Big Sky Partners

Big Sky Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1999 and headquartered in Sausalito, California. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on seed and Series A financing for high-tech startups and emerging growth companies. Big Sky Partners primarily targets sectors such as cleantech, alternative energy, information technology, financial services, and software-as-a-service. The firm typically invests between $0.25 million and $1 million in initial funding rounds and is also interested in participating in significant later-stage funding opportunities.

Michael Schwab

Founder and Managing Director

Brian Spitz

Partner

29 past transactions

Sendy

Seed Round in 2024
Sendy is a North American online marketplace and gear hub that facilitates the buying, selling, and renting of adventure sports equipment. Its platform connects users, retailers, and individuals, enabling the trade and extended use of adventure gear while promoting cost efficiency.

Figure

Venture Round in 2023
Figure is an AI robotics company that builds a multi-purpose humanoid form robot. The company has created a humanoid robot with the purpose of being introduced into the workforce to tackle problems such as labor shortages, and undesirable or unsafe jobs, and to assist in global supply chain operations. Figure 01 combines the agility of the human body with advanced AI technology to surpass the capabilities of robots designed for specific tasks. It provides assistance in various sectors including manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and retail.

Natural Selection Tour

Venture Round in 2023
Natural Selection Tour is a company that specializes in organizing outdoor events and experiences aimed at fostering a deeper connection with nature. The organization facilitates competitive snowboarding events featuring both men and women, set against some of the world's most stunning landscapes and ideal conditions. By showcasing the sport in breathtaking, natural environments, Natural Selection Tour encourages participants and spectators alike to appreciate and connect with the natural world.

The Familie

Venture Round in 2023
The Familie is a marketing agency established in 2019 and located in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California. It specializes in brand-building and creative storytelling, primarily serving the sports, music, and art sectors. The company also functions as a talent agency, offering representation services that manage and promote the careers of individuals within these industries. By focusing on the unique needs of its clients, The Familie enables talent to concentrate on their professional pursuits while enhancing their visibility and engagement in the market.

Ethic

Series C in 2022
Ethic is a technology company that specializes in developing a data-driven platform aimed at simplifying financial planning services and portfolio management. The platform utilizes advanced investment consulting technology to create sustainable portfolios that minimize tracking error relative to established benchmarks. This functionality supports family offices, health advisers, and endowment foundations in delivering tailored sustainability insights and constructing optimized passive portfolios for their clients. Through its innovative approach, Ethic enhances the financial planning process by integrating sustainability considerations into investment strategies.

Naked Energy

Series B in 2022
Naked Energy Ltd. is a UK-based company founded in 2009 that specializes in manufacturing innovative solar panels designed to generate both electricity and heat for various applications. The company's flagship product, Virtu®, utilizes a hybrid solar technology that combines crystalline photovoltaic cells with an evacuated solar thermal collector, allowing for a higher energy density by converting up to 80% of available sunlight into usable heat and power. This modular design is particularly advantageous for urban environments where space is limited, making it suitable for installation on roofs and facades of buildings such as hotels, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities. Naked Energy's patented heat transfer mechanism ensures optimal thermal and electrical outputs across diverse geographic and climatic conditions. Currently, the company is in the final stages of preparing for the commercial launch of its technology to serve domestic, commercial, and industrial markets globally.

Petra

Venture Round in 2022
Petra is a robotics company specializing in underground utility solutions. The firm has developed advanced tunneling robots designed to efficiently and safely bore utility conduits through various geological conditions, including high-grade hard rock. By enabling the undergrounding of critical utilities, Petra provides a practical and cost-effective means to construct small-diameter infrastructure, particularly in disaster-prone areas. Their technology addresses the challenges of traditional tunneling methods, making it feasible to install essential utilities in previously inaccessible locations.

Sendy

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Sendy is a North American online marketplace and gear hub that facilitates the buying, selling, and renting of adventure sports equipment. Its platform connects users, retailers, and individuals, enabling the trade and extended use of adventure gear while promoting cost efficiency.

UnicornDAO

Seed Round in 2022
UnicornDAO is a platform focused on the development of content in the Web3 space, specifically targeting the empowerment of female and LGBTQ NFT creators. It aims to redistribute wealth and visibility within the NFT ecosystem by providing opportunities for initiatives led by these underrepresented groups. The platform facilitates the collection and incubation of builders in Web3, allowing creators to access financial tools and resources in a decentralized and community-driven environment. Through its initiatives, UnicornDAO seeks to foster equality and support the growth of diverse voices in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

NYDIG

Venture Round in 2021
NYDIG is a technology and financial services firm dedicated to Bitcoin for institutions, private clients, and banks. The firm offers asset management, derivatives, financing, custody, and execution services. NYDIG's platform satisfies the highest regulatory, audit, and governance standards.

TAE Life Sciences

Series B in 2020
TAE Life Sciences, LLC is a biotechnology company headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, focused on advancing medical technology through Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). Established in 2017 as a subsidiary of TAE Technologies, the company is dedicated to developing a novel biological-targeting radiation therapy aimed at improving outcomes for patients with invasive, rapidly spreading, and recurrent cancers that are resistant to conventional treatments. TAE Life Sciences offers a unique combination of neutron beam technology and targeted drug delivery, positioning itself as a leader in next-generation cancer therapies. This innovative approach seeks to provide effective treatment options for patients with inoperable and difficult-to-treat cancers, ultimately aiming to extend their lives and enhance their quality of care.

Neura

Series B in 2019
Neura, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing software development kits and artificial intelligence tools aimed at enhancing the performance of mobile applications and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with a research and development center in Herzliya, Israel, Neura's platform establishes logical connections between users' devices and their environments, enabling it to predict user needs and make relevant suggestions. The company's offerings cater to various sectors, including health and wellness, retail and e-commerce, food delivery, media and entertainment, transportation and mobility, travel and hospitality, finance and insurance, lifestyle and dating, and gaming. Neura's AI-driven insights facilitate improved customer engagement and retention for leading mobile brands through advanced campaign segmentation and triggering.

Cantos Ventures

Funding Round in 2019
Cantos Ventures, established in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a Venture Capital firm focusing on pre-seed and seed-stage investments. It specializes in frontier technologies, with a particular interest in sectors where technology can address global challenges such as climate change, disease, poverty, and industrial automation. Cantos typically invests between $25,000 to $50,000 per transaction, with equity investments ranging from $0.02 million to $0.05 million. The firm does not invest in consumer social, on-demand services, no-tech e-commerce, or advertising/marketing/sales technology. Cantos Ventures manages a fund of $90M, backing founders who aim to make a significant impact on the world.

AiVita Biomedical

Series A in 2016
AiVita Biomedical, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on advancing commercial and clinical-stage programs that utilize curative and regenerative medicines. Founded in 2016 and based in Irvine, California, the company develops innovative treatments for cancer and vision loss, along with a line of rejuvenating skincare products. Its primary therapeutic candidate is a patient-specific immunotherapy aimed at treating advanced cancers, particularly glioblastoma and ovarian cancer. Additionally, AiVita Biomedical is exploring a preclinical program involving human stem cells to create sheets of retinal tissue for treating degenerative retinal diseases. The company’s portfolio also includes personalized vaccines for infectious diseases, enhancing the medical system's ability to combat emerging health threats. Through its expertise in stem cell growth and differentiation, AiVita Biomedical aims to deliver safe and effective therapies to patients in need.

Lifefactory

Series C in 2015
Lifefactory, Inc. is a company that designs, develops, and manufactures a variety of infant products and healthy housewares. Founded in 2007 and based in Sausalito, California, Lifefactory initially focused on glass baby bottles, which are complemented by silicone sleeves for added protection. The product line has since expanded to include adult water bottles, wine glasses, and oven-friendly food storage solutions, all crafted with an emphasis on safety and environmental sustainability. Lifefactory's products are free from harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A, phthalates, and polyvinyl chloride. The company sells its items through an online store, as well as through retailers and wholesale outlets across the United States. Lifefactory operates as a subsidiary of Thermos L.L.C.

InsideView

Private Equity Round in 2015
InsideView is a technology company that specializes in customer relationship management (CRM) software, focusing on providing actionable B2B data and intelligence. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, InsideView's Targeting Intelligence platform leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence to assist sales and marketing teams in redefining their go-to-market strategies from a volume-based model to a more targeted approach. This platform enables professionals to quickly identify and qualify optimal targets, engage with greater relevance, and enhance their capabilities to close deals and expand customer accounts. InsideView serves over 500,000 professionals across more than 20,000 leading companies, including notable names such as Adobe and Apple. The company's CRM integrations include partnerships with major platforms like Microsoft, Salesforce, and Oracle, while its content relationships extend to social media and data providers such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Thomson Reuters.

DoubleBeam

Venture Round in 2013
DoubleBeam Inc. is a technology company that specializes in cloud-based mobile payment and wallet solutions tailored for retailers. Founded in 2011 and based in Pasadena, California, DoubleBeam offers an integrated system that processes payments, captures customer data, and allows retailers to create targeted in-app offers. Its platform includes hardware such as card readers and scanners, as well as the DoubleBeam Cloud POS software, which enables remote order management and sales tracking. By facilitating mobile-based eChecking, DoubleBeam provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional payment methods, enhancing marketing effectiveness and customer experience. The company's solutions seamlessly integrate with existing mobile applications and point-of-sale systems, allowing retailers to maintain brand control while improving operational efficiency and customer engagement. As of May 2020, DoubleBeam operates as a subsidiary of The OLB Group, Inc.

Lifefactory

Series B in 2012
Lifefactory, Inc. is a company that designs, develops, and manufactures a variety of infant products and healthy housewares. Founded in 2007 and based in Sausalito, California, Lifefactory initially focused on glass baby bottles, which are complemented by silicone sleeves for added protection. The product line has since expanded to include adult water bottles, wine glasses, and oven-friendly food storage solutions, all crafted with an emphasis on safety and environmental sustainability. Lifefactory's products are free from harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A, phthalates, and polyvinyl chloride. The company sells its items through an online store, as well as through retailers and wholesale outlets across the United States. Lifefactory operates as a subsidiary of Thermos L.L.C.

Linkage Biosciences

Series B in 2011
Linkage Biosciences, Inc. is a molecular diagnostics company focused on developing and marketing products that enhance and accelerate complex genetic testing. Established in 2004 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, with an office in Geneva, Switzerland, the company specializes in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing products used primarily in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Its product offerings include a range of HLA typing kits, killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) typing kits, and human platelet antigen (HPA) typing kits, along with accessories to facilitate testing procedures. Linkage Biosciences aims to improve diagnostic capabilities in areas such as autoimmune disease testing, pharmacogenomics, and genetic marker testing. As of July 2017, the company operates as a subsidiary of One Lambda, Inc., and has established a network of distributors in various countries, including Austria, Greece, Italy, and South Korea.

Lifefactory

Series A in 2010
Lifefactory, Inc. is a company that designs, develops, and manufactures a variety of infant products and healthy housewares. Founded in 2007 and based in Sausalito, California, Lifefactory initially focused on glass baby bottles, which are complemented by silicone sleeves for added protection. The product line has since expanded to include adult water bottles, wine glasses, and oven-friendly food storage solutions, all crafted with an emphasis on safety and environmental sustainability. Lifefactory's products are free from harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A, phthalates, and polyvinyl chloride. The company sells its items through an online store, as well as through retailers and wholesale outlets across the United States. Lifefactory operates as a subsidiary of Thermos L.L.C.

Aravo

Series D in 2009
Aravo Solutions, Inc., established in 2000, specializes in cloud-based third-party risk management and regulatory compliance solutions. The company offers a suite of services including registration and qualification, anti-bribery/anti-corruption, responsible sourcing, and data privacy/data security. Aravo's platform enables clients to collect, validate, and assess third-party information, automate due diligence processes, ensure environmental, health, and safety compliance, and monitor data privacy and security. Serving Fortune 500 clients across industries such as life sciences, manufacturing, and financial services, both in the U.S. and internationally, Aravo aims to simplify complex supplier information management while delivering flexibility and customer success.

Linkage Biosciences

Series A in 2009
Linkage Biosciences, Inc. is a molecular diagnostics company focused on developing and marketing products that enhance and accelerate complex genetic testing. Established in 2004 and headquartered in South San Francisco, California, with an office in Geneva, Switzerland, the company specializes in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) testing products used primarily in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Its product offerings include a range of HLA typing kits, killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) typing kits, and human platelet antigen (HPA) typing kits, along with accessories to facilitate testing procedures. Linkage Biosciences aims to improve diagnostic capabilities in areas such as autoimmune disease testing, pharmacogenomics, and genetic marker testing. As of July 2017, the company operates as a subsidiary of One Lambda, Inc., and has established a network of distributors in various countries, including Austria, Greece, Italy, and South Korea.

Aravo

Series D in 2008
Aravo Solutions, Inc., established in 2000, specializes in cloud-based third-party risk management and regulatory compliance solutions. The company offers a suite of services including registration and qualification, anti-bribery/anti-corruption, responsible sourcing, and data privacy/data security. Aravo's platform enables clients to collect, validate, and assess third-party information, automate due diligence processes, ensure environmental, health, and safety compliance, and monitor data privacy and security. Serving Fortune 500 clients across industries such as life sciences, manufacturing, and financial services, both in the U.S. and internationally, Aravo aims to simplify complex supplier information management while delivering flexibility and customer success.

Windspire Energy (fka Mariah Power)

Series B in 2008
Founded in 2005 in Reno, Nevada, Windspire Energy (formerly Mariah Power) was established to develop innovative and proprietary new technology that introduces a new standard for style and function to the small wind industry. Founded on the passion and commitment of two inventors, Chris Gabrys and Tim Rodgers, and Mike Hess, a successful entrepreneur and former CEO, Windspire Energy set to work on a new kind of wind turbine. Today, the company is continuing to evolve its product line, focusing on low-cost energy alternative solutions that are smart, noise-free and renewable. The company's first wind power appliance, Windspire® wind turbine, was launched on June 2, 2008. Mariah Power currently has 17 employees and is growing rapidly.

Windspire Energy (fka Mariah Power)

Series A in 2008
Founded in 2005 in Reno, Nevada, Windspire Energy (formerly Mariah Power) was established to develop innovative and proprietary new technology that introduces a new standard for style and function to the small wind industry. Founded on the passion and commitment of two inventors, Chris Gabrys and Tim Rodgers, and Mike Hess, a successful entrepreneur and former CEO, Windspire Energy set to work on a new kind of wind turbine. Today, the company is continuing to evolve its product line, focusing on low-cost energy alternative solutions that are smart, noise-free and renewable. The company's first wind power appliance, Windspire® wind turbine, was launched on June 2, 2008. Mariah Power currently has 17 employees and is growing rapidly.

Aravo

Series C in 2007
Aravo Solutions, Inc., established in 2000, specializes in cloud-based third-party risk management and regulatory compliance solutions. The company offers a suite of services including registration and qualification, anti-bribery/anti-corruption, responsible sourcing, and data privacy/data security. Aravo's platform enables clients to collect, validate, and assess third-party information, automate due diligence processes, ensure environmental, health, and safety compliance, and monitor data privacy and security. Serving Fortune 500 clients across industries such as life sciences, manufacturing, and financial services, both in the U.S. and internationally, Aravo aims to simplify complex supplier information management while delivering flexibility and customer success.

Solaicx

Series C in 2007
Solaicx is a manufacturer specializing in mono-crystalline silicon ingots and wafers, catering primarily to solar cell and module manufacturers within the photovoltaic industry. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Solaicx operates a production facility in Portland, Oregon. The company is also involved in designing and building production systems for crystal silicon wafers, which are essential for the development of solar silicon cells used in various photovoltaic applications.

Solaicx

Series A in 2005
Solaicx is a manufacturer specializing in mono-crystalline silicon ingots and wafers, catering primarily to solar cell and module manufacturers within the photovoltaic industry. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Solaicx operates a production facility in Portland, Oregon. The company is also involved in designing and building production systems for crystal silicon wafers, which are essential for the development of solar silicon cells used in various photovoltaic applications.

ProcessClaims

Series C in 2001
ProcessClaims is a prominent provider of software connectivity and business process solutions tailored for the insurance industry. The company specializes in enhancing operational efficiency by automating communication and information flow among employees, partners, and extended networks. Its solutions empower insurance organizations to optimize their existing IT investments, facilitating the rapid and cost-effective development of automated, rules-based business processes. These systems support the entire claims process, from initial notice to total loss resolution, enabling management to significantly improve operations without incurring excessive software costs or consultation fees. By focusing on productivity and customer service, ProcessClaims delivers substantial returns on investment in a short timeframe following deployment.
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