SUM Ventures

Irrigreen, Inc. is a company based in Edina, Minnesota, that designs, manufactures, and distributes innovative lawn irrigation systems. Founded in 2010, the firm specializes in an IoT digital sprinkler system that significantly reduces water usage by up to 50% compared to traditional methods. Utilizing advanced technology inspired by inkjet printing, Irrigreen's system features a patent-pending nozzle design that ensures even water distribution tailored to the specific shape of any landscape. The company targets homes, landscape contractors, municipalities, and water districts, distributing its products through a network of distributors across the United States. By integrating digital technology into irrigation, Irrigreen aims to lower water bills for its customers while minimizing waste.

Oze is a digital platform designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Africa by providing tools for managing sales, expenses, and customer data. The app enables entrepreneurs to track their financial activities efficiently and offers tailored recommendations, reports, and business education to enhance their operations. Oze also provides access to coaching for users seeking additional guidance. By leveraging data and machine learning, Oze can assess credit risk and facilitate affordable financing options through banking partners. With a user base exceeding 150,000, Oze has established itself as the largest online community of SMEs in West Africa, demonstrating significant impact as 97% of businesses using Oze for over nine months have reported growth or profitability.

R3 Score offers an innovative approach to background checks by providing businesses with a detailed risk assessment of applicants who have criminal records. Utilizing a sophisticated algorithm, R3 Score analyzes multiple data points to deliver accurate, real-time evaluations that consider both static and trending activities. This service not only enables companies to identify qualified talent and customers but also aids in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. By focusing on a more nuanced understanding of individuals with criminal histories, R3 Score aims to reduce barriers to economic opportunities for these individuals, fostering a more inclusive hiring process.

Rotender specializes in bar automation technology, focusing on the development of a robotic vending machine designed for bars and restaurants. This innovative system allows customers to scan a QR code to access a digital drinks menu on their smartphones, facilitating online payment. Once payment is completed, customers can place their cups in the machine to receive a cocktail mix, enhancing the efficiency of beverage service. Rotender's solution provides a creative and economical option for establishments looking to streamline drink pouring and improve customer experience.

Eduworks is a seasoned developer of learning and education management software, with over a decade of experience in addressing complex business challenges using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and deep learning. The company has successfully partnered with large organizations, including the U.S. Department of Defense and Boeing, to enhance their operational efficiency. Eduworks' software is designed to eliminate obstacles to knowledge and maximize human potential through innovative applications of AI for text analysis, data science, and skills management. As Eduworks evolves into THIA, it aims to establish itself as the definitive platform for copilots, enhancing performance and improving learning processes for its clients.

UNest is a financial technology company based in North Hollywood, California, founded by Ksenia Yudina in 2018. The company specializes in providing an accessible digital investing platform aimed at helping families build a secure financial future for their children. UNest allows parents to open a UTMA account quickly and easily through its app, with no paperwork required. The platform offers advisor-guided investment plans, a simple gifting feature, and the ability to set up recurring contributions. Additionally, users can earn rewards through UNest Rewards.

SweatPals is a peer-to-peer marketplace designed to connect fitness enthusiasts with their local fitness and wellness communities. The platform operates through a mobile application that provides users with information about various fitness and wellness events in their area. This allows individuals to discover and join fitness communities that align with their interests and passions, fostering a sense of connection and engagement among users. By facilitating these local connections, SweatPals aims to enhance the overall fitness experience for its users.

Grapefruit Health is a healthcare technology company founded in 2022 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The organization addresses the significant staffing shortages in the healthcare sector by leveraging a workforce comprised of clinical students. Its platform focuses on recruiting, training, and managing these students to engage with patients remotely, thereby enabling healthcare institutions such as hospitals and clinics to operate more efficiently. Through this innovative approach, Grapefruit Health aims to create a semi-clinical workforce that contributes positively to patient interactions while alleviating the pressures faced by traditional healthcare staffing.

Mechanodontics, Inc. is a Dallas, Texas-based company established in 2016 that specializes in the manufacture of a discreet dental device designed to move teeth independently. This innovative method serves as an alternative to traditional braces and aligners, offering significant advantages such as reduced treatment time, improved ease of cleaning, and enhanced comfort. The device is placed behind the teeth, making it virtually invisible, and is engineered to work on each tooth individually, allowing for more precise adjustments.

Irrigreen, Inc. is a company based in Edina, Minnesota, that designs, manufactures, and distributes innovative lawn irrigation systems. Founded in 2010, the firm specializes in an IoT digital sprinkler system that significantly reduces water usage by up to 50% compared to traditional methods. Utilizing advanced technology inspired by inkjet printing, Irrigreen's system features a patent-pending nozzle design that ensures even water distribution tailored to the specific shape of any landscape. The company targets homes, landscape contractors, municipalities, and water districts, distributing its products through a network of distributors across the United States. By integrating digital technology into irrigation, Irrigreen aims to lower water bills for its customers while minimizing waste.

PlantSwitch is a biopolymer compounding company focused on developing compostable alternatives to traditional plastic resins, specifically targeting single-use plastic products. Utilizing proprietary cellulose-based technology, PlantSwitch significantly reduces the cost of biopolymers by up to 40% while enhancing their sustainability and mechanical properties. The company sources materials from renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane, and agricultural waste streams, which are designed to break down more quickly and safely in the environment compared to conventional plastics. As it prepares to launch its first commercial production facility, PlantSwitch is raising funds to support this initiative, aiming to lead the transition towards a more sustainable future and encourage environmentally conscious practices among businesses and consumers.

Ovation Ventures focuses on financial wellness through the development of software that enhances users' financial health and preparedness for various life stages. Its flagship application, Paperwork, allows individuals to securely organize critical documents and create emergency plans, ensuring that families have access to essential information when needed. The platform provides step-by-step guidance on necessary documents, helping users protect their families and navigate life's uncertainties with peace of mind. By prioritizing safety and security, Ovation Ventures aims to optimize the management of private and financial information for its users.

Skidattl is a platform that utilizes augmented reality to enhance user engagement with their surroundings by providing information about nearby events and offers from local businesses. The platform features geo-anchored beacons that help users discover real-time events and deals, as well as peer-to-peer functionalities for locating friends. Additionally, it offers business-to-user beacons that display current promotions and activities, enabling businesses to connect more effectively with their customers. Skidattl also delivers real-time analytics to its clients, aiding them in driving growth and improving their service offerings.

Purlin is a developer of a real estate personalization tool aimed at enhancing the homebuying experience for consumers and supporting real estate professionals. The platform utilizes image-based artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing to help users explore various home styles and designs, allowing them to express their preferences effectively. By creating detailed profiles that incorporate individual style, lifestyle, geographic location, and budget, Purlin continually refines its recommendations as buyers interact with the system. This intelligent approach not only guides users through the homebuying process but also optimizes efficiency for real estate professionals and increases profitability for brokerages and lenders. Overall, Purlin strives to make the journey of finding the right home more satisfying and streamlined for all parties involved.

ClearClub specializes in providing custom dental guards designed to protect teeth from clenching and grinding, a condition known as sleep bruxism. The company offers a tailored oral healthcare solution that includes both upper and lower teeth guards made from molded material. Customers receive a customized teeth impression kit, allowing for a precise fit that helps prevent the damaging effects of nighttime teeth grinding. By focusing on affordability and accessibility, ClearClub aims to deliver an effective alternative for individuals seeking relief from jaw pain and other related side effects, ultimately promoting better sleep quality.

DressX is a pioneering platform for digital garments, addressing the significant environmental impact of the traditional fashion industry. By offering a sustainable alternative, DressX enables the creation and consumption of fashion without generating waste, carbon emissions, or harmful chemicals. The platform integrates advanced 3D technology to allow users to wear digital clothing across various online environments, promoting a fun and innovative shopping experience. Additionally, DressX supports fashion influencers and designers, providing them with resources for distribution, retail development, and creative direction, thereby fostering growth in the digital fashion sector. The company is committed to shaping the future of fashion through its digital offerings.

LiveEasy is a concierge platform that specializes in providing full-service, white-labeled, no-code solutions for moving and home services. The company has developed a relocation platform aimed at simplifying the moving process for users. Its platform allows for the planning, organization, and completion of various moving-related tasks through an intuitive dashboard. This approach enables service providers to offer customers a personalized and seamless moving experience.

WaveOn is a company that specializes in transforming physical products into innovative Web3 marketing, sales, and service experiences without the need for apps or search engines. By utilizing a combination of award-winning software and contactless technology, WaveOn effectively merges offline and online commerce, allowing products to serve as digital points of sale. This approach enhances customer engagement both before and after purchase. The company develops metaverse-ready solutions for prominent sports brands, including BMC and Firewire, among others. WaveOn's platform aims to improve supply chain management and strengthen customer relationships by facilitating seamless connections between businesses and consumers.

GVNG is a technology platform designed to simplify charitable giving for individuals and businesses. It enables users to manage donations efficiently while fostering connections with brands and influencers focused on addressing significant global issues. By addressing the complexities that often hinder charitable actions, GVNG provides a user-friendly interface that combines the functionalities of donor-advised funds and crowdfunding tools into a streamlined Charitable Account. This platform empowers clients to engage in philanthropy quickly and affordably, effectively functioning as a personal charitable foundation without the associated costs and administrative burdens of traditional nonprofit management.

Zebel is a construction cost estimating software tailored for general contractors and real estate developers. The platform is utilized by prominent builders to efficiently generate accurate cost estimates from the conceptual stage through guaranteed maximum price (GMP) pricing. Zebel accommodates a variety of project types, including commercial, multifamily, industrial, data centers, and hospitality. Additionally, the software offers a construction analytics platform that enables users to conduct feasibility analyses for multifamily construction. It organizes data into a comprehensive database, facilitates the generation of construction cost estimates, and produces comparative reports to assess the financial implications of different design metrics. This functionality allows clients to evaluate multiple design scenarios and identify the most effective options for their projects.

Breakr is a technology-driven music promotion marketplace that connects musicians with influencers to promote new music. The platform allows music influencers to create profiles, specify their music preferences, and design digital campaigns that can be utilized across various platforms. By addressing the challenges associated with influencer campaigns, Breakr matches artists, record labels, and brands with suitable influencers based on shared interests and campaign objectives. This connection facilitates successful collaborations that enhance engagement, drive traffic, and generate revenue, ultimately helping artists and brands break new music through cultural influence.

UNest is a financial technology company based in North Hollywood, California, founded by Ksenia Yudina in 2018. The company specializes in providing an accessible digital investing platform aimed at helping families build a secure financial future for their children. UNest allows parents to open a UTMA account quickly and easily through its app, with no paperwork required. The platform offers advisor-guided investment plans, a simple gifting feature, and the ability to set up recurring contributions. Additionally, users can earn rewards through UNest Rewards.

mxHero, Inc. is an email software provider based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2011. The company specializes in cloud-based email solutions that facilitate the storage and management of emails and attachments. Its offerings include a server-side solution for automated email filing, an archive platform that replaces traditional email archives, and a system for transferring messages and attachments to cloud storage. Targeting industries such as real estate, accounting, and legal, mxHero's technology enhances operational efficiency and security by automating the routing, filing, and storage of email content. The platform is designed to protect sensitive information and reduce email data sprawl, providing organizations with improved communication capabilities and detailed reporting functionalities.

Acorns is a financial technology company founded in 2012 and based in Irvine, California. The company offers a mobile application that enables individuals to automate micro-investments by rounding up their everyday purchases and investing the spare change into a diversified portfolio of exchange-traded funds. Acorns employs a proprietary financial engine to facilitate these micro-investments, allowing users to invest small amounts of money effortlessly. In addition to its investment services, Acorns provides debit card, personal checking, investment, and retirement account options, making it easier for users to manage their finances and grow their savings over time.