Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK is a non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, dedicated to supporting business growth and innovation in the region. Founded in 1982, it offers a range of services that include business accelerator programs, entrepreneur boot camps, and comprehensive business planning resources. The organization assists companies with market research, business model development, intellectual property validation, and financial analysis to enhance their funding prospects. Additionally, Ann Arbor SPARK provides access to office space, equipment, and workforce development resources, as well as tax-exempt financing options for manufacturing facilities. It serves a diverse array of sectors, including life sciences, automotive research, alternative energies, and information technology, while also fostering connections with local universities and offering educational opportunities to promote business excellence.

Mike Flanagan

Vice President, Capital Programs

Donna Shirilla

Director, Research and Information

Past deals in Michigan

Asalyxa Bio

Seed Round in 2021
Asalyxa Bio, Inc. is a drug development company based in Southfield, Michigan, specializing in novel therapeutics aimed at addressing significant unmet medical needs resulting from the dysregulation of immune signaling. The company has developed a platform technology that facilitates the targeted delivery of both existing and innovative drugs directly into over-reactive immune cells. This approach is particularly focused on combating severe neutrophil-mediated diseases, including conditions such as Covid-19, and has applications across a broad range of disease areas. By leveraging this technology, Asalyxa Bio aims to enhance treatment options and improve patient outcomes in various therapeutic contexts.

Orbion Space Technology

Series A in 2019
Orbion Space Technology, based in Houghton, Michigan, specializes in the development and manufacture of plasma propulsion systems for small satellites. Founded in 2016, the company provides advanced electric propulsion technology that enhances satellite functionality by enabling precise maneuverability in space. Orbion's thrusters facilitate essential tasks such as the last-mile delivery of spacecraft from launch vehicles to their designated orbits, extending the operational life of satellites, and ensuring safe de-orbiting at the end of their missions. By offering a cost-effective solution that can significantly reduce operational expenses for spacecraft operators, Orbion contributes to the growing demand for efficient propulsion systems in the rapidly evolving space industry.

Banza

Seed Round in 2015
Banza LLC is a food manufacturer based in Detroit, Michigan, that specializes in producing and wholesaling chickpea pasta. Founded in 2014, the company offers a variety of pasta shapes, including penne, rotini, shells, and elbows, aimed at providing nutritious comfort food alternatives. Banza's products are designed to be high in protein and fiber, allowing consumers to enjoy their favorite meals without compromising on health. The pasta is available in approximately 8,000 retail locations across the United States, including major stores such as Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods. Banza has received notable recognition, being featured in prominent publications like The New York Times and Bon Appetit, and has been celebrated as one of TIME Magazine's 25 Best Inventions of the Year.

SkySpecs

Seed Round in 2014
SkySpecs, Inc. is a technology company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with an additional office in Amsterdam, Netherlands, that specializes in automating operations and maintenance for the wind energy industry through unmanned aerial vehicles. Founded in 2012, the company provides a range of services including analytics, wind turbine blade services, and engineering projects. Its offerings also encompass collaborative software solutions for managing and analyzing data from various sources, as well as digitization and planning for repair campaigns. Notably, SkySpecs has developed Horizon, a reporting software that serves as a central repository for operations and maintenance data related to wind turbine blades, facilitating task management, communication with third parties, and execution of large-scale repair projects. By leveraging its industry expertise and innovative technologies, SkySpecs aims to enhance productivity and efficiency for its clients within the renewable energy sector.

CureLauncher

Series B in 2014
CureLauncher, LLC is a healthcare company based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, that specializes in clinical trial matching services. Established in 2012, the company connects patients with new treatment options tailored to their specific health conditions and personal goals. In addition to assisting patients, CureLauncher also supports caregivers and healthcare professionals in navigating available clinical trials. Through its online platform, CureLauncher aims to simplify the process of finding suitable medical treatments, ultimately helping users maintain their health and well-being.

Algal Scientific

Series A in 2014
Algal Scientific Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in Plymouth, Michigan, specializes in developing and selling algae-based products and technologies for the animal health, human nutrition, and wastewater treatment industries. The company produces Algamune, a beta glucan derived from algae, which enhances the immune health of various livestock and aquatic species, and AlgaGLUCAN, a similar product aimed at human nutraceuticals and functional foods. Additionally, Algal Scientific offers the Hypertrophic wastewater treatment system, designed for the food and beverage sector, which effectively treats dissolved organics, nitrogen, and phosphorus while generating a natural fertilizer co-product. With a focus on sustainable practices, Algal Scientific serves both domestic and international markets, contributing to advancements in health and environmental conservation.

Seelio

Seed Round in 2013
Seelio is an online platform that allows college students to create and showcase digital portfolios to potential employers. Founded in 2011 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, it focuses on providing custom portfolio networks and galleries tailored for engineering, design, and business programs. This platform empowers students to document their learning experiences and display their projects effectively. Seelio has partnered with several prominent educational institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, and the University of Texas at Austin, enhancing the visibility of students' work to recruiters and industry professionals. The company has received venture backing and has gained recognition in notable publications such as Forbes and TechCrunch.

Quikly

Series A in 2013
Quikly Inc., based in Detroit, Michigan, operates a marketing platform designed to assist consumer brands in executing targeted campaigns that reward both new and existing customers. Founded in 2012, Quikly provides a range of marketing solutions, including email, social, mobile, loyalty, and local marketing, aimed at enhancing customer engagement and driving key behaviors such as purchases and store visits. By leveraging insights from consumer psychology, Quikly’s technology enables brands to boost digital activation and engagement effectively, leading to improved return on investment. The platform is particularly beneficial for digital marketers in sectors such as retail, dining, and consumer-packaged goods, facilitating customer acquisition, activation, and retention through innovative strategies that emphasize scarcity, anticipation, and competition.

AlertWatch

Venture Round in 2013
AlertWatch, LLC is a clinical decision support system provider based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, established in 2011 as a spinoff from the University of Michigan Health System. The company develops software products, specifically AlertWatch:OR and AlertWatch:ICU, designed to enhance patient monitoring in operating rooms and intensive care units. These systems aggregate data from various sources, including physiological monitors, anesthesia records, lab results, and medical histories, to present a real-time overview of a patient’s condition using a color-coded system to indicate normal, marginal, or abnormal states. AlertWatch:ICU functions as a secondary patient monitor and provides additional features like data trends, SOFA and SIRS scores, alerts specific to ICU settings, and nursing reminders. The company's products are currently implemented at the University of Michigan and several other training hospitals across the United States.

Advanced Battery Concepts

Debt Financing in 2013
Advanced Battery Concepts, LLC is a company specializing in the design and development of bi-polar lead acid batteries. Founded in 2008 and based in Clare, Michigan, it aims to enhance battery performance across various sectors, including military, industrial, stationary, renewable, automotive, and motive markets. The company focuses on advancing battery electrode technologies to address the challenges associated with bipolar batteries. Its innovative products offer uniform current density, increased active material utilization, and improved energy and power density, which contribute to enhanced performance at lower production costs compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. Advanced Battery Concepts was previously known as Advanced Battery Concepts Michigan before rebranding in March 2011.

3D Biomatrix

Venture Round in 2013
3D Biomatrix Inc. specializes in designing and manufacturing three-dimensional cell culture plates and scaffolds, specifically tailored for cellular assays in drug discovery. Founded in 2010 and located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company offers its products in 96- and 384-well plate formats, enhancing the ability of researchers to conduct sophisticated experiments. The scaffolds developed by 3D Biomatrix are utilized in various applications, including bone marrow, hepatocytes, and thymus, aiding researchers and drug discovery professionals in their efforts to treat cancer and tumors.

Fusion Coolant

Venture Round in 2012
Fusion Coolant Systems, Inc. specializes in manufacturing and marketing advanced coolant and lubrication systems for various manufacturing industries. The company offers products such as Pure-Cut 1000 and LUBE-CUT 1600, which utilize supercritical carbon dioxide for dry lubrication and efficient cooling during cutting processes. These systems are designed to enhance production rates and extend tool life while addressing the limitations of traditional metalworking fluids, which often contain harmful chemicals and contribute to environmental pollution. Fusion Coolant's patented CHiP Lube system represents a significant advancement in metalworking technologies, improving operational efficiency and promoting worker safety. The company serves diverse sectors, including medical, aerospace, automotive, and power generation, and also provides infrastructure solutions like carbon dioxide storage tanks and pumps. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Canton, Michigan, with an office in Saint-Priest, France, Fusion Coolant has established a strategic partnership with Air Liquide to further its innovations in coolant technology.

Larky

Seed Round in 2012
Larky, Inc. is a marketing and engagement platform that specializes in connecting organizations with their audiences through targeted geo-notifications and relevant communications. The company offers two main products: a nudge mobile platform, which facilitates audience engagement via location-based notifications, and Larky Classic, a mobile engagement solution designed to enhance communication with members, support local businesses, and foster loyalty. Additionally, Larky provides a merchant-funded loyalty platform that enables users to receive instant savings at local merchants. Larky serves a diverse client base, including financial institutions, health insurance providers, universities, and media companies across the United States and Canada. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Larky was previously known as PerkPerk, Inc.

Algal Scientific

Venture Round in 2012
Algal Scientific Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in Plymouth, Michigan, specializes in developing and selling algae-based products and technologies for the animal health, human nutrition, and wastewater treatment industries. The company produces Algamune, a beta glucan derived from algae, which enhances the immune health of various livestock and aquatic species, and AlgaGLUCAN, a similar product aimed at human nutraceuticals and functional foods. Additionally, Algal Scientific offers the Hypertrophic wastewater treatment system, designed for the food and beverage sector, which effectively treats dissolved organics, nitrogen, and phosphorus while generating a natural fertilizer co-product. With a focus on sustainable practices, Algal Scientific serves both domestic and international markets, contributing to advancements in health and environmental conservation.

Seelio

Seed Round in 2012
Seelio is an online platform that allows college students to create and showcase digital portfolios to potential employers. Founded in 2011 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, it focuses on providing custom portfolio networks and galleries tailored for engineering, design, and business programs. This platform empowers students to document their learning experiences and display their projects effectively. Seelio has partnered with several prominent educational institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, and the University of Texas at Austin, enhancing the visibility of students' work to recruiters and industry professionals. The company has received venture backing and has gained recognition in notable publications such as Forbes and TechCrunch.

Blaze Medical Devices

Seed Round in 2012
Blaze Medical Devices, LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in developing biomedical equipment for assessing the properties of stored blood, particularly focusing on red blood cells. The company offers advanced technologies, including the RBC Mechanical Fragilimeter™ and RBC Hemolysis Tester systems, which measure the mechanical fragility of red blood cells. These products cater to a range of industrial research and development needs, as well as future medical applications. By providing standardized assessments of blood cell damage, Blaze Medical Devices supports product developers and clinical researchers in understanding and mitigating quality loss during blood storage.

Ventech

Venture Round in 2012
Ventech, LLC specializes in providing mobile heating solutions, primarily through its flagship product, the Liquid Heat Generator (LHG). This innovative system is designed for portable applications, generating heat quickly and efficiently by utilizing proprietary technology. Ventech's product offerings include various components such as vehicle harnesses, control modules, mounting brackets, dashboard switches, and other essential parts tailored for school buses, mass transit, and bus original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company serves clients in the transportation sector, including diesel generators, pickup trucks, and emergency vehicles, focusing on reducing fuel consumption, lowering emissions, and enhancing overall comfort and engine longevity. Ventech operates through a network of dealers across the United States and Canada and is headquartered in Wixom, Michigan. Founded in 2003, the company continues to pursue opportunities in transportation and commercial vehicle markets.

VNN

Series A in 2012
VNN, Inc. operates a prominent high school sports marketing and networking platform that serves as a digital hub for athletes, coaches, and fans. The platform enables athletes to upload videos, photos, stories, and scores, while allowing coaches to report game results to various media outlets. VNN is dedicated to enhancing the experience of high school sports by aggregating the fragmented market and providing advertising and promotional services. The company has established a significant presence, serving schools across multiple states, including Alabama, California, and Texas, and has gained a rapidly growing user base, with over 7 million fans engaging with the platform daily. Founded in 2010 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VNN aims to transform the consumer experience in high school sports by leveraging technology and connectivity.

Coliant

Seed Round in 2012
Coliant Corporation specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of rugged electrical devices and accessories designed for powersport environments. The company offers a wide range of products, including powersport connectors, tire inflaters, battery charging solutions, and heated clothing such as jacket liners and gloves. Additionally, Coliant provides various mounting systems, power distribution products, and direct power cables compatible with devices like iPods and GPS units. Their products are designed for use with motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and personal watercraft, and are available through dealers and online in multiple regions, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. Founded in 2001 and based in Warren, Michigan, Coliant serves both individual customers and powersport vehicle manufacturers, positioning itself as a reliable provider in the industry.

Clean Emission Fluids

Seed Round in 2011
Clean Emission Fluids, Inc. manufactures fueling and fluid dispensing solutions for the transportation industry. It also resells biofuels, clean diesel, and emission related fluids. The company’s product enables fleet operators, truck stops, gas stations, and municipal fleets to store and dispense fluids and fuels. Clean Emission Fluids, Inc. was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

RetroSense Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2011
RetroSense Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing life-enhancing gene therapies designed to restore vision in patients suffering from blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (advanced dry-AMD). There are currently no FDA approved drugs to improve or restore vision in patients with these retinal degenerative conditions. The company's approach to using optogenetics in vision restoration is based on pioneering, proprietary research conducted at Wayne State University and Massachusetts General Hospital. Founded in 2009, RetroSense Therapeutics is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

ArborWind

Seed Round in 2011
ArborWind LLC is a green energy company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that specializes in the manufacturing and installation of vertical axis wind turbines. Founded in 2010, ArborWind focuses on providing economical and efficient energy solutions, particularly to rural areas. Its turbines are designed to meet the energy needs of various applications, including agricultural, industrial, commercial, and residential settings. By harnessing wind energy, ArborWind aims to minimize costly expenses, transmission losses, and logistical challenges often associated with traditional energy sources, thereby promoting sustainable energy generation.

RetroSense Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2011
RetroSense Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing life-enhancing gene therapies designed to restore vision in patients suffering from blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (advanced dry-AMD). There are currently no FDA approved drugs to improve or restore vision in patients with these retinal degenerative conditions. The company's approach to using optogenetics in vision restoration is based on pioneering, proprietary research conducted at Wayne State University and Massachusetts General Hospital. Founded in 2009, RetroSense Therapeutics is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

NextCAT

Seed Round in 2011
NextCAT specializes in the commercialization of innovative catalysts designed for biodiesel production. Developed at the National Biofuels Energy Lab at Wayne State University, these catalysts enable producers to reduce overall production costs by optimizing feedstock usage and streamlining processing steps, resulting in higher efficiency. The company is backed by a team of experts in catalysis and an experienced management group, positioning it to significantly impact the biodiesel industry. By enhancing production methods, NextCAT aims to support a transition towards more sustainable energy sources, contributing to reduced dependence on foreign oil and a healthier environment.

Tangent Medical Technologies

Seed Round in 2011
Tangent Medical Technologies, a development stage medical device company, was founded in Ann Arbor in 2009 based on technology exclusively licensed from the University of Michigan's Medical Innovation Center. The Company's mission is to improve infusion therapy for patients and healthcare workers with its proprietary, intravenous catheters and associated products. Tangent is led by an experienced, successful management team and the original inventors of the technology. The Company expects to begin generating commercial revenues from its lead product, the NovaCath™ Closed IV Catheter System, in 2012.

Fulcrum Composites

Grant in 2011
Fulcrum Composites Inc is a Michigan based company dedicated to developing new products and bringing them to market. Although their product portfolio is diverse, they are linked by common themes of structural efficiency obtained by synergistic and often unconventional combinations of materials and manufacturing processes.

Armune BioScience

Debt Financing in 2010
Armune BioScience, Inc. is a medical diagnostics company based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, focused on developing and commercializing blood tests that utilize the immune system's responses to detect cancer early. Founded in 2007 by members of the Apjohn Group, the company specializes in diagnostic and prognostic tests for prostate, lung, and breast cancers, facilitating personalized treatment decisions for patients and physicians. Its flagship product, APIFINY, is a cancer-specific blood test that assesses the risk of prostate cancer by measuring immune-related biological markers, and is utilized by primary care physicians, urologists, and oncologists. Armune BioScience operates through direct sales to healthcare providers and authorized representatives and has secured exclusive licensing of its technology from the University of Michigan, based on significant research published in reputable medical journals. As of December 2023, Armune operates as a subsidiary of Exact Sciences Corporation.

Inventure Enterprises

Seed Round in 2010
Inventure Enterprises Inc. is a management consulting and technology services firm based in East Lansing, Michigan, founded in 2002. The company specializes in providing a range of performance solutions, including secure background checks, homeland security, human capital management, and customer relationship management. It also offers information technology application services, encompassing application development and modernization, business intelligence, and mobile applications. One of its key products is idView, a comprehensive background check suite that streamlines the background check process from request to final disposition. Inventure Enterprises serves various sectors, including federal and state government, defense, security, manufacturing, financial services, energy, transportation, and healthcare, both domestically and internationally.

Current Motor

Non Equity Assistance in 2010
Current Motor Company is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and specializes in the development and manufacture of electric motor scooters aimed at urban commuters. The company produces all-electric maxi-scooters that are designed to be fast, fun, and affordable, offering zero-emission transportation solutions. These maxi-scooters can reach speeds of up to 70 MPH and have a range of up to 50 miles, charging conveniently from a standard 110V outlet in approximately five hours. Current Motor sells and services its products through a network of dealers and has formed a strategic partnership with Dakkota Integrated Systems. The company is supported by various investors, including BELLE Capital and the State of Michigan.

NextCAT

Venture Round in 2010
NextCAT specializes in the commercialization of innovative catalysts designed for biodiesel production. Developed at the National Biofuels Energy Lab at Wayne State University, these catalysts enable producers to reduce overall production costs by optimizing feedstock usage and streamlining processing steps, resulting in higher efficiency. The company is backed by a team of experts in catalysis and an experienced management group, positioning it to significantly impact the biodiesel industry. By enhancing production methods, NextCAT aims to support a transition towards more sustainable energy sources, contributing to reduced dependence on foreign oil and a healthier environment.

InfoReady

Venture Round in 2010
InfoReady Corporation is a software development company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in web-based solutions for higher education institutions. Founded in 2010, InfoReady offers tools designed to streamline workflow and enhance the grant application process. Its primary products include InfoReady Review, which connects researchers with relevant research grants, and InfoReady Thrive, a marketplace for scholarships, fellowships, and internships. The platform integrates various functions such as form building, document collection, and reporting into a single user-friendly interface, improving productivity and communication among academic teams. With a client base of over 200 institutions worldwide and a client retention rate exceeding 90%, InfoReady is recognized for its commitment to operational efficiency and effective process management, ultimately enhancing transparency and engagement within academic environments.

RealBio Technology

Convertible Note in 2009
RealBio Technology, Inc. is a life science product development company based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, founded in 2009. The company specializes in advanced cell and tissue culture technologies that enhance the growth and differentiation of human and non-human cells. Its flagship product, the Nth Degree System, is a disposable, single-use 3D perfusion bioreactor designed to create in vitro cultures that closely mimic natural in vivo environments. This innovative technology supports researchers in regenerative medicine, in-vitro modeling, and bio-production by allowing for controlled nutrient and gas gradients within the culture chamber. RealBio Technology serves scientists and healthcare professionals by providing tools that facilitate more realistic and effective research outcomes.

Algal Scientific

Venture Round in 2009
Algal Scientific Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in Plymouth, Michigan, specializes in developing and selling algae-based products and technologies for the animal health, human nutrition, and wastewater treatment industries. The company produces Algamune, a beta glucan derived from algae, which enhances the immune health of various livestock and aquatic species, and AlgaGLUCAN, a similar product aimed at human nutraceuticals and functional foods. Additionally, Algal Scientific offers the Hypertrophic wastewater treatment system, designed for the food and beverage sector, which effectively treats dissolved organics, nitrogen, and phosphorus while generating a natural fertilizer co-product. With a focus on sustainable practices, Algal Scientific serves both domestic and international markets, contributing to advancements in health and environmental conservation.

Axenic Dental

Seed Round in 2009
Azenic is a dental device company focusing on unmet market needs in the dental profession with emphasis on novel disposable instruments. Axenic Dental was founded in 2008 and is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Michelle's Miracle

Series A in 2009
Michelle's Miracle, Inc., operating under the name Cherry Works, specializes in the production and sale of dietary supplements derived from Montmorency tart cherry concentrate. Founded in 2001 and based in Traverse City, Michigan, the company offers its products in various forms, including concentrates and tablets, aimed at promoting wellness, exercise recovery, muscle and joint relief, and improved sleep. Its offerings are designed to support healthy joint and cartilage function, immune health, cardiovascular health, cognitive performance, and sleep hygiene. Michelle's Miracle markets its products online and through health food stores and grocery retailers across North America. Additionally, the company engages in private label packaging and is actively seeking partnerships for custom supplement formulations. The company was previously known as Leland Cherry Company, Inc. before rebranding in September 2008.

Epsilon Imaging

Venture Round in 2009
Epsilon Imaging, Inc. specializes in the design and development of software and algorithms for cardiac ultrasound medical imaging. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company provides a vendor-neutral suite of applications that enhance workflow in echocardiography, including EchoInsight Pro for larger clinical practices, EchoInsight Stand-alone for smaller programs, and various EchoInsight Applications for managing echocardiography indications. These solutions incorporate innovative visualization and analysis technologies, such as clinical strain imaging, aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of cardiac diagnostics. Epsilon Imaging also offers robust customer support, with a team of technical and clinical specialists who provide training and consultation services to optimize the use of their products. Founded in 2008 and originally known as Ultrasound Medical Devices, Inc., Epsilon Imaging is committed to transforming cardiovascular patient management through streamlined and standardized echocardiography processes.

Arbor Photonics

Seed Round in 2009
Arbor Photonics, LLC, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in the development of optical-fiber technology, focusing on advanced fiber laser systems. The company is dedicated to creating high-performance laser solutions that combine exceptional beam quality with significant optical power. Its innovations serve various sectors, including laser materials processing and defense applications, positioning Arbor Photonics as a notable player in the fiber laser market.

Creative Byline

Debt Financing in 2009
Creative Byline, Inc. provides an online service that enables writers and editors to connect according to their interests and qualifications. Its Website brings together editors from various publishers and enables them to indicate their interests, as well as make a direct connection between the writer and interested editors. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Holland, Michigan.

Armune BioScience

Venture Round in 2008
Armune BioScience, Inc. is a medical diagnostics company based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, focused on developing and commercializing blood tests that utilize the immune system's responses to detect cancer early. Founded in 2007 by members of the Apjohn Group, the company specializes in diagnostic and prognostic tests for prostate, lung, and breast cancers, facilitating personalized treatment decisions for patients and physicians. Its flagship product, APIFINY, is a cancer-specific blood test that assesses the risk of prostate cancer by measuring immune-related biological markers, and is utilized by primary care physicians, urologists, and oncologists. Armune BioScience operates through direct sales to healthcare providers and authorized representatives and has secured exclusive licensing of its technology from the University of Michigan, based on significant research published in reputable medical journals. As of December 2023, Armune operates as a subsidiary of Exact Sciences Corporation.

Fulcrum Composites

Venture Round in 2008
Fulcrum Composites Inc is a Michigan based company dedicated to developing new products and bringing them to market. Although their product portfolio is diverse, they are linked by common themes of structural efficiency obtained by synergistic and often unconventional combinations of materials and manufacturing processes.

AURSOS

Venture Round in 2008
Aursos, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative treatments for bone loss. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with an additional office in Houghton, Michigan, Aursos is known for its black bear PTH (BB-PTH) 1-34, aimed at preventing and treating osteoporosis, including cases related to chronic immobilization. In addition to its pharmaceutical developments, the company has also created implantable orthobiological technology designed for bone grafting procedures, effectively addressing conditions such as bone voids, non-union fractures, and spinal fusions.

AFID Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2008
AFID Therapeutics, Inc. specializes in developing chemical and biochemical technologies aimed at the design, discovery, delivery, and development of new pharmaceutical drugs. The company produces a diverse array of compounds, including lactones, esters, hydroxy cyclopentane carboxylic acids, amino acids, and advanced diamines, among others. AFID is also engaged in creating chiral chemical entities that mimic the structural and reactive characteristics of biomolecules, thereby influencing essential life processes. Its extensive screening collections feature various ring systems and functionalities, including piperazines, oxazolines, morpholines, and carbohydrate derivatives. The company leverages the structural complexity of carbohydrates to develop therapeutic interventions across a wide range of diseases, such as bacterial and viral infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological conditions like Alzheimer's. Its drug targets encompass a variety of enzymes and cellular components, including kinases, nucleases, and cell membranes. Established in 2003, AFID Therapeutics is located in Lansing, Michigan.

Vestaron

Venture Round in 2008
Vestaron Corporation specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of peptide-based biologic crop protection products. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides including Spear-T, Spear-Lep, and Leprotec, which target various pests in vegetables, fruits, and field crops. The company aims to enhance crop safety, efficacy, and sustainability by providing biopesticides that address resistance issues while ensuring safety for workers and the environment. Vestaron has received notable accolades for its innovative solutions, including the Bernard Blum Award and the Green Chemistry Challenge Award, recognizing its commitment to environmental stewardship and effective crop protection.

iTrack

Seed Round in 2008
iTrack LLC is a developer of autonomous navigation and tracking software designed to accurately monitor personnel and vehicles. The company's technology, funded by the Department of Defense, aims to provide solutions for situations where GPS may not be accessible, allowing users to manage operations from a safe distance. iTrack has established a partnership with Royal Oak Industries, an engineering and manufacturing firm based in Michigan, to facilitate the commercialization of its products. As part of this collaboration, iTrack plans to relocate its operations from the Oakland University Business Incubator to the headquarters of Royal Oak Industries in Lake Orion, Michigan. This move, scheduled for early 2010, will provide iTrack with essential office and engineering space, as well as administrative and financial support to enhance its business development efforts.

RazorThreat

Seed Round in 2007
RazorThreat, Inc. specializes in developing cybersecurity software aimed at protecting organizations from targeted cyber attacks that threaten intellectual capital and personally identifiable information. Founded in 2005 and based in Pontiac, Michigan, the company offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including the Threat Analysis Console (TAC), which manages and remediates network threats from various sources. Key components of TAC include the Inter-domain Communication Engine, which identifies communication violations against security policies, the Threat Intelligence Engine that transforms disparate data into actionable insights, and the Risk Intelligence Engine, which correlates vulnerability data with threat intelligence to create a detailed risk assessment. RazorThreat also provides integration and training services, focusing on personalized defense strategies that leverage existing security investments to enhance network security and respond to both internal and external threats in real time.

Vestaron

Series A in 2007
Vestaron Corporation specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of peptide-based biologic crop protection products. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a research and development center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron offers a range of bioinsecticides including Spear-T, Spear-Lep, and Leprotec, which target various pests in vegetables, fruits, and field crops. The company aims to enhance crop safety, efficacy, and sustainability by providing biopesticides that address resistance issues while ensuring safety for workers and the environment. Vestaron has received notable accolades for its innovative solutions, including the Bernard Blum Award and the Green Chemistry Challenge Award, recognizing its commitment to environmental stewardship and effective crop protection.

NRG Dynamix

Seed Round in 2007
NRG Dynamix, Inc. is a Michigan-based company specializing in the development of hydraulic hybrid powertrains and advanced hydraulic solutions, including piston accumulators and variable displacement gear pumps. Founded in 2004, the company serves a range of applications such as buses, taxis, commercial transport, and automobiles, and also provides products to the U.S. Department of Defense. NRG Dynamix was formerly known as Hybra-Drive Systems, LLC and has focused on creating energy-efficient technologies for on-highway vehicles, utilizing compressed gas for energy storage. The company has developed and patented several innovations in hydraulic hybrid systems and piston accumulators, positioning itself within the off-highway, marine, alternative fuel, and energy storage markets.

Phrixus Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2007
Phrixus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on developing and commercializing pharmaceuticals and therapies for heart failure, particularly in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The company's primary product, Carmeseal, is designed to treat heart failure by repairing muscle damage. Incorporated in 2006 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Phrixus aims to provide cost-effective and efficient therapeutic solutions that support quick recovery for healthcare institutions and their patients.

Pixel Velocity

Venture Round in 2007
Pixel Velocity Incorporated is a technology company focused on developing intelligent remote monitoring and hydrocarbon leak detection solutions, as well as video automation software. Established in 2001 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company specializes in industrial automation and event management systems that provide real-time insights, ensuring business continuity and enhancing operational safety. Its key offerings include the Event Velocity platform for real-time data sharing and collaboration, a Leak Detection System for continuous monitoring of hydrocarbon leaks, and an advanced Video Automation tool for real-time and forensic video analysis. By leveraging its expertise in image processing and sensor technology, Pixel Velocity serves a diverse clientele, including energy companies, transportation infrastructure, and national security assets, aiming to create safer and more productive environments for businesses and the communities they operate in.
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