Abell Foundation

The Abell Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 1953. It focuses on addressing complex challenges related to urban poverty by providing grants to schools, hospitals, and human service organizations that serve disadvantaged communities. Over the past three decades, the foundation has refined its mission to prioritize innovative solutions that promote accountability and inclusivity. It aims to enhance the quality of life in various sectors, including community development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, and workforce development, while also supporting conservation/environmental efforts and the arts to a lesser extent. With assets exceeding $314 million, the Abell Foundation is one of the largest private foundations in Maryland, dedicated to creating opportunities for marginalized populations and fostering community success.

Robert C. Embry Jr.

President

Eileen O'Rourke

Director, Impact Investing

39 past transactions

Minnowtech

Series A in 2024
Minnowtech is an aquaculture technology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, that specializes in providing a software imaging platform designed for shrimp farmers. This platform allows for the non-invasive estimation of shrimp abundance using artificial intelligence and image analysis, enabling farmers to optimize feeding regimes and harvests while minimizing risks to juvenile shrimp. By addressing significant challenges in the aquaculture industry, particularly in assessing shrimp growth and optimal harvest times, Minnowtech enhances the health and productivity of shrimp hatcheries. The company's low-cost technology, supported by a team of marine scientists, aims to improve the livelihoods of aquaculture farmers and contribute to global food security and the sustainability of marine environments.

Linshom

Series A in 2023
Linshom is focused on providing continuous respiratory monitoring solutions that include measurements of Tidal Volume at the patient's bedside or in home settings. The company has developed a wearable sensor that is FDA cleared, designed to enable continuous, predictive respiratory monitoring. This technology allows for early detection of respiratory decline, which can help prevent costly rapid response situations, ICU transfers, and potential fatalities. By addressing a critical unmet medical need, Linshom aims to enhance patient care and improve outcomes through advanced respiratory monitoring capabilities.

Marinalife

Series A in 2023
Marinalife, LLC, established in 2000 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, specializes in marina information and cruising concierge services. The company provides a range of offerings designed for all types of boaters, including detailed marina information, boat slip reservations, and travel resources such as trip itineraries and destination guides. The Marinalife Cruising Club membership enhances the boating experience by granting access to these resources, making boating adventures more manageable. Additionally, Marinalife publishes a quarterly magazine that features entertaining and informative articles on various topics, including travel destinations, marina highlights, cruising stories, and tips for boat captains. Marinalife operates as a subsidiary of Snag A Slip, LLC, and aims to centralize and streamline the boating experience for its members.

North American Wave Engine Corporation

Venture Round in 2022
North American Wave Engine Corporation, founded in 2015 and headquartered in College Park, Maryland, specializes in the design and development of wave engines for jet propulsion applications. The company employs innovative technology that leverages recent scientific advancements to achieve exceptional Thrust-to-Weight ratios and Thrust-Specific Fuel Consumption, all while eliminating the need for moving parts. This unique approach positions North American Wave Engine at the forefront of jet propulsion technology, aiming to enhance efficiency and performance in aviation.

SIMPLi

Seed Round in 2021
SIMPLi is a business specializing in the distribution of regenerative organic food products, with a focus on nutrient-dense, superfood ingredients like white and tri-color quinoa. The company operates by sourcing these products directly from growing communities in countries such as Peru and Greece, aiming to promote sustainable and ethical practices while connecting consumers to the joy of food. SIMPLi's products are available in retail stores like Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market.

ReGelTec

Series A in 2020
ReGelTec, Inc. is a medical device company based in Baltimore, Maryland, focused on developing minimally invasive spinal implants aimed at treating lower back pain and degenerative disc disease. Established in 2018, the company has created a unique device that is injected into the nucleus of an intervertebral disc using a small needle. This viscous solution is filled to a predetermined height or pressure, solidifying as it cools to body temperature, which helps alleviate pain without the need for follow-up surgery. ReGelTec's innovative approach offers a potential solution for patients suffering from debilitating spinal conditions.

Spine Align

Seed Round in 2020
Spine Align, LLC, based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a medical device company incorporated in 2017 that focuses on improving spinal surgery outcomes through innovative technology. The company has developed patent-pending imaging technology that provides real-time, three-dimensional measurements of spinal alignment during corrective surgeries. This breakthrough technology significantly reduces the time required for measurements by 95% and decreases radiation exposure by 80% compared to traditional methods. By offering intraoperative alignment assessments, Spine Align aims to help medical professionals standardize surgical outcomes and address the high revision rates associated with primary spine surgeries.

NextStep Robotics

Convertible Note in 2020
NextStep Robotics Inc. is focused on developing innovative solutions for treating foot drop through a robotic device that enhances walking function. Incorporated in 2017 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the company enables clinics to offer personalized robotic therapy using adaptive software that provides assistance tailored to each patient's needs. This system allows lower-skilled clinic staff to operate the device, thereby freeing up therapists to concentrate on other treatment modalities. As the company collects more data, the software will evolve into an AI-based system that optimizes training protocols for individual patients. The device is classified as a Class 1 Exercise Device, which allows for immediate revenue generation through direct sales, leasing, software subscriptions, and service contracts. This clinically proven approach not only improves patient outcomes but also enables clinics to provide reimbursable therapy for conditions that previously lacked effective treatment options.

BurnAlong

Venture Round in 2020
BurnAlong, Inc. is a fitness and wellness platform that provides personalized online classes and social motivation to help individuals achieve their health goals. Founded in 2016 and based in Pikesville, Maryland, the company connects users with fitness instructors through video feeds, allowing them to work out together regardless of location. The platform serves a diverse clientele, including corporate employers, municipalities, insurers, brokers, individuals, and senior citizens. By leveraging machine learning, BurnAlong tailors class recommendations to suit various preferences, ranging from high-intensity workouts to meditation. This approach not only enhances individual wellness but also helps companies foster strong workplace cultures, enhancing employee retention and attraction.

Lifesprout

Series A in 2020
LifeSprout is developing the next generation of synthetic soft tissue substitutes for aesthetic and reconstructive medicine. They offer revolutionary products for aesthetic and regenerative medicine. They have created a platform that looks and behaves like the body’s own tissues. The company is turning this into a suite of products for millions of patients each year with soft tissue losses from aging, cancer, and metabolic disease.

NextStep Robotics

Seed Round in 2019
NextStep Robotics Inc. is focused on developing innovative solutions for treating foot drop through a robotic device that enhances walking function. Incorporated in 2017 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the company enables clinics to offer personalized robotic therapy using adaptive software that provides assistance tailored to each patient's needs. This system allows lower-skilled clinic staff to operate the device, thereby freeing up therapists to concentrate on other treatment modalities. As the company collects more data, the software will evolve into an AI-based system that optimizes training protocols for individual patients. The device is classified as a Class 1 Exercise Device, which allows for immediate revenue generation through direct sales, leasing, software subscriptions, and service contracts. This clinically proven approach not only improves patient outcomes but also enables clinics to provide reimbursable therapy for conditions that previously lacked effective treatment options.

Vixiar

Series A in 2019
Vixiar Medical, Inc., established in 2013 and headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, specializes in developing non-invasive, cost-effective devices and systems for monitoring cardiopulmonary diseases. Its flagship product, Indicor, is a handheld, point-of-care device and digital platform designed to monitor worsening heart failure. Vixiar's devices aim to improve clinical workflow and deliver economic value to the healthcare system by enabling assessments of cardiac filling pressure in various settings, including homes, physician offices, nursing homes, and hospitals.

ReGelTec

Venture Round in 2018
ReGelTec, Inc. is a medical device company based in Baltimore, Maryland, focused on developing minimally invasive spinal implants aimed at treating lower back pain and degenerative disc disease. Established in 2018, the company has created a unique device that is injected into the nucleus of an intervertebral disc using a small needle. This viscous solution is filled to a predetermined height or pressure, solidifying as it cools to body temperature, which helps alleviate pain without the need for follow-up surgery. ReGelTec's innovative approach offers a potential solution for patients suffering from debilitating spinal conditions.

Pixelligent

Venture Round in 2018
Pixelligent Technologies, LLC specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced optical materials. Founded in 2000 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the company produces a range of products, including zirconia nanocrystal dispersions and phenyl silicone kits, which enhance light output and improve scratch resistance in solid-state lighting, displays, and optical components. Pixelligent's proprietary PixClearProcess® enables it to create customized materials that integrate seamlessly into various manufacturing processes. The company serves global markets such as lighting and electronics, and has a strategic collaboration with Corning Incorporated.

North American Wave Engine Corporation

Venture Round in 2018
North American Wave Engine Corporation, founded in 2015 and headquartered in College Park, Maryland, specializes in the design and development of wave engines for jet propulsion applications. The company employs innovative technology that leverages recent scientific advancements to achieve exceptional Thrust-to-Weight ratios and Thrust-Specific Fuel Consumption, all while eliminating the need for moving parts. This unique approach positions North American Wave Engine at the forefront of jet propulsion technology, aiming to enhance efficiency and performance in aviation.

University of Maryland

Grant in 2018
The University of Maryland, located in College Park, Maryland, is a distinguished public research university that was established in 1856. Over the past two decades, it has significantly enhanced its reputation and academic standing, emerging as a leading institution in research, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The university is committed to leveraging its competitive advantages and pursuing ambitious goals to further its mission. With a focus on fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence and practical application, the University of Maryland aims to solidify its position among the world's premier educational institutions.

RoundTrip

Seed Round in 2018
RoundTrip, Inc. operates a digital marketplace that facilitates non-emergency medical transportation by connecting patients with a network of ride providers. Founded in 2014 and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company offers a user-friendly software platform that allows healthcare organizations and transportation companies to schedule, dispatch, and monitor patient rides. RoundTrip serves hospitals and health plans in ten states, aiming to improve care coordination and reduce patient no-shows. The platform provides access to various transportation options, including medical cars, wheelchair vans, and stretcher vehicles. RoundTrip has established strategic partnerships with notable healthcare organizations, enhancing its service offerings. The team behind RoundTrip consists of professionals with experience as paramedics and in healthcare management, which informs their approach to addressing the challenges in medical transportation.

Lifesprout

Seed Round in 2018
LifeSprout is developing the next generation of synthetic soft tissue substitutes for aesthetic and reconstructive medicine. They offer revolutionary products for aesthetic and regenerative medicine. They have created a platform that looks and behaves like the body’s own tissues. The company is turning this into a suite of products for millions of patients each year with soft tissue losses from aging, cancer, and metabolic disease.

eNeura Therapeutics

Series D in 2018
eNeura Inc. is a medical technology company focused on developing portable, non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) devices for the treatment and prevention of migraines. Its flagship product, the sTMS mini, utilizes single-pulse TMS to provide migraine relief by generating targeted magnetic fields that pass through bone and tissue. This device is designed for both acute and prophylactic treatment of migraines in adolescents aged 12 and older, as well as adults, allowing for convenient use at home or on the go. eNeura was established in 2012 and is headquartered in San Jose, California, with an additional office in Baltimore, Maryland. The company, formerly known as eNeura Therapeutics LLC, rebranded in February 2014. However, it faced financial difficulties and filed for liquidation under Chapter 7 in August 2020.

Snag-A-Slip

Series A in 2017
Snag-A-Slip is an online platform designed to connect boaters with marina owners, facilitating the booking of transient slips effortlessly. The platform allows boaters to explore available slips without incurring any booking fees, offering a straightforward process that can be accessed via desktop or mobile devices. For marina owners, Snag-A-Slip provides a cloud-based inventory management system that helps them manage available slips efficiently and gain insights into revenue. The service operates on a transaction fee model, with marinas only paying when slips are successfully booked. Founded by Dan Cowens, who has extensive experience in both boating and the hospitality industry, Snag-A-Slip aims to enhance the boating experience by making it more accessible and enjoyable for all participants.

Sugar

Seed Round in 2017
Jetpack, Inc. is a company that specializes in the online retail and delivery of both food and non-food products, focusing on nighttime service. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Stanford, California, the company primarily serves college students by providing essential consumer products on-demand. Jetpack aims to streamline convenience for its customers by ensuring that necessary items are readily available in real-time, thereby enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Vixiar

Seed Round in 2017
Vixiar Medical, Inc., established in 2013 and headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, specializes in developing non-invasive, cost-effective devices and systems for monitoring cardiopulmonary diseases. Its flagship product, Indicor, is a handheld, point-of-care device and digital platform designed to monitor worsening heart failure. Vixiar's devices aim to improve clinical workflow and deliver economic value to the healthcare system by enabling assessments of cardiac filling pressure in various settings, including homes, physician offices, nursing homes, and hospitals.

Arbit

Seed Round in 2017
Arbit, Inc., founded in 1983 and based in Forest Hill, Maryland, operates in the technology sector with a focus on a real-time polling application. This platform allows brands and individuals to create polls, share opinions, and analyze results instantly. The application is particularly valued by businesses for understanding consumer sentiment and engaging their target audiences effectively. With features that facilitate video surveys and interactive content, Arbit empowers brands to enhance their customer engagement and acquire new customers. The company has garnered support from notable NBA players, which has contributed to its growing prominence in both the sports and pop culture arenas.

Sonavex

Series A in 2017
Sonavex, Inc. is a Baltimore-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in advanced imaging technology aimed at enhancing surgical outcomes. The company has developed a proprietary ultrasound-based platform that enables clinicians to detect anastomotic blood clots and assess critical intravascular flow metrics directly at the point of care. This technology not only facilitates the measurement of blood flow and vessel morphology but also includes bioresorbable and echogenic equipment to mark at-risk blood vessels for future assessments. By providing actionable data, Sonavex supports healthcare providers in monitoring and improving patient care, particularly in the context of post-operative complications.

Marigold Health

Seed Round in 2017
Marigold Health operates a social network community platform designed to provide text-based group therapies for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. The platform facilitates anonymous support groups, allowing patients to engage with one another and receive guidance from coaches who have personal recovery experiences. By leveraging AI-augmented chat support, Marigold Health enhances the capacity of care teams while ensuring that patients receive personalized, stigma-free assistance. The company collaborates directly with treatment providers and managed care organizations within the Medicaid market to improve access to on-demand group therapies and foster a supportive community for recovery.

Awarables

Grant in 2016
Awarables Inc. develops innovative hardware and software solutions focused on sleep monitoring and enhancement. Founded in 2013 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the company offers a multi-sensor wearable device that captures physiological data, such as heart rate, alongside environmental factors affecting sleep. Its mobile application tracks user sleep habits, daytime performance, and mood, providing personalized therapy to improve overall sleep health. Awarables' sleep analytic system combines data from microsensors with proprietary algorithms to deliver accurate assessments of sleep quality and quantity, aiding both clinicians and consumers in achieving better sleep outcomes.

Sisu Global Health

Seed Round in 2016
Sisu Global Health develops a handheld mechanical device designed to salvage, filter, and recycle blood from patients experiencing internal bleeding. This innovative medical device allows physicians to collect blood from internal hemorrhages during surgical procedures, providing an alternative to donor blood in emergency situations such as blunt trauma and complications during pregnancy. By enabling intraoperative autotransfusion, Sisu Global Health's technology aims to enhance patient outcomes and streamline blood management in critical care scenarios.

Pixelligent

Series C in 2016
Pixelligent Technologies, LLC specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced optical materials. Founded in 2000 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the company produces a range of products, including zirconia nanocrystal dispersions and phenyl silicone kits, which enhance light output and improve scratch resistance in solid-state lighting, displays, and optical components. Pixelligent's proprietary PixClearProcess® enables it to create customized materials that integrate seamlessly into various manufacturing processes. The company serves global markets such as lighting and electronics, and has a strategic collaboration with Corning Incorporated.

Loople Mobile

Seed Round in 2016
Loople Mobile is a business intelligence and marketing solution provider for the alcohol industry, founded in February 2014 by David Phelan and Philip DiMuro in Baltimore, Maryland. The company has developed a GPS-enabled smartphone application that allows users to discover local bars and restaurants based on drink specials, seating arrangements, and personalized preferences. By utilizing digital mapping technology, the app helps users easily navigate their surroundings and find venues that suit their tastes, enhancing their dining and social experiences.

Sonavex

Seed Round in 2015
Sonavex, Inc. is a Baltimore-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in advanced imaging technology aimed at enhancing surgical outcomes. The company has developed a proprietary ultrasound-based platform that enables clinicians to detect anastomotic blood clots and assess critical intravascular flow metrics directly at the point of care. This technology not only facilitates the measurement of blood flow and vessel morphology but also includes bioresorbable and echogenic equipment to mark at-risk blood vessels for future assessments. By providing actionable data, Sonavex supports healthcare providers in monitoring and improving patient care, particularly in the context of post-operative complications.

Perceptive Navigation

Seed Round in 2015
Perceptive Navigation LLC is a pre-clinical stage medical device company based in Baltimore, Maryland, focused on developing interventional medical devices for image-guided surgery. Its flagship product, Vu-Path, is an innovative intracorporeal ultrasound device that combines forward-viewing ultrasound imaging with a working portal for the introduction of needles, biopsy instruments, guide wires, and therapeutic delivery. Designed to enhance the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive procedures across various medical specialties, including radiology, cardiology, interventional oncology, and urology, Vu-Path addresses critical limitations of existing imaging techniques, which can be costly, cumbersome, and risky. The device aims to provide accurate and precise access to internal structures, thereby reducing procedural times and enhancing overall patient care. By replacing traditional imaging methods like surface ultrasound, CT, X-Ray, and MRI, Vu-Path is positioned to streamline complex surgical operations while minimizing resource requirements. Perceptive Navigation was incorporated in 2012 and continues to advance its technology to meet the needs of the medical community.

Vasoptic Medical

Seed Round in 2015
Vasoptic Medical Inc. is engaged in the development and commercialization of medical devices aimed at the non-invasive assessment of blood flow and vascular status, particularly in the retina. The company's flagship product, the XyCAM Retinal Imager, allows for the visualization of retinal blood flow dynamics without requiring contrast agents or pupil dilation. This low-cost, portable imager provides healthcare professionals with quantitative tools to monitor the progression of various ophthalmic and systemic diseases. By making this technology accessible in primary care centers, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and community clinics globally, Vasoptic Medical aims to enhance access to essential eye care for at-risk and underserved populations while reducing the costs associated with traditional eye examinations. Founded in 2012 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the company is committed to improving patient outcomes through innovative healthcare solutions.

CoolTech Medical

Grant in 2015
CoolTech Medical is a Baltimore-based company that specializes in transnasal cooling technology aimed at non-invasive fever control and neuroprotection. Founded in 2011, the company has developed the CoolStat device, which is compact, lightweight, and portable, allowing it to be easily transported throughout a hospital with the patient. This innovative device works by delivering filtered, room-temperature air through single-use tubing into the patient's nasal passages, creating an evaporative cooling effect that helps manage body temperature. The technology is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing cardiac arrest or head injuries, as it facilitates rapid cooling to improve outcomes.

Pixelligent

Venture Round in 2013
Pixelligent Technologies, LLC specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced optical materials. Founded in 2000 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, the company produces a range of products, including zirconia nanocrystal dispersions and phenyl silicone kits, which enhance light output and improve scratch resistance in solid-state lighting, displays, and optical components. Pixelligent's proprietary PixClearProcess® enables it to create customized materials that integrate seamlessly into various manufacturing processes. The company serves global markets such as lighting and electronics, and has a strategic collaboration with Corning Incorporated.

SeeFuture

Seed Round in 2013
SeeFuture is a virtual mentorship and recruiting platform designed for college students, allowing them to connect with corporate mentors starting from their freshman year. The platform facilitates the application process to member companies, where accepted students are paired with mentors who guide them through company-specific learning modules. All interactions between students and mentors occur via webcam technology integrated into the SeeFuture platform, fostering a personalized and immersive experience. By engaging with mentors, students can build professional networks and enhance their skills, significantly improving their chances of securing internships or entry-level positions within the companies they aspire to join.

GiveCorps

Angel Round in 2012
GiveCorps is an online platform dedicated to fostering a community centered around philanthropy. Its mission is to connect individuals passionate about giving with local non-profits seeking support, while also encouraging local merchants to incentivize donations. By showcasing compelling local projects, GiveCorps aims to inspire daily contributions from community members, targeting an annual fundraising goal of over $5 million in each city. The company utilizes Software as a Service (SaaS) technology to facilitate meaningful relationships between donors and non-profits, enhancing the overall impact of philanthropic activities in local communities.

TidePoint

Series A in 2000
A provider of business partner infrastructure solutions

IC-USA

Series B in 2000
IC-USA is a business consulting firm that assists both domestic and foreign nationals in establishing investments. It also offers passive investments for investing, which refers broadly to a buy-and-hold portfolio strategy for long-term investment.
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