Huron River Ventures

Huron River Ventures is a Michigan-based private equity firm founded in 2010 that focuses on early-stage investments in outdated industries. The firm targets sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and technology, aiming to enhance and modernize these fields through innovative solutions. By investing in technologies that address the challenges faced by these industries, Huron River Ventures seeks to drive growth and improve efficiencies, ultimately contributing to the revitalization of traditional sectors.

Doug Bottrel

Principal, Head of Business Development

Grant Jason

Associate

Ryan Waddington

Founding Partner

Noah Yates

Senior Associate

Past deals in Michigan

SkySpecs

Series D in 2022
SkySpecs automates the inspection, diagnostics, and maintenance of utility scale wind turbines with custom autonomous drones. The company develops an affordable form of energy, through the use of an automated drone inspection service and analytics platform that allows for repeatability, high-quality data, and safer inspections. SkySpecs was founded on 2012 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

SkySpecs

Series B in 2018
SkySpecs automates the inspection, diagnostics, and maintenance of utility scale wind turbines with custom autonomous drones. The company develops an affordable form of energy, through the use of an automated drone inspection service and analytics platform that allows for repeatability, high-quality data, and safer inspections. SkySpecs was founded on 2012 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

FarmLogs

Series C in 2017
Their mission is to help bring farmers the future of farming. They challenge what is possible and invent new ways of applying cutting-edge technology to the world's oldest and most foundational industry. Farmers are the core of agriculture and they help them use technology to be more successful. Farmer success is their success. They will never make a decision that doesn't benefit farmers. Their world depends on agriculture. By making farming more efficient and helping farmers grow more using less, they have the opportunity to make a massive positive impact. And, they've brought together a world-class team to make it happen.

Algal Scientific

Convertible Note in 2016
Algal Scientific has two distinct business units that serve the animal feed, human nutrition, and wastewater treatment industries. One unit is focused on the production of their ProGlucan beta-glucan products for animal feeds and human nutrition. The second unit is dedicated to the commercialization of their Hypertrophic wastewater treatment system, which they license to customers in the food and beverage industry. It was acquired by Kemin Industries in March 2017. It was founded in 2017 and is based in Plymouth, Michigan.

PeachWorks

Convertible Note in 2016
PeachWorks Inc. provides cloud-based business analytics and real-time management software for restaurant, hospitality, and retail industries. It offers employee scheduling, inventory management, point of sale reporting and intelligence, and enterprise connection solutions. The company was formerly known as WhenToManage Inc. and changed its name to PeachWorks Inc. in March 2015. PeachWorks Inc. was founded in 2005 and is based in Southfield, Michigan. As of April 25, 2018, PeachWorks Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Beyond.

Sportsman Tracker

Series A in 2016
Sportsman Tracker is a cross-platform digital toolset designed to increase success opportunities for hunters and fishermen and allow them to quickly share their experiences. Powered by W.I.T. (Wild Life Intelligence Technology), the tracker calculates the variables that directly affect wildlife behavior. The platform lets track species and gets adaptive features that are specific only the species. Founded in 2012 by Jon Schwander and Jeffrey James Courter, Sportsman Tracker is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Cribspot

Seed Round in 2016
Cribspot, Inc. operates an online platform for leasing and rental of student apartments and houses in Ann Arbor, Columbus, and East Lansing areas. Its online platform enables college students to find off-campus housing and apartment rentals with virtual tours and floorplans. The company also offers property management and marketing, online leasing and payment, tenant screening, maintenance and repair, accounting, and turnover services for property owners. In addition, it provides a mobile application for iOS and Android devices. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

ArborMetrix

Series B in 2016
ArborMetrix, Inc. specializes in data analytics and technology solutions aimed at enhancing outcomes and advancing research within the healthcare industry. The company offers a platform that facilitates data collection and integration, performance measurement, and analytics, along with comprehensive database administration. Its solutions include EpisodeMetrix, which analyzes episode costs to help healthcare payers and providers optimize networks and manage care costs, and RegistryMetrix, designed for creating tailored clinical registries. Additionally, SurgicalMetrix provides insights into the performance of surgical groups by integrating various clinical and operational data. ArborMetrix’s offerings also encompass clinical quality improvement, patient and provider engagement, value-based reimbursement, and clinical research. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including specialty societies, medical device manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and health systems across the United States. Founded in 2011, ArborMetrix is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

SkySpecs

Series A in 2015
SkySpecs automates the inspection, diagnostics, and maintenance of utility scale wind turbines with custom autonomous drones. The company develops an affordable form of energy, through the use of an automated drone inspection service and analytics platform that allows for repeatability, high-quality data, and safer inspections. SkySpecs was founded on 2012 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

PeachWorks

Series A in 2015
PeachWorks Inc. provides cloud-based business analytics and real-time management software for restaurant, hospitality, and retail industries. It offers employee scheduling, inventory management, point of sale reporting and intelligence, and enterprise connection solutions. The company was formerly known as WhenToManage Inc. and changed its name to PeachWorks Inc. in March 2015. PeachWorks Inc. was founded in 2005 and is based in Southfield, Michigan. As of April 25, 2018, PeachWorks Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Beyond.

Algal Scientific

Series B in 2015
Algal Scientific has two distinct business units that serve the animal feed, human nutrition, and wastewater treatment industries. One unit is focused on the production of their ProGlucan beta-glucan products for animal feeds and human nutrition. The second unit is dedicated to the commercialization of their Hypertrophic wastewater treatment system, which they license to customers in the food and beverage industry. It was acquired by Kemin Industries in March 2017. It was founded in 2017 and is based in Plymouth, Michigan.

Sportsman Tracker

Series A in 2015
Sportsman Tracker is a cross-platform digital toolset designed to increase success opportunities for hunters and fishermen and allow them to quickly share their experiences. Powered by W.I.T. (Wild Life Intelligence Technology), the tracker calculates the variables that directly affect wildlife behavior. The platform lets track species and gets adaptive features that are specific only the species. Founded in 2012 by Jon Schwander and Jeffrey James Courter, Sportsman Tracker is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

FarmLogs

Series B in 2014
Their mission is to help bring farmers the future of farming. They challenge what is possible and invent new ways of applying cutting-edge technology to the world's oldest and most foundational industry. Farmers are the core of agriculture and they help them use technology to be more successful. Farmer success is their success. They will never make a decision that doesn't benefit farmers. Their world depends on agriculture. By making farming more efficient and helping farmers grow more using less, they have the opportunity to make a massive positive impact. And, they've brought together a world-class team to make it happen.

Cribspot

Seed Round in 2014
Cribspot, Inc. operates an online platform for leasing and rental of student apartments and houses in Ann Arbor, Columbus, and East Lansing areas. Its online platform enables college students to find off-campus housing and apartment rentals with virtual tours and floorplans. The company also offers property management and marketing, online leasing and payment, tenant screening, maintenance and repair, accounting, and turnover services for property owners. In addition, it provides a mobile application for iOS and Android devices. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

FarmLogs

Series A in 2014
Their mission is to help bring farmers the future of farming. They challenge what is possible and invent new ways of applying cutting-edge technology to the world's oldest and most foundational industry. Farmers are the core of agriculture and they help them use technology to be more successful. Farmer success is their success. They will never make a decision that doesn't benefit farmers. Their world depends on agriculture. By making farming more efficient and helping farmers grow more using less, they have the opportunity to make a massive positive impact. And, they've brought together a world-class team to make it happen.

Covaron Advanced Materials

Convertible Note in 2013
Covaron Advanced Materials is a seed-stage company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in the development of thermosetting ceramic materials. It focuses on creating patterns, cores, and molds for applications in metal sand casting, plastic thermoforming, and plastic injection molding. The company's innovative PETRAFORGE™ technology offers high-performance physical properties akin to traditional advanced ceramics, while also providing fabrication ease similar to two-part thermoset polymers. Covaron's materials are versatile and find applications in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and coatings. Founded in 2010, Covaron Advanced Materials was previously known as Kymeira Advanced Materials.

FarmLogs

Seed Round in 2013
Their mission is to help bring farmers the future of farming. They challenge what is possible and invent new ways of applying cutting-edge technology to the world's oldest and most foundational industry. Farmers are the core of agriculture and they help them use technology to be more successful. Farmer success is their success. They will never make a decision that doesn't benefit farmers. Their world depends on agriculture. By making farming more efficient and helping farmers grow more using less, they have the opportunity to make a massive positive impact. And, they've brought together a world-class team to make it happen.

OptoAtmospherics

Series A in 2012
OptoAtmospherics, Inc. specializes in laser-based atmospheric measurement products, particularly UV-based Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems tailored for the wind industry. The company's technology facilitates direct detection and measurement of wind speed, temperature, and density, offering continuous reporting that enhances site assessment accuracy. This capability contributes to increased energy output and reduced maintenance requirements for both turbine-mounted and ground-based platforms. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, OptoAtmospherics was previously known as Windsight, LLC, and remains focused on advancing atmospheric measurement technologies for various applications.