Sierra Angels

Sierra Angels is an angel investment group based in Incline Village, Nevada, established in 1997. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on technology companies in sectors such as clean energy, health tech, social media, and software. With a preference for investing between $0.25 million and $2 million, Sierra Angels aims for investments that can achieve a return of 5-10 times within three to five years. The firm is known for its active involvement in the entrepreneurial community, providing not only capital but also mentoring and valuable connections to the startups it supports. Sierra Angels collaborates with other angel groups and earlier-stage venture capitalists, particularly when investing in companies located outside of its primary regions of Nevada and California. The group comprises experienced former startup founders and executives who have collectively supported over sixty companies across various industries, contributing to the economic growth of technology-driven enterprises in the Northern Sierra region.

Bob Goff

Founder

33 past transactions

Simplesense

Convertible Note in 2023
Simplesense develops an emergency response platform that enhances coordination between public and private first responders. The platform is designed to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks, facilitating real-time monitoring, diagnosis, and response to incidents. By integrating cyber-physical infrastructure from the cloud to local communication systems, Simplesense enables first responders to access previously siloed information, thereby improving response times and minimizing the potential for loss of life and serious injury during emergencies. The company focuses on providing effective cybersecurity solutions tailored for Industrial Control Systems and Operational Technology.

Parallel Health

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Powered by genomics, skin microbiome science, and machine learning, Parallel is an end-to-end next-generation skin health company providing derm telehealth, cutting-edge skin microbiome diagnostics, precision microbiome skincare, and personalized Rx

TransformativeMed

Angel Round in 2020
TransformativeMed, Inc. develops software solutions aimed at enhancing hospital operations and improving patient care. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Seattle, the company provides a platform that integrates with electronic medical records (EMR) and clinician workflows, allowing healthcare professionals to access vital patient data seamlessly across various clinical specialties and departments. Its key offerings include Smart Health Apps, which utilize the MPages development toolkit for enhanced user interfaces, and specific solutions such as CORES Smart Handoffs, a streamlined sign-out process for providers; GlycemiCare Smart Glucose, which aids in managing glycemic control for inpatient teams; and ACR Select Smart Imaging, which incorporates imaging decision support directly into the EMR at the point of order entry. By automating data recording and facilitating better communication among healthcare providers, TransformativeMed aims to focus on improving patient outcomes.

ShieldIO

Angel Round in 2020
ShieldIO, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in encryption and data protection solutions. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California, the company operates a platform that secures data at rest, in transit, and in use by utilizing a proprietary artificial intelligence engine and keystore-less encryption. This innovative approach allows for encrypted search of data without the need for decryption, thereby enhancing security by eliminating the vulnerabilities associated with traditional keystores. ShieldIO's product offerings include the Secure Data Platform, Developer Shield, and Document Shield, which cater to industries such as finance, healthcare, and insurance. By providing robust defenses against data breaches and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, ShieldIO enables organizations to protect their valuable information while maintaining operational efficiency.

The Detection Group

Angel Round in 2020
The Detection Group, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in monitoring and alarming solutions aimed at preventing water damage in various properties, including commercial and residential buildings, retail stores, and medical facilities across the United States. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, the company initially emerged from a need identified by its founders, who had experience in the remediation business. The Detection Group offers a web-based automatic leak detection system that operates 24/7, significantly mitigating risks associated with water leaks, such as damage, lost productivity, and health issues related to mold. The system continuously monitors potential leak sources, triggers local alarms during water events, and notifies designated contacts while also tracking response times for insurance purposes. The company's solutions cater to commercial property managers, residential multi-story property managers, and insurance providers, and are distributed through dealers located in several states, including Maryland, New Jersey, New York, California, and Massachusetts.

MessageDesk

Pre Seed Round in 2020
MessageDesk provides a shared team inbox specifically designed for business text messaging, aiming to enhance communication for service-based businesses and organizations. The application facilitates customer interactions by allowing users to initiate and manage conversations through text messages. It offers tools for scheduling service appointments, sending reminders, and automating invoicing and payment reminders. Additionally, MessageDesk enables clients to text their entire customer base and follow up on feedback and reviews, ensuring that teams remain connected and effective in their communication efforts.

Tivic Health

Seed Round in 2019
Tivic Health is a bioelectronic therapeutics company that specializes in developing non-invasive medical devices aimed at enhancing healthcare through neuroscience. The company focuses on creating consumer-friendly products that activate the body's natural healing mechanisms, offering an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical treatments. Its flagship product, ClearUP Sinus Pain Relief, is a patented handheld device designed to provide temporary relief from sinus pain and congestion associated with nasal allergies and sinus infections. The device employs ultra-low current electrical waves and has been clinically validated for its efficacy. Tivic Health received FDA clearance for ClearUP in January 2019, with the product set to be shipped starting in September 2019.

Your Fare

Seed Round in 2018
Your Fare, Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in developing an online ordering management platform for restaurants. Established in 2016, the company provides a solution that consolidates orders from various online sources into a single application, allowing restaurateurs to manage their online ordering processes more efficiently. The platform enables restaurants to replace multiple ordering tablets and track daily sales through a unified dashboard. Additionally, it integrates third-party delivery services, simplifying the ordering experience and enhancing operational efficiency. By automating the management of online meal orders, Your Fare helps restaurants increase their profit margins while streamlining order handling and reducing delivery times.

Membrion

Seed Round in 2018
Membrion, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the manufacturing and commercialization of advanced membranes that filter molecules, including ions, under a variety of conditions such as heat, acidity, and biological sensitivity. Originating as a spin-out from the University of Washington, Membrion has received funding from multiple organizations, including the National Science Foundation and private investors, which has facilitated the transition from research to commercial production. The company's innovative ion exchange membrane technology is designed for applications in flow batteries, water purification, fuel cells, and pharmaceuticals, offering clients membranes that feature a longer lifespan and reduced costs.

Kleiner Device Labs

Seed Round in 2018
Kleiner Device Labs is the developer of surgical instruments and implants designed to improve the process and outcomes of minimally invasive spinal surgery. The company's innovative devices streamline MIS procedures, enabling surgeons to carry out safe, easy, and efficacious surgeries. Kleiner Device Labs has a deep portfolio of IP/patents and a robust product pipeline, including instruments and implants which improve bone graft delivery to the inter-vertebral space, integrate cage placement and graft delivery to reduce procedure steps and simplify spinal fusion surgery overall. The company's first commercially available product, a Bi-Directional Graft Funnel (KG™ 1), works with any viscosity of biologic graft material, provides a more efficient and safer delivery vehicle for bone graft extenders, facilitates grafting in front of or alongside all types of inter-body cages and can eliminate or reduce surgeon dependency on BMP. The (KG™ 2) Solid State Fusion Cage simplifies and standardizes bone graft delivery by utilizing our patented "flow-through" technology, integrating cage implantation and bone graft delivery to effectively reduce steps, OR time, and the potential for operative complications in MIS Fusion Surgery. The (KG™ 2) was submitted for 510(k) clearance to the FDA in 2021, with anticipated approval in Q3 of 2021. The (KG™ 2) does not have 510(k) clearance at this time. The Endplate Preparation System (DragonTail™) offers a unique, single pass instrument that allows a 120 degree arc of endplate preparation and multiple tip options that allows increased access to the contra-lateral disk space. Development is nearing the FDA submission phase sometime in Q4 of 2021. The (DragonTail™) does not have 510(k) clearance at this time. Additional IP surrounding instruments and implants are part of the company's patent portfolio, and further down the product development pipeline.

Simplesense

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Simplesense develops an emergency response platform that enhances coordination between public and private first responders. The platform is designed to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks, facilitating real-time monitoring, diagnosis, and response to incidents. By integrating cyber-physical infrastructure from the cloud to local communication systems, Simplesense enables first responders to access previously siloed information, thereby improving response times and minimizing the potential for loss of life and serious injury during emergencies. The company focuses on providing effective cybersecurity solutions tailored for Industrial Control Systems and Operational Technology.

Factal

Seed Round in 2018
Factal, Inc. is a Seattle-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in providing real-time, verified news regarding critical incidents affecting physical security, such as wildfires, shootings, explosions, and floods. The company’s platform converts unverified information into trusted data, allowing institutions and businesses to identify high-risk situations and respond swiftly to protect their employees, customers, facilities, and assets. Factal's services encompass corporate security operations, business continuity, executive protection, crisis communications, and news curation, enabling clients to stay informed about global incidents and enhance their incident response capabilities.

NCLab

Seed Round in 2017
NCLab Inc. operates a cloud-based educational platform focused on providing self-paced, self-graded courses in STEM subjects to foster skills in coding, engineering, and science. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Reno, Nevada, with an additional office in San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico, the company offers a range of courses including 3D modeling and Python programming. NCLab also provides open-source computing and simulation tools, enabling users to perform online computations. Its services are designed for a diverse audience, including schools, libraries, individuals, parents, and businesses, both in the United States and internationally. Additionally, NCLab focuses on vocational training, offering career-oriented programs in data analytics and Python development to equip learners with the competencies needed for high-demand jobs.

Tivic Health

Angel Round in 2017
Tivic Health is a bioelectronic therapeutics company that specializes in developing non-invasive medical devices aimed at enhancing healthcare through neuroscience. The company focuses on creating consumer-friendly products that activate the body's natural healing mechanisms, offering an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical treatments. Its flagship product, ClearUP Sinus Pain Relief, is a patented handheld device designed to provide temporary relief from sinus pain and congestion associated with nasal allergies and sinus infections. The device employs ultra-low current electrical waves and has been clinically validated for its efficacy. Tivic Health received FDA clearance for ClearUP in January 2019, with the product set to be shipped starting in September 2019.

AudPop

Seed Round in 2017
AudPop is a social impact video submissions platform that connects diverse storytellers with brands and agencies, facilitating the creation of video content for various business needs. The platform enables filmmakers to submit films, pitches, and series, making it easier and more affordable to obtain video at scale. AudPop's ecosystem supports a wide range of activities, including video contests, filmmaking challenges, and online film festivals, providing opportunities for creators to earn cash, prizes, and distribution. With a community of 250,000 registered members, including 75,000 global filmmakers, AudPop has awarded $10 million to creators and hosts over 3,500 hours of films on its platform. Its diversified business model encompasses video and content submissions software, events, a video library, subscriptions, and original content, enhancing the overall experience for both creators and brands.

DynaOptics

Venture Round in 2016
DynaOptics Inc., founded in 2012 and headquartered in Laguna Hills, California, specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of advanced optical zoom systems primarily for mobile phones. The company's patented freeform lens technology allows for the production of compact optical systems that deliver superior resolution, wide-angle views without aberrations, and enhanced low-light performance. This innovative technology is designed to meet the demands of increasing sensor sizes and pixel counts in modern cameras, while maintaining cost equivalence to traditional injected molded plastic lenses. DynaOptics' solutions are suitable for a variety of applications, including mobile handset cameras, self-driving vehicle systems, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, machine vision, body cameras, military use, and security systems. The company holds exclusive worldwide licenses for its technology across all fields of use and possesses a portfolio of provisional and non-provisional patents to protect its intellectual property.

Axiom Exergy

Venture Round in 2016
Axiom Exergy is an energy storage company that develops energy management solutions for supermarkets and commercial buildings. Axiom Exergy offers a thermal energy storage retrofit and software solutions to monitor and manage the energy use of refrigerators. The company also offers a system integrator and thermal storage tank. Axiom Exergy was founded by Anthony Diamond and Amrit Robbins in 2014. It is headquartered in Richmond, California.

ZippyApp

Angel Round in 2015
Managing a restaurant is challenging, but staffing it with quality hires doesn’t have to be. The days of high turnover, a seeming lack of experienced applicants, and expensive recruitment advertising are over. Restaurant hiring is a local practice in search of a local workforce. Centralized regional or national career sites, corporate recruitment portals and long application processes deter qualified applicants from applying for your jobs and simply ignore the unique aspects of your industry. ZippyApp (Apply in a zippy!) addresses restaurant staffing challenges head on. To facilitate and expedite application submissions, ZippyApp requires job seekers to complete only one common employment application. They then have the option of attaching a resume and cover letter to enhance their profile. They simply use this common application and profile to apply for any job on ZippyApp - from anywhere and on any device with just a few clicks. To meet local hiring needs, ZippyApp provides unique hiring web pages for each business location – whether you have one location or 10,000. These hiring portals are accessible via a custom URL or a custom QR code to facilitate discovery. ZippyApp hiring portals provide a description and list of available jobs for a given location. The jobs can be posted and closed with just one click by even the busiest local manager. Job Seekers visit the hiring portals by simply typing in the appropriate URL or scanning the QR code posted at the restaurant on their mobile device. They select the job and hit “Apply.” It’s that simple!

Phyllom Bio Products

Seed Round in 2013
Phyllom BioProducts Corporation is a plant biotechnology company based in Phoenix, Arizona, focused on developing and marketing biological insecticide products. Its offerings include boreGONE!, designed to combat the emerald ash borer in hardwood forests; beetleGONE!, which targets pests like the Japanese beetle on various plants; and grubGONE!, a surface-applied granule insecticide for turf and ornamental applications. The company addresses market needs for effective, environmentally friendly solutions against invasive pests affecting agriculture, forestry, and animal health. Phyllom's clientele includes government agencies, municipalities, private foresters, and Canadian forest services. Established in 2012, Phyllom BioProducts emphasizes sustainable pest control while minimizing environmental impact through its innovative product line.

Aperia Technologies

Venture Round in 2013
Aperia Technologies provides automatic tire inflation devices that help improve the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicles. It offers Halo Tire Inflator, a ring-shaped device that utilizes a wheel's rotational motion to pump air and maintain optimal tire pressure. Aperia Technologies was incorporated in 2010 and is based in San Francisco, California.

TranscribeMe

Angel Round in 2012
TranscribeMe Inc. specializes in audio transcription solutions, providing a platform that converts audio and video into searchable and shareable text. Founded in 2011, the company offers a range of services including speech-to-text conversion, speaker identification, time coding, and keyword analysis. Its technology employs proprietary micro-tasking to handle complex audio with multiple speakers and overlapping conversations, ensuring accurate transcriptions. TranscribeMe caters to various sectors, including medical, market research, conferences, writing, podcasting, and education, enabling clients to analyze, share, and monetize their audio content through precise transcriptions. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Audioscribe

Venture Round in 2012
Audioscribe offers real-time speech recognition software for court reporters and medical transcription activities.

VOKLE

Seed Round in 2011
Vokle is a live town hall platform that facilitates interactive events by enabling speakers to broadcast live video and audio to a virtual audience. The platform allows hosts to engage with viewers through live video calls and text questions, while also permitting the assignment of various roles to attendees, such as co-hosts and screeners. This functionality enhances the event experience by allowing for real-time interaction and feedback. Vokle operates as a microsite, which can be easily embedded on various websites, ensuring that events can be accessed from multiple points without redirecting attendees. This seamless integration supports the hosting of dynamic events that foster direct communication between speakers and their audience.

Glue Networks

Series A in 2011
Glue Networks specializes in providing an enterprise-grade cloud networking service. Glue Virtual Office is available to enterprise customers through partnerships between Glue Networks and top service providers and value-added resellers. It was founded in 2007 and headquartered in Sacramento, California.

Reframe It

Angel Round in 2010
Reframe It, Inc. specializes in web technology services focused on digital annotation and community engagement around online content. Founded in 2007 and based in Stanford, California, the company provides a platform that allows users to comment directly on any web page, creating a virtual margin for discussions. This technology enables users to share insights and reactions in context, fostering more meaningful exchanges about online material. Reframe It also offers publishers a branded community solution to integrate web annotation into their sites, enhancing user interaction and feedback. The company's mission emphasizes accountability in information sharing, allowing experts to validate or challenge content, ultimately benefiting a broader audience by promoting accurate and transparent communication.
Founded in 2005 in Reno, Nevada, Windspire Energy (formerly Mariah Power) was established to develop innovative and proprietary new technology that introduces a new standard for style and function to the small wind industry. Founded on the passion and commitment of two inventors, Chris Gabrys and Tim Rodgers, and Mike Hess, a successful entrepreneur and former CEO, Windspire Energy set to work on a new kind of wind turbine. Today, the company is continuing to evolve its product line, focusing on low-cost energy alternative solutions that are smart, noise-free and renewable. The company's first wind power appliance, Windspire® wind turbine, was launched on June 2, 2008. Mariah Power currently has 17 employees and is growing rapidly.
Founded in 2005 in Reno, Nevada, Windspire Energy (formerly Mariah Power) was established to develop innovative and proprietary new technology that introduces a new standard for style and function to the small wind industry. Founded on the passion and commitment of two inventors, Chris Gabrys and Tim Rodgers, and Mike Hess, a successful entrepreneur and former CEO, Windspire Energy set to work on a new kind of wind turbine. Today, the company is continuing to evolve its product line, focusing on low-cost energy alternative solutions that are smart, noise-free and renewable. The company's first wind power appliance, Windspire® wind turbine, was launched on June 2, 2008. Mariah Power currently has 17 employees and is growing rapidly.
Founded in 2005 in Reno, Nevada, Windspire Energy (formerly Mariah Power) was established to develop innovative and proprietary new technology that introduces a new standard for style and function to the small wind industry. Founded on the passion and commitment of two inventors, Chris Gabrys and Tim Rodgers, and Mike Hess, a successful entrepreneur and former CEO, Windspire Energy set to work on a new kind of wind turbine. Today, the company is continuing to evolve its product line, focusing on low-cost energy alternative solutions that are smart, noise-free and renewable. The company's first wind power appliance, Windspire® wind turbine, was launched on June 2, 2008. Mariah Power currently has 17 employees and is growing rapidly.

Freepath

Series A in 2008
FREEPATH strives to help you bring together your new media assets such as video, photos and music with your traditional desktop files like PowerPoint, Excel and Word. Imagine being able to show a YouTube clip or play a song from iTunes seamlessly with your PowerPoint and Excel files.

Animated Speech

Series C in 2007
Animated Speech Corporation produces software-based conversational language learning systems. Its products offer animated talking tutors for language-challenged children and customizable tools and curricula for speech-language pathologists, specialists, teachers, and parents. The company's products include Team Up With Timo Stories, which develops language and cognitive concepts for children with autism and other language delays; Team Up With Timo Vocabulary, which allows pre-teaching school vocabulary for children with special needs; and Timo's Lesson Creator, a vocabulary lesson software tool that enables teachers, speech pathologists, and parents to create custom lessons for children with special needs.

YY Technologies

Venture Round in 2000
YY is the world leader in Natural Language Processing technology, offering software that enables computers to really understand language as people naturally speak or write it. This means that YY software understands: - Full sentences, not just keywords and menu choices - Multiple sentences and multiple topics in the same message - Sentences with incorrect grammar, structure, spelling or punctuation - Either text or voice input YY software translates natural language sentences and paragraphs to detailed XML instructions, thus enabling written or spoken natural language to be the interface to a variety of database and other applications. With YY, automatic machine-generated responses are 99% accurate the first time, are generated within 60 seconds of the input, and include order processing information, embedded links to relevant documents, and other data relevant to responding to the user's need.
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