Bluestein Ventures

Aerflo is a company focused on developing an innovative method for carbonating sparkling water, offering a transportable solution to enhance the beverage experience. Currently operating in stealth mode, Aerflo is working on its technology to provide consumers with a convenient and effective way to enjoy carbonated drinks. By prioritizing portability, the company aims to cater to the growing demand for versatile beverage options in various settings.

Jellatech is a biotechnology company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, with research and development operations in Wageningen, Netherlands. The company focuses on producing high-quality, pure, animal-free collagen and gelatin through innovative cellular agriculture techniques. By cultivating cells in bioreactors, Jellatech aims to eliminate the dependency on animals for these essential ingredients, catering to clients across various sectors including food and beverage, medical, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. Jellatech's commitment to providing safe and sustainable alternatives positions it as a forward-thinking leader in the biotechnology field.

BiomeSense, Inc. is a Chicago-based company founded in 2018 that focuses on developing a comprehensive platform for microbiome data collection and analysis. Its primary innovation is the GutLab, a "smart bathroom" system designed for continuous, at-home monitoring of the human gut microbiome. This technology is integrated with the MetaBiome time-series analytics platform, offering a seamless end-to-end solution that enables real-time tracking of microbiome changes and their correlation with clinical outcomes. By generating and analyzing extensive longitudinal microbiome datasets, BiomeSense aims to discover and commercialize novel microbiome biomarkers, providing healthcare professionals with a high-resolution microbiome database. This resource supports the development of advanced microbiome-based therapeutics and consumer products, ultimately enhancing precision medicine and improving health outcomes.

People Science is a technology-driven research and development platform focused on alternative medicine. The company facilitates connections between health-conscious individuals, medical professionals, and research scientists, fostering collaboration in the exploration of alternative therapeutic options. By assisting manufacturers in developing scientifically validated products, People Science aims to enhance consumer understanding of alternative medicines and their potential benefits for health and wellness. Through its innovative approach to clinical research, the company seeks to provide a comprehensive framework that supports the advancement of alternative medicine, ensuring that products are backed by rigorous scientific testing and research.

Free From Market provides inclusive access to personalized, nutritious groceries and educational resources for those living with chronic health conditions.

Crafty, LLC is a Chicago-based company that specializes in providing snacks, beverages, and event programs tailored for workplaces. The company offers a diverse range of products, including beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, perishables, and pantry supplies. Crafty focuses on enhancing workplace experiences through its services, which include managing kitchen and pantry provisions, organizing events and happy hours, catering, and setting up in-office cafes. By partnering with global brands, Crafty aims to support in-office, remote, and hybrid teams, serving over 260 offices and catering to approximately 300,000 employees each month.

New Culture Inc. is a food and beverage company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the production of animal-free cheese. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes microflora to create dairy proteins and a variety of cheese products that are sustainable, healthy, and ethical. By focusing on innovative methods to produce cheese without animal ingredients, New Culture aims to reduce dependency on traditional dairy sources, offering consumers a delicious alternative that aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle.

Filtricine, Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Santa Clara, California, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies for cancer treatment. The company's approach involves targeted nutrient deprivation, which identifies and exploits metabolic vulnerabilities specific to cancer cells. By depleting nutrients critical to cancer growth without using traditional drugs, Filtricine aims to provide effective treatments that minimize harm to healthy cells.

Jellatech is a biotechnology company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, with research and development operations in Wageningen, Netherlands. The company focuses on producing high-quality, pure, animal-free collagen and gelatin through innovative cellular agriculture techniques. By cultivating cells in bioreactors, Jellatech aims to eliminate the dependency on animals for these essential ingredients, catering to clients across various sectors including food and beverage, medical, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. Jellatech's commitment to providing safe and sustainable alternatives positions it as a forward-thinking leader in the biotechnology field.

Torch, Inc. is a company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, specializing in the manufacture of advanced Wi-Fi routers designed specifically for families. Its routers feature a user-friendly interface that allows parents to monitor their children's online activities, customize content filters, and manage internet usage effectively. With functions such as a pause button for internet access during family meals or breaks, Torch provides tools that promote healthy internet habits and facilitate discussions about online behavior between parents and children. The company's product aims to empower parents by giving them visibility and control over their home network, ensuring a safer and more manageable digital environment for families.

Torch Logistics, LLC, founded in 2019 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, develops an integration and data aggregation platform designed to enhance logistics services. The company operates a digital freight marketplace that connects small carriers with high-volume shippers, focusing on creating a reliable network of short-haul drayage carriers. Torch aims to simplify the often complex and opaque logistics landscape by providing real-time visibility, safety assurances, and guaranteed capacity for shipments. Their mission centers on fostering customer relationships built on trust rather than transactional interactions, leveraging technology and industry expertise to solve logistical challenges and improve overall service.

Cultured Decadence is a cellular aquaculture startup based in Madison, Wisconsin, founded in 2020. The company specializes in innovative methods to produce crustacean products, specifically focusing on lobster and crab meat. Utilizing cell culture and tissue engineering techniques, Cultured Decadence creates seafood directly from the cells of these animals, eliminating the need for shells, organs, and waste. This approach aims to address the increasing global demand for nutritious and sustainable seafood, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fishing practices.

Grovara LLC is a Miami-based company that specializes in distributing agricultural commodities and healthy food and beverage products. Established in 2010, Grovara operates as the first B2B global marketplace for U.S. wellness brands, facilitating connections between natural and organic brands and international retailers. The company offers a diverse range of products, including natural foods, chips, dried fruit snacks, coconut water, frozen fruit bars, snack bars, and coconut chips. Through its online platform, Grovara streamlines the product discovery, order processing, and fulfillment processes for exporters, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to market and sell their offerings directly to distributors. This system not only simplifies international trade but also provides brands and retailers with data-driven insights to promote growth and scalability in the wellness sector.

New Culture Inc. is a food and beverage company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the production of animal-free cheese. Founded in 2018, the company utilizes microflora to create dairy proteins and a variety of cheese products that are sustainable, healthy, and ethical. By focusing on innovative methods to produce cheese without animal ingredients, New Culture aims to reduce dependency on traditional dairy sources, offering consumers a delicious alternative that aligns with a more sustainable lifestyle.

Reel is an innovative company focused on providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper. Utilizing 100% sustainable bamboo, Reel's products are free from inks, dyes, and BPA, ensuring they are both biodegradable and gentle on the environment. The company operates an online retail marketplace that allows consumers to conveniently order their natural bamboo toilet paper through a subscription service, ensuring they never run out. In addition to promoting sustainability, Reel is committed to social responsibility; for each box of toilet paper sold, they donate a biodegradable toilet bag to individuals in need, supporting the 2.4 billion people worldwide who lack access to basic sanitation. Through its efforts, Reel aims to make a positive impact on both the planet and the lives of others.

Mori, formerly known as Overlook Research, is a company that develops a natural biopolymer coating designed to extend the shelf life of perishable foods. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Mori's innovative coating is made from proteins extracted from natural silk using salt and water. This protective layer helps slow the spoiling process of various food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood, thereby reducing food waste. By focusing on sustainable and economical solutions, Mori aims to transform the food supply and enhance the efficiency of the food, agriculture, and packaging industries.

Meati Foods is a consumer goods company based in Boulder, Colorado, that specializes in the production and sale of fungi-based meat alternatives. Founded in 2016, the company aims to provide nutrient-dense, plant-based options that serve as sustainable substitutes for traditional meat. Meati's products are crafted using proprietary fermentation technologies and are minimally processed, ensuring they are free from common allergens. The company is committed to offering vegan food choices that are accessible and enjoyable for a diverse range of consumers.

Pear Chef, Inc. is a Chicago-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in providing room service amenities to luxury apartment buildings. The company reimagines traditional room service by offering onsite, on-demand delivery of hot, fresh meals inspired by seasonal ingredients. In addition to its core room service offerings, Pear Chef provides professional catering services, private cooking classes, and in-home personal dining experiences tailored for residents and their guests. This comprehensive approach allows customers to enjoy a quality dining experience, complete with personalized options such as fresh meals, snacks, and curated wine and cocktail pairings.

Yerbaé is a beverage company based in Scottsdale, Arizona, that specializes in producing flavored sparkling water infused with yerba mate. Founded in 2017 by Todd and Karrie Gibson, the company aims to provide clean beverages that enhance people's lives. Yerbaé offers a range of products, including zero-calorie flavors such as pineapple coconut, strawberry kiwi, pomegranate berry, acai blueberry, and lemon, as well as 10-calorie options like mango passion fruit, orange vanilla dream, coconut raspberry, and watermelon strawberry. The drinks are designed to deliver natural caffeine without the jitters or crashes associated with traditional energy drinks, promoting both physical stimulation and mental focus. Through its innovative approach, Yerbaé has positioned itself as a pioneer in the plant-based energy beverage market.

Vive Organic, Inc. is a company based in Venice, California, that specializes in producing cold-pressed organic wellness shots. Founded in 2015, it focuses on delivering high-quality, ready-to-drink beverages made from organic and non-GMO herbs, carefully sourced from top-tier farms worldwide. Vive Organic emphasizes a commitment to natural ingredients, avoiding artificial colors and sweeteners, and allowing nature to define the flavors and colors of its products. The company aims to support consumers' health with function-focused beverages that promote rejuvenation and well-being, and it distributes its products through various retail outlets as well as online.

Buddy Nutrition, Inc. is a company based in Santa Monica, California, that specializes in the development and production of personalized nutritional products. Founded in 2017, Buddy Nutrition offers a diverse range of health solutions, including custom vitamin shots and organic, plant-based superfood smoothies. Their products are designed to meet individual health and fitness needs, providing customers with ultra-customizable, convenient, and nutritious options. By delivering ready-to-drink nutritional solutions directly to consumers, Buddy Nutrition focuses on enhancing wellness through tailored blends of prebiotics, vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Rethink Brands, Inc. is a beverage manufacturer based in Columbia, Maryland, founded in 2015. The company specializes in producing boxed water beverages and a variety of flavored drinks, including juice splashes and fruit punches aimed primarily at children. Rethink Brands focuses on creating nutritious energy drinks with zero sugar, zero calories, and zero sodium, using organic fruit essence flavors. The products are designed to promote hydration and wellness, making them suitable for various occasions such as birthday parties and sports events. Rethink Brands distributes its beverages through retail channels and online, emphasizing environmentally friendly packaging to align with its commitment to health and sustainability.

Get Bizzy Inc. is a Minneapolis-based company that specializes in producing organic cold brew coffee products marketed under the name Bizzy Coffee Cold Brew Double Shots. Founded in 2015 by Alex and Andrew, the company offers its coffee in black, vanilla, and caramel flavors, all of which are vegan, gluten-free, and free from nuts. Recognizing a gap in the market for convenient and healthy coffee options, the founders developed a product that provides a quick energy boost without the drawbacks associated with traditional coffee brewing. Get Bizzy operates an online retail platform, distributes its products through various retail stores, and caters to wholesale clients, making its offerings widely accessible to consumers seeking a convenient and nutritious coffee alternative.

Factor is a subscription-based meal delivery service that specializes in providing dietitian-designed, chef-crafted prepared meals. Founded in 2013 in Batavia, Illinois, the company focuses on health and wellness by offering a rotating menu of fresh, ready-to-eat meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their offerings include a variety of dietary preferences, such as keto, Paleo, low-carb, vegetarian, plant-based, and high-protein options, all of which can be conveniently heated in the microwave or oven. Factor emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients sourced from trusted partners, ensuring that meals are free from hormones, antibiotics, gluten, refined sugars, and GMOs. The company aims to deliver a perfect balance of nutrition and taste, enhancing the overall health and performance of its consumers.

Monument Labs, Inc. is a company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in the design and development of hardware and software solutions for personal photo and video management. Founded in 2015, Monument offers a smart storage device that collects multimedia content from smartphones and cameras, providing users with a simple and effective way to store, organize, share, and view their photos and videos. The company's innovative use of artificial intelligence enhances the user experience by automatically analyzing and organizing images by various criteria, including date, location, camera type, faces, and content, even without prior tagging.

Occasion is a Chicago-based company that specializes in designing and developing online booking and scheduling software. Its platform enhances the ability of businesses to connect with customers, improving conversion rates across multiple channels and devices. Occasion's comprehensive suite of tools enables merchants to manage and grow their operations by facilitating the sale of classes, events, memberships, gift cards, and rentals. The platform includes features such as analytics, calendar synchronization, payment processing, and promotional tools, allowing businesses to streamline their customer engagement and operational management. Since its launch in 2013 by founders Pelle ten Cate, Aksh Gupta, Eric Di Silvestro, and Kieran Klaassen, Occasion has aimed to provide a robust solution for firms looking to optimize their client interactions and revenue generation.

Factor is a subscription-based meal delivery service that specializes in providing dietitian-designed, chef-crafted prepared meals. Founded in 2013 in Batavia, Illinois, the company focuses on health and wellness by offering a rotating menu of fresh, ready-to-eat meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their offerings include a variety of dietary preferences, such as keto, Paleo, low-carb, vegetarian, plant-based, and high-protein options, all of which can be conveniently heated in the microwave or oven. Factor emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients sourced from trusted partners, ensuring that meals are free from hormones, antibiotics, gluten, refined sugars, and GMOs. The company aims to deliver a perfect balance of nutrition and taste, enhancing the overall health and performance of its consumers.

FourKites, Inc. is a software company that specializes in providing a predictive supply chain platform aimed at enhancing operational efficiency for freight brokers and shippers. Founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a real-time tracking platform that serves shippers, carriers, third-party logistics providers, and freight brokers. Its solutions include BackHaul Management, which identifies potential deadhead miles, and CarrierLink, which facilitates real-time synchronization between brokers and owner-operators. FourKites stands out in the industry for its Intelligent Control Tower, which utilizes AI-driven technology to create digital twins of supply chains, automate resolutions, and improve collaboration among stakeholders. By processing actionable data from various transportation modes, FourKites helps businesses reduce operating costs, enhance on-time performance, and strengthen customer relationships.