Aurora Funds

The Aurora Funds is a venture capital firm based in Cary, North Carolina, with an additional office in Durham. Founded in 1994, it specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily focusing on healthcare and information technology sectors. Within healthcare, the firm targets biotechnology, therapeutics, medical devices, healthcare services, and healthcare information technology. In the information technology arena, it emphasizes internet infrastructure, software, data communications, semiconductors, and emerging technologies like photonics and nanotechnology. Aurora Funds typically invests between $50,000 and $2.5 million in initial financing rounds, with total investments ranging from $4 million to $8 million as companies develop. The firm seeks to back companies with enterprise values between $2 million and $40 million and prefers to take a lead or co-lead role while having a board seat in its portfolio companies.

Scott Albert

Venture Partner

B. Jefferson Clark

Co-Founder and Managing General Partner

Christopher Kroeger

Partner

Past deals in North Carolina

Metabolon

Series E in 2014
Metabolon is a technology company, develops analytical methods and software for biomarker discovery using metabolomics. It offers a biochemical profiling platform that analyzes and identifies biochemicals in the research of pharmaceutical, biotech, agriculture, cosmetic, and consumer products. Metabolon provides a unique, real-time fingerprint of biological system to reveal novel discoveries and realize the promise of precision medicine. The company can deliver an instantaneous snapshot of the entire physiology of a living being at a discreet point in time, as well as identify changes in that system brought about the impact of the disease, medical intervention, diet, or the environment. This deep and comprehensive view of the metabolome provides biological insights that cannot be revealed through any other research methodology, enabling life sciences researchers and drug developers to discover answers to some of biology’s most difficult questions. Metabolon was founded in 2000 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

Argos Therapeutics

Series E in 2013
Argos Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, engages in developing immunotherapy treatments for cancer, infectious and autoimmune diseases, and transplantation rejection. The company has clinical trial programs in cancer and human immunodeficiency virus. Its products include AGS-0031 for metastatic renal cell carcinoma; AGS-0041 for HIV; CD83 soluble protein for transplant rejection/autoimmune disorders; Anti IFN-alpha monoclonal antibody2 for lupus; and regulatory T cell therapy3 for autoimmune disorders. The company was formerly known as MERIX Bioscience, Inc. Argos Therapeutics was founded in 1997 and is based in Durham, North Carolina.

Regado Biosciences

Series E in 2012
Regado Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery and development of aptamer-based antidote-controlled therapeutics. It provides REG1 that is used in patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome who undergo coronary revascularization procedures, which include coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention. It was founded in 2001 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals

Series B in 2012
Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals is a privately held, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, focusing on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel technologies for disease areas where current therapies don't exist, are ineffective or are inadequate. Cardioxyl has developed industry-leading expertise in the chemistry, biology and clinical applications of nitroxyl technology. The company's core nitroxyl platform has generated several pre-clinical and clinical candidates including the company's lead compound, CXL-1020, currently in clinical development for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure, the most common cause of hospitalization for patients older than 65 years of age.

Argos Therapeutics

Series D in 2012
Argos Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, engages in developing immunotherapy treatments for cancer, infectious and autoimmune diseases, and transplantation rejection. The company has clinical trial programs in cancer and human immunodeficiency virus. Its products include AGS-0031 for metastatic renal cell carcinoma; AGS-0041 for HIV; CD83 soluble protein for transplant rejection/autoimmune disorders; Anti IFN-alpha monoclonal antibody2 for lupus; and regulatory T cell therapy3 for autoimmune disorders. The company was formerly known as MERIX Bioscience, Inc. Argos Therapeutics was founded in 1997 and is based in Durham, North Carolina.

Metabolon

Series D in 2011
Metabolon is a technology company, develops analytical methods and software for biomarker discovery using metabolomics. It offers a biochemical profiling platform that analyzes and identifies biochemicals in the research of pharmaceutical, biotech, agriculture, cosmetic, and consumer products. Metabolon provides a unique, real-time fingerprint of biological system to reveal novel discoveries and realize the promise of precision medicine. The company can deliver an instantaneous snapshot of the entire physiology of a living being at a discreet point in time, as well as identify changes in that system brought about the impact of the disease, medical intervention, diet, or the environment. This deep and comprehensive view of the metabolome provides biological insights that cannot be revealed through any other research methodology, enabling life sciences researchers and drug developers to discover answers to some of biology’s most difficult questions. Metabolon was founded in 2000 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

Digitalsmiths

Series C in 2011
Digitalsmiths specializes in enhancing video providers' capabilities to access extensive video archives and deliver personalized experiences through precise and actionable video metadata. The company's video discovery solutions cater to various content formats and devices, enabling tailored video experiences that increase viewer engagement and revenue opportunities across mobile, broadband, tablet, and television platforms. With a client roster that includes prominent Hollywood studios, broadcasters, distributors, and publishers, Digitalsmiths facilitates personalized search, recommendations, and content discovery for consumers. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Digitalsmiths continues to innovate in the video technology space.

Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2010
Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals is a privately held, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, focusing on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel technologies for disease areas where current therapies don't exist, are ineffective or are inadequate. Cardioxyl has developed industry-leading expertise in the chemistry, biology and clinical applications of nitroxyl technology. The company's core nitroxyl platform has generated several pre-clinical and clinical candidates including the company's lead compound, CXL-1020, currently in clinical development for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure, the most common cause of hospitalization for patients older than 65 years of age.

StrikeIron

Venture Round in 2010
StrikeIron specializes in Data-as-a-Service (DaaS), providing a comprehensive suite of data quality solutions through its cloud platform, IronCloud. The company offers services such as address verification, email verification, phone validation, phone append, SMS text messaging, and sales tax solutions, catering to a diverse range of industries. Its web services can be seamlessly integrated into various applications and systems, enhancing data accuracy and communication efficiency. Additionally, StrikeIron's solutions are pre-integrated with prominent platforms, including Salesforce and Magento, allowing for streamlined deployment and use. The company aims to support businesses in improving their data management and communication processes through its innovative cloud-based offerings.

Centice

Series C in 2010
Centice Corporation develops drug detection and identification devices. It offers prescription drugs, illicit substances, mixtures, prescription pill, and cannabinoids and bath salts identification solutions. The company also provides narcotics enforcement, diversion, interdiction, and counterfeiting solutions. It offers its products through a network of distributors in the United States and internationally. Centice Corporation was formerly known as Optopo, Inc. and changed its name to Centice Corporation in February 2008. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is based in Morrisville, North Carolina.

Regado Biosciences

Series D in 2009
Regado Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery and development of aptamer-based antidote-controlled therapeutics. It provides REG1 that is used in patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome who undergo coronary revascularization procedures, which include coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention. It was founded in 2001 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

Metabolon

Series C in 2009
Metabolon is a technology company, develops analytical methods and software for biomarker discovery using metabolomics. It offers a biochemical profiling platform that analyzes and identifies biochemicals in the research of pharmaceutical, biotech, agriculture, cosmetic, and consumer products. Metabolon provides a unique, real-time fingerprint of biological system to reveal novel discoveries and realize the promise of precision medicine. The company can deliver an instantaneous snapshot of the entire physiology of a living being at a discreet point in time, as well as identify changes in that system brought about the impact of the disease, medical intervention, diet, or the environment. This deep and comprehensive view of the metabolome provides biological insights that cannot be revealed through any other research methodology, enabling life sciences researchers and drug developers to discover answers to some of biology’s most difficult questions. Metabolon was founded in 2000 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

Metabolon

Series C in 2009
Metabolon is a technology company, develops analytical methods and software for biomarker discovery using metabolomics. It offers a biochemical profiling platform that analyzes and identifies biochemicals in the research of pharmaceutical, biotech, agriculture, cosmetic, and consumer products. Metabolon provides a unique, real-time fingerprint of biological system to reveal novel discoveries and realize the promise of precision medicine. The company can deliver an instantaneous snapshot of the entire physiology of a living being at a discreet point in time, as well as identify changes in that system brought about the impact of the disease, medical intervention, diet, or the environment. This deep and comprehensive view of the metabolome provides biological insights that cannot be revealed through any other research methodology, enabling life sciences researchers and drug developers to discover answers to some of biology’s most difficult questions. Metabolon was founded in 2000 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

StrikeIron

Series D in 2009
StrikeIron specializes in Data-as-a-Service (DaaS), providing a comprehensive suite of data quality solutions through its cloud platform, IronCloud. The company offers services such as address verification, email verification, phone validation, phone append, SMS text messaging, and sales tax solutions, catering to a diverse range of industries. Its web services can be seamlessly integrated into various applications and systems, enhancing data accuracy and communication efficiency. Additionally, StrikeIron's solutions are pre-integrated with prominent platforms, including Salesforce and Magento, allowing for streamlined deployment and use. The company aims to support businesses in improving their data management and communication processes through its innovative cloud-based offerings.

Digitalsmiths

Series B in 2008
Digitalsmiths specializes in enhancing video providers' capabilities to access extensive video archives and deliver personalized experiences through precise and actionable video metadata. The company's video discovery solutions cater to various content formats and devices, enabling tailored video experiences that increase viewer engagement and revenue opportunities across mobile, broadband, tablet, and television platforms. With a client roster that includes prominent Hollywood studios, broadcasters, distributors, and publishers, Digitalsmiths facilitates personalized search, recommendations, and content discovery for consumers. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Digitalsmiths continues to innovate in the video technology space.

Aldagen

Series D in 2008
ALDAGEN is a biopharmaceutical company developing proprietary regenerative cell therapies that target significant unmet medical needs. We have four product candidates in clinical trials. Our most advanced product candidate is ALD-101. We are currently conducting a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of ALD-101 to evaluate its efficacy in improving umbilical cord blood, or cord blood, transplants used to treat inherited metabolic diseases in pediatric patients. We are also conducting or supporting Phase 1 or Phase 1/2 clinical trials of three other product candidates ALD--151 to improve cord blood transplants used for the treatment of leukemia; ALD-301 to treat critical limb ischemia; and ALD-201 to treat ischemic heart failure.

Centice

Series B in 2007
Centice Corporation develops drug detection and identification devices. It offers prescription drugs, illicit substances, mixtures, prescription pill, and cannabinoids and bath salts identification solutions. The company also provides narcotics enforcement, diversion, interdiction, and counterfeiting solutions. It offers its products through a network of distributors in the United States and internationally. Centice Corporation was formerly known as Optopo, Inc. and changed its name to Centice Corporation in February 2008. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is based in Morrisville, North Carolina.

Digitalsmiths

Series A in 2007
Digitalsmiths specializes in enhancing video providers' capabilities to access extensive video archives and deliver personalized experiences through precise and actionable video metadata. The company's video discovery solutions cater to various content formats and devices, enabling tailored video experiences that increase viewer engagement and revenue opportunities across mobile, broadband, tablet, and television platforms. With a client roster that includes prominent Hollywood studios, broadcasters, distributors, and publishers, Digitalsmiths facilitates personalized search, recommendations, and content discovery for consumers. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Digitalsmiths continues to innovate in the video technology space.

Regado Biosciences

Series C in 2007
Regado Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery and development of aptamer-based antidote-controlled therapeutics. It provides REG1 that is used in patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome who undergo coronary revascularization procedures, which include coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention. It was founded in 2001 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2006
Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals is a privately held, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, focusing on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel technologies for disease areas where current therapies don't exist, are ineffective or are inadequate. Cardioxyl has developed industry-leading expertise in the chemistry, biology and clinical applications of nitroxyl technology. The company's core nitroxyl platform has generated several pre-clinical and clinical candidates including the company's lead compound, CXL-1020, currently in clinical development for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure, the most common cause of hospitalization for patients older than 65 years of age.

Visitar

Series A in 2006
Visitar is a world wide network of travel websites that aim to inform.

Metabolon

Series B in 2006
Metabolon is a technology company, develops analytical methods and software for biomarker discovery using metabolomics. It offers a biochemical profiling platform that analyzes and identifies biochemicals in the research of pharmaceutical, biotech, agriculture, cosmetic, and consumer products. Metabolon provides a unique, real-time fingerprint of biological system to reveal novel discoveries and realize the promise of precision medicine. The company can deliver an instantaneous snapshot of the entire physiology of a living being at a discreet point in time, as well as identify changes in that system brought about the impact of the disease, medical intervention, diet, or the environment. This deep and comprehensive view of the metabolome provides biological insights that cannot be revealed through any other research methodology, enabling life sciences researchers and drug developers to discover answers to some of biology’s most difficult questions. Metabolon was founded in 2000 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

StrikeIron

Series B in 2005
StrikeIron specializes in Data-as-a-Service (DaaS), providing a comprehensive suite of data quality solutions through its cloud platform, IronCloud. The company offers services such as address verification, email verification, phone validation, phone append, SMS text messaging, and sales tax solutions, catering to a diverse range of industries. Its web services can be seamlessly integrated into various applications and systems, enhancing data accuracy and communication efficiency. Additionally, StrikeIron's solutions are pre-integrated with prominent platforms, including Salesforce and Magento, allowing for streamlined deployment and use. The company aims to support businesses in improving their data management and communication processes through its innovative cloud-based offerings.

Cropsolution

Series C in 2005
Cropsolution uses chemistry technology to discover and develop agrochemicals to protect crops from diseases, weeds, and pests.
Nextreme designs and manufactures micro-scale thermal and power management products for the semiconductor, photonics, consumer, automotive and defense/aerospace industries. The company has embedded cooling and power generation capabilities into the widely accepted copper pillar bumping process used in high-volume electronic packaging. Nextreme’s breakthrough addresses the most challenging thermal and power management constraints in electronics today, and delivers the only fully-scalable technology solution by leveraging the existing, high-volume flip chip manufacturing infrastructure. By minimizing the need for manufacturing changes and focusing on developing a seamless design-in solution, Nextreme is changing the future of thermal and power management for the entire electronics industry.

StrikeIron

Series A in 2005
StrikeIron specializes in Data-as-a-Service (DaaS), providing a comprehensive suite of data quality solutions through its cloud platform, IronCloud. The company offers services such as address verification, email verification, phone validation, phone append, SMS text messaging, and sales tax solutions, catering to a diverse range of industries. Its web services can be seamlessly integrated into various applications and systems, enhancing data accuracy and communication efficiency. Additionally, StrikeIron's solutions are pre-integrated with prominent platforms, including Salesforce and Magento, allowing for streamlined deployment and use. The company aims to support businesses in improving their data management and communication processes through its innovative cloud-based offerings.
HyperBranch Medical Technology, Inc., a medical device company, develops and markets products primarily for the traumatic or surgically induced wound market. It offers OcuSeal, a liquid ocular bandage for direct application on the surface of the eye to form an ocular bandage, thereby covering an opening in the eye and providing an immediate protective barrier; and Adherus Dural Sealant, which is used as an aid in dural repair in cranial and spinal surgeries, such as the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, tumors, and spinal disc disease. The company also provides Adherus Hernia Mesh Fixation, a device used as a replacement for tacks, staples, sutures, and 'O' rings in hernia repair procedur...

Metabolon

Series A in 2004
Metabolon is a technology company, develops analytical methods and software for biomarker discovery using metabolomics. It offers a biochemical profiling platform that analyzes and identifies biochemicals in the research of pharmaceutical, biotech, agriculture, cosmetic, and consumer products. Metabolon provides a unique, real-time fingerprint of biological system to reveal novel discoveries and realize the promise of precision medicine. The company can deliver an instantaneous snapshot of the entire physiology of a living being at a discreet point in time, as well as identify changes in that system brought about the impact of the disease, medical intervention, diet, or the environment. This deep and comprehensive view of the metabolome provides biological insights that cannot be revealed through any other research methodology, enabling life sciences researchers and drug developers to discover answers to some of biology’s most difficult questions. Metabolon was founded in 2000 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

StrikeIron

Series A in 2004
StrikeIron specializes in Data-as-a-Service (DaaS), providing a comprehensive suite of data quality solutions through its cloud platform, IronCloud. The company offers services such as address verification, email verification, phone validation, phone append, SMS text messaging, and sales tax solutions, catering to a diverse range of industries. Its web services can be seamlessly integrated into various applications and systems, enhancing data accuracy and communication efficiency. Additionally, StrikeIron's solutions are pre-integrated with prominent platforms, including Salesforce and Magento, allowing for streamlined deployment and use. The company aims to support businesses in improving their data management and communication processes through its innovative cloud-based offerings.

Metabolon

Series A in 2003
Metabolon is a technology company, develops analytical methods and software for biomarker discovery using metabolomics. It offers a biochemical profiling platform that analyzes and identifies biochemicals in the research of pharmaceutical, biotech, agriculture, cosmetic, and consumer products. Metabolon provides a unique, real-time fingerprint of biological system to reveal novel discoveries and realize the promise of precision medicine. The company can deliver an instantaneous snapshot of the entire physiology of a living being at a discreet point in time, as well as identify changes in that system brought about the impact of the disease, medical intervention, diet, or the environment. This deep and comprehensive view of the metabolome provides biological insights that cannot be revealed through any other research methodology, enabling life sciences researchers and drug developers to discover answers to some of biology’s most difficult questions. Metabolon was founded in 2000 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

XActional

Venture Round in 2003
XActional

StemCo Biomedical

Series B in 2003
StemCo Biomedical, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is located in the Research Triangle Park area of NC. The Company is engaged in the development, manufacture and distribution of a series of medical products designed to improve therapeutic transplantation of adult hematopoetic stem and progenitor cells derived from bone marrow, peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood. Addressing a market of more than $1 billion annually, the Company will have a series of products on the market starting in 2002 that identify, sort and custom-engineer stem cell grafts based upon cellular expression of ALDH resulting in what may be better, more effective stem cell transplants in the future.

Regado Biosciences

Series A in 2003
Regado Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery and development of aptamer-based antidote-controlled therapeutics. It provides REG1 that is used in patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome who undergo coronary revascularization procedures, which include coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention. It was founded in 2001 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

Cropsolution

Series A in 2002
Cropsolution uses chemistry technology to discover and develop agrochemicals to protect crops from diseases, weeds, and pests.

Norak Biosciences

Series B in 2002
Norak Biosciences, Inc., headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC, is a private biotechnology company. Norak is utilizing its proprietary Transfluor technology to become a world leader in the discovery and development of drugs that regulate G protein-coupled receptors.

Regado Biosciences

Seed Round in 2002
Regado Biosciences is a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery and development of aptamer-based antidote-controlled therapeutics. It provides REG1 that is used in patients suffering from acute coronary syndrome who undergo coronary revascularization procedures, which include coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention. It was founded in 2001 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

StemCo Biomedical

Series A in 2000
StemCo Biomedical, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is located in the Research Triangle Park area of NC. The Company is engaged in the development, manufacture and distribution of a series of medical products designed to improve therapeutic transplantation of adult hematopoetic stem and progenitor cells derived from bone marrow, peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood. Addressing a market of more than $1 billion annually, the Company will have a series of products on the market starting in 2002 that identify, sort and custom-engineer stem cell grafts based upon cellular expression of ALDH resulting in what may be better, more effective stem cell transplants in the future.

Porivo Technologies

Venture Round in 2000
Porivo Technologies, Inc. is developing an Internet-enabled distributed computing platform to harness the unused processing power of idle PCs. By aggregating this tremendous underutilized resource, and creating a sizeable network of users, Porivo's software will create a massively parallel meta-computer with incredible processing power.

Alerts.com, Inc.

Series B in 2000
Alerts.com remotely monitors Web sites to deliver personalized, persistent search results via wireless devices, interactive voice, text and email. The Alerts.com system offers both content alerting capabilities and delivery of content directly to wireless devices using SMS or WAP protocols. Offered as a service through our partners and through Alerts.com's own Internet site, users request to be notified when specific Web content - like a news story or a product price - satisfies the user's alert parameters. The Alerts.com system provides business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets with a seamless, diligent infrastructure service that helps build and manage customer relationships by delivering information when and where people need it. The service, by exposing and delivering dynamic content notifications, generates qualified repeat visits to partners' sites and serves an indispensable role in opt-in, affinity-based marketing efforts.

Interadnet

Venture Round in 2000
Interadnet Inc., a provider of automated ad tracking technology and advertising services that optimize Internet advertising campaigns.

Technauts

Series B in 1999
Technauts to meet the demand of small to medium businesses, departments and branch offices for simple affordable.

Alerts.com, Inc.

Series A in 1999
Alerts.com remotely monitors Web sites to deliver personalized, persistent search results via wireless devices, interactive voice, text and email. The Alerts.com system offers both content alerting capabilities and delivery of content directly to wireless devices using SMS or WAP protocols. Offered as a service through our partners and through Alerts.com's own Internet site, users request to be notified when specific Web content - like a news story or a product price - satisfies the user's alert parameters. The Alerts.com system provides business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets with a seamless, diligent infrastructure service that helps build and manage customer relationships by delivering information when and where people need it. The service, by exposing and delivering dynamic content notifications, generates qualified repeat visits to partners' sites and serves an indispensable role in opt-in, affinity-based marketing efforts.