Cowles Company

Cowles Company is a fourth generation family-owned enterprise that operates a portfolio of legacy companies and seeks to invest in high potential growth businesses for the long-term benefit of shareholders, customers, employees and the communities in which it operates.

Steve Rector

CFO

11 past transactions

Quintar

Seed Round in 2021
Developer of an augmented reality technology platform intended to amplify the live game fan experience. The company's platform uses a combination of long-range registration, dynamic augmented reality content, and live stereoscopic streaming and helps content creators to deliver personalized, social and gamification experiences, enabling fans to watch live game experiences on mobile phones, and TVs and augmented reality wearables.

Gestalt Diagnostics

Seed Round in 2021
Gestalt Diagnostics, LLC provides PACS hosting and healthcare technology services to physicians, hospitals, clinics, and laboratories in the United States. It offers PathFlow, a software platform to provide digital workflow for pathologists and pathology laboratories. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Spokane, Washington.

Spiceology

Series A in 2020
Spiceology, also known as Spiceologist, Inc., is a Spokane, Washington-based company that specializes in producing and selling a diverse range of spices, herbs, blends, and specialty ingredients. Its product offerings include items such as celery, pepper flakes, anise, annatto, dill, coriander seed, cream of tartar, mustard, and sumac powder. The company caters to various markets by providing custom blending, private label options, and ingredients for food service and industrial applications. Established in 2011, Spiceology has built a strong online presence to reach customers directly.

APANA

Series B in 2019
APANA Inc. specializes in water management through its cloud-based analytics platform designed to address water waste in commercial and industrial sectors. The company offers various solutions, including APANA CLEARVAST for larger operations, APANA ONE for smaller sites, and APANA CT specifically for cooling towers. Its platform enables users to scan their environments, analyze data, and identify waste events, providing real-time alerts to frontline staff for prompt resolution. By helping businesses understand their water usage and compliance risks, APANA's technology supports operational sustainability and cost savings. Founded in 2010 and based in Bellingham, Washington, the company was previously known as Kirkland Analytics, Inc. before rebranding in 2015.

SBLive Sports

Seed Round in 2019
SBLive Sports, formerly known as Varcity Sports, is a sports technology and media company based in Spokane, Washington. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on high school sports, providing teams, leagues, and tournaments with an end-to-end software solution for scorekeeping and media publishing. SBLive Sports offers an iPad-based application that enables real-time content publication, allowing fans to access live data feeds that include play-by-play updates, box scores, and in-game analysis. This platform not only enhances fan engagement but also supports local media efforts, making it a valuable resource for high school sports communities.

Phytelligence

Series B in 2017
Phytelligence is a product-focused technology company that develops and provides smart plants and solutions to growers, nurseries, and horticultural experts. It provides custom genetic analysis services that assess the similarity or dissimilarity of closely related samples. The company provides plants free of diseases, viruses, and pests. Its portfolio includes the Geneva series, Gisela series, and Krymsk series of rootstocks. Phytelligence was founded in 2012 by Amit Dhingra, and it is based in Pullman, Washington.

HyperSciences

Seed Round in 2017
HyperSciences is a technology company focused on advancing drilling and tunneling solutions across various industries, including energy, transportation, aerospace, and materials production. The company has developed a range of patented hypervelocity technologies, including the HyperCore system, which employs artificial intelligence to load and fire projectiles at hypersonic speeds. This innovative approach significantly enhances the efficiency of drilling by enabling rapid penetration of hard rock, with each projectile capable of removing over half a ton of rock per impact. HyperSciences has partnered with Shell Energy to demonstrate its disruptive technology and has secured contracts with NASA to utilize its systems for high-altitude payload launches. The company also offers the Hyper Tunneling Boring and Mining system, which aims to replace traditional, slower tunneling methods. Founded in 2014, HyperSciences is headquartered in Spokane, Washington, with an additional office in Austin, Texas, and is poised to transform access to renewable energy through its geothermal drilling solutions.

APANA

Series A in 2017
APANA Inc. specializes in water management through its cloud-based analytics platform designed to address water waste in commercial and industrial sectors. The company offers various solutions, including APANA CLEARVAST for larger operations, APANA ONE for smaller sites, and APANA CT specifically for cooling towers. Its platform enables users to scan their environments, analyze data, and identify waste events, providing real-time alerts to frontline staff for prompt resolution. By helping businesses understand their water usage and compliance risks, APANA's technology supports operational sustainability and cost savings. Founded in 2010 and based in Bellingham, Washington, the company was previously known as Kirkland Analytics, Inc. before rebranding in 2015.

SBLive Sports

Seed Round in 2016
SBLive Sports, formerly known as Varcity Sports, is a sports technology and media company based in Spokane, Washington. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on high school sports, providing teams, leagues, and tournaments with an end-to-end software solution for scorekeeping and media publishing. SBLive Sports offers an iPad-based application that enables real-time content publication, allowing fans to access live data feeds that include play-by-play updates, box scores, and in-game analysis. This platform not only enhances fan engagement but also supports local media efforts, making it a valuable resource for high school sports communities.

SBLive Sports

Seed Round in 2014
SBLive Sports, formerly known as Varcity Sports, is a sports technology and media company based in Spokane, Washington. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on high school sports, providing teams, leagues, and tournaments with an end-to-end software solution for scorekeeping and media publishing. SBLive Sports offers an iPad-based application that enables real-time content publication, allowing fans to access live data feeds that include play-by-play updates, box scores, and in-game analysis. This platform not only enhances fan engagement but also supports local media efforts, making it a valuable resource for high school sports communities.

Chord.us

Series A in 2013
Chord.us, formerly known as CloudEngage, Inc., is a company that specializes in developing geo-aware software tools aimed at enhancing the interactions between businesses and their customers. Founded in 2013 and based in Portland, Oregon, Chord.us offers a comprehensive customer personalization platform that enables organizations to deliver tailored experiences to their web visitors, thereby significantly increasing conversion rates. Its product suite includes a personalized experience engine, live chat functionality, and a unique free customer data platform. The platform integrates seamlessly with existing websites and provides services for content creation across various digital mediums, including websites, mobile sites, and native applications. By utilizing a simple line of code, Chord.us allows website owners to improve their marketing strategies and achieve deeper lead conversions with both new and prospective customers.