At Cushion, our goal is to democratize access to financial help, not just financial advice - enabling consumers to waste less money, save more, and live financially healthier lives. We believe that the future of consumer finance is all about intelligently doing work on behalf of the end user - requiring very little input from, or interaction with, the consumer. Our first offering is a bot that negotiates with banks, on behalf of our customers, to get their bank fees and credit card interest charges waived - a $200 Billion annual problem in the U.S.
Acorn Finance is a financial platform that specializes in providing affordable financing solutions for homeowners, contractors, and e-commerce businesses. The company offers a range of financial products, including personal loans, business loans, home loans, and home improvement financing, all designed to help clients secure competitive funding options without impacting their credit scores. Acorn Finance manages the entire process for clients by organizing necessary property valuations, insurance, and legal support to facilitate transactions. The company ensures that lending proposals are thoroughly packaged and submitted efficiently, allowing clients to access funds in the shortest possible time.
ForMotiv provides an advanced platform focused on reducing online risk and enhancing customer experiences through predictive behavioral analytics. By utilizing AI technology, the platform measures end-user behavioral biometrics in real-time, allowing organizations to detect potential outcomes such as fraud, delinquency, profitability, and abandonment as users interact with digital applications. This approach involves analyzing various behavioral data points to understand users' digital body language, enabling businesses to optimize online experiences dynamically. By tailoring interactions based on individual user behavior, ForMotiv helps organizations combat fraud more effectively while also improving overall user engagement.
ZenLedger, Inc. is a software company that specializes in cryptocurrency tax management, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. The company provides a comprehensive tax tool designed for cryptocurrency investors and accountants, allowing users to easily import their cryptocurrency transactions, calculate gains and income, and prepare tax returns. ZenLedger's platform generates various essential documents, including profit/loss statements, capital gains reports, and income reports, thereby simplifying the tax reporting process for miners, day traders, and long-term holders. It is compatible with a wide range of exchanges, currencies, and wallets, making it a versatile solution for both individual investors and tax professionals. By automating the tax preparation process, ZenLedger aims to alleviate the complexities and challenges associated with cryptocurrency taxation.
Wagmo, Inc. is a Boston-based company that provides monthly wellness insurance plans specifically designed for pets. Founded in 2017, the company offers reimbursement for routine care services, including vaccinations, grooming appointments, and preventive medications. By leveraging veterinary data, Wagmo enables pet owners to anticipate and manage the costs of care in their area, optimizing the health and well-being of their pets. The service is aimed at making regular pet care more accessible and affordable through its comprehensive wellness plans.
Railz Financial Technologies Inc. is a Toronto-based company that specializes in providing a unified API for accessing data from major accounting software providers such as QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage. Founded in 2020, Railz enables lenders, financial institutions, accounting firms, and tech developers to obtain real-time financial data, analytics, insights, and reports on small business customers. This streamlined access facilitates the assessment of credit applications and the evaluation of a business's financial health. Railz's Data as a Service solution allows clients to integrate quickly and efficiently without the need to alter existing operations, technology infrastructure, or workflows. The platform is designed for rapid deployment, ensuring that users can access their customers' accounting information with minimal disruption and cost.
Roots Automation, Inc. specializes in developing digital coworkers designed to automate routine business tasks across various industries, including insurance, healthcare, and finance. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in New York, the company offers cloud-based digital automation solutions that incorporate self-learning artificial intelligence. These digital coworkers can be quickly deployed to perform repetitive tasks, allowing human employees to concentrate on more meaningful work. The services provided by Roots Automation include real-time management and monitoring capabilities, ensuring that operations remain secure and efficient in the cloud. The company's approach focuses on enhancing productivity by enabling continuous learning and improvement of its digital workforce.
Retirable, Inc. is a financial services company founded in 2019 and headquartered in New York, Albania. It specializes in providing personalized retirement plans and advice specifically tailored for older adults. The company focuses on helping individuals prepare for a secure and fulfilling post-work life by offering professional guidance in retirement planning. Retirable's platform delivers actionable human advice aimed at ensuring lasting peace of mind and financial stability for those approaching retirement, enabling them to transition smoothly into their next life phase without stress.
Alloy Online is a prominent digital media and marketing company based in New York, catering primarily to the 12-34 demographic. It operates as an e-commerce destination site and apparel cataloger for teens, combining a robust online shopping experience with a highly trafficked community platform that features interactive elements such as email, chat, and social networking. Additionally, Alloy's services include nontraditional media programs that effectively reach targeted consumer segments through various channels, including interactive and display advertising, direct mail, content production, and educational programming. By focusing on entertainment and lifestyle trends, Alloy Online provides its audience with inspiration and recommendations across a range of interests, including shows, movies, health, and fitness.
Railz Financial Technologies Inc. is a Toronto-based company that specializes in providing a unified API for accessing data from major accounting software providers such as QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage. Founded in 2020, Railz enables lenders, financial institutions, accounting firms, and tech developers to obtain real-time financial data, analytics, insights, and reports on small business customers. This streamlined access facilitates the assessment of credit applications and the evaluation of a business's financial health. Railz's Data as a Service solution allows clients to integrate quickly and efficiently without the need to alter existing operations, technology infrastructure, or workflows. The platform is designed for rapid deployment, ensuring that users can access their customers' accounting information with minimal disruption and cost.
TowerIQ, Inc. specializes in developing an enterprise software platform tailored for the insurance industry. Founded in 2017 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company offers a broker-first platform designed to enhance transparency in insurance markets. Its solution simplifies and automates workflows, connects data and systems, and improves data quality and validation. By facilitating robust communication and providing valuable data insights, TowerIQ enables brokers, managing general agents (MGAs), and carriers to streamline the end-to-end insurance experience. This low-touch technology platform allows brokers and agents to focus on addressing clients' business challenges, ultimately enhancing client retention and satisfaction while enabling firms to win more business.
Curu, Inc. is a software developer based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in automated credit building solutions. Founded in 2016, the company offers an application that analyzes users' credit reports, transactions, and financial histories to create personalized action plans aimed at improving credit scores. By linking their accounts to the Curu platform, users receive tailored recommendations to help them meet the eligibility requirements for various financial products, such as credit cards and loans. Curu's sophisticated algorithms not only assist consumers in understanding their financial behavior but also enable lenders to open more accounts by identifying qualified applicants. The company's innovative approach includes an "Extended Approval Plan" and customized risk models, allowing financial institutions to enhance their client offerings through a behavior modification and credit improvement program.
ZenLedger, Inc. is a software company that specializes in cryptocurrency tax management, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. The company provides a comprehensive tax tool designed for cryptocurrency investors and accountants, allowing users to easily import their cryptocurrency transactions, calculate gains and income, and prepare tax returns. ZenLedger's platform generates various essential documents, including profit/loss statements, capital gains reports, and income reports, thereby simplifying the tax reporting process for miners, day traders, and long-term holders. It is compatible with a wide range of exchanges, currencies, and wallets, making it a versatile solution for both individual investors and tax professionals. By automating the tax preparation process, ZenLedger aims to alleviate the complexities and challenges associated with cryptocurrency taxation.
Acorn Finance is a financial platform that specializes in providing affordable financing solutions for homeowners, contractors, and e-commerce businesses. The company offers a range of financial products, including personal loans, business loans, home loans, and home improvement financing, all designed to help clients secure competitive funding options without impacting their credit scores. Acorn Finance manages the entire process for clients by organizing necessary property valuations, insurance, and legal support to facilitate transactions. The company ensures that lending proposals are thoroughly packaged and submitted efficiently, allowing clients to access funds in the shortest possible time.
Wagmo, Inc. is a Boston-based company that provides monthly wellness insurance plans specifically designed for pets. Founded in 2017, the company offers reimbursement for routine care services, including vaccinations, grooming appointments, and preventive medications. By leveraging veterinary data, Wagmo enables pet owners to anticipate and manage the costs of care in their area, optimizing the health and well-being of their pets. The service is aimed at making regular pet care more accessible and affordable through its comprehensive wellness plans.
Jobble, Inc. operates an online platform that connects businesses with a flexible and on-demand workforce. Founded in 2014 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the platform allows companies to create job listings, select suitable candidates, and monitor their performance in real-time. It serves a variety of industries, including event services, retail, hospitality, and logistics, by offering access to a vetted community of workers. The platform enhances operational efficiency by enabling businesses to manage staffing needs effectively, control costs, and choose from a range of part-time or full-time job seekers based on ratings and reviews from previous employers.
Digital Assets Data Inc., a fintech and data company, develops enterprise-grade software and data feeds for crypto hedge funds and other market participants. It provides data and information technology software and solutions for cryptoassets, including currencies, platforms, applications, side chains, security tokens, and initial coin offers (ICOs) through subscription services to hedge funds and other institutional investors. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Denver, Colorado.
Clerkie is a developer of a debt automation platform aimed at assisting Americans with their financial challenges. The company utilizes a proprietary financial automation system that leverages conversational AI to create detailed financial knowledge graphs. This technology enables users to manage their debt more effectively by providing expert financial advice alongside one-click automation solutions. Clerkie's approach not only helps users take proactive steps in addressing their financial situations but also assists creditors in managing loan losses. The platform is designed to simplify the process of navigating complex financial issues, making it more accessible for individuals seeking to alleviate their debt burdens.
At Cushion, our goal is to democratize access to financial help, not just financial advice - enabling consumers to waste less money, save more, and live financially healthier lives. We believe that the future of consumer finance is all about intelligently doing work on behalf of the end user - requiring very little input from, or interaction with, the consumer. Our first offering is a bot that negotiates with banks, on behalf of our customers, to get their bank fees and credit card interest charges waived - a $200 Billion annual problem in the U.S.
Long Game is a personal finance app that combines entertainment with financial planning by offering users the opportunity to engage in games that reward them with cash prizes, potentially reaching up to $1 million. The platform is designed to promote responsible financial habits while providing a fun and engaging customer experience. By integrating gaming elements into savings products, Long Game encourages users to focus on their financial goals in an enjoyable manner.
FRST provides blockchain data and monitoring technology for professional cryptocurrency traders. It offers an enterprise-grade, trading-floor-ready technology suite that allows professional traders to perceive, categorize, and act upon transactions involving digital assets. The company's technology identifies digital currency token trades before they are moved from a wallet to an external party or exchange, providing insights for firms trading cryptocurrencies. It serves digital asset exchanges, hedge funds with dedicated crypto desks, audit/compliance/KYC functions within institutions, and university and government research efforts in the blockchain space. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.
ZenLedger, Inc. is a software company that specializes in cryptocurrency tax management, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. The company provides a comprehensive tax tool designed for cryptocurrency investors and accountants, allowing users to easily import their cryptocurrency transactions, calculate gains and income, and prepare tax returns. ZenLedger's platform generates various essential documents, including profit/loss statements, capital gains reports, and income reports, thereby simplifying the tax reporting process for miners, day traders, and long-term holders. It is compatible with a wide range of exchanges, currencies, and wallets, making it a versatile solution for both individual investors and tax professionals. By automating the tax preparation process, ZenLedger aims to alleviate the complexities and challenges associated with cryptocurrency taxation.
TowerIQ, Inc. specializes in developing an enterprise software platform tailored for the insurance industry. Founded in 2017 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, the company offers a broker-first platform designed to enhance transparency in insurance markets. Its solution simplifies and automates workflows, connects data and systems, and improves data quality and validation. By facilitating robust communication and providing valuable data insights, TowerIQ enables brokers, managing general agents (MGAs), and carriers to streamline the end-to-end insurance experience. This low-touch technology platform allows brokers and agents to focus on addressing clients' business challenges, ultimately enhancing client retention and satisfaction while enabling firms to win more business.
Vault is a technology company that offers a comprehensive platform designed to alleviate the financial burden of student loan debt for employees. Founded in 2013 and based in Austin, Texas, Vault provides an intuitive web-based tool that allows employers to contribute to their employees' student loan repayments, enhancing employee retention and attraction. The platform simplifies various repayment scenarios and assists users in finding suitable repayment plans, ultimately empowering employees to manage their student debt while also saving for retirement. By fostering strong relationships between employers and employees, Vault aims to support financial freedom and improve overall workforce satisfaction.
Micronotes is an AI-enabled cloud-based marketing automation company serving financial service providers. The company’s fast, automated and cloud-based digital interview platform applies machine learning to customer data to improve customer engagement and effectively cross-sell financial services through the digital service channels. We are headquartered in Boston, MA at the Cambridge Innovative Center (CIC).
Digital Assets Data Inc., a fintech and data company, develops enterprise-grade software and data feeds for crypto hedge funds and other market participants. It provides data and information technology software and solutions for cryptoassets, including currencies, platforms, applications, side chains, security tokens, and initial coin offers (ICOs) through subscription services to hedge funds and other institutional investors. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Denver, Colorado.
Vestmark, based in Wakefield, MA, has been a prominent provider of technology solutions for wealth management and investment advisory since 2001. The company offers a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that simplifies investment management processes for broker-dealers, asset managers, bank trusts, and advisors. Its software facilitates account proposals and enrollment, portfolio construction and management, and monitoring of investable assets, all while delivering comprehensive advice across various accounts and channels. Currently, Vestmark supports the management of over 1 million accounts and more than $250 billion in assets, positioning itself as a key player in the wealth management industry.
LifeYield, LLC is a financial technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in software solutions for wealth management firms and financial advisors. The company offers the LifeYield Advantage Suite, which includes various tools designed to enhance the financial health of investors by optimizing their assets. Key components of this suite include Portfolio Advantage, Social Security Advantage, and Income Advantage, which collectively focus on maximizing returns, minimizing taxes, and coordinating all accounts within a household's portfolio. Additionally, LifeYield provides the LifeYield UMH, a user-friendly web-based tool that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, offering features such as client household tracking, cash flow management, and comprehensive reporting. Founded in 2008, LifeYield aims to empower clients to improve their financial outcomes and achieve their retirement goals.
Private Equity Round in 2016
Vestmark, based in Wakefield, MA, has been a prominent provider of technology solutions for wealth management and investment advisory since 2001. The company offers a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that simplifies investment management processes for broker-dealers, asset managers, bank trusts, and advisors. Its software facilitates account proposals and enrollment, portfolio construction and management, and monitoring of investable assets, all while delivering comprehensive advice across various accounts and channels. Currently, Vestmark supports the management of over 1 million accounts and more than $250 billion in assets, positioning itself as a key player in the wealth management industry.
Netcapital enables investors to invest in entrepreneurs seeking to raise capital using technology. The company makes private transactions transparent and easy by creating a secure place to transact and providing clear information so investors can make their own investment decisions. It helps entrepreneurs and investors to work together to build value by opening the lines of communication and keeping investors updated and allow them to collaborate with entrepreneurs and accelerate innovation. Their Secondary Transfer Platform makes it easy for investors to create bids and asks on offers that have already closed, allowing entrepreneurs to sell shares they already purchased on Netcapital and buy shares in companies that are no longer raising money. Jason Frishman formed the company in Boston, Massachusetts in 2014.
LifeYield, LLC is a financial technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in software solutions for wealth management firms and financial advisors. The company offers the LifeYield Advantage Suite, which includes various tools designed to enhance the financial health of investors by optimizing their assets. Key components of this suite include Portfolio Advantage, Social Security Advantage, and Income Advantage, which collectively focus on maximizing returns, minimizing taxes, and coordinating all accounts within a household's portfolio. Additionally, LifeYield provides the LifeYield UMH, a user-friendly web-based tool that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, offering features such as client household tracking, cash flow management, and comprehensive reporting. Founded in 2008, LifeYield aims to empower clients to improve their financial outcomes and achieve their retirement goals.
Mirador Financial, Inc. operates a business lending platform designed to assist lenders in borrower acquisition, digital application processing, decision-making, and communication. Founded in 2013 and based in Portland, Oregon, Mirador offers a cloud-based application process that includes API integration, product routing, and policy integration. The platform features a streamlined user experience, digital memos, loan overviews, and automated decision-making, all while ensuring data encryption and security. Mirador's tools enhance efficiency, reportedly increasing lending process efficiency by 69% and reducing origination costs by an average of $1,550. It supports a range of small business lending products, including term loans, collateralized loans, SBA guaranteed loans, and commercial real estate loans, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to over $20 million. As of December 2018, Mirador operates as a subsidiary of CUNA Mutual Holding Company.