, and future network infrastructures. By enabling mobile carriers to visualize and manage network performance effectively, 3TEN8's platform enhances the overall quality of service for subscribers.
BrainHi
Seed Round in 2018
BrainHi Inc. is a company that enhances communication between healthcare providers and potential patients by integrating phone customer service with online messaging. Founded in 2017 and based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, BrainHi offers a cloud-based platform designed to improve access to medical services and transform the patient experience. The platform utilizes artificial intelligence and chatbots to efficiently handle patient inquiries, schedule appointments, and manage missed calls, thereby reducing the administrative workload on staff. By streamlining communications, BrainHi aims to facilitate better interactions between healthcare facilities and their patients, ultimately improving operational efficiency.
OurHealthMate
Seed Round in 2018
Enterprise Healthcare Management platform which focuses on increasing engagement and providing ease in healthcare reimbursements and benefits to the corporates in India. The company was founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. It has offices in Singapore and Bangalore (India)
Qunomedical
Seed Round in 2018
Qunomedical is a digital health platform designed to connect patients with high-quality and affordable healthcare options worldwide. The company provides a user-friendly interface that allows individuals to search for specific treatments and explore various hospitals offering these procedures across different countries. By offering comprehensive information on medical procedures, physicians, hospitals, and pricing, Qunomedical aims to empower patients to make informed healthcare decisions. Recognizing that each patient has unique medical needs and preferences, Qunomedical seeks to provide personalized support throughout the healthcare journey, addressing the limitations often found in traditional health systems, such as long waiting times and a lack of individualized care. Through its services, Qunomedical strives to enhance patient access to healthcare resources and facilitate a more tailored healthcare experience.
Court Buddy
Series A in 2018
Court Buddy is an online platform that connects clients with attorneys for various legal services tailored to their specific needs, expertise, and location in the United States. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company offers a marketplace where clients can find vetted solo attorneys for personal and business legal matters, including civil and criminal defense. Court Buddy allows clients to engage attorneys based on their budget, providing a range of a-la-carte legal services at flat rates. The platform features tools such as instant messaging, video chat, and secure payment options through its 'CourtBuddy Chat' app and 'CB Direct Pay' service, enhancing communication and transaction efficiency between clients and attorneys. Recognized for its innovative approach, Court Buddy has received accolades, including the American Bar Association’s Legal Access Award and praise from notable figures in entrepreneurship.
Metadata
Seed Round in 2018
Metadata, Inc. operates a demand generation platform tailored for B2B enterprises, focusing on inbound marketing and customer acquisition. Founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, the company provides tools that enable users to amplify campaigns to targeted audiences, generate comprehensive profiles for incoming signups, and create buyer and user personas. The platform allows for segmentation of prospects by various criteria such as industry and interests, facilitating the generation of a qualified sales pipeline. By integrating with marketing automation platforms like Salesforce, Metadata helps eliminate manual tasks for marketers, allowing them to concentrate on strategic initiatives. Additionally, the company's software collects and analyzes historical sales data to identify ideal customer profiles and enhance demand generation efforts, ultimately providing businesses with a reliable channel for engagement and conversion.
Court Buddy
Venture Round in 2018
Court Buddy is an online platform that connects clients with attorneys for various legal services tailored to their specific needs, expertise, and location in the United States. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company offers a marketplace where clients can find vetted solo attorneys for personal and business legal matters, including civil and criminal defense. Court Buddy allows clients to engage attorneys based on their budget, providing a range of a-la-carte legal services at flat rates. The platform features tools such as instant messaging, video chat, and secure payment options through its 'CourtBuddy Chat' app and 'CB Direct Pay' service, enhancing communication and transaction efficiency between clients and attorneys. Recognized for its innovative approach, Court Buddy has received accolades, including the American Bar Association’s Legal Access Award and praise from notable figures in entrepreneurship.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.