California Technology Ventures

California Technology Ventures, LLC (CTV) is a Pasadena-based venture capital firm established in 1999 that focuses on early-stage investments in the technology and life sciences sectors across North America. The firm is known for its entrepreneurial approach, making it flexible in its investment strategy, which allows for initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $2 million, with potential follow-on investments totaling up to $5 million. CTV targets companies within various industries, including Information & Communications Technology—encompassing computer hardware, telecommunications, software, and the internet—as well as life sciences, specifically bio-pharmaceuticals and medical devices. When evaluating potential investments, CTV seeks companies with experienced management, unique products or services that address significant market needs, opportunities for industry leadership, and sustainable competitive advantages.

Andrea DeVita

Finance Director

William Hanna

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Alex Suh

Managing Director

38 past transactions

MakerDAO

Private Equity Round in 2019
MakerDAO is a decentralized autonomous organization that operates on the Ethereum blockchain, primarily focused on creating a stable cryptocurrency known as Dai. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, the organization seeks to minimize price volatility by backing Dai with collateralized debt positions and utilizing autonomous feedback mechanisms. This stablecoin system is designed to maintain its value against a basket of international currencies, providing users with a reliable digital currency for various financial services. MakerDAO also offers MKR, a governance token that plays a role in the utility and recapitalization of the Maker system, thereby enabling participants to have a say in its operations and future development.

MariaDB

Series C in 2017
MariaDB Corporation Ab develops and delivers an open source relational database designed for database administrators and application developers. The company offers MariaDB Enterprise, an enterprise-grade database solution that includes features such as backup and recovery, support, and monitoring. This subscription-based service supports organizations using MariaDB and MySQL in production environments. In addition to its core offerings, MariaDB provides a variety of services including architecture planning, database migration, performance tuning, and training. The company has a significant presence in the cloud, operating in major public clouds and Linux distributions, and serves a diverse range of clients, including many Fortune 500 companies. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, with additional offices in California, MariaDB is supported by the MariaDB Foundation, which promotes continuity and collaboration in the MariaDB ecosystem.

OrthAlign

Series D in 2017
OrthAlign, Inc. is a medical device company based in Aliso Viejo, California, specializing in surgical navigation products designed for orthopedic procedures, particularly in joint replacement surgeries. The company offers handheld devices such as KneeAlign for total knee arthroplasty, HipAlign for hip surgeries, and UniAlign for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. These products utilize precise alignment technology in compact, single-use devices that are compatible with various implant systems. OrthAlign's tools provide critical data related to knee stability, angles, and cup placements, aiming to improve surgical outcomes and enhance patient recovery. The company serves orthopedic surgeons, hospitals, and patients through a global network of distributors, with a mission to establish a new standard of care in total joint replacement. Founded in 2004, OrthAlign was previously known as Vitruvian Orthopaedics, Inc. and rebranded in 2009.

Gamevice

Series A in 2017
Gamevice is a US-based design and engineering company specializing in mobile gaming accessories. The company develops attachable gamepad controllers that enhance the gaming experience by connecting directly to the charging ports of smartphones and tablets. This innovation allows users to transform their devices into advanced mobile gaming consoles. Gamevice has received multiple awards for its products and operates offices in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, London, and has recently opened new locations in Shenzhen, China, serving as its corporate headquarters, research and development hub, and customer support center.

AiVita Biomedical

Series A in 2016
AiVita Biomedical is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapies and products in the fields of cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. Founded in 2016 and based in Irvine, California, the company is advancing both clinical-stage and commercial programs. Its primary therapeutic candidate is a patient-specific immunotherapy designed for advanced cancers, with ongoing investigations in glioblastoma and ovarian cancer. Additionally, AiVita Biomedical is developing a preclinical program that employs human stem cells to create retinal tissue sheets aimed at treating degenerative retinal diseases. The company's portfolio also includes patient-specific dendritic cell immunotherapy for ovarian cancer and a line of rejuvenating skincare products under the ROOT OF SKIN brand. Through its expertise in stem cell technology, AiVita Biomedical seeks to provide safe and effective solutions for patients facing significant health challenges.

Spine Wave

Series F in 2016
Spine Wave, Inc. manufactures and markets medical equipment for the treatment of spinal disorders. It offers expandable PEEK spacers and expandable interbody devices for posterior surgery; pivoting spacer systems; lateral spacer systems, XDL expandable devices, and lateral access systems for lateral stabilization; Leva PX, an expandable interbody device for the treatment of spinal disorders; GraftMag Graft Delivery System to deliver large amounts of bone graft; and fixation products, such as spine systems for treating degeneration, deformity, tumor, and trauma of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as adjacent level systems. The company also offers anterior cervical plate systems that provide stabilization as an adjunct to spinal fusion from C2-C7 through anterior screw fixation; and cervical spacer systems to treat degenerative disc disease from C2-T1. It offers its products through distributors. Spine Wave, Inc. was founded in 2001 and is based in Shelton, Connecticut.

MariaDB

Series B in 2016
MariaDB Corporation Ab develops and delivers an open source relational database designed for database administrators and application developers. The company offers MariaDB Enterprise, an enterprise-grade database solution that includes features such as backup and recovery, support, and monitoring. This subscription-based service supports organizations using MariaDB and MySQL in production environments. In addition to its core offerings, MariaDB provides a variety of services including architecture planning, database migration, performance tuning, and training. The company has a significant presence in the cloud, operating in major public clouds and Linux distributions, and serves a diverse range of clients, including many Fortune 500 companies. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, with additional offices in California, MariaDB is supported by the MariaDB Foundation, which promotes continuity and collaboration in the MariaDB ecosystem.

CyMedica

Series A in 2015
CyMedica develops and commercializes innovative products that target joint injuries and the resulting muscle atrophy. Its mission is to address this problem with proprietary neuromuscular electrical stimulation. The company's platform technology utilizes the first closed-loop power control systems to provide patients with comfortable yet aggressive treatment. It was founded in 2013 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

MariaDB

Series B in 2013
MariaDB Corporation Ab develops and delivers an open source relational database designed for database administrators and application developers. The company offers MariaDB Enterprise, an enterprise-grade database solution that includes features such as backup and recovery, support, and monitoring. This subscription-based service supports organizations using MariaDB and MySQL in production environments. In addition to its core offerings, MariaDB provides a variety of services including architecture planning, database migration, performance tuning, and training. The company has a significant presence in the cloud, operating in major public clouds and Linux distributions, and serves a diverse range of clients, including many Fortune 500 companies. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, with additional offices in California, MariaDB is supported by the MariaDB Foundation, which promotes continuity and collaboration in the MariaDB ecosystem.

VideoCare

Seed Round in 2013
VideoCare, Inc. specializes in technology solutions that help families stay connected with their aging loved ones. The company offers a user-friendly touch-screen video system designed specifically for elderly care recipients, eliminating the need for keyboards or technical skills. This system allows users to share photos, videos, music, and social media content while also managing medication, appointments, and daily activities. VideoCare facilitates remote face-to-face interactions, enabling family members and professional caregivers to provide support and companionship. Additionally, home care agencies and elder facilities can use the platform to enhance connectivity between care recipients and their families or staff. Founded in 2011 and based in Menlo Park, California, VideoCare aims to improve the quality of life for seniors by fostering meaningful connections.

SurgiQuest

Series D in 2012
SurgiQuest is a medical device company based in Orange, Connecticut, that specializes in technology solutions for minimally invasive surgery. Its primary product, AirSeal, creates an air curtain to maintain an insufflated and airtight environment, enhancing the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted procedures. The company targets various surgical fields, including bariatric, colorectal, general, gynecological, and urologic surgery. Established in 2006, SurgiQuest aims to improve surgical outcomes through innovative technologies that facilitate minimally invasive techniques.

Huaxia Dairy Farm

Series C in 2012
Huaxia Dairy Farm Ltd. processes, distributes, and sells milk in China. It offers yogurts, cream puddings, and ice creams. The company also provides feed testing and feed analysis services to other farms and farming companies, as well as processes corn silage. It serves hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and coffee shops, as well as home delivery customers through its store in Beijing. The company was founded in 2004 and is based in Sanhe, China. Huaxia Dairy Farm Ltd. operates as a subsidiary of China Genetics Holdings Ltd.

Education.com

Venture Round in 2012
Education.com is an online platform that offers a range of educational resources aimed at enhancing the learning experience for children. The platform is designed for both teachers and parents, providing a guided curriculum that supports the development of essential academic skills in preschool and elementary students. With a mission to inspire passion, curiosity, and optimism in learning, Education.com serves over 16 million users globally. Its comprehensive curriculum includes core subjects such as Math, Reading, Writing, English Language Arts, and Science, equipping parents and educators with the tools necessary to help children achieve their full academic potential.

MariaDB

Series A in 2012
MariaDB Corporation Ab develops and delivers an open source relational database designed for database administrators and application developers. The company offers MariaDB Enterprise, an enterprise-grade database solution that includes features such as backup and recovery, support, and monitoring. This subscription-based service supports organizations using MariaDB and MySQL in production environments. In addition to its core offerings, MariaDB provides a variety of services including architecture planning, database migration, performance tuning, and training. The company has a significant presence in the cloud, operating in major public clouds and Linux distributions, and serves a diverse range of clients, including many Fortune 500 companies. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, with additional offices in California, MariaDB is supported by the MariaDB Foundation, which promotes continuity and collaboration in the MariaDB ecosystem.

ClearFlow

Series C in 2012
ClearFlow, Inc., a medical device company, develops and manufactures active blood and fluid evacuation systems to medical tube obstructions. It offers PleuraFlow Active Clearance Technology, a system that clears chest tubes and prevents the retention of blood and fluids in the chest cavity, as well as treats pediatric cardiothoracic surgery patients. The company’s product pipeline is based on its proprietary Active Clearance Technology to resolve catheter clogging in multiple medical market segments, including urinary catheters, gastrointestinal catheters, and wound drainage. ClearFlow, Inc. was formerly known as Clear Catheter Systems, Inc. and changed its name to ClearFlow, Inc. in March 2014. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is based in Anaheim, California. It has a service center in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Education.com

Venture Round in 2012
Education.com is an online platform that offers a range of educational resources aimed at enhancing the learning experience for children. The platform is designed for both teachers and parents, providing a guided curriculum that supports the development of essential academic skills in preschool and elementary students. With a mission to inspire passion, curiosity, and optimism in learning, Education.com serves over 16 million users globally. Its comprehensive curriculum includes core subjects such as Math, Reading, Writing, English Language Arts, and Science, equipping parents and educators with the tools necessary to help children achieve their full academic potential.

SurgiQuest

Series C in 2011
SurgiQuest is a medical device company based in Orange, Connecticut, that specializes in technology solutions for minimally invasive surgery. Its primary product, AirSeal, creates an air curtain to maintain an insufflated and airtight environment, enhancing the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic and laparoscopic-assisted procedures. The company targets various surgical fields, including bariatric, colorectal, general, gynecological, and urologic surgery. Established in 2006, SurgiQuest aims to improve surgical outcomes through innovative technologies that facilitate minimally invasive techniques.

OrthAlign

Series A in 2010
OrthAlign, Inc. is a medical device company based in Aliso Viejo, California, specializing in surgical navigation products designed for orthopedic procedures, particularly in joint replacement surgeries. The company offers handheld devices such as KneeAlign for total knee arthroplasty, HipAlign for hip surgeries, and UniAlign for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. These products utilize precise alignment technology in compact, single-use devices that are compatible with various implant systems. OrthAlign's tools provide critical data related to knee stability, angles, and cup placements, aiming to improve surgical outcomes and enhance patient recovery. The company serves orthopedic surgeons, hospitals, and patients through a global network of distributors, with a mission to establish a new standard of care in total joint replacement. Founded in 2004, OrthAlign was previously known as Vitruvian Orthopaedics, Inc. and rebranded in 2009.

Blade Games World

Debt Financing in 2009
Blade Games World develops and publishes Jumala, a free gaming destination that brings game creation to everyone - no experience or programming skills required. Whether enjoying games made by others or playing the “game” of creating your own, Jumala blends game play, game creation and an interactive community into a single, immersive and fun experience. Jumala unleashes creative possibilities as vast and unique as your imagination. Blade Games is led by an experienced team of game development professionals and is based in Bellevue, WA. For more information, please visit www.jumala.com.

Blade Games World

Venture Round in 2009
Blade Games World develops and publishes Jumala, a free gaming destination that brings game creation to everyone - no experience or programming skills required. Whether enjoying games made by others or playing the “game” of creating your own, Jumala blends game play, game creation and an interactive community into a single, immersive and fun experience. Jumala unleashes creative possibilities as vast and unique as your imagination. Blade Games is led by an experienced team of game development professionals and is based in Bellevue, WA. For more information, please visit www.jumala.com.

TravelMuse

Series A in 2008
TravelMuse.com is an inspirational travel planning Web site that helps people save time and make better decisions by combining stimulating travel content, such as stunning photography, professionally written travel articles and numerous licensed city guides, with powerful tools for inspiration and planning. Founded by avid travelers with various technology, travel and media backgrounds, the TravelMuse team shares a passion for all things travel and is motivated to greatly improve the online travel planning experience. Site visitors can use the industry’s first Inspiration Finder to discover destinations, build out vacation plans in the TravelMuse Planner and make air, car, hotel, cruise and package reservations through a comprehensive booking engine to complete vacation arrangements.

OrthoScan

Series B in 2008
OrthoScan, Inc. is a medical device company specializing in the development and manufacture of orthopedic imaging devices aimed at enhancing anatomical visualization for surgeons. Founded in 2002 and based in Scottsdale, Arizona, the company offers a range of products including the ORTHOSCAN FD PULSE, a C-Arms flat detector designed for comprehensive anatomical views, and the ORTHOSCAN MOBILE DI unit, which facilitates imaging across various clinical settings such as urgent care centers and military units. Additionally, OrthoScan provides imaging solutions like the ORTHOSCAN HD mini C-arm and ZIEHM SOLO FD, along with accessories such as mini drapes and X-ray protective aprons. The company initially entered the market with its innovative mini C-arm, which is widely used for fluoroscopic imaging of extremities in orthopedic surgery and digital diagnostic imaging.

Education.com

Series B in 2008
Education.com is an online platform that offers a range of educational resources aimed at enhancing the learning experience for children. The platform is designed for both teachers and parents, providing a guided curriculum that supports the development of essential academic skills in preschool and elementary students. With a mission to inspire passion, curiosity, and optimism in learning, Education.com serves over 16 million users globally. Its comprehensive curriculum includes core subjects such as Math, Reading, Writing, English Language Arts, and Science, equipping parents and educators with the tools necessary to help children achieve their full academic potential.

AngioScore

Series E in 2007
AngioScore Inc. is a company that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative medical devices for the treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral artery diseases. Its primary product, the AngioSculpt Scoring Balloon Catheter, is designed to improve the efficacy of conventional angioplasty procedures. This catheter features a semi-compliant balloon combined with a unique nitinol scoring element, aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional balloon catheters. By focusing on enhancing endovascular therapy tools, AngioScore addresses critical needs within the interventional market, contributing to advancements in the treatment of vascular diseases.

Thinglefin

Series A in 2007
Thinglefin is a a venture-backed Seattle area start-up founded by game industry veterans Toby Ragaini, Jeremy Friesen, and Ryan O’Rourke. Their backgrounds include development efforts with Sony, Microsoft, Sega, Monolith, and Wild Tangent. They are currently developing an unannounced web-based massively multiplayer game that will raise the bar for engaging gameplay and accessibility.

Ceregene

Series C in 2007
Ceregene is a San Diego-based biotechnology company dedicated to developing treatments for major neurodegenerative disorders through the delivery of nervous system growth factors. The company's clinical programs include CERE-110, an AAV2-based vector expressing nerve growth factor, which is preparing to enter Phase 2 studies aimed at treating Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, CERE-120, which has recently completed a Phase 2 trial for Parkinson's disease, is under evaluation for future development. Ceregene is also advancing two other treatments, CERE-135 and CERE-140, which are in preclinical development targeting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ocular diseases, respectively.

TravelMuse

Seed Round in 2007
TravelMuse.com is an inspirational travel planning Web site that helps people save time and make better decisions by combining stimulating travel content, such as stunning photography, professionally written travel articles and numerous licensed city guides, with powerful tools for inspiration and planning. Founded by avid travelers with various technology, travel and media backgrounds, the TravelMuse team shares a passion for all things travel and is motivated to greatly improve the online travel planning experience. Site visitors can use the industry’s first Inspiration Finder to discover destinations, build out vacation plans in the TravelMuse Planner and make air, car, hotel, cruise and package reservations through a comprehensive booking engine to complete vacation arrangements.

SurgRx

Series F in 2007
SurgRx, Inc is a developer of laparoscopic vessel fusion tools for surgical hemostasis. The company develops tissue sealing and hemostasis systems for laparoscopic and open surgery. It also offers EnSeal, a tissue sealing and hemostasis system that allows surgeons to seal and transect vessels, pedicles, and tissue bundles to achieve surgical hemostasis. SurgRx, Inc is based in Redwood City, California.

Spine Wave

Series D in 2007
Spine Wave, Inc. manufactures and markets medical equipment for the treatment of spinal disorders. It offers expandable PEEK spacers and expandable interbody devices for posterior surgery; pivoting spacer systems; lateral spacer systems, XDL expandable devices, and lateral access systems for lateral stabilization; Leva PX, an expandable interbody device for the treatment of spinal disorders; GraftMag Graft Delivery System to deliver large amounts of bone graft; and fixation products, such as spine systems for treating degeneration, deformity, tumor, and trauma of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as adjacent level systems. The company also offers anterior cervical plate systems that provide stabilization as an adjunct to spinal fusion from C2-C7 through anterior screw fixation; and cervical spacer systems to treat degenerative disc disease from C2-T1. It offers its products through distributors. Spine Wave, Inc. was founded in 2001 and is based in Shelton, Connecticut.

Health Hero Network

Series B in 2006
Health Hero Network, Inc. develops and markets technology solutions for remote health monitoring and management. The company provides health management programs delivering personalized daily monitoring and patient education, and information to care providers. It also offers Health Buddy system that serves as the interface between patients at home and care providers, facilitating patient education and monitoring of chronic conditions. The company's Health Buddy system includes monitoring technologies, clinical information databases, Internet-enabled decision support tools, health management programs, and content development software tools. It serves hospitals, health plans, government health organizations, disease management companies, and pharmaceutical companies or universities conducting clinical trials or studies. The company was founded in 1988 and is based in Palo Alto, California. As of December 19, 2007, Health Hero Network, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Robert Bosch GMBH.

AngioScore

Series D in 2006
AngioScore Inc. is a company that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative medical devices for the treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral artery diseases. Its primary product, the AngioSculpt Scoring Balloon Catheter, is designed to improve the efficacy of conventional angioplasty procedures. This catheter features a semi-compliant balloon combined with a unique nitinol scoring element, aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional balloon catheters. By focusing on enhancing endovascular therapy tools, AngioScore addresses critical needs within the interventional market, contributing to advancements in the treatment of vascular diseases.

Spine Wave

Series C in 2006
Spine Wave, Inc. manufactures and markets medical equipment for the treatment of spinal disorders. It offers expandable PEEK spacers and expandable interbody devices for posterior surgery; pivoting spacer systems; lateral spacer systems, XDL expandable devices, and lateral access systems for lateral stabilization; Leva PX, an expandable interbody device for the treatment of spinal disorders; GraftMag Graft Delivery System to deliver large amounts of bone graft; and fixation products, such as spine systems for treating degeneration, deformity, tumor, and trauma of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as adjacent level systems. The company also offers anterior cervical plate systems that provide stabilization as an adjunct to spinal fusion from C2-C7 through anterior screw fixation; and cervical spacer systems to treat degenerative disc disease from C2-T1. It offers its products through distributors. Spine Wave, Inc. was founded in 2001 and is based in Shelton, Connecticut.

SurgRx

Series D in 2004
SurgRx, Inc is a developer of laparoscopic vessel fusion tools for surgical hemostasis. The company develops tissue sealing and hemostasis systems for laparoscopic and open surgery. It also offers EnSeal, a tissue sealing and hemostasis system that allows surgeons to seal and transect vessels, pedicles, and tissue bundles to achieve surgical hemostasis. SurgRx, Inc is based in Redwood City, California.

AngioScore

Series B in 2004
AngioScore Inc. is a company that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative medical devices for the treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral artery diseases. Its primary product, the AngioSculpt Scoring Balloon Catheter, is designed to improve the efficacy of conventional angioplasty procedures. This catheter features a semi-compliant balloon combined with a unique nitinol scoring element, aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional balloon catheters. By focusing on enhancing endovascular therapy tools, AngioScore addresses critical needs within the interventional market, contributing to advancements in the treatment of vascular diseases.

Ceregene

Series B in 2004
Ceregene is a San Diego-based biotechnology company dedicated to developing treatments for major neurodegenerative disorders through the delivery of nervous system growth factors. The company's clinical programs include CERE-110, an AAV2-based vector expressing nerve growth factor, which is preparing to enter Phase 2 studies aimed at treating Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, CERE-120, which has recently completed a Phase 2 trial for Parkinson's disease, is under evaluation for future development. Ceregene is also advancing two other treatments, CERE-135 and CERE-140, which are in preclinical development targeting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ocular diseases, respectively.

SurgRx

Series C in 2004
SurgRx, Inc is a developer of laparoscopic vessel fusion tools for surgical hemostasis. The company develops tissue sealing and hemostasis systems for laparoscopic and open surgery. It also offers EnSeal, a tissue sealing and hemostasis system that allows surgeons to seal and transect vessels, pedicles, and tissue bundles to achieve surgical hemostasis. SurgRx, Inc is based in Redwood City, California.

SurgRx

Series B in 2003
SurgRx, Inc is a developer of laparoscopic vessel fusion tools for surgical hemostasis. The company develops tissue sealing and hemostasis systems for laparoscopic and open surgery. It also offers EnSeal, a tissue sealing and hemostasis system that allows surgeons to seal and transect vessels, pedicles, and tissue bundles to achieve surgical hemostasis. SurgRx, Inc is based in Redwood City, California.

PhotoThera

Series A in 2001
PhotoThera is currently hiring for the following positions: Sr. Software Engineer Mechanical Engineer Configuration Management Engineer Sr. Electrical Engineer Send your resume and cover letter to ktitano@photothera.com, or go to www.photothera.com for further information. Specialties laser, medical device, eschemic, stroke, infrared
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