Mercury

Mercury Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 2005 and headquartered in Houston, with an additional office in Ann Arbor. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in technology-related companies, primarily in the U.S. Midcontinent. With over $200 million under management, Mercury supports both new entrepreneurs seeking guidance and seasoned founders looking to leverage regional talent and resources. The firm has established itself as one of the most active venture capital firms in the area, targeting innovative startups that have demonstrated product-market fit and are prepared for growth. By prioritizing purpose-driven investing, Mercury aims to empower entrepreneurs and foster innovation in Middle America.

Kelly Avant

Associate

Adrian Fortino

Managing Director

Blair Garrou

Managing Director

Danny Janiak

Partner

Daniel Watkins

Venture Partner

Past deals in Houston, TX

Upgrade Boutique

Seed Round in 2022
Upgrade Boutique is a managed marketplace that provides beauty products and services. The company connects with consumers that seek custom wigs, extensions, and curated beauty products with a network of stylists and colorists. Upgrade Boutique was founded in 2019 by Britney Winters and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Green Room

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Developer of business and tour management software intended for touring entertainers. The company's software offers an all-in-one, mobile solution for event scheduling, coordination and finance tracking, enabling local venues and independent artists to save time as well as stay compliant while managing gig payments.

Cart.com

Series B in 2021
Cart.com is a fully integrated ecommerce platform helps brands and distributors of all sizes move faster, grow larger, and deliver on their promises more completely.

Buildforce

Seed Round in 2021
Buildforce is a developer of a construction labor platform aimed at improving project outcomes in the construction industry. The company offers a labor marketplace that connects skilled tradesmen with construction firms, alongside workforce management and payroll software-as-a-service. This platform enables clients to efficiently identify qualified candidates for their critical projects while providing workers with opportunities to advance their careers. The founding team includes professionals with extensive experience in construction staffing, software engineering, and global market expansion, positioning Buildforce to effectively address the challenges faced by contractors in scaling their workforce without increasing risk and overhead.

Graylog

Venture Round in 2021
Graylog provides service and support for the open source Graylog solution which stores, searches, and analyzes machine data collected from IT infrastructures and applications. The company enables organizations, at a fraction of the cost, to improve IT operations efficiency, security, and reduce the cost of IT. Graylog has received funding from the Mercury Fund and is based in Houston.

Upgrade Boutique

Seed Round in 2021
Upgrade Boutique is a managed marketplace that provides beauty products and services. The company connects with consumers that seek custom wigs, extensions, and curated beauty products with a network of stylists and colorists. Upgrade Boutique was founded in 2019 by Britney Winters and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Molecule Software

Series A in 2021
Molecule Software, Inc. is a developer of energy trading and risk management software based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2012. The company offers a cloud-based platform designed to assist commodity traders, risk managers, and operations teams. Its software, known as Molecule, includes features such as physical inventory support, reconciliation, market data download capabilities, and market data analytics. The platform efficiently integrates trades and position data from various exchanges and spreadsheets, allowing users to quickly calculate position, profit and loss, and value-at-risk. This streamlined approach aims to reduce the time and costs associated with traditional implementations while enhancing data security and reliability. Molecule Software serves various sectors, including electricity, natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil.

Cart.com

Series A in 2021
Cart.com is a fully integrated ecommerce platform helps brands and distributors of all sizes move faster, grow larger, and deliver on their promises more completely.

Buildforce

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Buildforce is a developer of a construction labor platform aimed at improving project outcomes in the construction industry. The company offers a labor marketplace that connects skilled tradesmen with construction firms, alongside workforce management and payroll software-as-a-service. This platform enables clients to efficiently identify qualified candidates for their critical projects while providing workers with opportunities to advance their careers. The founding team includes professionals with extensive experience in construction staffing, software engineering, and global market expansion, positioning Buildforce to effectively address the challenges faced by contractors in scaling their workforce without increasing risk and overhead.

Topl

Seed Round in 2020
Topl enables companies to prove their ethical and sustainable practices, by tracking and tracing every step in an organization's supply chain. Topl came out with its first blockchain in 2018, specifically focused on catering to different commodities, and spent much of 2019 assisting companies on how to work on the blockchain. The company was founded in 2017 and headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Buildforce

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Buildforce is a developer of a construction labor platform aimed at improving project outcomes in the construction industry. The company offers a labor marketplace that connects skilled tradesmen with construction firms, alongside workforce management and payroll software-as-a-service. This platform enables clients to efficiently identify qualified candidates for their critical projects while providing workers with opportunities to advance their careers. The founding team includes professionals with extensive experience in construction staffing, software engineering, and global market expansion, positioning Buildforce to effectively address the challenges faced by contractors in scaling their workforce without increasing risk and overhead.

Meshify

Debt Financing in 2016
Meshify, Inc. specializes in electronic-device management software designed for the Internet of Things (IoT) market. The company enables Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to transform existing devices into internet-connected products, facilitating efficient data measurement, monitoring, and control. Its software offers features such as mobile alerts, user role management, data visualization through graphs and charts, and a hosted web application for viewing device locations and data. Meshify's solutions support a variety of applications, including remote tank monitoring, energy management systems, pest control, and water monitoring, allowing OEMs to generate recurring revenue by enhancing their devices with internet connectivity. Founded in 2012 and based in Houston, Texas, Meshify operates as a subsidiary of HSB Group, Inc. since 2016.

Graylog

Seed Round in 2015
Graylog provides service and support for the open source Graylog solution which stores, searches, and analyzes machine data collected from IT infrastructures and applications. The company enables organizations, at a fraction of the cost, to improve IT operations efficiency, security, and reduce the cost of IT. Graylog has received funding from the Mercury Fund and is based in Houston.

Molecule Software

Seed Round in 2014
Molecule Software, Inc. is a developer of energy trading and risk management software based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2012. The company offers a cloud-based platform designed to assist commodity traders, risk managers, and operations teams. Its software, known as Molecule, includes features such as physical inventory support, reconciliation, market data download capabilities, and market data analytics. The platform efficiently integrates trades and position data from various exchanges and spreadsheets, allowing users to quickly calculate position, profit and loss, and value-at-risk. This streamlined approach aims to reduce the time and costs associated with traditional implementations while enhancing data security and reliability. Molecule Software serves various sectors, including electricity, natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil.

DNAtrix

Series B in 2014
DNAtrix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company develops modified viruses designed to selectively target and kill cancer cells, with its lead product, DNX-2401, focused on glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable brain tumor. This oncolytic immunotherapy has shown promising early results, having been administered to over 35 patients. In addition to DNX-2401, DNAtrix is advancing other therapies, including DNX-2440 and DNX-2450 for solid tumors, and MYX-135 for hematological malignancies. The company aims to expand its platform technology to address a broader range of cancers, including brain metastases, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. DNAtrix has formed a strategic partnership with Valo Therapeutics to enhance its research and development efforts.

SEE Forge

Seed Round in 2014
SEE Forge Pty Ltd. operates SEE Forge, a cloud platform that eliminates paperwork and spreadsheets that manage all the processes. The company’s platform integrates a mobile reporting application and a Web based command centre; connects field operators and executives; turns day to day operations into reports; and enables users to collect, report, and manage information. It serves mining, oil and gas, healthcare, construction, energy and utilities, property management, government, automotive, retail, food and beverages, and other industries. The company is based in West Perth, Australia.

Apsara Therapeutics

Debt Financing in 2014
Apsara Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, focused on developing antibody therapies for neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a demyelinating disorder that leads to lesions on the spinal cord and optic nerve. The company's therapies aim to block the formation of these lesions and interrupt the inflammatory processes that contribute to demyelination and neuronal cell death. By targeting these mechanisms, Apsara Therapeutics seeks to provide effective treatment options for individuals affected by this debilitating condition.

SEE Forge

Seed Round in 2014
SEE Forge Pty Ltd. operates SEE Forge, a cloud platform that eliminates paperwork and spreadsheets that manage all the processes. The company’s platform integrates a mobile reporting application and a Web based command centre; connects field operators and executives; turns day to day operations into reports; and enables users to collect, report, and manage information. It serves mining, oil and gas, healthcare, construction, energy and utilities, property management, government, automotive, retail, food and beverages, and other industries. The company is based in West Perth, Australia.

Apsara Therapeutics

Debt Financing in 2014
Apsara Therapeutics is a biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, focused on developing antibody therapies for neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a demyelinating disorder that leads to lesions on the spinal cord and optic nerve. The company's therapies aim to block the formation of these lesions and interrupt the inflammatory processes that contribute to demyelination and neuronal cell death. By targeting these mechanisms, Apsara Therapeutics seeks to provide effective treatment options for individuals affected by this debilitating condition.

Glycos Biotechnologies

Debt Financing in 2014
Glycos Biotechnologies, Inc. enables the fuels and chemicals industries of the future. Their partners can flexibly make high value products from a wide range of non-food feedstocks, increasing profits and reducing carbon footprint. They partner with ethanol companies, biodiesel companies and chemical companies interested in leveraging existing infrastructure into alternative chemicals and fuels production. They are also collaborating with biorefinery manufacturers and plant operators to deliver the technology for an integrated biorefinery solution.

Molecule Software

Seed Round in 2013
Molecule Software, Inc. is a developer of energy trading and risk management software based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2012. The company offers a cloud-based platform designed to assist commodity traders, risk managers, and operations teams. Its software, known as Molecule, includes features such as physical inventory support, reconciliation, market data download capabilities, and market data analytics. The platform efficiently integrates trades and position data from various exchanges and spreadsheets, allowing users to quickly calculate position, profit and loss, and value-at-risk. This streamlined approach aims to reduce the time and costs associated with traditional implementations while enhancing data security and reliability. Molecule Software serves various sectors, including electricity, natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil.

DNAtrix

Debt Financing in 2013
DNAtrix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company develops modified viruses designed to selectively target and kill cancer cells, with its lead product, DNX-2401, focused on glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable brain tumor. This oncolytic immunotherapy has shown promising early results, having been administered to over 35 patients. In addition to DNX-2401, DNAtrix is advancing other therapies, including DNX-2440 and DNX-2450 for solid tumors, and MYX-135 for hematological malignancies. The company aims to expand its platform technology to address a broader range of cancers, including brain metastases, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. DNAtrix has formed a strategic partnership with Valo Therapeutics to enhance its research and development efforts.

Glycos Biotechnologies

Debt Financing in 2013
Glycos Biotechnologies, Inc. enables the fuels and chemicals industries of the future. Their partners can flexibly make high value products from a wide range of non-food feedstocks, increasing profits and reducing carbon footprint. They partner with ethanol companies, biodiesel companies and chemical companies interested in leveraging existing infrastructure into alternative chemicals and fuels production. They are also collaborating with biorefinery manufacturers and plant operators to deliver the technology for an integrated biorefinery solution.

DNAtrix

Debt Financing in 2013
DNAtrix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company develops modified viruses designed to selectively target and kill cancer cells, with its lead product, DNX-2401, focused on glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable brain tumor. This oncolytic immunotherapy has shown promising early results, having been administered to over 35 patients. In addition to DNX-2401, DNAtrix is advancing other therapies, including DNX-2440 and DNX-2450 for solid tumors, and MYX-135 for hematological malignancies. The company aims to expand its platform technology to address a broader range of cancers, including brain metastases, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. DNAtrix has formed a strategic partnership with Valo Therapeutics to enhance its research and development efforts.

DNAtrix

Debt Financing in 2013
DNAtrix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company develops modified viruses designed to selectively target and kill cancer cells, with its lead product, DNX-2401, focused on glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable brain tumor. This oncolytic immunotherapy has shown promising early results, having been administered to over 35 patients. In addition to DNX-2401, DNAtrix is advancing other therapies, including DNX-2440 and DNX-2450 for solid tumors, and MYX-135 for hematological malignancies. The company aims to expand its platform technology to address a broader range of cancers, including brain metastases, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. DNAtrix has formed a strategic partnership with Valo Therapeutics to enhance its research and development efforts.

Molecule Software

Seed Round in 2012
Molecule Software, Inc. is a developer of energy trading and risk management software based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2012. The company offers a cloud-based platform designed to assist commodity traders, risk managers, and operations teams. Its software, known as Molecule, includes features such as physical inventory support, reconciliation, market data download capabilities, and market data analytics. The platform efficiently integrates trades and position data from various exchanges and spreadsheets, allowing users to quickly calculate position, profit and loss, and value-at-risk. This streamlined approach aims to reduce the time and costs associated with traditional implementations while enhancing data security and reliability. Molecule Software serves various sectors, including electricity, natural gas, NGLs, and crude oil.

DNAtrix

Seed Round in 2012
DNAtrix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company develops modified viruses designed to selectively target and kill cancer cells, with its lead product, DNX-2401, focused on glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable brain tumor. This oncolytic immunotherapy has shown promising early results, having been administered to over 35 patients. In addition to DNX-2401, DNAtrix is advancing other therapies, including DNX-2440 and DNX-2450 for solid tumors, and MYX-135 for hematological malignancies. The company aims to expand its platform technology to address a broader range of cancers, including brain metastases, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. DNAtrix has formed a strategic partnership with Valo Therapeutics to enhance its research and development efforts.

Glycos Biotechnologies

Series B in 2010
Glycos Biotechnologies, Inc. enables the fuels and chemicals industries of the future. Their partners can flexibly make high value products from a wide range of non-food feedstocks, increasing profits and reducing carbon footprint. They partner with ethanol companies, biodiesel companies and chemical companies interested in leveraging existing infrastructure into alternative chemicals and fuels production. They are also collaborating with biorefinery manufacturers and plant operators to deliver the technology for an integrated biorefinery solution.

DNAtrix

Debt Financing in 2010
DNAtrix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company develops modified viruses designed to selectively target and kill cancer cells, with its lead product, DNX-2401, focused on glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable brain tumor. This oncolytic immunotherapy has shown promising early results, having been administered to over 35 patients. In addition to DNX-2401, DNAtrix is advancing other therapies, including DNX-2440 and DNX-2450 for solid tumors, and MYX-135 for hematological malignancies. The company aims to expand its platform technology to address a broader range of cancers, including brain metastases, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. DNAtrix has formed a strategic partnership with Valo Therapeutics to enhance its research and development efforts.

Glycos Biotechnologies

Series A in 2009
Glycos Biotechnologies, Inc. enables the fuels and chemicals industries of the future. Their partners can flexibly make high value products from a wide range of non-food feedstocks, increasing profits and reducing carbon footprint. They partner with ethanol companies, biodiesel companies and chemical companies interested in leveraging existing infrastructure into alternative chemicals and fuels production. They are also collaborating with biorefinery manufacturers and plant operators to deliver the technology for an integrated biorefinery solution.

DNAtrix

Seed Round in 2008
DNAtrix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company develops modified viruses designed to selectively target and kill cancer cells, with its lead product, DNX-2401, focused on glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable brain tumor. This oncolytic immunotherapy has shown promising early results, having been administered to over 35 patients. In addition to DNX-2401, DNAtrix is advancing other therapies, including DNX-2440 and DNX-2450 for solid tumors, and MYX-135 for hematological malignancies. The company aims to expand its platform technology to address a broader range of cancers, including brain metastases, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. DNAtrix has formed a strategic partnership with Valo Therapeutics to enhance its research and development efforts.

Glycos Biotechnologies

Venture Round in 2008
Glycos Biotechnologies, Inc. enables the fuels and chemicals industries of the future. Their partners can flexibly make high value products from a wide range of non-food feedstocks, increasing profits and reducing carbon footprint. They partner with ethanol companies, biodiesel companies and chemical companies interested in leveraging existing infrastructure into alternative chemicals and fuels production. They are also collaborating with biorefinery manufacturers and plant operators to deliver the technology for an integrated biorefinery solution.

DNAtrix

Debt Financing in 2006
DNAtrix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Houston, Texas, specializing in virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer treatment. The company develops modified viruses designed to selectively target and kill cancer cells, with its lead product, DNX-2401, focused on glioblastoma, an aggressive and currently incurable brain tumor. This oncolytic immunotherapy has shown promising early results, having been administered to over 35 patients. In addition to DNX-2401, DNAtrix is advancing other therapies, including DNX-2440 and DNX-2450 for solid tumors, and MYX-135 for hematological malignancies. The company aims to expand its platform technology to address a broader range of cancers, including brain metastases, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. DNAtrix has formed a strategic partnership with Valo Therapeutics to enhance its research and development efforts.