Cayuga Venture Fund

Cayuga Venture Fund, established in 1994 and based in Ithaca, New York, is a private equity firm that specializes in early-stage investments in advanced technology and high-growth companies. The firm primarily targets opportunities within New York State, focusing on sectors such as technology, media, telecommunications, and manufacturing. With a commitment to fostering innovation, Cayuga Venture Fund aims to support the development of promising startups and emerging businesses in both Upstate New York and New York City.

Ryoko Nozawa

Director

Philip Proujansky

Managing Partner and Founding Member

Ken Rother

Venture Partner

Zachary Shulman

Managing Partner

30 past transactions

POM Safe

Series A in 2020
POM Partners provides life and workforce safety solutions through its security platform that pioneers leading-edge personal and enterprise-level security innovation to mitigate security risk

Ioxus

Series D in 2018
Ioxus Inc specializes in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of ultracapacitor technologies and energy storage systems tailored for various markets, including transportation, alternative energy, medical, industrial, and consumer products. The company's offerings include cells and modules such as uSTART, x-series technology, and THiNCAP, which are designed for applications like windmill pitch control, automotive subsystems, backup power solutions, hybrid energy storage, and grid power correction. Headquartered in Oneonta, New York, Ioxus is recognized for providing cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy solutions, particularly for military and transportation sectors. The company operates a sales and service facility in Shanghai, China, and distributes its products both domestically and internationally. Established in 2006, Ioxus has a legacy of reliability through its connection with Custom Electronics, Inc., which has a history of supplying high-quality capacitors since 1964.

GiveGab

Series A in 2018
GiveGab is a company that offers an online fundraising and crowdfunding platform tailored for nonprofit organizations, community foundations, and educational institutions. Founded in 2011 and based in Ithaca, New York, GiveGab provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to facilitate online fundraising efforts. Its platform enhances the connection between nonprofits, volunteers, and fundraisers, allowing clients to effectively promote their programs and events while also recruiting volunteers. Through its focus on community giving and peer-to-peer fundraising, GiveGab supports organizations in their efforts to raise money and foster relationships within their communities.

POM Safe

Seed Round in 2017
POM Partners provides life and workforce safety solutions through its security platform that pioneers leading-edge personal and enterprise-level security innovation to mitigate security risk

GiveGab

Convertible Note in 2016
GiveGab is a company that offers an online fundraising and crowdfunding platform tailored for nonprofit organizations, community foundations, and educational institutions. Founded in 2011 and based in Ithaca, New York, GiveGab provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to facilitate online fundraising efforts. Its platform enhances the connection between nonprofits, volunteers, and fundraisers, allowing clients to effectively promote their programs and events while also recruiting volunteers. Through its focus on community giving and peer-to-peer fundraising, GiveGab supports organizations in their efforts to raise money and foster relationships within their communities.

VenueBook

Series A in 2016
VenueBook is a marketplace to create a seamless, transactional digital event planning experience. It allows event planners and venue managers to work together in a digitized, collaborative environment. The company also assists with streamlining every step of your event planning process, from inquiry to the actual event, by allowing all transactions to occur within one comprehensive online space making the communication process simple and the event management process easy. VenueBook is dedicated to making the event process simple, quick, and most importantly painless. The company provides comprehensive cloud-based SaaS support for venues looking to optimize their events business and support people looking to book events by creating a one-stop-shop where they can research, communicate, book, and pay for their events, all online. VeneuBook was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in New York, NY, USA.

POM Safe

Seed Round in 2016
POM Partners provides life and workforce safety solutions through its security platform that pioneers leading-edge personal and enterprise-level security innovation to mitigate security risk

SocialFlow

Series C in 2015
SocialFlow, Inc. is a software company based in New York that specializes in social media distribution and monetization solutions for publishers and media companies. Founded in 2009, SocialFlow's platform leverages an advanced algorithm to optimize the timing and relevance of social media posts, ensuring maximum audience engagement. The company identifies high-performing content for amplification through targeted advertising and integrates these posts into specific advertising formats. By continuously analyzing audience responses, SocialFlow creates a feedback loop that enhances future content strategies and advertising opportunities. Its technology supports tens of thousands of journalists globally, enabling them to disseminate engaging content across various social networks while generating new revenue streams. SocialFlow's client portfolio includes prominent media organizations such as Condé Nast, Meredith, The Associated Press, CNN, and the BBC, highlighting its significant impact on the media landscape.

Rheonix

Venture Round in 2015
Rheonix, Inc. is a biomedical device company based in Ithaca, New York, specializing in automated molecular testing solutions. Its main product, the EncompassMDx platform, features customizable molecular diagnostic systems that utilize interchangeable purification, amplification, and detection modules within single-use cartridges. This platform includes various equipment such as a liquid handler, thermal cycler, barcode reader, and an imaging system. The company offers the Rheonix CARD consumable, which automates reagent manipulation through a sophisticated internal fluidic network. Rheonix provides a range of testing solutions, including a COVID-19 test kit and an automated method for DNA extraction and sequencing library preparation. The company's technology serves multiple sectors, including reference and IVD labs, pathology labs, and point-of-care facilities, with applications in infectious diseases, pharmacogenomics, and environmental testing. Founded in 2007, Rheonix aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities across human and veterinary applications as well as food and water safety.

CALIENT Technologies

Venture Round in 2015
Calient provides high-density 3D MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) optical circuit switching for software-defined networks and data centers. Its optical circuit switching technology is used by service providers, cloud computing, content delivery, and government networks. This offers businesses with adaptive photonic switching systems that enable dynamic optical layer optimization in software-defined networks and data centers. The company’s 3D-MEMS switches enable dynamic optical-layer sharing, optimization, and automation of high-performance test, compute, and network resources in data centers, optical transport networks, and DevOps test automation facilities. Calient Technologies was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Goleta, California.

GiveGab

Seed Round in 2015
GiveGab is a company that offers an online fundraising and crowdfunding platform tailored for nonprofit organizations, community foundations, and educational institutions. Founded in 2011 and based in Ithaca, New York, GiveGab provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to facilitate online fundraising efforts. Its platform enhances the connection between nonprofits, volunteers, and fundraisers, allowing clients to effectively promote their programs and events while also recruiting volunteers. Through its focus on community giving and peer-to-peer fundraising, GiveGab supports organizations in their efforts to raise money and foster relationships within their communities.

Agronomic Technology

Series A in 2014
Agronomic Technology Corp. operates a cloud-based recommendation platform known as Adapt-N, which provides precision nitrogen management solutions for farmers and agronomists. This platform delivers tailored nitrogen rate recommendations for corn fields by integrating various software models that account for soil variation, climate dynamics, and farm management practices. Adapt-N utilizes data on soil, crop management, and weather to assist farmers in making informed decisions regarding fertilizer, crop, and irrigation management. By anticipating nitrogen stress, the platform helps mitigate yield losses, minimize excess fertilizer use, and identify opportunities for yield enhancement. Agronomic Technology serves a diverse client base, including agricultural enterprises such as retailers and cooperatives, across multiple states in the United States. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in New York, Agronomic Technology operates as a subsidiary of Yara International ASA.

VenueBook

Seed Round in 2014
VenueBook is a marketplace to create a seamless, transactional digital event planning experience. It allows event planners and venue managers to work together in a digitized, collaborative environment. The company also assists with streamlining every step of your event planning process, from inquiry to the actual event, by allowing all transactions to occur within one comprehensive online space making the communication process simple and the event management process easy. VenueBook is dedicated to making the event process simple, quick, and most importantly painless. The company provides comprehensive cloud-based SaaS support for venues looking to optimize their events business and support people looking to book events by creating a one-stop-shop where they can research, communicate, book, and pay for their events, all online. VeneuBook was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in New York, NY, USA.

Chequed.com, Inc.

Series A in 2014
Chequed.com is a cloud-based Predictive Talent Selection™ platform is used by some of the world’s leading brands including SUBWAY® Restaurants, The Walt Disney Company, Hallmark, Aspen Dental and many others.

Rheonix

Venture Round in 2014
Rheonix, Inc. is a biomedical device company based in Ithaca, New York, specializing in automated molecular testing solutions. Its main product, the EncompassMDx platform, features customizable molecular diagnostic systems that utilize interchangeable purification, amplification, and detection modules within single-use cartridges. This platform includes various equipment such as a liquid handler, thermal cycler, barcode reader, and an imaging system. The company offers the Rheonix CARD consumable, which automates reagent manipulation through a sophisticated internal fluidic network. Rheonix provides a range of testing solutions, including a COVID-19 test kit and an automated method for DNA extraction and sequencing library preparation. The company's technology serves multiple sectors, including reference and IVD labs, pathology labs, and point-of-care facilities, with applications in infectious diseases, pharmacogenomics, and environmental testing. Founded in 2007, Rheonix aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities across human and veterinary applications as well as food and water safety.

Itellio

Series A in 2014
iTellio, LLC is a digital place-based advertising exchange that specializes in the retail Automated Teller Machine (ATM) industry. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Long Island City, New York, the company operates a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that allows for the remote management of digital advertising on ATM screens and digital touchscreen toppers. With a network of over 8,000 screens, iTellio utilizes advanced facial and mobile detection technology to target specific audience segments in real-time, enhancing the advertising capabilities for brands and maximizing revenue opportunities for ATM operators. The platform connects advertisers with targeted demographics, reaching approximately six million people daily and enabling clients to measure audience engagement effectively.

CALIENT Technologies

Venture Round in 2014
Calient provides high-density 3D MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) optical circuit switching for software-defined networks and data centers. Its optical circuit switching technology is used by service providers, cloud computing, content delivery, and government networks. This offers businesses with adaptive photonic switching systems that enable dynamic optical layer optimization in software-defined networks and data centers. The company’s 3D-MEMS switches enable dynamic optical-layer sharing, optimization, and automation of high-performance test, compute, and network resources in data centers, optical transport networks, and DevOps test automation facilities. Calient Technologies was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Goleta, California.

True Gault

Venture Round in 2014
True Gault, Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in designing custom-fit high-heel shoes for women. Established in 2014, True Gault utilizes a web-based platform that allows customers to create 3D scans of their feet using their iPhones in a process that takes less than 15 minutes. Once the measurements are captured, they are stored in a database, enabling repeat orders without the need for additional scans. Customers can choose from 20 different shoe styles, select colors and heel heights of 2 or 4 inches, and pay approximately $250 for their personalized shoes, which are then manufactured in Spain and delivered within three to four weeks. True Gault aims to provide women with beautifully designed footwear that fits perfectly and is tailored to their individual dimensions.

Rheonix

Venture Round in 2013
Rheonix, Inc. is a biomedical device company based in Ithaca, New York, specializing in automated molecular testing solutions. Its main product, the EncompassMDx platform, features customizable molecular diagnostic systems that utilize interchangeable purification, amplification, and detection modules within single-use cartridges. This platform includes various equipment such as a liquid handler, thermal cycler, barcode reader, and an imaging system. The company offers the Rheonix CARD consumable, which automates reagent manipulation through a sophisticated internal fluidic network. Rheonix provides a range of testing solutions, including a COVID-19 test kit and an automated method for DNA extraction and sequencing library preparation. The company's technology serves multiple sectors, including reference and IVD labs, pathology labs, and point-of-care facilities, with applications in infectious diseases, pharmacogenomics, and environmental testing. Founded in 2007, Rheonix aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities across human and veterinary applications as well as food and water safety.

GiveGab

Seed Round in 2013
GiveGab is a company that offers an online fundraising and crowdfunding platform tailored for nonprofit organizations, community foundations, and educational institutions. Founded in 2011 and based in Ithaca, New York, GiveGab provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to facilitate online fundraising efforts. Its platform enhances the connection between nonprofits, volunteers, and fundraisers, allowing clients to effectively promote their programs and events while also recruiting volunteers. Through its focus on community giving and peer-to-peer fundraising, GiveGab supports organizations in their efforts to raise money and foster relationships within their communities.

GiveGab

Seed Round in 2013
GiveGab is a company that offers an online fundraising and crowdfunding platform tailored for nonprofit organizations, community foundations, and educational institutions. Founded in 2011 and based in Ithaca, New York, GiveGab provides a comprehensive suite of services designed to facilitate online fundraising efforts. Its platform enhances the connection between nonprofits, volunteers, and fundraisers, allowing clients to effectively promote their programs and events while also recruiting volunteers. Through its focus on community giving and peer-to-peer fundraising, GiveGab supports organizations in their efforts to raise money and foster relationships within their communities.

BinOptics

Venture Round in 2011
BinOptics Corporation is a manufacturer of monolithically integrated optoelectronic components, headquartered in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 2000, the company specializes in a variety of products including directly modulated Fabry-Perot lasers, distributed feedback lasers, and ring lasers. It also produces custom integrated chips, which consist of edge- and surface-emitting lasers, monitoring and high-speed photodetectors, electroabsorption modulators, semiconductor optical amplifiers, beam couplers and splitters, waveguides, and on-chip lenses. BinOptics' products are primarily utilized in datacom and telecommunication applications, such as gigabit Ethernet and passive optical networks (PON), as well as in advanced non-telecommunication applications.

Rheonix

Series A in 2010
Rheonix, Inc. is a biomedical device company based in Ithaca, New York, specializing in automated molecular testing solutions. Its main product, the EncompassMDx platform, features customizable molecular diagnostic systems that utilize interchangeable purification, amplification, and detection modules within single-use cartridges. This platform includes various equipment such as a liquid handler, thermal cycler, barcode reader, and an imaging system. The company offers the Rheonix CARD consumable, which automates reagent manipulation through a sophisticated internal fluidic network. Rheonix provides a range of testing solutions, including a COVID-19 test kit and an automated method for DNA extraction and sequencing library preparation. The company's technology serves multiple sectors, including reference and IVD labs, pathology labs, and point-of-care facilities, with applications in infectious diseases, pharmacogenomics, and environmental testing. Founded in 2007, Rheonix aims to enhance diagnostic capabilities across human and veterinary applications as well as food and water safety.

e2e Materials

Series A in 2010
e2e Materials, Inc. specializes in the design, development, and production of biocomposite materials primarily for the furniture and cabinetry sectors. Founded in 2006 and based in Ithaca, New York, the company utilizes soy flour and natural grass fibers like jute, flax, and kenaf to create innovative composites that outperform traditional wood products. These materials are biodegradable, fire retardant, and significantly stronger than conventional composites, providing an environmentally friendly alternative that supports sustainability. e2e Materials serves a global customer base through distribution partners, contributing to the reduction of operational costs and enhancing manufacturing efficiency. The company's approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also fosters job creation across agriculture, manufacturing, and technology sectors.

SoundCloud

Seed Round in 2009
SoundCloud is a social sound platform that enables users to create, upload, and share audio content, including music. Launched in 2008 by Alexander Ljung and Eric Wahlforss, it serves as a hub for a diverse community of creators and listeners. The platform allows sound creators to instantly record and distribute their works while providing them with detailed statistics and feedback from the community. SoundCloud connects artists with their fans globally, facilitating the promotion and sharing of music through blogs, websites, and social networks. This open platform not only helps artists distribute their work but also enhances the music discovery experience for users.

Instinctiv

Seed Round in 2008
Instinctiv, Inc. is a company that specializes in designing and developing music management and discovery applications for both desktop and mobile platforms. Founded in 2007 and based in New York, Instinctiv is known for its flagship product, the Instinctiv Player, which allows users to sync their music libraries across devices using its innovative Everyware cloud technology. The player features tools such as Identifi for song identification and Instinctiv Shuffle for smart playback, enhancing the overall music experience. Additionally, the Instinctiv Player is available for Android and Maemo, offering a comprehensive music management solution. In 2012, Instinctiv was acquired by SoundCloud, further expanding its reach in the music technology space.
Primet Precision Materials is an advanced materials company dedicated to resolving the marketplace’s critical need for a new generation of high performance, affordable lithium ion batteries for the world’s rapidly changing electric transportation needs.

BinOptics

Series C in 2006
BinOptics Corporation is a manufacturer of monolithically integrated optoelectronic components, headquartered in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 2000, the company specializes in a variety of products including directly modulated Fabry-Perot lasers, distributed feedback lasers, and ring lasers. It also produces custom integrated chips, which consist of edge- and surface-emitting lasers, monitoring and high-speed photodetectors, electroabsorption modulators, semiconductor optical amplifiers, beam couplers and splitters, waveguides, and on-chip lenses. BinOptics' products are primarily utilized in datacom and telecommunication applications, such as gigabit Ethernet and passive optical networks (PON), as well as in advanced non-telecommunication applications.

Allworx

Venture Round in 2006
Allworx specializes in developing and selling Voice Over IP (VoIP) phone systems tailored for small businesses with 3 to 150 users. The company aims to provide these businesses with advanced communication technologies typically accessible only to larger enterprises. Allworx's products integrate essential communication functionalities into a single system, which includes PBX and Key phone capabilities, secured Internet access, remote office support, and collaboration tools. Additionally, its offerings encompass messaging software for email, voicemail, unified messaging, follow-me calling, and group calendaring. The company operates through two primary divisions: Product, which focuses on the design, manufacturing, marketing, and sales of phone and network systems, and Consulting, which provides engineering services for software and digital hardware development.

BinOptics

Series B in 2005
BinOptics Corporation is a manufacturer of monolithically integrated optoelectronic components, headquartered in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 2000, the company specializes in a variety of products including directly modulated Fabry-Perot lasers, distributed feedback lasers, and ring lasers. It also produces custom integrated chips, which consist of edge- and surface-emitting lasers, monitoring and high-speed photodetectors, electroabsorption modulators, semiconductor optical amplifiers, beam couplers and splitters, waveguides, and on-chip lenses. BinOptics' products are primarily utilized in datacom and telecommunication applications, such as gigabit Ethernet and passive optical networks (PON), as well as in advanced non-telecommunication applications.
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