Sparkland Capital

Sparkland Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Jose, California, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on investing in frontier technologies, specifically targeting sectors such as cybersecurity, virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, robotics, and enterprise software. By leveraging its deep networks and resources in both Silicon Valley and Asia, Sparkland Capital aims to support innovative entrepreneurs who are committed to disrupting existing industries and redefining markets. The team consists of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and early employees from leading technology companies, providing valuable market intelligence, strategic advice, and local relationships to help founders expand their businesses. Since its inception, Sparkland Capital has invested in over 30 startups, reflecting its dedication to fostering entrepreneurial growth and innovation.

Sichao Chen

Founding Partner and Managing Partner

Jing Sun

Managing Partner

Yun Wu

Managing Partner

29 past transactions

Alongside

Venture Round in 2022
Alongside Inc. is a Canadian company that offers a web-based software platform designed to streamline the hiring process for employers. Founded in 2012 and based in Moncton, the platform allows employers to create job advertisements, distribute them across multiple job boards with a single click, and manage their hiring pipeline efficiently. It facilitates communication with candidates through bulk messaging templates and provides tools for team collaboration in reviewing applicants. In addition to its core offerings, Alongside develops custom solutions tailored to the specific hiring needs of companies. The organization, previously known as Qimple Inc., rebranded in September 2016.

Everykey

Venture Round in 2019
Everykey, Inc. is a technology company based in Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 2015. The company specializes in a Bluetooth device that replaces traditional keys and passwords. This device not only stores and generates secure passwords for various online accounts but also facilitates automatic logins when users visit websites. By streamlining access to both physical and digital spaces, Everykey aims to enhance security and convenience for its users.

Zeguro

Seed Round in 2018
Zeguro Inc. develops a cyber security and cyber insurance platform. The platform enables small businesses identify their risk and then purchase corresponding insurance. The company was incorporated in 2016 and is based in San Francisco, California.

8th Wall

Series A in 2018
8th Wall Inc. is a developer of an augmented reality (AR) platform that facilitates the creation and deployment of interactive AR content on the mobile web. Founded in 2016 and based in Palo Alto, California, the company offers a range of solutions including 8th Wall XR, a developer platform for building mobile AR applications that can be accessed via any existing website or deployed as native apps on iOS and Android devices. 8th Wall's technology utilizes a proprietary Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) engine to deliver markerless AR experiences, featuring advanced capabilities such as 6DoF positional tracking and surface detection. Additionally, the platform includes tools like XR Remote for testing applications and Cloud Editor for collaborative project development. 8th Wall serves various industries, including retail, travel, and entertainment, enabling developers to create AR-enriched applications quickly and effectively for a wide array of mobile devices.

RADAR

Seed Round in 2017
RADAR, established in 2017 and located in Fort Collins, Colorado, specializes in developing advanced analysis software and next-generation cryptocurrency exchange technology. The company utilizes blockchain and the 0x protocol to facilitate the trading of Ethereum-based tokens directly from Web3 or hardware wallets. This innovative approach enhances trading efficiency and security for users in the cryptocurrency market.

Zeguro

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Zeguro Inc. develops a cyber security and cyber insurance platform. The platform enables small businesses identify their risk and then purchase corresponding insurance. The company was incorporated in 2016 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Theta Labs

Venture Round in 2017
Theta Labs, Inc., founded in 2017 and based in Cupertino, California, is the developer of the Theta Network, a decentralized blockchain-powered video streaming platform. The network enables users to share their bandwidth in a peer-to-peer manner, facilitating efficient video delivery while rewarding them with cryptocurrency. By leveraging existing streaming applications, Theta Network allows users to stream live content from popular platforms with reduced latency, thereby lowering content delivery costs for video providers. The company has attracted strategic investments from notable corporate entities, including Samsung NEXT and Sony Innovation Fund, as well as various media and venture capital firms. Theta Labs operates as a subsidiary of Sliver VR Technologies, Inc.

Playment

Seed Round in 2017
Playment is a fully managed data labeling platform generating training data for computer vision models at scale. They empower companies in the Autonomous Vehicle, Drones, Mapping, and similar spaces with high precision annotation services - No matter how complex. They are helping companies and research institutions like Drive AI, Starsky Robotics, CYNGN, and UIUC focus on their core areas of development. Their platform is powered by a trained workforce of 300,000+ users and managed by their human intelligence experts who build your tasks and deliver results with assured quality.

UploadVR

Series A in 2017
UploadVR Inc. is a company that provides a comprehensive platform for information related to virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) topics. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, with an additional office in Los Angeles, UploadVR offers a range of content including news, articles, events, reviews, and interviews covering aspects such as hardware, entertainment, gaming, and industry developments. The company is committed to supporting the growth of the VR and AR sectors by creating inspiring educational experiences that facilitate understanding and engagement within the industry.

THETA.tv

Series A in 2017
THETA.tv is a decentralized live streaming platform that leverages blockchain technology to enhance video delivery and monetization. Founded in 2015 and based in Cupertino, California, the platform allows users to stream and view content on various devices, including PCs, mobile phones, Smart TVs, and IoT devices. By utilizing a peer-to-peer network, THETA.tv incentivizes users to share their bandwidth, thereby reducing content delivery costs and creating additional revenue streams for existing video platforms. The company has attracted notable investments from strategic corporate partners such as Samsung NEXT and the Sony Innovation Fund, as well as media investors like Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments and Creative Artists Agency, alongside established Silicon Valley venture capital firms.

Rippling

Seed Round in 2017
Rippling is a human resource management company that streamlines various employee-related processes, including payroll, benefits, device management, and application access. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, Rippling offers a platform that automates manual tasks, such as the onboarding of new hires. In a matter of 90 seconds, businesses can set up or disable employee payroll, health insurance, and access to essential third-party applications like Gmail, Microsoft Office, and Slack. By unifying all employee systems, Rippling effectively reduces administrative burdens, allowing organizations to focus on their core activities.

Nanome

Seed Round in 2017
Nanome Inc., founded in 2015 and based in North Hollywood, California, develops software that enhances scientific research through virtual reality and blockchain technologies. The company focuses on creating an open-source platform that enables scientists to explore molecular structures more effectively. By processing complex molecular data with immersive and collaborative applications, Nanome aids in pattern recognition, molecular visualization, and drug design and discovery. This approach allows medicinal chemists and structural biologists to better understand intricate molecular data and collaborate while protecting their intellectual property through blockchain. By accelerating computational workflows at the molecular scale, Nanome seeks to reduce wasted resources in scientific testing and empower more researchers to utilize advanced molecular computations and artificial intelligence.

Visbit

Seed Round in 2016
Visbit Inc., based in Sunnyvale, California, is a visual technology company that specializes in cloud streaming services for virtual reality (VR) content creators and publishers. Founded in 2015, Visbit offers a platform that includes the Visbit Portal for managing and publishing 360-degree videos, the Visbit Cloud for transcoding and delivering videos via content distribution networks, and the Visbit Player, a software development kit for video playback. Utilizing its patented View-Optimized Streaming technology, Visbit enables the delivery of high-resolution 360-degree VR videos without noticeable latency, even over standard Wi-Fi and LTE networks. This innovation enhances the viewing experience by minimizing data usage and avoiding heavy compression, thereby bridging the gap between the demands of VR content and typical network capabilities.

Pie

Seed Round in 2016
Pie develops a 360 video app for iPhone. Its app enables users to make and share 360 and other touchable videos on their phone. The company is based in San Francisco, California.

Virgil Security

Series A in 2016
Virgil Security, Inc. specializes in developing and marketing cryptographic software and services tailored for developers and end-users. Based in Manassas, Virginia, the company provides encryption libraries and a public key management infrastructure designed to simplify the implementation of strong cryptography. Its offerings facilitate password-free authentication, encryption, and the creation of distributed immutable data storage through blockchain technology. By enabling easy integration of these security features into various applications, cloud services, and Internet of Things devices, Virgil Security aims to enhance privacy and security for users in a straightforward manner.

THETA.tv

Seed Round in 2016
THETA.tv is a decentralized live streaming platform that leverages blockchain technology to enhance video delivery and monetization. Founded in 2015 and based in Cupertino, California, the platform allows users to stream and view content on various devices, including PCs, mobile phones, Smart TVs, and IoT devices. By utilizing a peer-to-peer network, THETA.tv incentivizes users to share their bandwidth, thereby reducing content delivery costs and creating additional revenue streams for existing video platforms. The company has attracted notable investments from strategic corporate partners such as Samsung NEXT and the Sony Innovation Fund, as well as media investors like Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments and Creative Artists Agency, alongside established Silicon Valley venture capital firms.

Cobalt

Seed Round in 2016
Cobalt Labs, Inc. specializes in bitcoin application security solutions and has evolved to offer a modernized platform for penetration testing services. Originally known as CrowdCurity, the company rebranded in 2016 and has since developed a crowdsourced software-as-a-service platform that connects businesses with certified security researchers. Cobalt Central serves as a secure inbox for managing security programs, facilitating bug reports, and enabling interaction with researchers. Additionally, the company provides CrowdCurity, which focuses on bug bounty programs to enhance collaboration between organizations and security experts. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, Cobalt Labs also maintains offices in Berlin and Boston, delivering actionable insights that help organizations identify and remediate software vulnerabilities efficiently.

Alongside

Seed Round in 2016
Alongside Inc. is a Canadian company that offers a web-based software platform designed to streamline the hiring process for employers. Founded in 2012 and based in Moncton, the platform allows employers to create job advertisements, distribute them across multiple job boards with a single click, and manage their hiring pipeline efficiently. It facilitates communication with candidates through bulk messaging templates and provides tools for team collaboration in reviewing applicants. In addition to its core offerings, Alongside develops custom solutions tailored to the specific hiring needs of companies. The organization, previously known as Qimple Inc., rebranded in September 2016.

Limitless

Seed Round in 2016
Limitless Ltd. is a technology company specializing in the development of a cloud-based application and platform designed for creating virtual reality content. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company offers a patent-pending platform that allows users to easily create, prototype, and animate interactive characters for applications in video games, films, and other interactive media. The platform features two types of characters: standard and premium, with the latter offering enhanced capabilities. Limitless aims to streamline the animation process for both newcomers and seasoned professionals by utilizing advanced VR technologies that enable direct character animation through motion controls. The firm operates as a subsidiary of Lytro, Inc. since early 2018.

THETA.tv

Seed Round in 2016
THETA.tv is a decentralized live streaming platform that leverages blockchain technology to enhance video delivery and monetization. Founded in 2015 and based in Cupertino, California, the platform allows users to stream and view content on various devices, including PCs, mobile phones, Smart TVs, and IoT devices. By utilizing a peer-to-peer network, THETA.tv incentivizes users to share their bandwidth, thereby reducing content delivery costs and creating additional revenue streams for existing video platforms. The company has attracted notable investments from strategic corporate partners such as Samsung NEXT and the Sony Innovation Fund, as well as media investors like Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments and Creative Artists Agency, alongside established Silicon Valley venture capital firms.

UpLabs

Seed Round in 2016
UpLabs Inc. operates a website that serves as a resource hub for designers and developers seeking inspiration and tools to create applications and websites. Established in 2015 and based in Mountain View, California, the platform allows users to browse daily showcases featuring material design for Android, iOS, and OS X, as well as various web resources. It provides a space for designers and developers to search for specific user interface elements, share their own work—such as designs, libraries, and code snippets—as inspiration or freebies, and sell products like themes, templates, and icons. Through its curated content, UpLabs aims to foster collaboration and creativity within the design and development community.

Trustlook

Series A in 2015
Trustlook Inc. is a cybersecurity company founded in 2013 and headquartered in San Jose, California. It specializes in advanced mobile device security solutions aimed at detecting and addressing zero-day vulnerabilities and advanced malware. Trustlook offers a range of services, including a Mobile Security-as-a-Service cloud that inspects applications during download and installation, a real-time antivirus and malware engine known as Deep Scan, and a data backup service for critical information. Additionally, it provides ID Check to identify data breaches and Payment Security, which alerts users to risky payment applications and recommends safer alternatives. Leveraging artificial intelligence through its SECUREai engine, Trustlook analyzes millions of code-level and behavioral patterns to effectively protect users from both known and emerging threats. The company is led by experts with backgrounds in prominent cybersecurity firms.

Mosaix

Angel Round in 2015
Mosaix develops a branded voice assistant for the localized services, languages, and needs of global footprint. Mosaix's dynamic language AI platform enables enterprise customers to create intelligent voice assistants for quick and accurate answers to queries from a plethora of languages. The company is replacing cumbersome text-based search with quality voice search interface.

Zeplin

Seed Round in 2015
Zeplin is the ultimate collaboration tool between designers and developers. Zeplin is a connected space where product teams can share designs, generate specs, assets, and code snippets. The company has reached many users from the product teams like Slack, Pinterest, Mailchimp, Microsoft, and many more. It is also backed by amazing investors like Elad Gil, Mike Maples, Kevin Hale. The company is a small, distributed crew with offices in San Francisco, London, and Istanbul. Zeplin was founded in 2014.

Vreal

Seed Round in 2015
Vreal Inc. is a Seattle-based company that develops a platform enabling game developers, streamers, and players to stream virtual reality gaming experiences seamlessly across various devices, including desktops, mobile VR, traditional 2D screens, and VR headsets. Founded in 2015, Vreal aims to enhance gaming content by fostering a social experience where fans can engage with their favorite creators in immersive environments. The platform allows game streamers to share the complete 3D surroundings of the virtual reality worlds they explore, facilitating interactive gameplay and enabling enthusiasts to enjoy games together.

Vango

Seed Round in 2015
Their story started with a group of young professionals who struggled with how hard it was to find art for their home. They were tired of the generic, cookie-cutter posters, and desired something more meaningful. But, they didn’t know how where to start - galleries were intimidating, online sites overwhelming, and the pricing of it all was a confusing black box. Why did it have to be so hard to Be Original? At the same time, they thought of their friends and family who were artists - making beautiful art, but they had to abandon their creative talents so they could pay the bills. Something just didn’t make sense. After continuing to ask questions, they realized they were not alone, so they started to build, test, and tinker until…they launched ARTtwo50 in July 2013. Nine months later, May 1, 2014, ARTtwo50 was reborn as Vango along with the launch of a smaller version of their iPad app on the iPhone. The reason they changed from 'ARTtwo50' was that they wanted a name that was catchy and did not box us in on price. Given that they are a marketplace, they mashed up things that take two people (Tango) and key components of their app (Visualization). ‘Vango’ just came out and they loved the sound and energy.

Haystack News

Seed Round in 2015
Haystack News operates a personal headline news channel that allows users to access video news content on mobile devices, tablets, and televisions. Founded in 2013 and based in Redwood City, California, Haystack News partners with over 150 content providers, including major news organizations like Bloomberg, AP, and CBS, to deliver a diverse range of current events coverage. The service leverages artificial intelligence and big data technology to curate personalized news experiences, distinguishing itself from traditional local and cable news. Haystack News has gained recognition as a leading over-the-top (OTT) news service, consistently ranking among the top news applications on connected TV platforms such as Apple TV, Roku, and Android TV. In 2017, it was awarded "Best TV Experience" at the Google Play Awards.

SourceDNA

Seed Round in 2011
SourceDNA, Inc. is a technology company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2011. It specializes in application store intelligence, providing tools that automatically scan iOS and Android applications to identify code usage and track the market share of software development kits (SDKs). The company offers a platform called Searchlight, which allows users to analyze and monitor applications for security vulnerabilities and quality issues. SourceDNA's services enable developers and service providers to understand who is utilizing their code by continuously scanning app stores and binaries for matches. The analytics software developed by SourceDNA acts as a code watchdog, assessing the security of various platforms, including mobile devices, game consoles, and micro-controller firmware, thereby assisting users in making informed decisions about their software development and security practices.
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