MassChallenge

MassChallenge is a non-equity startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK. Founded in 2009, it focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting high-potential startups across various industries globally. MassChallenge provides expert mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and access to corporate partners without taking any equity from the startups. Its programs, including specialized initiatives like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, aim to facilitate partnerships between startups and established companies to drive innovation and growth. To date, MassChallenge has helped over 1,200 alumni raise more than $2 billion in funding and create over 65,000 jobs, demonstrating its significant impact on the global innovation ecosystem.

Cait Brumme

Acting CEO

Cait Brumme

Managing Partner

Siobhan Dullea

CEO

Matt Lashmar

Managing Director

Camila Lecaros

Managing Director

Yonit Serkin

Managing Director

Devon Sherman

Founding Director, Head of MassChallenge FinTech

Michelle Williams

Vice President and Head of Texas Strategy

Past deals in District of Columbia

Canopie

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Canopie is a digital platform focused on addressing maternal depression and anxiety through customized, audio-based programs and automated coaching. By utilizing clinically validated therapeutic techniques, including adaptations of cognitive behavioral therapy and compassion-focused treatment, Canopie aims to prevent and manage maternal mental health disorders effectively. The platform collaborates with cities, payers, health systems, and healthcare providers to deliver accessible and affordable care for mothers, addressing significant barriers such as cost, scheduling, time constraints, and stigma associated with seeking help. Through its innovative approach, Canopie is dedicated to supporting pregnant women and new mothers in overcoming common mental health challenges.

Pal

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Pal develops innovative solutions for the ASD community. It is to help families find the pal to empower their buds and neurodiverse children.

Mully Lingua

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Mully Lingua is the first language and cultural platform for parents to access activities and resources for kids, ages 1-17. We make it easy for parents to raise globally aware kids. Through our one-of-a-kind technology platform, we eliminate the barriers families face by offering a curated selection of online and in person experiences, local activities, personalized learning plans, tracking and monitoring, resources, and flexible payment options. Parents get step-by-step guidance while kids learn through immersion, play and life.

Femly

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Femly LLC is a manufacturer and distributor of feminine hygiene care products, specializing in organic and environmentally friendly options. Founded in 2016 and based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the company offers a range of products including organic cotton tampons, day and night pads, and menstrual cups. Femly emphasizes the use of certified organic cotton, free from pesticides, to enhance women's health and comfort. In addition to its product line, Femly provides monthly subscription services, online ordering, and home delivery, ensuring convenience for its customers. The company also supplies feminine care products to restrooms in various organizations such as hotels, co-working spaces, and colleges, making its products widely accessible.

centeye

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Centeye is a leading developer of extremely compact vision systems for robotics and embedded platforms

Loop Closing

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Loop Closing offers a comprehensive food waste solution by replacing dumpsters and trash cans with an on-site composting system and returning the finished compost to the soil, closing the ecological loop and solving waste problems. It helps organizations regenerate soils, the environment, and communities by composting their food waste on-site. It operates in dense urban environments reducing existing pest and smell pressures from current food waste practices for around the same cost.

Wolomi

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Operator of a digital community and resources platform designed to support and empower women of color throughout their pregnancy journey. The company's platform features community forums, expert consultations, and culturally relevant health information, enabling expecting mothers to connect, make informed decisions, and navigate the healthcare system for better outcomes.

Scout

Pre Seed Round in 2020
SCOUT was founded in 2019 following the loss of one of our own satellites to unknown causes. Our mission is to give spacecraft the ability to see and avoid potential threats. SCOUT's passive sensor hardware and control software enhances resolution of space objects by up to 1000 times, enabling on-board vision, detection, and avoidance. The company is a Techstars and venture-backed startup, and a 2020 MassChallenge Gold Winner. For more information, visit www.scout.space.

Scout

Grant in 2020
SCOUT was founded in 2019 following the loss of one of our own satellites to unknown causes. Our mission is to give spacecraft the ability to see and avoid potential threats. SCOUT's passive sensor hardware and control software enhances resolution of space objects by up to 1000 times, enabling on-board vision, detection, and avoidance. The company is a Techstars and venture-backed startup, and a 2020 MassChallenge Gold Winner. For more information, visit www.scout.space.

Bon AppéSweet

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Bon AppéSweet, founded in 2019 and based in Arlington, Virginia, specializes in creating all-natural, plant-based desserts. The company produces oat milk gelato sweetened exclusively with fruit-based sweeteners, containing no cane sugar. In addition to gelato, Bon AppéSweet offers a range of organic chocolates that are sugar-free, vegan, and non-alcoholic. These chocolates utilize ingredients such as organic cocoa and dates, catering to consumers seeking healthier, dairy-free dessert options. Through its innovative product offerings, Bon AppéSweet aims to provide delicious alternatives for health-conscious individuals.

Collective Liberty

Grant in 2020
Collective Liberty is an advocacy group dedicated to combating human trafficking across the diverse spectrum of over 25 identified trafficking types in the United States. Recognizing the interconnected nature of trafficking networks, the organization emphasizes collaboration among various stakeholders, including law enforcement, social service agencies, and legislators. By leveraging data analysis, Collective Liberty aims to enhance both the prevention and prosecution of human trafficking cases. Central to its mission is the identification and elevation of local solutions and heroes, fostering a nationwide network that facilitates shared learning and cooperative efforts. The organization focuses on disrupting traffickers' operations while simultaneously providing support to survivors.

MemoryWell

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
MemoryWell LLC operates a digital platform designed to help individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia share their life stories. By replacing traditional intake questionnaires with personal narratives, MemoryWell facilitates a more empathetic understanding among families, senior living communities, and home-based providers. The platform allows for the creation of collaborative timelines that incorporate photos, videos, letters, and other documents, enriching the storytelling experience. Founded in 2016 and based in Washington, D.C., MemoryWell partners with retirement homes to document the stories of their residents, providing meaningful keepsakes for families and enhancing the overall care experience.

Sorcero

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Sorcero, Inc. develops and offers office suite software. The company's no code platform enables deploying of AI (artificial intelligence) powered decision support and knowledge management applications. Sorcero, Inc. was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Washington, District Of Columbia.

TRAXyL

Grant in 2019
TRAXyL, Inc. specializes in the installation of optical fiber through its innovative product, FiberTRAX, which allows municipalities and internet service providers to distribute optical fiber directly on road surfaces without the need for traditional trenching. Founded in 2014 and based in Warrenton, Virginia, the company addresses the last mile connectivity challenge by providing a patented method that enhances the deployment of fiber optics. This approach not only accelerates the rollout of high-speed internet, particularly in underserved areas, but also facilitates improved connectivity for essential locations such as campuses, hospitals, and military bases, thereby contributing to efforts to close the digital divide and support the expansion of 5G networks.

Valor Diagnostics

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Developer of a diagnostic platform intended to detect cancer at an early stage. The company's platform employs high-sensitivity technologies to detect subtle molecular changes and biomarkers associated with cancer cells, enabling clinicians and healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding patient care, including personalized treatment plans and monitoring strategies.

Celise Bioproducts

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Manufacturer of plant-based bio-products intended to replace single-use plastics with renewable alternatives. The company provides plant-based disposable, products made from bioplastic with inputs of solely plant starch and water, making them compostable or biodegradable on their own, enabling society to get a clean environment and get rid of plastic materials.

Uplift

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Uplift is a B2B platform to help companies advance working moms through data, coaching and an app with bite-sized activities.

Sukhi

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Developer of an online culturally relevant wellness community designed to promote corporate wellness. The company's products foster community in modern workplaces that are increasingly remote and diverse utilizing a calculated hybrid live digital workshops, analytics on employee engagement, tailored on-demand courses community and includes a digital platform to host moderated peer groups as well as culturally sensitive provider matching and virtual guided meditations, enabling clients to navigate the complexities of being human while improving employee satisfaction.

Lighter

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Lighter Culture, LLC, based in Somerville, Massachusetts, specializes in a market network platform that focuses on personalized meal preparation and grocery delivery services. Founded in 2014, the company utilizes software to understand individual food preferences, allowing it to create tailored meal plans for households based on their specific goals, tastes, cooking abilities, and schedules. Lighter offers curated grocery delivery in multiple cities, including Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Boulder, Chicago, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. The platform also includes a searchable recipe database designed for various users, such as athletes, health enthusiasts, and busy professionals. Additionally, Lighter collaborates with healthcare providers to promote nutritional advice and facilitate dietary changes for patients through its meal planning technology. This holistic approach aims to bridge the gap between dietary recommendations and actionable meal preparation.

The Mentor Method

Grant in 2018
The Mentor Method is a social enterprise that provides curated mentor matches, connecting the next generation of tech leaders with change-making mentors at the top of their game. ​ Their process focuses on people and value-fit first, to foster authentic, lasting connections. The result is stronger teams and inclusive workplace cultures. ​ They started The Mentor Method because they wanted to create a world where minorities and women in tech are viewed as assets, not a way to check a box.

PYT Funds, Inc.

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
PYT Funds, Inc., a financial services company, provides an online platform to connect families with banks to provide loans for students. Its platform allows students to combine crowdfunding and student loans to pay for college. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Washington, District of Columbia with additional offices in Wilmington, Delaware; Rockville, Maryland; and Richmond, Virginia.

MEANS

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Developer of a food rescue platform intended to supply edibles to the needy. The company's platform connects those with excess food, like grocery stores, co-ops, and restaurants, with nearby emergency food providers who serve those in need, enabling volunteers, nonprofit organizations and supporters to streamline the process of getting surplus food to those who need it most.

Pilleve

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Pilleve is focused on addressing the critical issue of opioid addiction, which has significantly impacted public health in the United States. By developing an integrated pill bottle and a smartphone application, Pilleve enables real-time monitoring of prescription opioid intake. This system requires patients to input passwords or use biometric scanners for pill dispensing and prompts them to report their pain levels and mood before taking medication. This approach allows for early detection of potential misuse and enables timely intervention by healthcare providers. Physicians receive alerts if patients exceed recommended dosages, allowing them to adjust prescriptions or implement strategies to help patients reduce their reliance on opioids. By facilitating behavioral analysis and providing access to a support network, Pilleve aims to reduce the social and financial burdens associated with opioid misuse, benefiting patients, healthcare providers, and insurance companies alike.

NerveSolutions

Grant in 2017
NerveSolutions is a biomedical technology company focused on developing innovative implantable nerve interface devices. The company has created a surgical device aimed at preventing the formation of neuromas, which can occur after amputation or nerve injury. By utilizing a bioengineered design, the device can be placed at the ends of nerves that have been severed, effectively reducing the risk of painful neuroma development. This technology enables surgeons to deliver optimal treatment for patients suffering from peripheral nerve injuries, ultimately aiding in the restoration of function and improving patient outcomes.

BeautyLynk

Grant in 2016
BeautyLynk, Inc. provides an on-location and web-based beauty booking platform that delivers hair and makeup services at homes, offices, hotels, and other areas. It enables users to book in-home and on-site appointments with professional hair stylists and makeup artists. The company offers services primarily for women, as well as for men, and children of 17 years of age and up. BeautyLynk, Inc. was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. It has operations in Atlanta, Boston, and Washington, D.C.

Mark Labs

Grant in 2016
Mark Labs Inc. is a data analytics software company that specializes in providing a platform for nonprofits and their donors to understand and communicate social impact data. Founded in December 2015 and based in Washington, D.C., with an additional location in London, the company enables donors to track, analyze, and report the impact of their grant-making and sustainability initiatives. Nonprofits benefit from the platform by tracking their activities and reporting outcomes to funders. Mark Labs employs artificial intelligence and innovative methodologies to assess the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance of investments. By offering actionable insights into ESG risks and opportunities, the company empowers clients to make informed investment decisions and effectively communicate the impact of their portfolios to stakeholders.

Empowerment Solar

Grant in 2016
Empowerment Solar fosters energy independence and economic prosperity across the Middle East by supplying affordable and easy access to reliable and clean solar electricity. They design and install distributed solar electricity systems for Palestinian businesses in the West Bank, eventually expanding across the region. They save Palestinian firms (who pay 70% more than Americans for electricity) 1,000s of dollars annually and eliminate electricity-shortage constraints plaguing West Bank companies.

Force SV

Grant in 2016
Force SV is develops safe, effective, and environmental methods to further advance the fire protection industry. Primarily by the use of sound as an alternative to foam and chemical fire extinguishers. Traditional Fire Extinguishers have been the standard in extinguishing small fires for decades now, however, they not only leave a mess but are also linked to health problems. This technology causes less damage to equipment, has no expiration date, and requires no refilling equipment.

Describli

Grant in 2016
Describli is an online platform designed to support independent authors in managing their writing and marketing efforts. By leveraging data and analytics, it offers authors insights into their readership and sales trends, enabling them to refine their marketing strategies and connect with potential readers more effectively. The platform also fosters a writing community, allowing authors and readers to engage through writing prompts and interactive games, enhancing the overall experience of both creating and consuming literature. Through these features, Describli empowers self-publishing authors to take control of their work and achieve greater success in the competitive publishing landscape.

Mark Labs

Non Equity Assistance in 2016
Mark Labs Inc. is a data analytics software company that specializes in providing a platform for nonprofits and their donors to understand and communicate social impact data. Founded in December 2015 and based in Washington, D.C., with an additional location in London, the company enables donors to track, analyze, and report the impact of their grant-making and sustainability initiatives. Nonprofits benefit from the platform by tracking their activities and reporting outcomes to funders. Mark Labs employs artificial intelligence and innovative methodologies to assess the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance of investments. By offering actionable insights into ESG risks and opportunities, the company empowers clients to make informed investment decisions and effectively communicate the impact of their portfolios to stakeholders.

Iron Goat

Grant in 2015
Iron Goat, based in Fairfax, Virginia, specializes in the automated production of pelleted and cubed products derived from hay and other grassy crops. The company employs mobile robots that operate without fuel to facilitate the manufacturing process, resulting in reduced costs for livestock feed and grass pellet fuel compared to traditional haying methods. By utilizing innovative in-field techniques, Iron Goat aims to provide farmers with more affordable and efficient feed solutions.

Encore Alert

Seed Round in 2015
Encore Alert is a social media analytics platform designed to assist marketers by providing timely alerts and actionable recommendations based on social data opportunities. The tool enables digital marketers to respond effectively to relevant social media activities, enhancing their engagement strategies. It is utilized daily by mid-market brands, including NASA, WeddingWire, Georgetown University, and the Consumer Electronics Association. Encore Alert focuses on helping enterprise brands and advertisers collect, curate, and amplify customer-generated marketing content. The company is currently in the process of raising a seed round of funding from notable investors in the tech and marketing sectors.

Encore Alert

Non Equity Assistance in 2015
Encore Alert is a social media analytics platform designed to assist marketers by providing timely alerts and actionable recommendations based on social data opportunities. The tool enables digital marketers to respond effectively to relevant social media activities, enhancing their engagement strategies. It is utilized daily by mid-market brands, including NASA, WeddingWire, Georgetown University, and the Consumer Electronics Association. Encore Alert focuses on helping enterprise brands and advertisers collect, curate, and amplify customer-generated marketing content. The company is currently in the process of raising a seed round of funding from notable investors in the tech and marketing sectors.

SixPlus

Non Equity Assistance in 2015
SixPlus is an online platform that simplifies the process of finding and booking private and semi-private venues for group events, catering to corporate event planners and individuals. The service allows users to browse a selection of venues, manage bookings, contracts, and communication in one convenient location. Clients can utilize SixPlus for a variety of gatherings, including board dinners, team lunches, and holiday parties, across major cities such as New York, Washington DC, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. By facilitating reservations for groups of six or more, SixPlus streamlines the event planning process, making it easier for users to build proposals and secure the ideal venue for their needs.

D-Orbit

Grant in 2014
D-Orbit S.r.l. is an Italian company that specializes in satellite solutions, focusing on the design, development, launch, commissioning, and decommissioning of satellites. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Sesto Fiorentino, Italy, D-Orbit aims to provide innovative technologies for the safe disposal of artificial satellites at the end of their operational life, thereby reducing space debris. The company serves satellite owners and operators, offering products and services that enhance the efficiency and reliability of satellite missions while minimizing costs. D-Orbit also emphasizes the social and environmental benefits of its solutions, striving to streamline all phases of satellite operations. With approximately 35 employees, D-Orbit has expanded its reach with subsidiaries in Washington, DC, and Lisbon, Portugal.

Tauros Engineering

Grant in 2013
Tauros Engineering was formed in 2013 to commercialize a revolutionary technology for the detection of bridge scour. Bridge scour is the erosion of earth around the foundation of a bridge and is the leading cause of bridge failure. Scour endangers public safety and can result in significant repair costs. Monitoring is required but current solutions do not provide accurate real-time detection. Their patent pending solution provides bridge owners with robust, accurate, 24/7 monitoring of scour.

Eone Timepieces

Grant in 2012
Eone Timepieces, Inc. designs and manufactures innovative watches that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. Founded in 2011 and based in Washington, D.C., the company offers products that can be used by individuals of all ages, genders, and abilities. Its flagship product, The Bradley, is a unique timepiece designed for those who may have difficulty using their sight, such as during meetings or in dark environments. Instead of conventional watch hands, The Bradley features two ball bearings to indicate time—one for minutes and one for hours—allowing users to tell time by touch. Named after ex-Navy Lieutenant Bradley Snyder, who lost his sight while serving in Afghanistan, The Bradley reflects the brand's commitment to inclusive design. The watch has received several accolades, including a nomination for the Design Museum's Designs of the Year 2014 Award and the da Vinci Award in 2014. Eone Timepieces sells its products online, reinforcing its mission to create accessible and stylish timekeeping solutions.
ELF empowers underprivileged students in Sri Lanka to achieve greater access to education. As its main approach, ELF has developed a unique peer-to-peer Micro-Scholarship Model that connects sponsors from around the world with students, creating a sustainable funding source for the students' education. In addition, ELF focuses on other complementary models to provide a more holistic solution to the problem. ELF is also focused on replicating its scholarship model in other developing countries.

Enertaq

Grant in 2010
Enertaq provides a software service that integrates with existing Building Management Systems. They make slight adjustments in the timing of power consumption in buildings to promote electricity grid reliability, reduce carbon emissions and earn new revenue for building owners.
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