RIT Venture Creations Incubator

RIT Venture Fund I, LLC is an investment entity that focuses on providing capital to entrepreneurial ventures closely linked to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) community. Established in 2003, the fund is associated with the Venture Creations Incubator, which is also based in Rochester, New York. The fund aims to support innovative startups by leveraging the resources and talent within the RIT ecosystem, fostering growth and development in various sectors. Through its investments, RIT Venture Fund seeks to enhance entrepreneurial initiatives that align with its mission of promoting economic development and technological advancement in the region.

Ryne Raffaelle Ph.D

Vice President

10 past transactions

Casana

Seed Round in 2020
Casana is a healthcare technology company focused on heart health monitoring. It has developed the Heart Seat, an innovative product that integrates a toilet seat with a cardiovascular monitoring system. This device allows patients to conveniently track essential heart health metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, ECG, and blood oxygenation from the comfort of their homes. The Heart Seat operates on a cloud-connected platform, enabling seamless data capture and analysis. Founded in 2018 and based in Rochester, New York, Casana aims to enhance heart health monitoring by providing a user-friendly solution that minimizes the need for active patient engagement.

BDEX

Venture Round in 2020
BDEX, LLC is a data exchange platform founded in 2014 and based in Coral Springs, Florida. It specializes in real-time data collection and human connectivity, enabling businesses to connect with consumers more effectively. The proprietary platform provides B2C companies with access to real-time data shortly after customers begin shopping online, delivering actionable insights in a structured format. This allows businesses to acquire quality, impartial third-party data to reach their target audience at the right moment, facilitating improved engagement and marketing strategies.

Merkuri

Venture Round in 2020
Merkuri is a company comprised of former military and security professionals that specializes in developing advanced security systems. It offers innovative technologies and technical assistance aimed at protecting clients from various threats and breaches. The company's systems are designed to provide customized support by utilizing both wired and wireless network protocols. Additionally, they facilitate the expedited geographic location of mobile devices and access unprotected data. Merkuri's solutions are tailored for a diverse clientele, including educational institutions, corporate entities, and government agencies, enabling them to monitor individual movements and enhance the security of data and personal safety.

CalvIO

Venture Round in 2020
calvIO Inc. is focused on simplifying the cybernetic interaction between man and machine in the industrial setting. We help robot users unlock return on investment in automation by improving the quality of tested designs and reducing the complexity of implementation and ongoing support and maintenance.

Million Studio

Venture Round in 2020
Million Studio is a developer of content and marketing automation software that focuses on assisting professional athletes in managing their branding strategies. The platform automates a variety of marketing tasks, including social media posts, website management, and email newsletters. By streamlining these processes, Million Studio helps athletes, sports agents, leagues, teams, and brands navigate the complexities of the sports ecosystem. The company aims to empower athletes to effectively manage, market, and monetize their content and data, thereby enhancing their influence and growth within the industry.

Susteau

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Susteau, formerly known as OWA Haircare, is a New York-based cosmetic company that specializes in waterless hair care products. Founded in 2017 and rebranded in 2021, Susteau focuses on delivering clean, concentrated hair care solutions, including powdered shampoo that is free from water, sulfates, parabens, silicones, synthetic colors, and artificial fragrances. The products are formulated with naturally derived, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients, emphasizing innovation through the use of clean components. Susteau sells its products online, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional hair care options.

Token

Venture Round in 2017
Tokenize develops Token, a biometric-based wearable ring that can make payments, power up a computer, and part doors. The ring is integrated with MasterCard, Microsoft, Visa, HID, FitPay and the FIDO Alliance. Token uses a combination of fingerprinting (there’s a fingerprint sensor at the base of the ring) and an optical proximity sensor to ensure that a user’s credentials can’t be accessed by a third party. Using an app (available for iOS and Android), Tokenites can pair the ring and their biometric information with anything from their credit cards to their car keys.

Viggi Kids

Venture Round in 2017
Viggi Kids, Corp. designs and manufactures chairs for kids. Its products include Vidget chair, a three-in-one model that transforms from a chair into a desk or stool by turning it over; and Digit Widgit, a learning tool that enables children to learn about numbers, additions, and more. The company’s Vidget chair is used in classrooms, resource rooms, home playrooms, occupational and physical therapy, daycare centers, children's hospitals, pediatric offices, and libraries. It also sells its products online. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Fairport, New York.

Sensor Films

Venture Round in 2017
Sensor Films Inc. specializes in digital manufacturing processes with a focus on additive manufacturing solutions for the electronics industry. The company has developed the Starlight Digital Manufacturing Platform, which utilizes inkjet deposition technology to create decorative and functional materials. This platform facilitates rapid and low-cost prototyping, as well as efficient high-volume production, particularly in specialty graphics and printable electronics. By providing integrated pre- and post-printing processes, Sensor Films enhances the manufacturing workflow, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Their systems enable customers to produce electronic product assemblies for a broad range of consumer and industrial applications, promoting faster product development and shorter time to market.

Dan & Gary Games

Venture Round in 2015
Dan & Gary Games is a game development studio founded by artist-programmer duo Dan Plate and Gary Porter, both alumni of the Rochester Institute of Technology. The studio focuses on creating story-driven games, with their debut title, Super Daryl Deluxe, showcasing a unique blend of 2D action and comedy. This game allows players to design their own combat systems while embarking on a quest to save the world from misguided self-help authors. Through its award-winning visuals and engaging gameplay, Dan & Gary Games aims to provide immersive gaming experiences that highlight their distinctive storytelling approach.
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