Serra Ventures

Serra Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Champaign, Illinois, founded in 1998. The firm focuses on investing in technology companies primarily located in emerging Midwest technology centers, as well as selected areas on the West Coast. Serra Ventures targets investments in various sectors, including information technology, deep technology, instrumentation, software as a service, devices, and agricultural technologies. By concentrating on these areas, Serra Ventures aims to support the growth of innovative companies that contribute to the technological landscape in the Midwest and beyond.

Dennis Beard

Managing Partner

Drew Beard

Associate

Stephen Beck

Managing Partner

Tim Hoerr

Founder, CEO and Managing Partner

Rob Schultz

Managing Partner

Past deals in Illinois

Network Perception

Series A in 2022
Network Perception is providing a pioneering network device configuration analysis software to visualize and manage their network. The company delivers a pioneering solution that enables corporate compliance and cybersecurity managers to gain a complete view of their network security and to immediately determine if its configuration is in alignment with best practices and regulatory standards Network Perception was launched in 2014 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Research Park.

Reconstruct

Series B in 2021
Reconstruct, Inc. is a software company that specializes in predictive computer vision data analytics for construction projects. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Champaign, Illinois, the company offers a visual production management platform that integrates data from drones, fixed cameras, and mobile devices. This platform facilitates progress analysis and documentation by visualizing images and 3D points aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM). It serves as a virtual command center for project executives, enabling them to manage construction progress, identify potential delays, and enhance coordination among various stakeholders, including general contractors and owners. By providing near real-time insights and reporting on performance issues, Reconstruct helps project teams improve planning, communication, and transparency, ultimately aiming to enhance return on investment and reduce costs in construction projects.

Network Perception

Seed Round in 2020
Network Perception is providing a pioneering network device configuration analysis software to visualize and manage their network. The company delivers a pioneering solution that enables corporate compliance and cybersecurity managers to gain a complete view of their network security and to immediately determine if its configuration is in alignment with best practices and regulatory standards Network Perception was launched in 2014 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Research Park.

TimeDoc Health

Series A in 2020
TimeDoc Health, based in Chicago, develops digital care management solutions aimed at healthcare organizations. Its primary offering, the TimeDoc CCM Platform, is a virtual care management tool that assists providers in managing chronic care populations. The platform allows healthcare facilities to document and track time spent on chronic care management services, manage workflows, maintain an audit trail, and identify eligible patients for chronic care management. Additionally, TimeDoc Health offers chronic care management services and provides care managers to healthcare organizations to enhance their staffing capabilities. The company was incorporated in 2015 and also has an office in New York.

TimeDoc Health

Convertible Note in 2020
TimeDoc Health, based in Chicago, develops digital care management solutions aimed at healthcare organizations. Its primary offering, the TimeDoc CCM Platform, is a virtual care management tool that assists providers in managing chronic care populations. The platform allows healthcare facilities to document and track time spent on chronic care management services, manage workflows, maintain an audit trail, and identify eligible patients for chronic care management. Additionally, TimeDoc Health offers chronic care management services and provides care managers to healthcare organizations to enhance their staffing capabilities. The company was incorporated in 2015 and also has an office in New York.

Hazel Technologies

Series B in 2019
Hazel Technologies, Inc. designs and manufactures packaging inserts to reduce the spoilage of fruits and vegetables. It offers packaging inserts called sachets that are placed in boxes of the produce by growers at the time of harvest, extending the shelf-life of produce by slowing aging in produce and preventing fungus or decay. The company also provides agricultural and horticultural consulting services. Hazel Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois with an additional location in Salinas, California.

TimeDoc Health

Seed Round in 2019
TimeDoc Health, based in Chicago, develops digital care management solutions aimed at healthcare organizations. Its primary offering, the TimeDoc CCM Platform, is a virtual care management tool that assists providers in managing chronic care populations. The platform allows healthcare facilities to document and track time spent on chronic care management services, manage workflows, maintain an audit trail, and identify eligible patients for chronic care management. Additionally, TimeDoc Health offers chronic care management services and provides care managers to healthcare organizations to enhance their staffing capabilities. The company was incorporated in 2015 and also has an office in New York.

Reconstruct

Series A in 2019
Reconstruct, Inc. is a software company that specializes in predictive computer vision data analytics for construction projects. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Champaign, Illinois, the company offers a visual production management platform that integrates data from drones, fixed cameras, and mobile devices. This platform facilitates progress analysis and documentation by visualizing images and 3D points aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM). It serves as a virtual command center for project executives, enabling them to manage construction progress, identify potential delays, and enhance coordination among various stakeholders, including general contractors and owners. By providing near real-time insights and reporting on performance issues, Reconstruct helps project teams improve planning, communication, and transparency, ultimately aiming to enhance return on investment and reduce costs in construction projects.

CamoAg

Series A in 2019
CamoAg operates a platform designed to connect landowners with farmers in the farmland rental market, which accounts for a significant portion of US agricultural land. Founded in 2017 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company aims to address inefficiencies in this $32 billion annual market, where 40% of farmland is rented. By introducing data transparency, CamoAg enhances price discovery and access to land for farmers while optimizing returns for landowners. The platform offers a comprehensive solution for information management, facilitating smoother transactions and improving market dynamics for all stakeholders involved.

Hazel Technologies

Series A in 2018
Hazel Technologies, Inc. designs and manufactures packaging inserts to reduce the spoilage of fruits and vegetables. It offers packaging inserts called sachets that are placed in boxes of the produce by growers at the time of harvest, extending the shelf-life of produce by slowing aging in produce and preventing fungus or decay. The company also provides agricultural and horticultural consulting services. Hazel Technologies, Inc. was founded in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois with an additional location in Salinas, California.

Inprentus

Series A in 2018
Inprentus, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in the design and manufacture of ultra-high precision diffraction gratings. These gratings are essential components for synchrotron radiation facilities, where they are utilized in X-ray and extreme ultraviolet applications across various fields, including structural biology, environmental science, and materials research. Inprentus has developed a novel manufacturing method for mechanically ruled blazed diffraction gratings, which enhances resolving power and allows for blaze angles lower than 1 degree. The company's products support a range of applications, from chemical analysis and imaging to semiconductor manufacturing and optical data communication. Founded in 2012, Inprentus aims to advance capabilities in precision optics technologies for research institutions and industrial sectors.

Virtual Auditor

Venture Round in 2017
Virtual Auditor specializes in providing automated security audit and compliance services aimed at enhancing security and meeting regulatory requirements. Their flagship offering, the Virtual Security Officer Server (VSOS), is a fully managed information security solution that allows organizations to collect, store, and analyze network security events. This system helps clients assess their compliance with various regulatory mandates and industry standards by correlating event impacts and presenting the data in clear, comprehensive reports. Additionally, Virtual Auditor offers services such as risk assessments, application audits, IT management, and vulnerability testing, particularly catering to industries like healthcare and banking. These services contribute to the development of robust information security programs, enabling organizations to effectively manage cyber risks and implement IT compliance requirements.

Markit Medical

Seed Round in 2017
Markit Medical, Inc. operates an online platform designed to assist patients in comparing healthcare options based on convenience, price, and qualifications. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the platform enhances shared decision-making and patient engagement at the point of care. It provides physicians with scheduling support and tailored referral solutions, leveraging real-time network and contract data. Additionally, the platform offers insurers a means to deliver price transparency information, empowering patients to make informed financial decisions regarding their healthcare. By facilitating the scheduling of appointments and providing out-of-pocket expense information, Markit Medical aims to simplify the healthcare navigation process for both patients and providers, ultimately enhancing patient satisfaction and reducing costs.

Shotfarm

Venture Round in 2017
Shotfarm operates a cloud-based Product Content Network that provides an end-to-end solution for managing and exchanging product information, catering to the needs of the e-commerce industry. Its platform centralizes services, allowing retailers to easily search for and download product images from a single location while facilitating the distribution of product information to multiple retail partners. By offering a combination of free core functionality and affordable upgrade options, Shotfarm ensures its system is both user-friendly and scalable for thousands of retailers and manufacturers. The company's approach simplifies the complexities of product information management in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

Reconstruct

Seed Round in 2017
Reconstruct, Inc. is a software company that specializes in predictive computer vision data analytics for construction projects. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Champaign, Illinois, the company offers a visual production management platform that integrates data from drones, fixed cameras, and mobile devices. This platform facilitates progress analysis and documentation by visualizing images and 3D points aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM). It serves as a virtual command center for project executives, enabling them to manage construction progress, identify potential delays, and enhance coordination among various stakeholders, including general contractors and owners. By providing near real-time insights and reporting on performance issues, Reconstruct helps project teams improve planning, communication, and transparency, ultimately aiming to enhance return on investment and reduce costs in construction projects.

Agrible

Series B in 2017
Agrible was established in 2007 by Bill Northcott, Chris Harbourt, and Paul Miller, who all met in 1997 while completing higher degrees at the University of Illinois. There they began conceptualizing a small engineering firm based off their research, but their ideas were a bit ahead of the technology of the time.

Inprentus

Series A in 2017
Inprentus, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in the design and manufacture of ultra-high precision diffraction gratings. These gratings are essential components for synchrotron radiation facilities, where they are utilized in X-ray and extreme ultraviolet applications across various fields, including structural biology, environmental science, and materials research. Inprentus has developed a novel manufacturing method for mechanically ruled blazed diffraction gratings, which enhances resolving power and allows for blaze angles lower than 1 degree. The company's products support a range of applications, from chemical analysis and imaging to semiconductor manufacturing and optical data communication. Founded in 2012, Inprentus aims to advance capabilities in precision optics technologies for research institutions and industrial sectors.

Serionix

Venture Round in 2017
Serionix, Inc. specializes in the development of advanced purification solutions for air and water using innovative materials such as fibrous activated carbon and ion-exchange substances. The company designs and produces filters intended for air purifiers and heating systems, effectively removing toxic chemicals and odors while also eliminating viruses, bacteria, and mold. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, Serionix focuses on research and development to enhance the performance of its purification technologies.

Earshot

Venture Round in 2017
Earshot is a precision-based real-time marketing platform that helps brands discover and acquire new customers through social media. Earshot's patent pending Decibel Level is a real-time relevancy score that is unique to every brand or campaign. Decibel Level is customizable on the fly so customers can weight variables like location, bio, post content, even logo detection to find the social media posts that are most important in real time.

Ringr

Venture Round in 2017
RiNGR, Inc. is the developer of the RINGR mobile application, which facilitates high-quality audio conversations between users regardless of their geographical locations. The app allows users to connect instantly through their smartphones or tablets, enabling them to record conversations with remarkable clarity, making it feel as though both parties are in the same room. Users can easily download these recordings for editing, playback, or storage, and share them across various platforms such as blogs, podcasts, and social media. The technology behind RINGR is designed to eliminate sound issues during long-distance interactions, making it an effective tool for interviews and conversations. Based in Champaign, Illinois, RiNGR, Inc. aims to enhance the way people communicate across distances.

Shotfarm

Venture Round in 2017
Shotfarm operates a cloud-based Product Content Network that provides an end-to-end solution for managing and exchanging product information, catering to the needs of the e-commerce industry. Its platform centralizes services, allowing retailers to easily search for and download product images from a single location while facilitating the distribution of product information to multiple retail partners. By offering a combination of free core functionality and affordable upgrade options, Shotfarm ensures its system is both user-friendly and scalable for thousands of retailers and manufacturers. The company's approach simplifies the complexities of product information management in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

Earshot

Venture Round in 2016
Earshot is a precision-based real-time marketing platform that helps brands discover and acquire new customers through social media. Earshot's patent pending Decibel Level is a real-time relevancy score that is unique to every brand or campaign. Decibel Level is customizable on the fly so customers can weight variables like location, bio, post content, even logo detection to find the social media posts that are most important in real time.

Label Insight

Venture Round in 2016
Label Insight collects, aggregates and analyzes CPG label data to allow the government, retailers, manufacturers and app developers a comprehensive view of food labels. This includes allergens, additives, ingredient, and claims analysis.

Inprentus

Venture Round in 2016
Inprentus, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in the design and manufacture of ultra-high precision diffraction gratings. These gratings are essential components for synchrotron radiation facilities, where they are utilized in X-ray and extreme ultraviolet applications across various fields, including structural biology, environmental science, and materials research. Inprentus has developed a novel manufacturing method for mechanically ruled blazed diffraction gratings, which enhances resolving power and allows for blaze angles lower than 1 degree. The company's products support a range of applications, from chemical analysis and imaging to semiconductor manufacturing and optical data communication. Founded in 2012, Inprentus aims to advance capabilities in precision optics technologies for research institutions and industrial sectors.

OceanComm

Venture Round in 2016
OceanComm, Inc. develops a wireless underwater modem which enables wireless video streaming underwater and wireless remote control of underwater vehicles. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Reconstruct

Seed Round in 2016
Reconstruct, Inc. is a software company that specializes in predictive computer vision data analytics for construction projects. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Champaign, Illinois, the company offers a visual production management platform that integrates data from drones, fixed cameras, and mobile devices. This platform facilitates progress analysis and documentation by visualizing images and 3D points aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM). It serves as a virtual command center for project executives, enabling them to manage construction progress, identify potential delays, and enhance coordination among various stakeholders, including general contractors and owners. By providing near real-time insights and reporting on performance issues, Reconstruct helps project teams improve planning, communication, and transparency, ultimately aiming to enhance return on investment and reduce costs in construction projects.

Oso Technologies

Venture Round in 2016
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Agrible

Venture Round in 2016
Agrible was established in 2007 by Bill Northcott, Chris Harbourt, and Paul Miller, who all met in 1997 while completing higher degrees at the University of Illinois. There they began conceptualizing a small engineering firm based off their research, but their ideas were a bit ahead of the technology of the time.

Inprentus

Venture Round in 2016
Inprentus, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in the design and manufacture of ultra-high precision diffraction gratings. These gratings are essential components for synchrotron radiation facilities, where they are utilized in X-ray and extreme ultraviolet applications across various fields, including structural biology, environmental science, and materials research. Inprentus has developed a novel manufacturing method for mechanically ruled blazed diffraction gratings, which enhances resolving power and allows for blaze angles lower than 1 degree. The company's products support a range of applications, from chemical analysis and imaging to semiconductor manufacturing and optical data communication. Founded in 2012, Inprentus aims to advance capabilities in precision optics technologies for research institutions and industrial sectors.

Serionix

Seed Round in 2016
Serionix, Inc. specializes in the development of advanced purification solutions for air and water using innovative materials such as fibrous activated carbon and ion-exchange substances. The company designs and produces filters intended for air purifiers and heating systems, effectively removing toxic chemicals and odors while also eliminating viruses, bacteria, and mold. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, Serionix focuses on research and development to enhance the performance of its purification technologies.

Serionix

Venture Round in 2016
Serionix, Inc. specializes in the development of advanced purification solutions for air and water using innovative materials such as fibrous activated carbon and ion-exchange substances. The company designs and produces filters intended for air purifiers and heating systems, effectively removing toxic chemicals and odors while also eliminating viruses, bacteria, and mold. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, Serionix focuses on research and development to enhance the performance of its purification technologies.

Oso Technologies

Convertible Note in 2016
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Persio

Debt Financing in 2016
Persio Inc. operates a multi-channel marketing and decision-making platform designed specifically for retail marketers. The platform enables users to build customer profiles, execute campaigns, and synchronize data while offering solutions for identity resolution, shopping behavior analysis, and demographic insights. Persio facilitates campaign automation through content management, audience segmentation, and analytics, allowing marketers to manage both online and offline campaigns effectively. By integrating clients' existing data sources and technology solutions into a unified interface, Persio empowers marketers to create personalized, data-driven campaigns across various channels, including web, email, SMS, and mobile applications. Founded in 2007 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Persio was previously known as Iris Mobile Corporation and is now a subsidiary of Clutch Holdings, LLC.

Agrible

Venture Round in 2016
Agrible was established in 2007 by Bill Northcott, Chris Harbourt, and Paul Miller, who all met in 1997 while completing higher degrees at the University of Illinois. There they began conceptualizing a small engineering firm based off their research, but their ideas were a bit ahead of the technology of the time.

Ringr

Venture Round in 2016
RiNGR, Inc. is the developer of the RINGR mobile application, which facilitates high-quality audio conversations between users regardless of their geographical locations. The app allows users to connect instantly through their smartphones or tablets, enabling them to record conversations with remarkable clarity, making it feel as though both parties are in the same room. Users can easily download these recordings for editing, playback, or storage, and share them across various platforms such as blogs, podcasts, and social media. The technology behind RINGR is designed to eliminate sound issues during long-distance interactions, making it an effective tool for interviews and conversations. Based in Champaign, Illinois, RiNGR, Inc. aims to enhance the way people communicate across distances.

Phi Optics

Venture Round in 2016
Phi Optics Inc. develops optical imaging systems for life sciences, medical diagnostics, nanotechnology, and semiconductor testing applications. It offers Quantitative Phase Imaging, a label-free, non-contact, and non-invasive imaging method for measuring nanoscale structures and dynamics via interferometry. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Earshot

Venture Round in 2016
Earshot is a precision-based real-time marketing platform that helps brands discover and acquire new customers through social media. Earshot's patent pending Decibel Level is a real-time relevancy score that is unique to every brand or campaign. Decibel Level is customizable on the fly so customers can weight variables like location, bio, post content, even logo detection to find the social media posts that are most important in real time.

Ringr

Seed Round in 2016
RiNGR, Inc. is the developer of the RINGR mobile application, which facilitates high-quality audio conversations between users regardless of their geographical locations. The app allows users to connect instantly through their smartphones or tablets, enabling them to record conversations with remarkable clarity, making it feel as though both parties are in the same room. Users can easily download these recordings for editing, playback, or storage, and share them across various platforms such as blogs, podcasts, and social media. The technology behind RINGR is designed to eliminate sound issues during long-distance interactions, making it an effective tool for interviews and conversations. Based in Champaign, Illinois, RiNGR, Inc. aims to enhance the way people communicate across distances.

Label Insight

Series B in 2016
Label Insight collects, aggregates and analyzes CPG label data to allow the government, retailers, manufacturers and app developers a comprehensive view of food labels. This includes allergens, additives, ingredient, and claims analysis.

Oso Technologies

Convertible Note in 2016
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Diagnostic Photonics

Series B in 2016
Diagnostic Photonics, Inc. specializes in advanced imaging technologies designed to aid physicians in the real-time assessment of tissue microstructure. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company has developed the Foresee Imaging System, which produces diffraction-corrected images to enhance tissue evaluation. The innovative imaging technology stems from research conducted at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois, known for its interdisciplinary approach to scientific advancement.

Snapshot Energy

Venture Round in 2015
Snapshot Energy develops a technology designed to convert animal and human waste to bio-crude oil. Its technology produces a bio-crude oil product from an enhanced hydro-thermal conversion of the organic waste feedstock, enabling local energy centers to avail of a system that does not require the traditional costs and environmental impact of exploration, recovery, transportation, refinement and eventual distribution of hydrocarbon-based liquid fuels. Snapshot Energy was founded in 2007 and headquartered in Danville, Illinois.

Inprentus

Seed Round in 2015
Inprentus, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in the design and manufacture of ultra-high precision diffraction gratings. These gratings are essential components for synchrotron radiation facilities, where they are utilized in X-ray and extreme ultraviolet applications across various fields, including structural biology, environmental science, and materials research. Inprentus has developed a novel manufacturing method for mechanically ruled blazed diffraction gratings, which enhances resolving power and allows for blaze angles lower than 1 degree. The company's products support a range of applications, from chemical analysis and imaging to semiconductor manufacturing and optical data communication. Founded in 2012, Inprentus aims to advance capabilities in precision optics technologies for research institutions and industrial sectors.

Label Insight

Venture Round in 2015
Label Insight collects, aggregates and analyzes CPG label data to allow the government, retailers, manufacturers and app developers a comprehensive view of food labels. This includes allergens, additives, ingredient, and claims analysis.

Label Insight

Convertible Note in 2015
Label Insight collects, aggregates and analyzes CPG label data to allow the government, retailers, manufacturers and app developers a comprehensive view of food labels. This includes allergens, additives, ingredient, and claims analysis.

Oso Technologies

Series B in 2015
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Agrible

Series A in 2015
Agrible was established in 2007 by Bill Northcott, Chris Harbourt, and Paul Miller, who all met in 1997 while completing higher degrees at the University of Illinois. There they began conceptualizing a small engineering firm based off their research, but their ideas were a bit ahead of the technology of the time.

Label Insight

Convertible Note in 2015
Label Insight collects, aggregates and analyzes CPG label data to allow the government, retailers, manufacturers and app developers a comprehensive view of food labels. This includes allergens, additives, ingredient, and claims analysis.

Ringr

Seed Round in 2015
RiNGR, Inc. is the developer of the RINGR mobile application, which facilitates high-quality audio conversations between users regardless of their geographical locations. The app allows users to connect instantly through their smartphones or tablets, enabling them to record conversations with remarkable clarity, making it feel as though both parties are in the same room. Users can easily download these recordings for editing, playback, or storage, and share them across various platforms such as blogs, podcasts, and social media. The technology behind RINGR is designed to eliminate sound issues during long-distance interactions, making it an effective tool for interviews and conversations. Based in Champaign, Illinois, RiNGR, Inc. aims to enhance the way people communicate across distances.

Rithmio

Seed Round in 2015
Rithmio, Inc. specializes in gesture recognition technology, offering a platform that enables the development of accurate and personalized gesture-based products. Its software, known as Constellation, is designed to integrate with various motion-sensing devices, including wearables, smartphones, and connected sports equipment. By operating at the sensor, operating system, or application level, Rithmio's technology tracks and analyzes movements in real time, facilitating the creation of advanced wearable technology and connected clothing. The company has established partnerships with leading semiconductor firms and consumer electronics manufacturers to embed its technology at the System on Chip level. Founded in 2011 and initially known as Neurogito, Rithmio rebranded in 2014 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Oso Technologies

Series B in 2015
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Earshot

Debt Financing in 2015
Earshot is a precision-based real-time marketing platform that helps brands discover and acquire new customers through social media. Earshot's patent pending Decibel Level is a real-time relevancy score that is unique to every brand or campaign. Decibel Level is customizable on the fly so customers can weight variables like location, bio, post content, even logo detection to find the social media posts that are most important in real time.

Personify

Debt Financing in 2015
Personify specializes in the fields of presentations, software, and videos. Personify uses technologies in computer vision to develop fresh and immersive video experiences. These experiences facilitate real and meaningful connections with everyone, everywhere. It was founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

OceanComm

Seed Round in 2015
OceanComm, Inc. develops a wireless underwater modem which enables wireless video streaming underwater and wireless remote control of underwater vehicles. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Inprentus

Seed Round in 2015
Inprentus, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in the design and manufacture of ultra-high precision diffraction gratings. These gratings are essential components for synchrotron radiation facilities, where they are utilized in X-ray and extreme ultraviolet applications across various fields, including structural biology, environmental science, and materials research. Inprentus has developed a novel manufacturing method for mechanically ruled blazed diffraction gratings, which enhances resolving power and allows for blaze angles lower than 1 degree. The company's products support a range of applications, from chemical analysis and imaging to semiconductor manufacturing and optical data communication. Founded in 2012, Inprentus aims to advance capabilities in precision optics technologies for research institutions and industrial sectors.

Persio

Series A in 2015
Persio Inc. operates a multi-channel marketing and decision-making platform designed specifically for retail marketers. The platform enables users to build customer profiles, execute campaigns, and synchronize data while offering solutions for identity resolution, shopping behavior analysis, and demographic insights. Persio facilitates campaign automation through content management, audience segmentation, and analytics, allowing marketers to manage both online and offline campaigns effectively. By integrating clients' existing data sources and technology solutions into a unified interface, Persio empowers marketers to create personalized, data-driven campaigns across various channels, including web, email, SMS, and mobile applications. Founded in 2007 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Persio was previously known as Iris Mobile Corporation and is now a subsidiary of Clutch Holdings, LLC.

Snapshot Energy

Debt Financing in 2015
Snapshot Energy develops a technology designed to convert animal and human waste to bio-crude oil. Its technology produces a bio-crude oil product from an enhanced hydro-thermal conversion of the organic waste feedstock, enabling local energy centers to avail of a system that does not require the traditional costs and environmental impact of exploration, recovery, transportation, refinement and eventual distribution of hydrocarbon-based liquid fuels. Snapshot Energy was founded in 2007 and headquartered in Danville, Illinois.

Ringr

Convertible Note in 2015
RiNGR, Inc. is the developer of the RINGR mobile application, which facilitates high-quality audio conversations between users regardless of their geographical locations. The app allows users to connect instantly through their smartphones or tablets, enabling them to record conversations with remarkable clarity, making it feel as though both parties are in the same room. Users can easily download these recordings for editing, playback, or storage, and share them across various platforms such as blogs, podcasts, and social media. The technology behind RINGR is designed to eliminate sound issues during long-distance interactions, making it an effective tool for interviews and conversations. Based in Champaign, Illinois, RiNGR, Inc. aims to enhance the way people communicate across distances.

Label Insight

Series A in 2014
Label Insight collects, aggregates and analyzes CPG label data to allow the government, retailers, manufacturers and app developers a comprehensive view of food labels. This includes allergens, additives, ingredient, and claims analysis.

Tech.li

Convertible Note in 2014
Tech.li is an online platform focused on providing news and editorial content related to technology and business. Established in 2010 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company covers a diverse array of topics, including gaming, social media, mobile technology, Internet culture, and major corporations such as Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. Originally known as Flyover Geeks, it rebranded to Tech.li in May 2011. The website aims to highlight innovation across the country by showcasing the latest developments in technology companies and start-ups. As of July 2017, Tech.li operates as a subsidiary of Publicize, Inc., working to enhance the visibility of emerging technology businesses and contribute to the evolution of technology news media.

640 Labs

Convertible Note in 2014
640 Labs is a precision farming platform that collects, analyzes and distributes data, effectively optimizing farming operations Farmers have proven to be willing adopters of technology if it provides value. Today, over 35% of all corn, wheat, and soybean farmers are using GPS auto-steered tractors to maximize yield. Now is the time to bring the power of analytics, mobile technologies and cloud computing to provide valuable insight and productivity improvements to farming.

Label Insight

Series A in 2014
Label Insight collects, aggregates and analyzes CPG label data to allow the government, retailers, manufacturers and app developers a comprehensive view of food labels. This includes allergens, additives, ingredient, and claims analysis.

Rithmio

Seed Round in 2014
Rithmio, Inc. specializes in gesture recognition technology, offering a platform that enables the development of accurate and personalized gesture-based products. Its software, known as Constellation, is designed to integrate with various motion-sensing devices, including wearables, smartphones, and connected sports equipment. By operating at the sensor, operating system, or application level, Rithmio's technology tracks and analyzes movements in real time, facilitating the creation of advanced wearable technology and connected clothing. The company has established partnerships with leading semiconductor firms and consumer electronics manufacturers to embed its technology at the System on Chip level. Founded in 2011 and initially known as Neurogito, Rithmio rebranded in 2014 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Tech.li

Convertible Note in 2014
Tech.li is an online platform focused on providing news and editorial content related to technology and business. Established in 2010 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company covers a diverse array of topics, including gaming, social media, mobile technology, Internet culture, and major corporations such as Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. Originally known as Flyover Geeks, it rebranded to Tech.li in May 2011. The website aims to highlight innovation across the country by showcasing the latest developments in technology companies and start-ups. As of July 2017, Tech.li operates as a subsidiary of Publicize, Inc., working to enhance the visibility of emerging technology businesses and contribute to the evolution of technology news media.

Ringr

Convertible Note in 2014
RiNGR, Inc. is the developer of the RINGR mobile application, which facilitates high-quality audio conversations between users regardless of their geographical locations. The app allows users to connect instantly through their smartphones or tablets, enabling them to record conversations with remarkable clarity, making it feel as though both parties are in the same room. Users can easily download these recordings for editing, playback, or storage, and share them across various platforms such as blogs, podcasts, and social media. The technology behind RINGR is designed to eliminate sound issues during long-distance interactions, making it an effective tool for interviews and conversations. Based in Champaign, Illinois, RiNGR, Inc. aims to enhance the way people communicate across distances.

Rithmio

Convertible Note in 2014
Rithmio, Inc. specializes in gesture recognition technology, offering a platform that enables the development of accurate and personalized gesture-based products. Its software, known as Constellation, is designed to integrate with various motion-sensing devices, including wearables, smartphones, and connected sports equipment. By operating at the sensor, operating system, or application level, Rithmio's technology tracks and analyzes movements in real time, facilitating the creation of advanced wearable technology and connected clothing. The company has established partnerships with leading semiconductor firms and consumer electronics manufacturers to embed its technology at the System on Chip level. Founded in 2011 and initially known as Neurogito, Rithmio rebranded in 2014 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

640 Labs

Convertible Note in 2014
640 Labs is a precision farming platform that collects, analyzes and distributes data, effectively optimizing farming operations Farmers have proven to be willing adopters of technology if it provides value. Today, over 35% of all corn, wheat, and soybean farmers are using GPS auto-steered tractors to maximize yield. Now is the time to bring the power of analytics, mobile technologies and cloud computing to provide valuable insight and productivity improvements to farming.

Earshot

Seed Round in 2014
Earshot is a precision-based real-time marketing platform that helps brands discover and acquire new customers through social media. Earshot's patent pending Decibel Level is a real-time relevancy score that is unique to every brand or campaign. Decibel Level is customizable on the fly so customers can weight variables like location, bio, post content, even logo detection to find the social media posts that are most important in real time.

Albert.io

Seed Round in 2014
Learnerator is a computational exam prep platform. Free full-length practice exams and review summaries combine with custom feedback and powerful analytics.

Diagnostic Photonics

Convertible Note in 2014
Diagnostic Photonics, Inc. specializes in advanced imaging technologies designed to aid physicians in the real-time assessment of tissue microstructure. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company has developed the Foresee Imaging System, which produces diffraction-corrected images to enhance tissue evaluation. The innovative imaging technology stems from research conducted at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois, known for its interdisciplinary approach to scientific advancement.

CityScan

Series A in 2014
CityScan, a Chicago venture-backed software company, is leading the field in intelligent data collection and integration for Smart Cities and Utilities. Their patented process integrates private and municipal data with the most advanced 3D visual data collection methods available, resulting in improved efficiency operations while reducing overall costs. Their technology provides clients a solution to manage their assets, ensure businesses are operating within local ordinances and provide a safe environment for their residents. CityScan is a proud member of Industrious Chicago.

Oso Technologies

Series A in 2014
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Agrible

Seed Round in 2014
Agrible was established in 2007 by Bill Northcott, Chris Harbourt, and Paul Miller, who all met in 1997 while completing higher degrees at the University of Illinois. There they began conceptualizing a small engineering firm based off their research, but their ideas were a bit ahead of the technology of the time.

Spinlight Studio

Series A in 2014
Spinlight Studio, Inc. is an educational game developer based in Champaign, Illinois, established in 2001. The company specializes in creating engaging applications for children on iOS and Android platforms, with a focus on facilitating learning in subjects such as mathematics, science, and literacy through interactive gameplay. Notable titles include Pixel and Parke, which exemplify the studio's commitment to combining education with entertainment. As of July 2015, Spinlight Studio operates as a subsidiary of Codagami.

Shotfarm

Venture Round in 2014
Shotfarm operates a cloud-based Product Content Network that provides an end-to-end solution for managing and exchanging product information, catering to the needs of the e-commerce industry. Its platform centralizes services, allowing retailers to easily search for and download product images from a single location while facilitating the distribution of product information to multiple retail partners. By offering a combination of free core functionality and affordable upgrade options, Shotfarm ensures its system is both user-friendly and scalable for thousands of retailers and manufacturers. The company's approach simplifies the complexities of product information management in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

Oso Technologies

Series A in 2014
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

Clearstream.TV

Series A in 2014
Clearstream.TV is a Chicago-based company established in 2011 that specializes in video advertising evaluation and risk mitigation. The company offers a platform designed for advertising agencies and marketers, enabling them to standardize the evaluation, auditing, and reporting of various video environments, including in-stream, in-banner, in-game, auto-play, and below-fold placements. By ingesting and scanning video streams, Clearstream.TV assesses content quality and contextual relevance, allowing for more precise targeting by advertisers. This approach helps enhance the effectiveness of video advertising campaigns while reducing potential risks associated with ad placements.

Lumec Control Products

Series A in 2014
Lumec Control Products specializes in the development and commercialization of advanced flow control solutions for low-pressure gases and air. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, the company utilizes its patented IRISvalve technology, which features a unique control restriction resembling a camera lens iris aperture. This innovative design provides superior flow control and precise ratio management, addressing the limitations of outdated devices commonly used in various applications, including fuel injection, home gas supply, and industrial processes. As regulatory demands and the need for cost-effective, environmentally friendly solutions increase, Lumec's products offer modern alternatives that enhance operational efficiency and reliability in flow control.

Phi Optics

Seed Round in 2013
Phi Optics Inc. develops optical imaging systems for life sciences, medical diagnostics, nanotechnology, and semiconductor testing applications. It offers Quantitative Phase Imaging, a label-free, non-contact, and non-invasive imaging method for measuring nanoscale structures and dynamics via interferometry. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Champaign, Illinois.

PrintEco

Convertible Note in 2013
PrintEco, Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in print optimization software aimed at reducing wasteful printing practices. Founded in 2010 by students from the University of Illinois, the company offers a subscription-based service that enables users to optimize content and reformat documents. The software integrates seamlessly with popular applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, as well as web browsers like Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome. PrintEco's mission is to promote sustainability in printing by providing tools that help organizations minimize their environmental impact.

Personify

Series A in 2013
Personify specializes in the fields of presentations, software, and videos. Personify uses technologies in computer vision to develop fresh and immersive video experiences. These experiences facilitate real and meaningful connections with everyone, everywhere. It was founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

ANDalyze

Series B in 2013
ANDalyze, Inc. specializes in developing products for detecting water contamination through catalytic DNA technologies. The company offers a range of devices, including the AND1100 Fluorimeter, a hand-held instrument designed for testing heavy metals in water supplies, along with various fluorescence-based sensors and kits. These products provide a simple, fast, and cost-effective means for detecting trace metals and other target chemicals, significantly reducing the time and expense associated with traditional heavy metals testing methods. ANDalyze distributes its products both domestically and internationally. Founded in 2005 and based in Champaign, Illinois, the company was previously known as Dzyme Tech until its rebranding in October 2009.

mpressInteractive

Venture Round in 2013
mpressInteractive, LLC, was founded in 2011 to develop mobile apps for the creative and educational community. The company’s first product, a virtual letterpress for the iPad called LetterMpress, quickly gained tens of thousands of users worldwide and has been featured by such publications as USA Today, Forbes, Fast Company, MacUser, and TechCrunch. Today mpressInteractive provides custom application design and development for publishers, corporations, and institutions that want to engage their clientele through creative and personalized app experiences. The company is backed by Serra Ventures

IntelliWheels

Convertible Note in 2013
IntelliWheels, Inc. is a startup originating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that focuses on enhancing mobility options for wheelchair users. The company develops a range of innovative products, including specialized wheelchair gloves and easy push wheels, aimed at improving grip and ease of use. These products are designed to fit comfortably in users' hands, allowing for increased physical activity and greater independence. By addressing the specific needs of wheelchair users, IntelliWheels seeks to promote their health and overall well-being, making mobility more accessible and manageable.

Serionix

Seed Round in 2013
Serionix, Inc. specializes in the development of advanced purification solutions for air and water using innovative materials such as fibrous activated carbon and ion-exchange substances. The company designs and produces filters intended for air purifiers and heating systems, effectively removing toxic chemicals and odors while also eliminating viruses, bacteria, and mold. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, Serionix focuses on research and development to enhance the performance of its purification technologies.

CityScan

Seed Round in 2012
CityScan, a Chicago venture-backed software company, is leading the field in intelligent data collection and integration for Smart Cities and Utilities. Their patented process integrates private and municipal data with the most advanced 3D visual data collection methods available, resulting in improved efficiency operations while reducing overall costs. Their technology provides clients a solution to manage their assets, ensure businesses are operating within local ordinances and provide a safe environment for their residents. CityScan is a proud member of Industrious Chicago.

IntelliWheels

Series A in 2012
IntelliWheels, Inc. is a startup originating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that focuses on enhancing mobility options for wheelchair users. The company develops a range of innovative products, including specialized wheelchair gloves and easy push wheels, aimed at improving grip and ease of use. These products are designed to fit comfortably in users' hands, allowing for increased physical activity and greater independence. By addressing the specific needs of wheelchair users, IntelliWheels seeks to promote their health and overall well-being, making mobility more accessible and manageable.

GlucoSentient

Venture Round in 2012
GlucoSentient, Inc. develops personal glucose meters for diabetes patients around the globe. The company offers its products for therapeutic drug and heart health monitoring applications. It also offers test strips for detecting trace amounts of contaminates, such as bacteria, viruses, or chemical contamination in food. GlucoSentient, Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Champaign, Illinois.

Oso Technologies

Seed Round in 2012
Oso Technologies makes internet connected hardware systems. Our first product, Plant Link, makes monitoring and controlling water usage for plants easier than ever before. By placing the wireless sensors next to their plants users receive custom watering schedules via text message, email, or push notification. It was founded in 2019 and is based in Urbana, Illinois, United States.

IntelliWheels

Seed Round in 2012
IntelliWheels, Inc. is a startup originating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign that focuses on enhancing mobility options for wheelchair users. The company develops a range of innovative products, including specialized wheelchair gloves and easy push wheels, aimed at improving grip and ease of use. These products are designed to fit comfortably in users' hands, allowing for increased physical activity and greater independence. By addressing the specific needs of wheelchair users, IntelliWheels seeks to promote their health and overall well-being, making mobility more accessible and manageable.

Caterva

Series A in 2012
Caterva, based in Champaign, Illinois, is a development stage company focused on creating a real-time social-marketing platform. Previously known as Yottaclick, Inc., the company was incorporated in 2008 and rebranded in 2010. Caterva specializes in social media data analysis and has recently introduced a service called mirror.me. This service aims to generate interest graphs based on users' online activities, facilitating connections among individuals with shared interests.

The Product Manufactory

Venture Round in 2012
They are a team of designers, engineers and creatives that bring the R&D department into businesses that do not have one, or are seeking a new perspective on current initiatives. They pride ourselves on their ability to identify, define, and execute development projects that help you differentiate and win in your market.

Tech.li

Convertible Note in 2012
Tech.li is an online platform focused on providing news and editorial content related to technology and business. Established in 2010 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company covers a diverse array of topics, including gaming, social media, mobile technology, Internet culture, and major corporations such as Apple, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. Originally known as Flyover Geeks, it rebranded to Tech.li in May 2011. The website aims to highlight innovation across the country by showcasing the latest developments in technology companies and start-ups. As of July 2017, Tech.li operates as a subsidiary of Publicize, Inc., working to enhance the visibility of emerging technology businesses and contribute to the evolution of technology news media.

Clearstream.TV

Seed Round in 2011
Clearstream.TV is a Chicago-based company established in 2011 that specializes in video advertising evaluation and risk mitigation. The company offers a platform designed for advertising agencies and marketers, enabling them to standardize the evaluation, auditing, and reporting of various video environments, including in-stream, in-banner, in-game, auto-play, and below-fold placements. By ingesting and scanning video streams, Clearstream.TV assesses content quality and contextual relevance, allowing for more precise targeting by advertisers. This approach helps enhance the effectiveness of video advertising campaigns while reducing potential risks associated with ad placements.

ImmuVen

Venture Round in 2011
ImmuVenis is a biotechnology company with novel technology to discover and develop new biotherapeutics to treat infectious disease, cancer and autoimmune disorders

PrintEco

Series A in 2011
PrintEco, Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in print optimization software aimed at reducing wasteful printing practices. Founded in 2010 by students from the University of Illinois, the company offers a subscription-based service that enables users to optimize content and reformat documents. The software integrates seamlessly with popular applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, as well as web browsers like Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Chrome. PrintEco's mission is to promote sustainability in printing by providing tools that help organizations minimize their environmental impact.

Personify

Series A in 2011
Personify specializes in the fields of presentations, software, and videos. Personify uses technologies in computer vision to develop fresh and immersive video experiences. These experiences facilitate real and meaningful connections with everyone, everywhere. It was founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Diagnostic Photonics

Series A in 2011
Diagnostic Photonics, Inc. specializes in advanced imaging technologies designed to aid physicians in the real-time assessment of tissue microstructure. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company has developed the Foresee Imaging System, which produces diffraction-corrected images to enhance tissue evaluation. The innovative imaging technology stems from research conducted at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois, known for its interdisciplinary approach to scientific advancement.

Striped Sail

Series A in 2011
Striped Sail was born in February 2010, inspired by Wired’s cover story, “In the Next Industrial Revolution, Atoms Are the New Bits.” Striped Sail is focused on creating sophisticated and modern styled environmentally accountable accessories for Apple’s mobile products. Our first product is miFrame for iPad.

Caterva

Seed Round in 2011
Caterva, based in Champaign, Illinois, is a development stage company focused on creating a real-time social-marketing platform. Previously known as Yottaclick, Inc., the company was incorporated in 2008 and rebranded in 2010. Caterva specializes in social media data analysis and has recently introduced a service called mirror.me. This service aims to generate interest graphs based on users' online activities, facilitating connections among individuals with shared interests.
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