Alumni Ventures

Rypplzz Inc. is a 3D-geospatial technology company based in Los Angeles, California, established in 2016. It specializes in developing and installing Interlife, a 3D geospatial Internet system that allows for the creation and manipulation of data linked to specific locations in airspace. Rypplzz has created a patented software platform that connects digital files to precise geolocations, enabling clients to transform their airspace into monetizable engagement opportunities. The technology is particularly relevant in industries such as sports, entertainment, and hospitality, where it enhances fan engagement and generates new revenue streams for large venues and content owners. Additionally, Rypplzz's platform offers applications in security for large commercial spaces, making it valuable amid the growing emphasis on augmented reality, web3, and geo-location services.

LineLeap is focused on enhancing the nightlife experience by offering a platform that simplifies access to various services at bars and clubs. Users can purchase LineSkip passes, cover charges, reservations, event tickets, and drinks directly from their phones, allowing for a more convenient and enjoyable night out. The platform also features exclusive deals from partnered venues across the United States, aiming to create a seamless experience for customers. Additionally, LineLeap supports venue owners by improving customer service and marketing efforts, while also introducing new revenue opportunities. Ultimately, LineLeap strives to make nightlife hassle-free, fun, and efficient for both patrons and venue operators.

Barnyard Games is a gaming production studio focused on developing interactive educational games and simulations. The company aims to foster a love of learning through engaging mobile applications, PC or Mac games, and online experiences. Its platform features colorful games that incorporate animal sounds and catchy music, helping children learn essential skills such as counting, shapes, colors, the alphabet, and animal sounds in an enjoyable and interactive manner.

Allstar is a video gaming platform that aims to democratize gaming content by empowering gamers to create and share professional-quality short-form videos. Through its advanced creator tools and infrastructure, Allstar enables users to easily capture, personalize, and distribute their best gaming and esports moments as high-quality "snackable" videos across various platforms and devices. This innovative approach allows gamers to take center stage in their own content, fostering a creative community where gaming experiences can be showcased and celebrated.

Showrunnr is a platform specifically designed for the media production industry, providing solutions that simplify enterprise-level collaboration, security, and project management. It functions as a centralized management system that addresses the complexities of content production, making it easier for creators and providers to manage the business aspects of their projects. The platform specializes in scheduling and procurement, allowing users to track bookings and connect with necessary resources and services. By integrating planning, collaboration, management, and transaction capabilities, Showrunnr enhances the efficiency of media production processes and is utilized by some of the largest enterprises in the industry, demonstrating its ability to operate effectively in high-demand environments.

222 operates as a consumer marketplace that enhances in-person social experiences at local venues. The company has developed a platform that employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to connect individuals based on shared interests and preferences. By utilizing a survey to gather insights about users' tastes, 222 enables customers to discover and participate in social events, fostering meaningful connections and networks. This focus on facilitating chance encounters and social interactions positions 222 as a unique player in the market of social engagement.

The Believer Company is a game development studio focused on creating engaging gaming experiences by prioritizing the player. With a diverse team of developers from around the globe, the company has a rich history of crafting various popular titles, including games like Words With Friends and League of Legends. The Believer Company specializes in developing open-world games that are accessible across multiple platforms, allowing players to immerse themselves in entertainment that transcends traditional boundaries.

Jump is a technology platform that focuses on enhancing the fan experience while creating new revenue streams for sports teams. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes ticketing, e-commerce, content, and event experiences. Key features include dynamic ticketing, which allows fans to pay for the option to move to better available seats during live events. By personalizing interactions and optimizing engagement, Jump aims to transform how fans experience sports and entertainment, resulting in memorable moments and increased financial opportunities for teams.

LineLeap is focused on enhancing the nightlife experience by offering a platform that simplifies access to various services at bars and clubs. Users can purchase LineSkip passes, cover charges, reservations, event tickets, and drinks directly from their phones, allowing for a more convenient and enjoyable night out. The platform also features exclusive deals from partnered venues across the United States, aiming to create a seamless experience for customers. Additionally, LineLeap supports venue owners by improving customer service and marketing efforts, while also introducing new revenue opportunities. Ultimately, LineLeap strives to make nightlife hassle-free, fun, and efficient for both patrons and venue operators.

StoryFit Inc. is a technology company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in providing artificial intelligence insights and machine learning solutions for the book publishing, movie, and television production industries. Founded in 2014, StoryFit offers products such as StoryFit Metadata and StoryFit Analytics, which allow publishers and studios to analyze metadata and gain insights into audience targeting, reader personas, and writing evaluation. The company aims to empower creative decision-makers by delivering actionable data analytics that simulate audience responses to content and provide suggestions for development, marketing, and merchandising. By understanding how stories fit within the broader landscape, StoryFit supports its clients in producing engaging and memorable narratives.

Kryptomon is an NFT Play-and-Earn blockchain game, where Pokémon meets Tamagotchi and CryptoKitties. Breed, Train and Fight with your NFT Kryptomon. It's a new world where trainers can live a new adventure on Blockchain. Set in the Kryptomon metaverse, community members play as ‘Trainers’ of their own individual monsters — Kryptomons — each of which is a completely unique digital asset connected to an NFT. Each has a unique but mutable genetic code made up of 38 randomised parameters that determine all of the aspects — physical and behavioral — of the creature. This not only ensures that each Kryptomon is unique but also brings to life each Kryptomon as a digital companion in the Kryptomon metaverse. They are capable of learning, falling sick, getting hungry, and protecting their trainers when out on an adventure in the physical world. In turn, trainers will have to care for, feed, and train their Kryptomon partners in order to grow and prepare for the battles ahead. Kryptomon creates the next step in the evolution of crypto-gaming by using advanced blockchain technologies, digital genetics, and location-based technologies. So what are you waiting for? Play and participate in the Kryptomon league to become the Kryptomon Metaverse Champion!

Jadu AR Inc., operating under the name Jadu, is a company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in augmented reality technology. Founded in 2019, Jadu has developed a mobile application that enables users to engage with holograms of their favorite musicians and performers, allowing fans to perform alongside these virtual representations. The application is available on the App Store, enhancing the interactive entertainment experience for users by blending real and digital performances.

Sizzle is an innovative web service that utilizes artificial intelligence to create condensed highlights from gaming videos on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. By transforming lengthy gameplay sessions, such as a 20-minute Fortnite video, into concise five-minute summaries, Sizzle addresses the needs of the 700 million gaming fans who often find long livestreams overwhelming and highlight compilations insufficient. The platform captures key moments in chronological order, allowing viewers to experience the full narrative of streams from popular figures like Ninja and Daequan. Sizzle provides a streamlined option for fans seeking engaging content without the extensive time commitment, enhancing the viewing experience for both casual and dedicated audiences. More information about Sizzle can be found at www.sizzle.gg.

Canela Media, Inc. is a digital media company based in New York that connects brands with multicultural audiences, particularly through its free streaming service, Canela.TV. Established in 2019, the company provides a comprehensive ecosystem for advertisers, offering video and display solutions, branded content, and influencer marketing. Canela Media specializes in analyzing brands' social media presence and identifying relevant influencers to enhance their visibility and engagement within diverse communities. The company focuses on delivering Latino-centric movies and TV entertainment across multiple platforms, helping clients forge meaningful and culturally relevant connections with the evolving mainstream market in the United States.

FourFront is a media startup focused on creating innovative social and cinematic experiences tailored for the entertainment industry. The company develops an entertainment platform that blends real-life actors with artificial intelligence, allowing audiences to interact with virtual characters through various communication channels. By leveraging this technology, FourFront aims to create fictional influencers that seem authentic, providing a unique social and interactive marketing experience. Additionally, the startup is working to popularize a network of individual actors who perform scripted short-form serialized stories designed to resonate with the TikTok audience. This approach seeks to enhance discoverability and engage new viewers through content that aligns with contemporary social media trends.

Trading.TV is a content-driven financial services company for the next generation of investors. Our mission is to empower anyone to achieve financial freedom by merging entertainment and fintech into a simple, but powerful social experience. The platform enables creators to produce fun, interactive and informative content that investors can easily consume, take part in and act on by trading mentioned assets, from stocks and crypto to NFTs and collectibles – all in one place.

FreshCut is a community-focused platform dedicated to gaming content, offering an application designed for streaming gaming videos. The platform provides users with personalized playlists that feature videos based on their favorite games, allowing them to stay updated on the latest clips from the content creators they follow. By prioritizing user engagement and tailored content, FreshCut aims to enhance the gaming experience for its community.

FanUp is a rapidly growing platform that caters to sports and pop culture enthusiasts, focusing on providing interactive and rewarding experiences for its users. With a significant presence on social media, including over 850 million views on TikTok and a strong following, the platform primarily attracts Gen Z and casual fans. FanUp distinguishes itself from traditional betting and fantasy apps by offering engaging, free-to-play contests that blend elements of sports and pop culture. Users can participate in various contests, including daily and season-long fantasy competitions, while competing for cash prizes and brand rewards. The platform emphasizes personalization, allowing fans to connect with their favorite athletes and celebrities through experiences like meet and greets and exclusive events. Backed by notable investors from various industries, FanUp is positioned as a unique bridge between fans, athletes, and brands, aiming to redefine the fan experience in a fun and entertaining manner.

Artiphon, Inc. is a Nashville-based company founded in 2011 that specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative musical instruments aimed at making musical expression accessible to everyone. The company’s flagship products, the INSTRUMENT 1 and Orba, have achieved significant success, raising over $1 million in pre-orders on Kickstarter and garnering accolades such as TIME Best Invention of the Year. These smart instruments allow users to create music through intuitive gestures like tapping, sliding, and waving, and can seamlessly switch between various instrument sounds, including guitar, violin, piano, and drums. The founder, Dr. Mike Butera, holds a Ph.D. in Sound Studies and has a background as a multi-instrumentalist and educator, which informs Artiphon's design philosophy. The team consists of professionals from notable companies such as SpaceX and Yamaha, and the company has garnered investment from industry leaders, including Warner Music Group and TechNexus. Artiphon aims to empower a new generation of musicians by fostering creativity and community through its products.

Big Wolf Games is a mobile game developer focused on creating narrative-driven games that are both easy to use and enjoyable. The company utilizes advanced technology to develop a variety of mobile games and offers additional services, including game marketing and development. By prioritizing user experience, Big Wolf Games aims to provide customers with engaging entertainment through diverse gaming options.

Dance Church is a provider of high-energy dance-focused movement classes designed to create joyful and connective experiences. It operates both in-person and online, offering live classes and an extensive library of on-demand sessions led by professional dancers. Participants engage in a series of movement cues set to curated multi-genre pop music, allowing for a dynamic and enjoyable workout. The company is dedicated to empowering individuals by promoting the idea that everyone is a dancer and that dance is an inclusive activity meant for all. Its online subscription platform enables users to access fitness coaching and dance classes at their convenience, fostering a community of dancers regardless of experience level.

FourFront is a media startup focused on creating innovative social and cinematic experiences tailored for the entertainment industry. The company develops an entertainment platform that blends real-life actors with artificial intelligence, allowing audiences to interact with virtual characters through various communication channels. By leveraging this technology, FourFront aims to create fictional influencers that seem authentic, providing a unique social and interactive marketing experience. Additionally, the startup is working to popularize a network of individual actors who perform scripted short-form serialized stories designed to resonate with the TikTok audience. This approach seeks to enhance discoverability and engage new viewers through content that aligns with contemporary social media trends.

mintNFT is a premium member-based marketplace for non-fungible tokens (NFT) focused on bridging fan experiences with licensed content, brands, and talent. mintNFT integrates social, gamification, and a new patent pending authentication process for NFTs. mintNFT makes collecting NFTs a fun and engaging experience and converts casual fans into collectors, creators and partners. mintNFT provides an unprecedented social experience for users with unique features such as exclusive digital events, NFT live auctions, and fan-generated campaigns all within a dynamic, interactive, and gamified platform. It also includes an integrated secondary marketplace allowing users to buy, sell, and trade NFTs.

Trading.TV is a content-driven financial services company for the next generation of investors. Our mission is to empower anyone to achieve financial freedom by merging entertainment and fintech into a simple, but powerful social experience. The platform enables creators to produce fun, interactive and informative content that investors can easily consume, take part in and act on by trading mentioned assets, from stocks and crypto to NFTs and collectibles – all in one place.

Groovetime is a mobile app designed to enhance the experience of learning and competing in dance challenges. It provides users with real-time feedback and personalized dance feeds, making the process of improving dance skills both fun and engaging. The app fosters a safe social environment where dance enthusiasts of all levels can connect with others, share their passion, and participate in challenges that encourage growth and creativity. By combining technology with the art of dance, Groovetime aims to create a positive and interactive platform for users to enjoy and excel in their dance journey.

Holler is a Conversational Media company that specializes in enhancing peer-to-peer messaging through engaging content delivery. Utilizing its Suggestion AI Technology, Holler provides users with relevant content at optimal moments, making communications more effective. The company operates a full-service animation production studio and creative agency, focusing on the creation of original animations and relatable characters that resonate with audiences. By combining the expertise of technologists, digital animators, and media industry professionals, Holler successfully services over 1 billion messages daily, while also assisting clients with television commercials and brand campaigns.

FanUp is a rapidly growing platform that caters to sports and pop culture enthusiasts, focusing on providing interactive and rewarding experiences for its users. With a significant presence on social media, including over 850 million views on TikTok and a strong following, the platform primarily attracts Gen Z and casual fans. FanUp distinguishes itself from traditional betting and fantasy apps by offering engaging, free-to-play contests that blend elements of sports and pop culture. Users can participate in various contests, including daily and season-long fantasy competitions, while competing for cash prizes and brand rewards. The platform emphasizes personalization, allowing fans to connect with their favorite athletes and celebrities through experiences like meet and greets and exclusive events. Backed by notable investors from various industries, FanUp is positioned as a unique bridge between fans, athletes, and brands, aiming to redefine the fan experience in a fun and entertaining manner.

VENN is a 24/7 post-cable network focused on gaming, esports, and entertainment, launched in 2020 with studios in New York and Los Angeles. The network is dedicated to developing and distributing gaming and esports content across various media platforms. VENN offers original programming created both in-house and through collaborations with prominent figures and creators in the industry. Its goal is to engage audiences with live broadcasts and a variety of entertainment offerings that highlight the dynamic world of esports and pop culture.

Canela Media, Inc. is a digital media company based in New York that connects brands with multicultural audiences, particularly through its free streaming service, Canela.TV. Established in 2019, the company provides a comprehensive ecosystem for advertisers, offering video and display solutions, branded content, and influencer marketing. Canela Media specializes in analyzing brands' social media presence and identifying relevant influencers to enhance their visibility and engagement within diverse communities. The company focuses on delivering Latino-centric movies and TV entertainment across multiple platforms, helping clients forge meaningful and culturally relevant connections with the evolving mainstream market in the United States.

Sonoro is a global entertainment company focused on creating culturally relevant audio-first content in English and Spanish, including Spanglish. The company collaborates with both established and emerging talent to produce engaging stories that can be accessed anytime and anywhere, whether on a computer, mobile device, or during activities such as exercising or shopping. By delivering content that resonates with diverse audiences, Sonoro aims to enhance the way people consume stories, making it convenient for users to stay informed and entertained while managing their daily routines.

Adventr is a company that offers a cloud-based platform for creating, distributing, and analyzing interactive video content. Its flagship product is a user-friendly, drag-and-drop software that allows users to design engaging videos where viewers can make choices that influence the narrative in real-time. This interactive feature enhances viewer engagement and allows for a more personalized experience. Adventr's platform also provides users with tools to track content performance through real-time analytics, enabling them to optimize their videos based on viewer interactions. The content created can be easily embedded or shared across various online platforms and ad networks, broadening its reach and accessibility.

Stacks is a social video studio building the future of entertainment.

StoryFit Inc. is a technology company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in providing artificial intelligence insights and machine learning solutions for the book publishing, movie, and television production industries. Founded in 2014, StoryFit offers products such as StoryFit Metadata and StoryFit Analytics, which allow publishers and studios to analyze metadata and gain insights into audience targeting, reader personas, and writing evaluation. The company aims to empower creative decision-makers by delivering actionable data analytics that simulate audience responses to content and provide suggestions for development, marketing, and merchandising. By understanding how stories fit within the broader landscape, StoryFit supports its clients in producing engaging and memorable narratives.

Portal is an innovative digital video sharing platform that changes how people earn money from their content. Portal has no secret algorithms that tracks every move instead, viewers can instantly send creators $0.10-$100 to show their appreciation.

Artiphon, Inc. is a Nashville-based company founded in 2011 that specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative musical instruments aimed at making musical expression accessible to everyone. The company’s flagship products, the INSTRUMENT 1 and Orba, have achieved significant success, raising over $1 million in pre-orders on Kickstarter and garnering accolades such as TIME Best Invention of the Year. These smart instruments allow users to create music through intuitive gestures like tapping, sliding, and waving, and can seamlessly switch between various instrument sounds, including guitar, violin, piano, and drums. The founder, Dr. Mike Butera, holds a Ph.D. in Sound Studies and has a background as a multi-instrumentalist and educator, which informs Artiphon's design philosophy. The team consists of professionals from notable companies such as SpaceX and Yamaha, and the company has garnered investment from industry leaders, including Warner Music Group and TechNexus. Artiphon aims to empower a new generation of musicians by fostering creativity and community through its products.

StoryFit Inc. is a technology company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in providing artificial intelligence insights and machine learning solutions for the book publishing, movie, and television production industries. Founded in 2014, StoryFit offers products such as StoryFit Metadata and StoryFit Analytics, which allow publishers and studios to analyze metadata and gain insights into audience targeting, reader personas, and writing evaluation. The company aims to empower creative decision-makers by delivering actionable data analytics that simulate audience responses to content and provide suggestions for development, marketing, and merchandising. By understanding how stories fit within the broader landscape, StoryFit supports its clients in producing engaging and memorable narratives.

Mammoth Media is a mobile media company focused on redefining entertainment for the mobile-first generation through innovative applications and engaging content. The company is known for its popular platforms, Yarn and Wishbone. Yarn delivers micro-stories in a text message format, boasting 60 million stories and 8 billion messages read, with users averaging 56 minutes of reading in their first week. Wishbone serves as a social networking app where users create and vote on polls, having generated 80 million cards and 18 billion votes to date. Both applications are consistently ranked among the Top 100 in the United States, reaching a significant portion of Generation Z and Millennials. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Mammoth Media combines original content production with user-generated contributions, enhancing engagement and providing valuable insights to content owners and advertisers.

Vertical Mass, Inc. is a data management platform based in Los Angeles that specializes in serving celebrities and companies in the music, entertainment, and sports industries. Founded in 2013, the company offers tools that enable its users to collect, manage, and securely store data about their fans across various digital channels, including social media, websites, mobile applications, e-commerce, and content streaming services. By leveraging this proprietary data, clients can gain deeper insights into their audience, enhance their marketing strategies, and effectively target fans with tailored advertising and content. Additionally, Vertical Mass supports its clients in monetizing their audience data through aggregation, selling, or licensing, thereby helping them increase revenue and improve the effectiveness of media spending.

Vertical Mass, Inc. is a data management platform based in Los Angeles that specializes in serving celebrities and companies in the music, entertainment, and sports industries. Founded in 2013, the company offers tools that enable its users to collect, manage, and securely store data about their fans across various digital channels, including social media, websites, mobile applications, e-commerce, and content streaming services. By leveraging this proprietary data, clients can gain deeper insights into their audience, enhance their marketing strategies, and effectively target fans with tailored advertising and content. Additionally, Vertical Mass supports its clients in monetizing their audience data through aggregation, selling, or licensing, thereby helping them increase revenue and improve the effectiveness of media spending.

Sandbox is a digital entertainment company specializing in multi-channel network services specifically designed for game creators and the gaming entertainment industry. The company focuses on content creation, allowing creative digital natives to produce and share their work freely. By providing a platform for these creators, Sandbox enables them to engage audiences with innovative and imaginative content, thereby facilitating a vibrant ecosystem for digital entertainment.

Hullabalu is a New York City-based company focused on creating engaging stories for children that promote strong values and positive character development. Drawing inspiration from fantastical worlds and classic tales, Hullabalu develops original story series featuring a cast of characters, vibrant illustrations, music, and interactive activities. Their approach aims to provide children with enjoyable narratives that not only entertain but also instill meaningful lessons and values.

Evil Genius Games is a company that specializes in creating a platform for users to design and play adventure games, inspired by Dungeons & Dragons. Their offerings range from user-generated content to officially licensed games based on popular movie franchises like Rambo and Pacific Rim. The company's team, composed of film enthusiasts and game design experts, aims to make tabletop roleplaying adventures more accessible and engaging for players of all ages and skill levels. They achieve this by providing a flexible, innovative system called Everyday Heroes, which allows players to adapt campaigns to various settings and create their own characters.