Hero Bread
Series B in 2024
Hero Bread is a San Francisco-based company specializing in the production of nutritious baked goods. It offers a range of products including bread, muffins, and tortillas, all formulated with nutrient-rich ingredients, zero net carbohydrates, low calories, and no added sugar, allowing consumers to enjoy guilt-free meals.
The Desire Company
Series B in 2024
The Desire Company operates a video-led platform offering authentic product reviews and hands-on classes led by experts in their respective fields. It aims to empower consumers with honest advice, enabling them to learn new skills and make informed purchase decisions.
Eliyan develops chiplet interconnect technology that enhances AI performance by eliminating memory bottlenecks. This is achieved through high-speed data transfer and low-latency communication, enabling industries to meet growing computational demands.
NeuReality
Venture Round in 2024
NeuReality is a semiconductor start-up that specializes in designing AI-as-a-service infrastructure to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding AI landscape across cloud, edge, and fog systems. The company develops purpose-built AI-centric architecture, focusing on server-on-chip solutions that reconfigure inference technologies, including computer vision, natural language processing, and recommendation engines. This innovative approach simplifies the implementation of advanced AI functionalities for organizations with limited technical expertise, allowing clients to reduce costs and energy consumption by moving away from traditional CPU-centric models. NeuReality aims to facilitate the adoption of AI technologies across various sectors, making them more accessible and efficient.
CurlMix
Equity Crowdfunding in 2024
CurlMix is a haircare brand focused on products for curly hair. It operates a subscription service that delivers natural, toxin-free ingredients and ready-made products to help customers define, moisturize, and manage frizz-free curls. Offerings include DIY kits with step-by-step instructions and explainer videos, as well as ready-made items such as flaxseed gel, moisturizers, regrowth serums, and hair and body butters, with bundles and wash-and-go sets. The company sells through stores and online channels. It was founded in 2015 and is based in Chicago.
Intelligent Growth Solutions
Series C in 2024
Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd is a company that specializes in developing and providing advanced vertical farming technology for indoor food production. Founded in 2013 and based in Dundee, United Kingdom, the company offers a plug-and-play solution that includes an indoor vertical farming demonstration facility. This facility features an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled power and communications platform, incorporating patented electrical, electronic, and mechanical technologies. Intelligent Growth Solutions is committed to creating optimal growing environments for plants and enhancing user experience through continuous innovation and effective design.
Shinsegae
Funding Round in 2024
Shinsegae Inc., established in 1955, is a leading South Korean retailer and real estate developer. It operates nine department stores under the Shinsegae brand, offering a wide range of products including fashion, cosmetics, leisure items, clothing, and furniture. The company also provides real estate leasing, advisory services, and operates a passenger terminal. Shinsegae is renowned for introducing the department store concept to Korea in 1930 and has since been a pioneer in the country's distribution industry, continuously innovating and expanding its offerings. It manages over 70 global and Korean brands, operates approximately 1,100 stores nationwide, and runs SI Village, a premier digital commerce platform focused on luxury. Shinsegae's growth strategy is tailored to each brand, leveraging market expertise and data-driven insights to create targeted distribution and content plans that preserve the authenticity of each brand.
Better Foods
Seed Round in 2023
Better Foods is a company focused on promoting alternative food products, specializing in plant-based options. It offers a range of products including plant-based meats and dairy alternatives such as milk, cheese, and sauces. The company aims to provide consumers with authentic flavors and textures of traditional meat products, while addressing concerns related to food additives. By emphasizing quality and taste, Better Foods seeks to cater to the growing demand for healthier and more sustainable dietary choices.
CancerIQ
Convertible Note in 2023
CancerIQ is a precision health technology company focused on empowering healthcare providers to identify and manage patients at high risk for cancer. Its platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including predictive analytics and screening resources, to help clinicians accurately stratify patient risk and guide them toward appropriate genetic testing, screening, or treatment options. The platform features a robust content library of evidence-based guidelines and risk models, facilitating informed decision-making. Additionally, CancerIQ provides digital tools for genetic test ordering and patient management, aimed at enhancing patient education and engagement. By streamlining these processes, the company enables healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes and reduce the overall cost of care through early cancer detection.
Aigen develops autonomous, solar-powered robotics for agriculture. Their platform manages plants without chemical inputs, promoting soil health regeneration and reducing manual labor needs.
DEI Network
Convertible Note in 2023
DEI Network is a business-focused platform designed to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within organizations. It empowers companies to proactively invite and engage individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive work environment and improving overall business strategy.
CH4 Global
Series B in 2023
CH4 Global develops seaweed-based feed additives for ruminant animals to reduce methane emissions. Its primary product uses Asparagopsis seaweed as a supplement to lower enteric methane in cattle, goats, sheep, and other ruminants. The company aims to scale sustainable livestock production by offering solutions to farmers and food producers and by enabling potential access to carbon credits and premium prices for low-emission products. Describing itself as an aquaculture solutions provider, CH4 Global applies science and technology to grow seaweed for livestock use and relies on a team of scientists and business leaders to advance deployment worldwide.
Iya Foods
Seed Round in 2023
Iya Foods is an African-inspired food business dedicated to providing authentic and nutritious culinary products. The company offers a diverse range of items, including spices, seasonings, savory simmer sauces, gluten-free flours, and dried hibiscus flowers and petals. Committed to delivering exceptional flavor and nourishment, Iya Foods ensures that all its products are free from MSG, gluten, preservatives, and other harmful artificial ingredients. This focus on quality and sustainability enables customers to enjoy wholesome foods while embracing the rich culinary traditions of Africa.
PartnerSlate
Seed Round in 2023
PartnerSlate is an online platform facilitating strategic partnerships between food and beverage brands and contract manufacturers across North America. It streamlines the manufacturing process by connecting brands with reliable production partners, reducing sourcing delays, and enabling efficient market scaling of new products.
Bonfire Women
Seed Round in 2023
Bonfire Women focuses on transforming the professional landscape for women by offering a unique talent development model that combines leadership training and mentorship. The company provides specialized programs designed to inspire and equip women with essential skills and clarity in their careers. By creating cohort experiences, Bonfire Women invests in promising female talent at pivotal moments in their professional journeys, giving them access to knowledge, tools, and mentorship necessary for growth. The underlying belief is that when women thrive in their workplaces, they can positively impact their environments, benefiting not only themselves but also their colleagues and organizations as a whole.
Dom's Kitchen & Market
Convertible Note in 2023
Dom's Kitchen & Market is a grocery store chain founded in 2021 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company aims to provide a unique shopping experience that combines grocery shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery services. It focuses on well-crafted, locally sourced, and globally-inspired food, creating a food destination that encourages sharing, exploration, and community engagement. Dom's Kitchen & Market fosters an inviting atmosphere where consumers can enjoy discovery and hospitality, making it a central hub for culinary experiences in the community.
Hero Bread
Series B in 2023
Hero Bread is a San Francisco-based company specializing in the production of nutritious baked goods. It offers a range of products including bread, muffins, and tortillas, all formulated with nutrient-rich ingredients, zero net carbohydrates, low calories, and no added sugar, allowing consumers to enjoy guilt-free meals.
Innovare
Seed Round in 2023
Innovare is an education technology company that empowers educational leaders with its data strategy app. This platform aggregates diverse school data into a personalized dashboard, enabling leadership teams to make data-driven decisions, foster continuous improvement, and measure real-time impact on students and communities.
Somrus is a producer of cream liqueurs that combines distilled rum, dairy cream, and natural flavors to create a diverse range of products. The company offers various flavors, including bourbon chai, raspberry mango cooler, urban bourbon lift, iced dirty chai latte, mango fizz, chairish toast, mango bean, and mango colada. Somrus aims to provide consumers with high-quality liqueurs crafted from natural recipes, ensuring a rich taste experience while maintaining affordability. Through its innovative approach to flavor and product development, Somrus seeks to enhance enjoyment without compromising on quality.
bemyfriends
Series A in 2023
Founded in 2021 by experts in K-Pop global fandom, bemyfriends specializes in developing innovative software solutions aimed at enhancing the fan experience. The company offers a comprehensive platform designed to create a sustainable business model for artists, influencers, creators, professional athletes, and brand managers. Its services include content sharing, e-commerce, data analysis, loyalty programs, and global shipping, enabling users to build deeper personal relationships with their fans. By providing an end-to-end infrastructure, bemyfriends empowers its clients to engage effectively with their audience while maximizing the value of their work and fostering a vibrant fan community.
The Believer Company
Series A in 2023
The Believer Company is a game development studio focused on creating engaging gaming experiences by prioritizing the player. With a diverse team of developers from around the globe, the company has a rich history of crafting various popular titles, including games like Words With Friends and League of Legends. The Believer Company specializes in developing open-world games that are accessible across multiple platforms, allowing players to immerse themselves in entertainment that transcends traditional boundaries.
Zerocater
Series C in 2023
Zerocater, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that operates a subscription-based and on-demand food ordering platform, specifically designed for businesses and their employees. Founded in 2009, Zerocater delivers personalized and diet-specific meals from independent restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and private chefs. The service caters to various occasions, including meetings, parties, and celebrations, offering a range of menu options such as breakfast, lunch, happy hour, desserts, and even craft beverages. The company serves clients in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Austin, Texas, and focuses on enhancing workplace culture by providing convenient and diverse food solutions that foster employee engagement and collaboration.
GOOD PLANeT Foods
Series B in 2023
Good PLANeT Foods LLC, incorporated in 2017 and based in Bellevue, Washington, specializes in producing premium plant-based cheese products. The company offers a variety of cheese alternatives, including shreds and slices in flavors such as mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, smoked provolone, garlic and herb, and hot pepper. Good PLANeT Foods aims to provide consumers with delicious and nutritious dairy-free options that replicate the flavors of traditional cheese, all while promoting animal rights and environmental sustainability. The company is dedicated to offering a healthy alternative to dairy cheese without compromising on taste.
Intelligent Growth Solutions
Series B in 2023
Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd is a company that specializes in developing and providing advanced vertical farming technology for indoor food production. Founded in 2013 and based in Dundee, United Kingdom, the company offers a plug-and-play solution that includes an indoor vertical farming demonstration facility. This facility features an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled power and communications platform, incorporating patented electrical, electronic, and mechanical technologies. Intelligent Growth Solutions is committed to creating optimal growing environments for plants and enhancing user experience through continuous innovation and effective design.
Cooks Venture
Venture Round in 2023
Cooks Venture, Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in producing and selling regenerative pasture-raised chicken and meats, including beef, pork, and lamb. Founded in 2018, the company is dedicated to environmentally sustainable farming practices and adheres to the Better Chicken Commitment. Cooks Venture exclusively utilizes its own approved breed of chicken, which is certified by the Global Animal Partnership at Step Level 4, ensuring that the birds have access to diverse pastures. The company offers a selection of individually sealed cuts of heirloom chicken and other pasture-raised meats, which are delivered directly to consumers' doorsteps. In addition to chicken, its product line includes grass-fed beef and wild-caught traceable seafood, reflecting a commitment to sensible farming systems and providing a variety of high-quality food choices.
Evigence Sensors
Series B in 2023
Evigence Sensors is a company that specializes in manufacturing sensors designed to monitor the shelf life of perishable products. The company offers a Freshness Management System that integrates sensors and data analytics to enable food brands, retailers, and foodservice providers to assess and manage food freshness in real time throughout the supply chain. Their food storage trackers monitor the storage time and conditions of food, while the SMART DOT application allows users to scan the sensors for tracking remaining shelf life and connect with sellers. Founded in 2004 and originally known as Freshpoint Quality Assurance Ltd, Evigence Sensors changed its name in February 2019. The company is based in Yokne’am, Israel, with a commercial office in Hoboken, New Jersey. It holds 25 granted patents and is recognized as one of only two companies globally that meet the strict World Health Organization standards for vaccine vial monitoring. Initially focused on healthcare, Evigence shifted its technology towards the monitoring and management of fresh foods in 2016.
Sunda New Asian
Private Equity Round in 2023
Sunda New Asian is a restaurant specializing in modern Southeast Asian cuisine. It offers contemporary interpretations of classic dishes alongside innovative beverages, providing an immersive dining experience that combines elevated culinary offerings with social hospitality.
Sustainable Beverage Technologies
Series C in 2022
Sustainable Beverage Technologies Inc. is a Colorado-based company specializing in the production of beer and soda concentrates. The company utilizes its patented BrewVo brewing process to create carbonated beverages and wine products, which can be easily mixed with water and carbon dioxide for convenient consumption. This innovative approach is particularly designed for hikers and adventurers, allowing them to enjoy flavorful beer while on the go. Founded in 2010, Sustainable Beverage Technologies, previously known as Pat's Backcountry Beverages, also operates an online store selling branded merchandise such as water bottles, hats, and apparel. The company is committed to enhancing efficiencies in brewing and distribution, positioning itself as a unique player in the beverage industry.
TackleAI
Seed Round in 2022
TackleAI is a software company specializing in artificial intelligence. It uses its proprietary AI platform to analyze and organize unstructured data within documents, enabling businesses to automate workflows, increase efficiency, and reduce human error.
American Backhoe Services & Excavating
Acquisition in 2022
American Backhoe Services & Excavating is a company that offers excavating and electrical contracting services to commercial, industrial, and residential clients. Their specialization lies in providing solutions for stormwater detention systems, underground site utilities, commercial electrical projects, and interior and exterior lighting. By focusing on these areas, the company aims to assist clients in keeping their projects on track, within specified timelines, and within budgetary constraints. Their services cater to various construction needs, ensuring efficient and reliable solutions for their clients' excavating and electrical requirements.
Open Water
Venture Round in 2022
Open Water is a bottled water company committed to reducing ocean plastic pollution. It offers water in 100% recyclable aluminum packaging, which is recycled more efficiently than plastic, glass, or cartons. The company donates a portion of each sale to ocean conservation projects.
AYO Foods
Seed Round in 2022
AYO Foods is a premium meal solutions brand delivering an authentic line of West African cuisine. It produces handcrafted ready-to-eat meals that celebrate traditional recipes and authentic ingredients and spices, offering convenient yet culturally rich dining options that promote appreciation for West African culinary heritage.
Founded in 2015, NotCo specializes in developing plant-based alternatives to animal-derived products such as mayonnaise, milk, yogurt, dressings, and desserts. Utilizing artificial intelligence, the company creates food systems that mimic the taste and functionality of their animal-based counterparts.
Unreal Estate
Convertible Note in 2022
Unreal Estate is an online real estate platform that enables users to buy and sell homes at a fraction of traditional brokerage costs. It provides nationwide flat-fee service, lists properties on MLS for free, and bundles documents management with connections to vendors such as mortgage lenders and photographers. The platform guides users through a step-by-step process and supports real-time collaboration among buyers, sellers, and professionals, aiming to simplify transactions and make real estate data more transparent and accessible. By reducing agent fees and related expenses, Unreal Estate seeks to streamline the home selling and buying experience.
SupplyHive
Convertible Note in 2022
SupplyHive is a software company specializing in supplier performance review. Its platform enables businesses to understand their suppliers better by measuring key performance indicators, identifying trends, and automating action plans using predictive analytics.
Innovare
Convertible Note in 2022
Innovare is an education technology company that empowers educational leaders with its data strategy app. This platform aggregates diverse school data into a personalized dashboard, enabling leadership teams to make data-driven decisions, foster continuous improvement, and measure real-time impact on students and communities.
Verdant Robotics
Series A in 2022
Verdant Robotics, Inc., founded in 2018 and based in Hayward, California, specializes in artificial intelligence-driven robotic solutions for agriculture. The company develops advanced technologies that enable farmers to digitally map their fields and monitor each plant's health over time. Verdant's flagship product, the Model B Smart Sprayer, significantly reduces labor costs by over 50% and input costs by up to 96% while providing precise weeding and thinning for various crop types. Utilizing proprietary Bullseye targeting technology and a Pinpoint Spray System, Verdant promotes micro-fertilization and nutrient delivery, enhancing crop yields and efficiency. By leveraging robotics, computer vision, and machine learning, Verdant Robotics empowers growers of all sizes to optimize production and improve profitability in the agricultural sector.
Bright Cellars
Series B in 2022
Bright Cellars Inc. is an online wine club that specializes in delivering personalized wine selections to its members through a monthly subscription model. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company utilizes a machine-learning algorithm that analyzes user responses from a questionnaire to recommend wines tailored to individual tastes. This approach not only helps new wine drinkers explore and refine their preferences but also creates an educational experience around wine appreciation. Bright Cellars allows users to receive curated wine deliveries at their doorstep each month and offers options for gifting selections to others. The company aims to inspire a new generation of wine enthusiasts by providing a transformative and personalized experience.
Gray Matter Analytics
Seed Round in 2022
Gray Matter Analytics empowers healthcare providers and payers with scalable data analytics solutions. Its CoreTechs® platform delivers predictive and prescriptive insights, helping clients proactively manage risks, enhance revenue, and improve patient outcomes in a value-based care environment.
Eventnoire
Convertible Note in 2022
Eventnoire provides a comprehensive software solution for event planners, offering online registration, venue selection, management tools, mobile apps, and targeted email marketing. It also serves as an advertising platform for event marketers to reach relevant audiences.
Partake Foods
Series B in 2022
Founded in 2016, Partake Foods produces and sells allergy-friendly food products. It specializes in nut-free, gluten-free, vegan cookies, and non-GMO, kosher foods suitable for kids. The company's product range includes sprouted grain chocolate chip mini cookies, double chocolate chip mini cookies, sweet potato millet mini cookies, carrot oat mini cookies, among others.
Farmer's Fridge
Series E in 2022
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.
Presto is a hospitality technology company that overlays digital solutions onto the physical world to automate restaurant operations and enhance guest experiences. Its enterprise-grade voice, vision, and touch technologies support drive-thru automation, on-demand delivery management, and labor optimization for hospitality businesses. Having shipped over 250,000 systems, Presto ranks among the leading labor automation providers in the industry and serves major U.S. restaurant brands. Founded at MIT in 2008, the company is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, and generates most of its revenue in the United States.
ViuHealth
Seed Round in 2022
ViuHealth, formerly known as DrugViu, is a developer of a virtual autoimmune care application aimed at assisting individuals with autoimmune diseases in managing their conditions. The platform integrates data from FDA clinical trials with insights from healthcare professionals and demographic-specific crowdsourced reviews, focusing on underserved populations such as Asian, Black, Latino, and Native American communities. ViuHealth's application provides personalized care management tailored to each patient’s unique journey, facilitating connections with dedicated care teams and access to a supportive community. It also includes wellness programs designed to help users identify triggers, achieve health goals, and enhance daily care practices. ViuHealth is committed to empowering individuals through accessible and relevant medication information, fostering community health and well-being.
SparkCharge
Series A in 2022
Founded in 2017, SparkCharge specializes in manufacturing portable, fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. Its modular design allows for easy mobility and convenience, enabling vehicle owners to charge their cars on the go without relying on wired infrastructure or gas-polluting generators.
LiftUp Enterprises
Seed Round in 2022
LiftUp Enterprises is a for-profit social enterprise that builds and scales profitable businesses designed to provide stable employment for underemployed people. The company focuses on creating jobs that include basic healthcare benefits and training, offering an engaging work environment to help individuals in low-income communities advance economically. By developing and growing companies, LiftUp aims to give employees opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve mobility out of poverty through stable earnings and career pathways.
Rare Hare Spirits
Convertible Note in 2022
Rare Hare Spirits is a curator of rare and exceptional spirits, sourcing from across the globe.
Cooks Venture
Convertible Note in 2022
Cooks Venture, Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in producing and selling regenerative pasture-raised chicken and meats, including beef, pork, and lamb. Founded in 2018, the company is dedicated to environmentally sustainable farming practices and adheres to the Better Chicken Commitment. Cooks Venture exclusively utilizes its own approved breed of chicken, which is certified by the Global Animal Partnership at Step Level 4, ensuring that the birds have access to diverse pastures. The company offers a selection of individually sealed cuts of heirloom chicken and other pasture-raised meats, which are delivered directly to consumers' doorsteps. In addition to chicken, its product line includes grass-fed beef and wild-caught traceable seafood, reflecting a commitment to sensible farming systems and providing a variety of high-quality food choices.
86 Repairs
Series A in 2022
86 Repairs is a computer software company that offers a subscription-based platform designed to streamline the repair and maintenance processes for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides comprehensive management of equipment repairs, including for ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. Its services feature 24/7 support from a team of experts and deliver actionable insights aimed at enhancing back-of-house operations. By handling the entire service process, 86 Repairs allows restaurant owners to alleviate the burdens of equipment maintenance, enabling them to concentrate on providing quality service to their guests.
TackleAI
Convertible Note in 2022
TackleAI is a software company specializing in artificial intelligence. It uses its proprietary AI platform to analyze and organize unstructured data within documents, enabling businesses to automate workflows, increase efficiency, and reduce human error.
Founded in 2013, Mayvenn empowers hair stylists by providing tools to sell hair extensions directly to clients without the need for upfront costs or inventory. With a nationwide network of over 50,000 stylists and hundreds of thousands of customers, Mayvenn has transformed salon retail.
NeuReality
Series A in 2022
NeuReality is a semiconductor start-up that specializes in designing AI-as-a-service infrastructure to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding AI landscape across cloud, edge, and fog systems. The company develops purpose-built AI-centric architecture, focusing on server-on-chip solutions that reconfigure inference technologies, including computer vision, natural language processing, and recommendation engines. This innovative approach simplifies the implementation of advanced AI functionalities for organizations with limited technical expertise, allowing clients to reduce costs and energy consumption by moving away from traditional CPU-centric models. NeuReality aims to facilitate the adoption of AI technologies across various sectors, making them more accessible and efficient.
Flippers is a roller skating rink operator that specializes in providing roller skating products and services. It offers a complete roller skating experience for customers of all ages. Their well-located rink ensures easy access and convenience, attracting families and friends looking for a fun time. Flippers prioritizes safety by providing top-notch protective gear to ensure a safe skating environment.
SparkCharge
Series A in 2022
Founded in 2017, SparkCharge specializes in manufacturing portable, fast-charging stations for electric vehicles. Its modular design allows for easy mobility and convenience, enabling vehicle owners to charge their cars on the go without relying on wired infrastructure or gas-polluting generators.
Somrus
Convertible Note in 2022
Somrus is a producer of cream liqueurs that combines distilled rum, dairy cream, and natural flavors to create a diverse range of products. The company offers various flavors, including bourbon chai, raspberry mango cooler, urban bourbon lift, iced dirty chai latte, mango fizz, chairish toast, mango bean, and mango colada. Somrus aims to provide consumers with high-quality liqueurs crafted from natural recipes, ensuring a rich taste experience while maintaining affordability. Through its innovative approach to flavor and product development, Somrus seeks to enhance enjoyment without compromising on quality.
Paladin is a legal technology company founded in 2015 and based in New York, USA. The firm has developed a platform that connects attorneys with vetted pro bono opportunities, allowing legal professionals to engage in cases that align with their passions. By streamlining the process of creating, distributing, and managing pro bono matters, Paladin enables law firms, bar associations, and corporations to enhance their service delivery to low-income individuals. Additionally, the platform facilitates the tracking of lawyers' contributions and captures impact data, highlighting the positive effects of their efforts. Through its services, Paladin aims to enhance pro bono participation and support the legal community in addressing access to justice.
Somrus is a producer of cream liqueurs that combines distilled rum, dairy cream, and natural flavors to create a diverse range of products. The company offers various flavors, including bourbon chai, raspberry mango cooler, urban bourbon lift, iced dirty chai latte, mango fizz, chairish toast, mango bean, and mango colada. Somrus aims to provide consumers with high-quality liqueurs crafted from natural recipes, ensuring a rich taste experience while maintaining affordability. Through its innovative approach to flavor and product development, Somrus seeks to enhance enjoyment without compromising on quality.
Red Bay Coffee
Venture Round in 2022
Red Bay Coffee Company LLC, founded in 2014 and based in Oakland, California, is a coffee roasting company committed to quality and sustainability in the specialty coffee industry. The company offers a diverse range of whole-bean and specialty coffee products, which are meticulously sourced and roasted to ensure high standards. In addition to its coffee offerings, Red Bay provides coffee catering programs for events and sells merchandise, including T-shirts and gifts, through its online platform. Founded by Keba Konte, an artist and food entrepreneur, Red Bay Coffee is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the coffee sector. The company strives to empower historically marginalized communities, including people of color, the formerly incarcerated, women, and individuals with disabilities, by creating job opportunities and promoting social and economic restoration through its operations.
Aigen
Convertible Note in 2022
Aigen develops autonomous, solar-powered robotics for agriculture. Their platform manages plants without chemical inputs, promoting soil health regeneration and reducing manual labor needs.
Five to Nine
Seed Round in 2022
Five to Nine is a company that offers a culture engagement solution aimed at enhancing workplace connectivity and inclusion. It has developed an online employee engagement platform that facilitates the management and evaluation of both virtual and in-person internal programs. This platform integrates various workflows and gathers event analytics and feedback, allowing organizations to assess employee participation and sentiments effectively. By enabling human resource teams to create communities of interest, Five to Nine plays a significant role in promoting inclusion and improving the overall employee experience within organizations.
Unreal Estate
Funding Round in 2022
Unreal Estate is an online real estate platform that enables users to buy and sell homes at a fraction of traditional brokerage costs. It provides nationwide flat-fee service, lists properties on MLS for free, and bundles documents management with connections to vendors such as mortgage lenders and photographers. The platform guides users through a step-by-step process and supports real-time collaboration among buyers, sellers, and professionals, aiming to simplify transactions and make real estate data more transparent and accessible. By reducing agent fees and related expenses, Unreal Estate seeks to streamline the home selling and buying experience.
Bear Robotics
Series B in 2022
Founded in 2017, Bear Robotics designs and manufactures autonomous robots for the food service industry. Its flagship product, Penny, is an AI-driven robot that assists restaurants by delivering food, clearing tables, and providing customer services.
LiftUp Enterprises
Convertible Note in 2022
LiftUp Enterprises is a for-profit social enterprise that builds and scales profitable businesses designed to provide stable employment for underemployed people. The company focuses on creating jobs that include basic healthcare benefits and training, offering an engaging work environment to help individuals in low-income communities advance economically. By developing and growing companies, LiftUp aims to give employees opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve mobility out of poverty through stable earnings and career pathways.
Gray Matter Analytics
Seed Round in 2022
Gray Matter Analytics empowers healthcare providers and payers with scalable data analytics solutions. Its CoreTechs® platform delivers predictive and prescriptive insights, helping clients proactively manage risks, enhance revenue, and improve patient outcomes in a value-based care environment.
FoodBoss
Convertible Note in 2022
FoodBoss Inc. is an innovative online food delivery search engine that consolidates information about various food delivery options and associated fees for numerous restaurants. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company allows consumers to access a comprehensive view of all available online ordering options, including those from third-party platforms and restaurants that offer their own delivery services. With a database of over 30,000 restaurants across more than 44 major metropolitan markets, FoodBoss enables users to compare delivery fees, menu items, and estimated delivery times. This functionality helps consumers make informed choices and discover the most cost-effective and efficient food delivery options in their area.
AYO Foods
Convertible Note in 2022
AYO Foods is a premium meal solutions brand delivering an authentic line of West African cuisine. It produces handcrafted ready-to-eat meals that celebrate traditional recipes and authentic ingredients and spices, offering convenient yet culturally rich dining options that promote appreciation for West African culinary heritage.
Soul Machines
Series B in 2022
Founded in 2016, Soul Machines specializes in developing emotionally responsive digital humans for AI platforms. Its products include Digital DNA Studio, enabling users to create custom avatars for various purposes such as customer care and marketing. Headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, the company operates globally with offices across North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia.
Apologue
Convertible Note in 2022
Founded in Chicago in 2016, Apologue produces and markets premium liqueur drinks crafted from entirely natural, non-GMO ingredients. Each expression features a unique regional ingredient, resulting in delicious, adventurous, and versatile liqueurs that cater to discerning consumers seeking natural cocktail options.
PreciTaste
Series A in 2022
PreciTaste is a pioneering AI-driven kitchen management software company serving the foodservice industry. With over 2,500 AI systems deployed, they optimize operations by predicting demand, guiding crews to prep precise amounts of food, and automating cooking processes using proprietary deep tech and computer vision. Their suite of products aims to enhance productivity, reduce food waste, and improve labor efficiency.
Ten To One Rum
Series A in 2022
Ten to One Rum is a wine company that builds a brand grounded in authentic elements of culture and heritage with a narrative that is both compelling and contemporary. They provide white and dark oak ex-bourbon cask rums.
Aigen develops autonomous, solar-powered robotics for agriculture. Their platform manages plants without chemical inputs, promoting soil health regeneration and reducing manual labor needs.
Gray Matter Analytics
Convertible Note in 2021
Gray Matter Analytics empowers healthcare providers and payers with scalable data analytics solutions. Its CoreTechs® platform delivers predictive and prescriptive insights, helping clients proactively manage risks, enhance revenue, and improve patient outcomes in a value-based care environment.
The Desire Company
Series A in 2021
The Desire Company operates a video-led platform offering authentic product reviews and hands-on classes led by experts in their respective fields. It aims to empower consumers with honest advice, enabling them to learn new skills and make informed purchase decisions.
Hero Bread
Series A in 2021
Hero Bread is a San Francisco-based company specializing in the production of nutritious baked goods. It offers a range of products including bread, muffins, and tortillas, all formulated with nutrient-rich ingredients, zero net carbohydrates, low calories, and no added sugar, allowing consumers to enjoy guilt-free meals.
Every Body Eat
Grant in 2021
Every Body Eat produces plant-based snacks designed for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. Their product range includes cheese-less chia seeds, snack thins variety packs, crispbreads, and more, all made with clean ingredients like corn and cane sugar.
TackleAI
Funding Round in 2021
TackleAI is a software company specializing in artificial intelligence. It uses its proprietary AI platform to analyze and organize unstructured data within documents, enabling businesses to automate workflows, increase efficiency, and reduce human error.
Nuritas Ltd., established in 2012 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is a biotechnology company specializing in the discovery of bioactive peptides from food sources using artificial intelligence and genomics. The company's proprietary platform combines computational biology with nutritional science to identify and extract health-benefiting components hidden within food, enabling it to create functional foods and cosmetics. Nuritas collaborates with industry partners to co-develop new ingredients, with applications in human and animal nutrition, beverages, dietary supplements, and cosmetics.
Intelligent Growth Solutions
Series B in 2021
Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd is a company that specializes in developing and providing advanced vertical farming technology for indoor food production. Founded in 2013 and based in Dundee, United Kingdom, the company offers a plug-and-play solution that includes an indoor vertical farming demonstration facility. This facility features an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled power and communications platform, incorporating patented electrical, electronic, and mechanical technologies. Intelligent Growth Solutions is committed to creating optimal growing environments for plants and enhancing user experience through continuous innovation and effective design.
Retail Aware
Venture Round in 2021
Retail Aware Inc. develops a real-time sensor-informed analytics platform that provides shelf-level data on impressions, dwell time, product engagement, and audience demographics, as well as operational factors such as temperature and stock outages, without the use of cameras. Its wireless sensors count people, track actions, and trigger alerts, and insights are delivered via a web portal, dashboards, and API integration with existing tools. The platform helps brands and retailers optimize merchandising and in-store execution to improve the ROI of trade and field marketing initiatives. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, Retail Aware serves brands, retailers and advertisers.
Ureeka, Inc. is a company that has developed an online platform aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) through mentorship and guidance. Founded in 2018 and based in Hillsborough, California, Ureeka connects SMBs with mentors, coaches, specialists, partners, and investors, providing access to valuable expertise necessary for business growth. The platform fosters a collaborative community where underrepresented entrepreneurs can share best practices and access resources tailored to their needs. Ureeka also offers tools to assess and optimize marketing strategies, helping businesses identify opportunities for customer acquisition and expansion. Through its comprehensive approach, Ureeka empowers entrepreneurs to scale their operations and achieve economic success for themselves and their communities.
Bright Cellars
Series B in 2021
Bright Cellars Inc. is an online wine club that specializes in delivering personalized wine selections to its members through a monthly subscription model. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company utilizes a machine-learning algorithm that analyzes user responses from a questionnaire to recommend wines tailored to individual tastes. This approach not only helps new wine drinkers explore and refine their preferences but also creates an educational experience around wine appreciation. Bright Cellars allows users to receive curated wine deliveries at their doorstep each month and offers options for gifting selections to others. The company aims to inspire a new generation of wine enthusiasts by providing a transformative and personalized experience.
Farmer's Fridge
Series D in 2021
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.
Sustainable Beverage Technologies
Venture Round in 2021
Sustainable Beverage Technologies Inc. is a Colorado-based company specializing in the production of beer and soda concentrates. The company utilizes its patented BrewVo brewing process to create carbonated beverages and wine products, which can be easily mixed with water and carbon dioxide for convenient consumption. This innovative approach is particularly designed for hikers and adventurers, allowing them to enjoy flavorful beer while on the go. Founded in 2010, Sustainable Beverage Technologies, previously known as Pat's Backcountry Beverages, also operates an online store selling branded merchandise such as water bottles, hats, and apparel. The company is committed to enhancing efficiencies in brewing and distribution, positioning itself as a unique player in the beverage industry.
86 Repairs
Seed Round in 2021
86 Repairs is a computer software company that offers a subscription-based platform designed to streamline the repair and maintenance processes for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides comprehensive management of equipment repairs, including for ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. Its services feature 24/7 support from a team of experts and deliver actionable insights aimed at enhancing back-of-house operations. By handling the entire service process, 86 Repairs allows restaurant owners to alleviate the burdens of equipment maintenance, enabling them to concentrate on providing quality service to their guests.
AYO Foods
Convertible Note in 2021
AYO Foods is a premium meal solutions brand delivering an authentic line of West African cuisine. It produces handcrafted ready-to-eat meals that celebrate traditional recipes and authentic ingredients and spices, offering convenient yet culturally rich dining options that promote appreciation for West African culinary heritage.
Dom's Kitchen & Market
Venture Round in 2021
Dom's Kitchen & Market is a grocery store chain founded in 2021 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company aims to provide a unique shopping experience that combines grocery shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery services. It focuses on well-crafted, locally sourced, and globally-inspired food, creating a food destination that encourages sharing, exploration, and community engagement. Dom's Kitchen & Market fosters an inviting atmosphere where consumers can enjoy discovery and hospitality, making it a central hub for culinary experiences in the community.
Gray Matter Analytics
Convertible Note in 2021
Gray Matter Analytics empowers healthcare providers and payers with scalable data analytics solutions. Its CoreTechs® platform delivers predictive and prescriptive insights, helping clients proactively manage risks, enhance revenue, and improve patient outcomes in a value-based care environment.
Bartesian
Series A in 2021
Bartesian Inc. is a manufacturer of a cocktail-making machine that enables customers to create customized, bar-quality cocktails at home using a capsule-based system. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a robotic bartender that utilizes pre-mixed ingredient pods, allowing users to prepare a variety of cocktails, such as martinis and cosmos, at the press of a button. The machine combines alcohol, juices, bitters, and water from specialty pods, ensuring a seamless and authentic cocktail experience. Formerly known as MaxMixology Inc., the company adopted its current name in January 2015.
86 Repairs
Seed Round in 2021
86 Repairs is a computer software company that offers a subscription-based platform designed to streamline the repair and maintenance processes for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides comprehensive management of equipment repairs, including for ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. Its services feature 24/7 support from a team of experts and deliver actionable insights aimed at enhancing back-of-house operations. By handling the entire service process, 86 Repairs allows restaurant owners to alleviate the burdens of equipment maintenance, enabling them to concentrate on providing quality service to their guests.
SupplyHive
Seed Round in 2021
SupplyHive is a software company specializing in supplier performance review. Its platform enables businesses to understand their suppliers better by measuring key performance indicators, identifying trends, and automating action plans using predictive analytics.
ViuHealth
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
ViuHealth, formerly known as DrugViu, is a developer of a virtual autoimmune care application aimed at assisting individuals with autoimmune diseases in managing their conditions. The platform integrates data from FDA clinical trials with insights from healthcare professionals and demographic-specific crowdsourced reviews, focusing on underserved populations such as Asian, Black, Latino, and Native American communities. ViuHealth's application provides personalized care management tailored to each patient’s unique journey, facilitating connections with dedicated care teams and access to a supportive community. It also includes wellness programs designed to help users identify triggers, achieve health goals, and enhance daily care practices. ViuHealth is committed to empowering individuals through accessible and relevant medication information, fostering community health and well-being.
LiftUp Enterprises
Seed Round in 2020
LiftUp Enterprises is a for-profit social enterprise that builds and scales profitable businesses designed to provide stable employment for underemployed people. The company focuses on creating jobs that include basic healthcare benefits and training, offering an engaging work environment to help individuals in low-income communities advance economically. By developing and growing companies, LiftUp aims to give employees opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve mobility out of poverty through stable earnings and career pathways.
Gray Matter Analytics
Convertible Note in 2020
Gray Matter Analytics empowers healthcare providers and payers with scalable data analytics solutions. Its CoreTechs® platform delivers predictive and prescriptive insights, helping clients proactively manage risks, enhance revenue, and improve patient outcomes in a value-based care environment.
AYO Foods
Convertible Note in 2020
AYO Foods is a premium meal solutions brand delivering an authentic line of West African cuisine. It produces handcrafted ready-to-eat meals that celebrate traditional recipes and authentic ingredients and spices, offering convenient yet culturally rich dining options that promote appreciation for West African culinary heritage.
Founded in 2015, NotCo specializes in developing plant-based alternatives to animal-derived products such as mayonnaise, milk, yogurt, dressings, and desserts. Utilizing artificial intelligence, the company creates food systems that mimic the taste and functionality of their animal-based counterparts.
Every Body Eat
Convertible Note in 2020
Every Body Eat produces plant-based snacks designed for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions. Their product range includes cheese-less chia seeds, snack thins variety packs, crispbreads, and more, all made with clean ingredients like corn and cane sugar.
Red Bay Coffee
Convertible Note in 2020
Red Bay Coffee Company LLC, founded in 2014 and based in Oakland, California, is a coffee roasting company committed to quality and sustainability in the specialty coffee industry. The company offers a diverse range of whole-bean and specialty coffee products, which are meticulously sourced and roasted to ensure high standards. In addition to its coffee offerings, Red Bay provides coffee catering programs for events and sells merchandise, including T-shirts and gifts, through its online platform. Founded by Keba Konte, an artist and food entrepreneur, Red Bay Coffee is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the coffee sector. The company strives to empower historically marginalized communities, including people of color, the formerly incarcerated, women, and individuals with disabilities, by creating job opportunities and promoting social and economic restoration through its operations.
Sustainable Beverage Technologies
Venture Round in 2020
Sustainable Beverage Technologies Inc. is a Colorado-based company specializing in the production of beer and soda concentrates. The company utilizes its patented BrewVo brewing process to create carbonated beverages and wine products, which can be easily mixed with water and carbon dioxide for convenient consumption. This innovative approach is particularly designed for hikers and adventurers, allowing them to enjoy flavorful beer while on the go. Founded in 2010, Sustainable Beverage Technologies, previously known as Pat's Backcountry Beverages, also operates an online store selling branded merchandise such as water bottles, hats, and apparel. The company is committed to enhancing efficiencies in brewing and distribution, positioning itself as a unique player in the beverage industry.
Farmer's Fridge
Series D in 2020
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.
Bartesian
Convertible Note in 2020
Bartesian Inc. is a manufacturer of a cocktail-making machine that enables customers to create customized, bar-quality cocktails at home using a capsule-based system. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a robotic bartender that utilizes pre-mixed ingredient pods, allowing users to prepare a variety of cocktails, such as martinis and cosmos, at the press of a button. The machine combines alcohol, juices, bitters, and water from specialty pods, ensuring a seamless and authentic cocktail experience. Formerly known as MaxMixology Inc., the company adopted its current name in January 2015.