EVEN is a direct-to-consumer music platform designed to empower artists and fans to engage more meaningfully. The platform allows fans to purchase music directly from artists using a "Pay What You Want" model, enabling artists to set their prices and receive instant payments. In addition to music sales, EVEN offers fans exclusive access to various artist-related content, including early listens, unique visual materials, special edition merchandise, listening parties, and meet-and-greets. This approach not only fosters deeper connections between artists and their supporters but also prioritizes the sale of music over traditional streaming methods. Established artists such as French Montana and Omarion, along with emerging talents like LaRussell and Buddy, have utilized EVEN to connect with their audiences and enhance their music distribution strategies.
EVEN is a direct-to-consumer music platform designed to empower artists and fans to engage more meaningfully. The platform allows fans to purchase music directly from artists using a "Pay What You Want" model, enabling artists to set their prices and receive instant payments. In addition to music sales, EVEN offers fans exclusive access to various artist-related content, including early listens, unique visual materials, special edition merchandise, listening parties, and meet-and-greets. This approach not only fosters deeper connections between artists and their supporters but also prioritizes the sale of music over traditional streaming methods. Established artists such as French Montana and Omarion, along with emerging talents like LaRussell and Buddy, have utilized EVEN to connect with their audiences and enhance their music distribution strategies.
Pet Krewe
Seed Round in 2022
Pet Krewe Inc. is a manufacturer and retailer based in New Orleans, Louisiana, specializing in pet costumes and toys. Established in 2019, the company offers a diverse range of products, including costumes for dogs and cats, toys, and craft kits. Their costume selection features various themes, such as mermaids, unicorns, and popular characters like those from Sesame Street, catering to pets of all shapes and sizes. Pet Krewe's products are designed to be enjoyed by both pets and their owners, allowing everyone to partake in the festivities. The company sells its items through an online platform and a mobile application, enhancing accessibility for pet lovers.
Edda
Venture Round in 2021
Edda offers a comprehensive software suite designed for venture capital firms, corporate ventures, private equity, family offices, and investment banks. The platform focuses on managing deal flow and tracking portfolio performance, facilitating the oversight of new investment opportunities. It provides tools that enable investors to maintain communication with portfolio companies while keeping limited partners informed of developments. Edda's software emphasizes the real-time monitoring of investments, allowing users to evaluate their value and impact effectively.
Zizzl Health
Venture Round in 2021
Zizzl Health is a full-service benefits brokerage firm based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, founded in 2016. The company specializes in integrating human resource technology with payroll administration, providing a range of services that streamline hiring, onboarding, benefits management, and performance evaluation. By automating administrative processes, Zizzl Health enables businesses to enhance employee engagement, manage costs effectively, and mitigate compliance risks. Through its extensive experience, Zizzl Health is dedicated to helping companies grow and create jobs.
Wildwonder
Seed Round in 2021
Wildwonder is a producer of beverages specializing in sparkling wellness drinks that focus on gut health. The company crafts its products using a blend of herbs, teas, and real fruit juice, incorporating antioxidants, vegan probiotics, and plant fiber to enhance their nutritional profile. Wildwonder's offerings are designed to deliver gut-healing and immune-boosting benefits while appealing to consumers through a variety of flavors made from fresh ingredients.
Agricycle
Seed Round in 2021
Agricycle Global Inc. specializes in manufacturing and selling solar-powered drying machines to farmers' cooperatives in Africa and the Caribbean. The company focuses on ethical brands and utilizes a systems-based, zero-waste approach to international development by transforming food waste and agricultural byproducts into all-natural and organic consumer packaged goods. Agricycle collaborates with majority-women cooperatives, providing them with training and support. By purchasing products created through their technology, Agricycle develops on-trend brands that emphasize storytelling, sustainability, and transparency. Each brand leverages the byproducts of others, fostering local production and maximizing margins through a shared supply chain and similar production processes. Founded in 2019 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Agricycle aims to create sustainable solutions for agricultural communities while addressing food waste.
Pear Commerce
Seed Round in 2021
Pear Commerce, Inc., operating as Pear, is a Minneapolis-based company that offers a retail e-commerce platform designed to connect consumer packaged goods (CPG) advertisements with retailers across the United States. Founded in 2018, Pear facilitates retail marketing by enabling consumers to purchase products or claim offers directly from advertisements. The platform integrates seamlessly into existing CPG digital ads and websites, introducing a call to action that directs consumers to local retailers for transaction fulfillment. Additionally, Pear collects valuable consumer data, providing brands with insights into purchasing behavior, which helps enhance marketing effectiveness and drive sales. By bridging the gap between CPGs and retailers, Pear simplifies the shopping experience and empowers brands to optimize their performance marketing strategies.
Elena Velez
Seed Round in 2021
Elena Velez is an apparel and fashion company founded in 2018 in New York City by designer Elena Velez. The company is recognized for its innovative blend of metalsmith techniques and high fashion, creating unique clothing for women. By emphasizing traditional crafts and artisanal heritage, Elena Velez aims to provide customers with authentic and stylish garments at accessible prices.
Carson Life
Venture Round in 2020
Carson Life, Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of natural health and beauty products, with a focus on the Hispanic market. Founded in 2014 and based in Miami, Florida, the company offers a diverse range of products, including those for weight loss, hair care, skin care, anti-aging, and vitamins. Carson Life has established exclusive endorsement deals with prominent celebrities within the Hispanic community to enhance its brand appeal. Its products are available through more than 7,000 retail locations, including major chains like Walmart, Walgreens, HEB, Target, and CVS, as well as through its online webshop and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. The company emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendliness in its offerings, providing customers with convenient options to subscribe and order products online, contributing to a lifestyle characterized by energy and confidence.
Onepanel
Seed Round in 2020
Onepanel, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing an open and extensible platform for deep learning applications. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Onepanel provides an integrated development environment (IDE) designed for computer vision. This platform includes built-in modules for various tasks such as model building, automated labeling, data processing, model training, hyperparameter tuning, and workflow orchestration. Onepanel's infrastructure is fully managed, distributed, and elastic, allowing users to scale their applications effectively. The platform can be deployed both in public cloud environments and on-premises, and it is built on Kubernetes, enhancing its flexibility and usability for a range of deep learning projects.
Highview
Seed Round in 2019
Highview Solutions specializes in cloud-based electronic data interchange services, focusing on integrating low-volume small business suppliers with larger organizations. The company provides blockchain-backed B2B EDI solutions at no cost, facilitating the automation, integration, and management of essential business data exchanges. Through its offerings, Highview enables companies to streamline and efficiently manage order-to-cash, purchase-to-pay, and fulfillment processes, enhancing the overall effectiveness of their operations and support systems.
B/2BNOW
Seed Round in 2019
B/2BNOW is a strategically focused B2B Cloud Solution which is uniquely positioned to serve SAP’s S/4HANA global customer community. B/2BNOW automates, integrates and manages the exchange of critical business data between S/4HANA systems and external business partners. As the first and only dedicated S/4HANA B2B solution provider in the market, B/2BNOW is recognized by SAP and leading System Integrators as the subject matter exert and recommended choice for customers requiring B2B cloud solutions.
FanBox's mission is "Uplifting Humanity by Enabling Opportunity." By paying users for by doing what they love, FanBox is helping it's users find opportunities to earn that were otherwise unavailable to them. Also, a portion of all earnings is donated to charities. FanBox (www.fanbox.com) is a combination of the best attributes of Facebook, Etsy, eBay, Blogger, PayPal and many others. However, unlike Facebook, you actually earn from your content.
Bright Cellars
Series A in 2019
Bright Cellars Inc. operates an online wine subscription service that personalizes wine selections for its members. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company employs a questionnaire and customer feedback to understand individual tastes and preferences. Using a machine-learning algorithm, Bright Cellars generates tailored wine recommendations that are shipped monthly to subscribers, helping them discover and refine their wine palate. The service also includes options for gifting wine, making it accessible for users to share their experience with friends. Bright Cellars aims to educate and inspire a new generation of wine enthusiasts through a curated and transformative wine experience.
Ease Inc. is a software company that specializes in process and production performance solutions, primarily for manufacturers. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Mission Viejo, California, Ease offers a comprehensive suite of tools including an audit and assessment platform, electronic work instruction tools, and labor standards measurement capabilities. These tools aim to streamline operations by reducing administrative overhead, inspection times, and enhancing productivity. The company's offerings support various industries such as aerospace, automotive, government, and logistics. Additionally, Ease provides deployment, certification, professional services, and training to its clients. Through its innovative mobile platform, Ease simplifies the administration and execution of plant floor audits, significantly lowering labor costs while delivering valuable insights that enhance audit effectiveness and drive business outcomes.
Bright Cellars
Venture Round in 2018
Bright Cellars Inc. operates an online wine subscription service that personalizes wine selections for its members. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company employs a questionnaire and customer feedback to understand individual tastes and preferences. Using a machine-learning algorithm, Bright Cellars generates tailored wine recommendations that are shipped monthly to subscribers, helping them discover and refine their wine palate. The service also includes options for gifting wine, making it accessible for users to share their experience with friends. Bright Cellars aims to educate and inspire a new generation of wine enthusiasts through a curated and transformative wine experience.
YachtLife
Seed Round in 2017
YachtLife is a pioneering mobile application that facilitates the chartering of luxury yachts globally. The platform allows users to easily compare prices and book yachts directly through their iOS or Android devices, streamlining the process without the need for phone calls or negotiations. YachtLife offers a curated fleet of high-quality yachts and experienced crews to ensure an exceptional experience. Users can create a profile to explore the extensive global fleet, specifying desired dates, durations, pickup times, and guest numbers. YachtLife operates in over 25 markets worldwide, with more than 500 yachts available for charter in popular locations such as Miami, the Hamptons, the Bahamas, Mykonos, Italy, and Ibiza. By simplifying the yacht charter process, YachtLife enhances accessibility and affordability for its customers.
PrettyLitter
Seed Round in 2016
PrettyLitter is a developer of an innovative lightweight cat litter that allows cat owners to monitor their pets' health effectively. This litter changes color in response to abnormalities detected in a cat's urine, providing an early warning system for potential health issues. By offering a product that is 80% lighter than traditional cat litter while maintaining a comparable price point, PrettyLitter combines convenience with peace of mind. This unique feature empowers cat owners to take proactive measures to safeguard their pets' health, enhancing the overall wellbeing of their feline companions.
DATTUS, Inc. is a technology company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in providing real-time data access and equipment status monitoring for industrial facilities. The company offers a comprehensive platform that includes sensor technologies for various applications such as temperature, vibration, and pressure, along with a plug-and-play hub that uploads sensor data to a cloud-based database. DATTUS also provides data analytics solutions that transform sensor data into actionable insights, aiding machine owners and operators in enhancing asset utilization and collaborating with service providers and machinery manufacturers. The company serves multiple sectors, including manufacturing, utilities, energy generation, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals, helping clients navigate the complexities of Industry 4.0 and achieve operational efficiency, safety, and cost savings. Founded in 2013 and formerly known as Bearing Analytics, DATTUS aims to contribute to the evolution of smart machines and the industrial internet.
Understory
Series A in 2016
Understory, Inc. is a weather infrastructure and analytics company that specializes in real-time data collection and analysis of weather events, including rain, hail, and wind, directly at the earth's surface. Founded in 2012 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, Understory builds and operates networks of patented RTi weather stations that deliver precise measurements at an unprecedented frequency. These stations provide critical data for insurance companies, property owners, and academic institutions, enabling enhanced property-level analytics and accurate weather risk assessment. The company's offerings include precision reports on hail, wind, and precipitation, as well as weather verification reports detailing various weather conditions. Understory's advanced technology, which features wireless data transmission and cloud-based artificial intelligence, aims to transform the understanding of weather globally, while also providing parametric insurance services to help businesses mitigate financial risks associated with severe weather.
OpenHomes
Seed Round in 2015
OpenHomes Inc. operates a residential real estate platform that facilitates the buying and selling of homes, primarily in Wisconsin. The platform connects qualified buyers and sellers, providing them with secure and immediate access to view properties in person, mimicking the experience of an open house. OpenHomes streamlines the transaction process by allowing users to communicate and negotiate directly, minimizing reliance on agents and reducing transaction costs. Additionally, the platform supports users with essential services related to paperwork, negotiation, and drafting, ensuring a transparent and comfortable experience for both parties involved in the real estate transaction.
Bright Cellars
Seed Round in 2015
Bright Cellars Inc. operates an online wine subscription service that personalizes wine selections for its members. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company employs a questionnaire and customer feedback to understand individual tastes and preferences. Using a machine-learning algorithm, Bright Cellars generates tailored wine recommendations that are shipped monthly to subscribers, helping them discover and refine their wine palate. The service also includes options for gifting wine, making it accessible for users to share their experience with friends. Bright Cellars aims to educate and inspire a new generation of wine enthusiasts through a curated and transformative wine experience.
Carson Life
Seed Round in 2015
Carson Life, Inc. is a manufacturer and supplier of natural health and beauty products, with a focus on the Hispanic market. Founded in 2014 and based in Miami, Florida, the company offers a diverse range of products, including those for weight loss, hair care, skin care, anti-aging, and vitamins. Carson Life has established exclusive endorsement deals with prominent celebrities within the Hispanic community to enhance its brand appeal. Its products are available through more than 7,000 retail locations, including major chains like Walmart, Walgreens, HEB, Target, and CVS, as well as through its online webshop and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. The company emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendliness in its offerings, providing customers with convenient options to subscribe and order products online, contributing to a lifestyle characterized by energy and confidence.
gener8tor
Venture Round in 2014
Gener8tor is a nationally recognized accelerator firm based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, founded in 2012. It invests in high-growth startups across various sectors, including software, IT, e-commerce, and life sciences. Gener8tor runs a 12-week accelerator program three times a year, selecting five startups per cohort to receive $100,000 each, along with a comprehensive mentorship experience. The firm leverages a robust network of mentors, technologists, corporate partners, angel investors, and venture capitalists to foster startup growth. Additionally, Gener8tor manages a venture capital fund that aims to invest in multiple companies, primarily within the software and technology sectors. As a member of the Global Accelerator Network, Gener8tor has achieved GOLD-tier status in the U.S. based on rankings from the Seed Accelerator Rankings Project, underscoring its commitment to supporting entrepreneurial endeavors.
Bright Cellars
Convertible Note in 2014
Bright Cellars Inc. operates an online wine subscription service that personalizes wine selections for its members. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company employs a questionnaire and customer feedback to understand individual tastes and preferences. Using a machine-learning algorithm, Bright Cellars generates tailored wine recommendations that are shipped monthly to subscribers, helping them discover and refine their wine palate. The service also includes options for gifting wine, making it accessible for users to share their experience with friends. Bright Cellars aims to educate and inspire a new generation of wine enthusiasts through a curated and transformative wine experience.
ReviewTrackers
Seed Round in 2014
ReviewTrackers is a customer feedback software company founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The platform is designed to help businesses measure and enhance the customer experience by collecting review data from various sites. It provides tools for generating new reviews, responding to customer feedback, and gaining valuable insights to inform decision-making. Key features include review notifications, a centralized management dashboard, reporting and analytics, and consumer engagement surveys. By enabling enterprises to listen to their customers and understand their needs, ReviewTrackers assists organizations in saving time and resources while focusing on improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Docalytics
Venture Round in 2014
Docalytics Inc. is a cloud-based platform designed to enhance marketing and sales communication for B2B professionals. Established in 2012 and based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Docalytics enables companies to optimize their marketing documents, such as whitepapers and case studies, by providing detailed analytics and tracking tools. This platform allows marketers to gain insights into how their content performs, including which pages attract the most attention and where potential customers lose interest. Additionally, it integrates with existing marketing and sales automation systems, facilitating seamless data flow. For sales teams, Docalytics offers the capability to track email attachments, notifying users when recipients engage with their content. This functionality is accessible directly within the user's Gmail or Outlook inbox, ensuring that marketing teams receive usage reports on the effectiveness of sales collateral. In 2016, Docalytics became a subsidiary of Contently Inc.
EatStreet
Series B in 2014
EatStreet, Inc. is an online and mobile food ordering service that connects customers with local restaurants across the United States. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, the company caters primarily to college students and young professionals, offering a straightforward and affordable way to order delivery and takeout. The platform serves as a centralized hub, providing users with access to a comprehensive listing of partnered restaurants in their area, enabling quick and convenient food ordering. For restaurant owners, EatStreet offers a one-stop solution for online ordering and marketing, helping them attract new customers and increase sales. Through its web, mobile, and social products, EatStreet enhances the dining experience for consumers while supporting local businesses.
OpenHomes
Seed Round in 2013
OpenHomes Inc. operates a residential real estate platform that facilitates the buying and selling of homes, primarily in Wisconsin. The platform connects qualified buyers and sellers, providing them with secure and immediate access to view properties in person, mimicking the experience of an open house. OpenHomes streamlines the transaction process by allowing users to communicate and negotiate directly, minimizing reliance on agents and reducing transaction costs. Additionally, the platform supports users with essential services related to paperwork, negotiation, and drafting, ensuring a transparent and comfortable experience for both parties involved in the real estate transaction.
Docalytics
Seed Round in 2013
Docalytics Inc. is a cloud-based platform designed to enhance marketing and sales communication for B2B professionals. Established in 2012 and based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Docalytics enables companies to optimize their marketing documents, such as whitepapers and case studies, by providing detailed analytics and tracking tools. This platform allows marketers to gain insights into how their content performs, including which pages attract the most attention and where potential customers lose interest. Additionally, it integrates with existing marketing and sales automation systems, facilitating seamless data flow. For sales teams, Docalytics offers the capability to track email attachments, notifying users when recipients engage with their content. This functionality is accessible directly within the user's Gmail or Outlook inbox, ensuring that marketing teams receive usage reports on the effectiveness of sales collateral. In 2016, Docalytics became a subsidiary of Contently Inc.
Music Dealers
Convertible Note in 2013
Music Dealers, LLC operates a music licensing platform that facilitates pre-cleared music access, custom song creation, and rights clearance services for content creators globally. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Las Vegas, with additional offices in major cities such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and London, the company serves various industries, including advertising, television, film, and gaming. Music Dealers provides a range of services, including sync licensing, rights clearance, and music campaign strategy, enabling clients to navigate the complexities of working with independent music. The platform connects music creators with buyers, allowing independent artists and producers to manage their music and access licensing opportunities. In 2016, Music Dealers became a subsidiary of BrandSpins, LLC, further expanding its capabilities in the music licensing domain.
Scanalytics
Funding Round in 2013
Scanalytics Inc., founded in 2012 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, specializes in software solutions that analyze customer behavior in physical locations such as retail stores, tradeshows, and medical facilities. The company employs proprietary smart floor sensors that passively gather data on individual movements, including walking patterns, stopping points, and duration of stay, without the use of cameras or RFID technology. This data is then processed to provide actionable insights, allowing businesses to enhance customer engagement, predict behavior patterns, and improve in-store conversion rates. Scanalytics also offers tools like Analysis Lab, which helps users refine their operations for increased profitability. By transforming physical spaces into intelligent environments, Scanalytics enables clients to optimize various aspects of their operations, including workforce scheduling and marketing strategies.
Scanalytics
Seed Round in 2013
Scanalytics Inc., founded in 2012 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, specializes in software solutions that analyze customer behavior in physical locations such as retail stores, tradeshows, and medical facilities. The company employs proprietary smart floor sensors that passively gather data on individual movements, including walking patterns, stopping points, and duration of stay, without the use of cameras or RFID technology. This data is then processed to provide actionable insights, allowing businesses to enhance customer engagement, predict behavior patterns, and improve in-store conversion rates. Scanalytics also offers tools like Analysis Lab, which helps users refine their operations for increased profitability. By transforming physical spaces into intelligent environments, Scanalytics enables clients to optimize various aspects of their operations, including workforce scheduling and marketing strategies.