Grotech Ventures

Grotech Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 1984, headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, with additional offices in Arlington, Virginia, and Denver, Colorado. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on high-growth technology sectors such as social and digital media, e-commerce, mobile and cloud software, enterprise software, big data analytics, security technologies, and healthcare IT. Grotech Ventures does not invest in life sciences, biotech sectors, or foreign entities. It primarily targets underserved venture markets across the United States, including areas like Charlotte, Northern Virginia, Atlanta, and the Rocky Mountain region. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from $500,000 to $5 million and seeks to support portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds. Grotech Ventures prefers to take a lead role in its investments and often secures a board seat, emphasizing a collaborative, long-term partnership with entrepreneurs to drive growth and innovation.

Frank Adams

Founder and Managing General Partner

Darren Appanah

vice_president

Charles P. Cullen

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer & General Partner

Chuck Cullen

General Partner, COO and CFO

Lawson DeVries

Managing General Partner

Steve Fredrick

General Partner

Sharon Gogol

Vice President, Controller

Meghan Pfeifer

Director, Finance

Donald Rainey

General Partner

Douglas M. Schmidt

Partner

Julia Taxin

General Partner

Andrew Winslow

Vice President

Joseph Zell

General Partner and Venture Partner

Past deals in Colorado

ThreatX

Series B in 2021
ThreatX, Inc. is a cybersecurity company based in Louisville, Colorado, specializing in cloud-based security solutions. Founded in 2014, it offers a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed for web application and API protection. The company's flagship product, a web application firewall, leverages advanced application profiling, collective threat intelligence, and deep analytics to differentiate between legitimate user behavior and malicious attacks. This innovative approach provides enterprises with enhanced visibility and effective threat detection, reducing the false positives and maintenance issues often associated with traditional security solutions. In addition to its core offerings, ThreatX also provides managed security services and security consulting to help organizations navigate the complexities of the evolving threat landscape.

Backbone PLM

Series A in 2019
Backbone PLM, Inc. provides a comprehensive product lifecycle management solution tailored for consumer goods companies. Established in 2014 in Greeley, Colorado, the company develops a cloud-based platform designed to streamline product development and enhance collaboration among teams and suppliers. Backbone's offerings include a file management system, a tech pack editor for centralizing product data, and tools for managing design comments, bill of materials, and project file storage. By improving visibility and communication throughout the product development process, Backbone PLM aims to reduce errors, increase productivity, and accelerate time-to-market for consumer goods. Founded by industry veterans, the company focuses on delivering a user-friendly solution that empowers management teams to make informed strategic decisions.

Cloud Elements

Series C in 2019
Cloud Elements is a developer of an API integration platform used to integrate and manage digital products and applications. It features end-to-end functions such as data transformations, API provisioning, usage monitoring, events, and notifications for tracking and troubleshooting that enables developers to integrate multiple apps into different CRM and marketing automation platforms in an easy manner. Cloud Elements was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

Cloud Elements

Corporate Round in 2018
Cloud Elements is a developer of an API integration platform used to integrate and manage digital products and applications. It features end-to-end functions such as data transformations, API provisioning, usage monitoring, events, and notifications for tracking and troubleshooting that enables developers to integrate multiple apps into different CRM and marketing automation platforms in an easy manner. Cloud Elements was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

Backbone PLM

Series A in 2018
Backbone PLM, Inc. provides a comprehensive product lifecycle management solution tailored for consumer goods companies. Established in 2014 in Greeley, Colorado, the company develops a cloud-based platform designed to streamline product development and enhance collaboration among teams and suppliers. Backbone's offerings include a file management system, a tech pack editor for centralizing product data, and tools for managing design comments, bill of materials, and project file storage. By improving visibility and communication throughout the product development process, Backbone PLM aims to reduce errors, increase productivity, and accelerate time-to-market for consumer goods. Founded by industry veterans, the company focuses on delivering a user-friendly solution that empowers management teams to make informed strategic decisions.

ThreatX

Series A in 2018
ThreatX, Inc. is a cybersecurity company based in Louisville, Colorado, specializing in cloud-based security solutions. Founded in 2014, it offers a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform designed for web application and API protection. The company's flagship product, a web application firewall, leverages advanced application profiling, collective threat intelligence, and deep analytics to differentiate between legitimate user behavior and malicious attacks. This innovative approach provides enterprises with enhanced visibility and effective threat detection, reducing the false positives and maintenance issues often associated with traditional security solutions. In addition to its core offerings, ThreatX also provides managed security services and security consulting to help organizations navigate the complexities of the evolving threat landscape.

Cloud Elements

Series B in 2017
Cloud Elements is a developer of an API integration platform used to integrate and manage digital products and applications. It features end-to-end functions such as data transformations, API provisioning, usage monitoring, events, and notifications for tracking and troubleshooting that enables developers to integrate multiple apps into different CRM and marketing automation platforms in an easy manner. Cloud Elements was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

Fluid Truck

Seed Round in 2016
Fluid Truck is a technology-driven B2B platform focused on truck sharing, aiming to transform the utilization of business vehicles in the United States. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, the company provides a mobile application that enables businesses to share and rent trucks, optimizing vehicle usage through fractional ownership. The application is accessible on both the App Store and Google Play, allowing business owners to efficiently manage their transportation needs by connecting with others in their community to rent vehicles when not in use.

Dizzion

Series A in 2016
Dizzion [rhymes with vision] is bringing the power of cloud computing to the desktop by enabling employees to securely access their applications and data from any device, anytime, anywhere while enjoying the same access, security, and productivity as they do in their office environment. Its proprietary managed desktop service is built on enterprise technology that includes infrastructure, software licensing, management, support, and security for a monthly fee. Dizzion was founded in 2011 and is based in Denver, Colorado, United States.

ParkiFi

Series A in 2016
ParkiFi, Inc. designs and offers IoT-enabled parking sensors. The company also provides platform solutions to manage and show open spots in parking spaces. It offers solutions for parking garages, surface lots, and municipal parking. It serves private parking operators and owners, property managers and REITs, and city parking services departments and urban planners. ParkiFi, Inc. was formerly known as Krumly LLC. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Denver, Colorado. As of February 1, 2018, ParkiFi, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation.

CommercialTribe

Series B in 2015
CommercialTribe, Inc. develops a sales team assessment and behavioral-based observational learning platform. The company offers a software as a service (SaaS) based platform, CT Connect, which provides coaching, video training, sales framework alignment, sales management, operations, enablement, tools and framework for assessment of sales workflow, performance management, and analytics and reporting tools and services. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Denver, Colorado.

Dizzion

Series A in 2015
Dizzion [rhymes with vision] is bringing the power of cloud computing to the desktop by enabling employees to securely access their applications and data from any device, anytime, anywhere while enjoying the same access, security, and productivity as they do in their office environment. Its proprietary managed desktop service is built on enterprise technology that includes infrastructure, software licensing, management, support, and security for a monthly fee. Dizzion was founded in 2011 and is based in Denver, Colorado, United States.

Cloud Elements

Series A in 2014
Cloud Elements is a developer of an API integration platform used to integrate and manage digital products and applications. It features end-to-end functions such as data transformations, API provisioning, usage monitoring, events, and notifications for tracking and troubleshooting that enables developers to integrate multiple apps into different CRM and marketing automation platforms in an easy manner. Cloud Elements was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

CommercialTribe

Series A in 2014
CommercialTribe, Inc. develops a sales team assessment and behavioral-based observational learning platform. The company offers a software as a service (SaaS) based platform, CT Connect, which provides coaching, video training, sales framework alignment, sales management, operations, enablement, tools and framework for assessment of sales workflow, performance management, and analytics and reporting tools and services. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Denver, Colorado.

Closely

Series A in 2014
Closely centers itself squarely behind the local merchant, equipping small business owners to succeed with everyday social & mobile marketing and to connect with the fast-changing online, social & mobile behavior of their customers. By providing simple tools for local merchants to promote their business, create loyal customers, & make better use of their resources, Closely empowers small businesses to participate more effectively in their local marketplace.

GutCheck

Series C in 2014
GutCheck is a marketing research company based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2009. It specializes in online market research and provides on-demand consumer insights through a qualitative platform. The company facilitates one-on-one online interviews, enabling businesses and organizations to connect with their target audiences effectively. GutCheck aims to innovate the market research process by offering real-time, affordable solutions tailored to meet the needs of its clients.

Royalty Exchange

Series A in 2013
Royalty Exchange is an online platform for buying and selling royalties and a member company of Techstars Music Accelerator. It offers a centralized, open marketplace to conduct royalty auctions, bringing transparency to a historically private process. The result maximizes value for royalty owners and provides a standardized and secure alternative investment opportunity for buyers and investors.

GutCheck

Series B in 2013
GutCheck is a marketing research company based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2009. It specializes in online market research and provides on-demand consumer insights through a qualitative platform. The company facilitates one-on-one online interviews, enabling businesses and organizations to connect with their target audiences effectively. GutCheck aims to innovate the market research process by offering real-time, affordable solutions tailored to meet the needs of its clients.

Plink

Series A in 2012
Plink, Inc. provides a registered card program that allows users to earn Facebook Credits and other online rewards for dining out and shopping offline. Its platform enables members to create an account at Plink.com, and links credit or debit cards of members to begin earning Facebook Credits by dining-out or shopping at participating restaurants and offline retailers providers. The company was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Denver, Colorado. Plink, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Adperio, Inc.

LogRhythm

Series D in 2012
LogRhythm is a world leader in NextGen SIEM, empowering thousands of enterprises on six continents to successfully reduce cyber and operational risk by rapidly detecting, responding to and neutralizing damaging cyberthreats. The LogRhythm NextGen SIEM Platform combines advanced security analytics; user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA); network detection and response (NDR); and security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) in a single end-to-end solution. LogRhythm’s technology serves as the foundation for the world’s most modern enterprise security operations centers (SOCs), helping customers measurably secure their cloud, physical, and virtual infrastructures for both IT and OT environments. Built for security professionals by security professionals, the LogRhythm NextGen SIEM Platform has won countless customer and industry accolades. LogRhythm was founded in 2003 by Chris Petersen and Phillip Villella to address the unmet and growing need for a comprehensive log and event management solution. Their varied experience with customers gave them insight into how to architect an enterprise-class solution for maximum utility and long-term viability.

NexGen Storage

Series B in 2011
NexGen Storage is an independent company specializing in hybrid flash arrays that allow customers to prioritize data and application performance based on business value. Established after its spin-out from Fusion-io in 2015, NexGen differentiates itself by offering a policy-based Quality of Service that helps users manage data effectively, avoiding the high costs associated with all-flash arrays and addressing the performance inconsistencies often found in SSD-based hybrid solutions. The company's technology includes storage area network (SAN) capabilities, enabling users to create efficient virtual server environments. NexGen is committed to supporting its reseller partners by providing registered deal protection and attractive margins for every opportunity, ensuring channel success while delivering predictable application performance and optimal flash utilization for end-users.

LogRhythm

Series C in 2011
LogRhythm is a world leader in NextGen SIEM, empowering thousands of enterprises on six continents to successfully reduce cyber and operational risk by rapidly detecting, responding to and neutralizing damaging cyberthreats. The LogRhythm NextGen SIEM Platform combines advanced security analytics; user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA); network detection and response (NDR); and security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) in a single end-to-end solution. LogRhythm’s technology serves as the foundation for the world’s most modern enterprise security operations centers (SOCs), helping customers measurably secure their cloud, physical, and virtual infrastructures for both IT and OT environments. Built for security professionals by security professionals, the LogRhythm NextGen SIEM Platform has won countless customer and industry accolades. LogRhythm was founded in 2003 by Chris Petersen and Phillip Villella to address the unmet and growing need for a comprehensive log and event management solution. Their varied experience with customers gave them insight into how to architect an enterprise-class solution for maximum utility and long-term viability.

NexGen Storage

Series A in 2010
NexGen Storage is an independent company specializing in hybrid flash arrays that allow customers to prioritize data and application performance based on business value. Established after its spin-out from Fusion-io in 2015, NexGen differentiates itself by offering a policy-based Quality of Service that helps users manage data effectively, avoiding the high costs associated with all-flash arrays and addressing the performance inconsistencies often found in SSD-based hybrid solutions. The company's technology includes storage area network (SAN) capabilities, enabling users to create efficient virtual server environments. NexGen is committed to supporting its reseller partners by providing registered deal protection and attractive margins for every opportunity, ensuring channel success while delivering predictable application performance and optimal flash utilization for end-users.

Giveo

Series A in 2010
Giveo is a developer of software solutions for the new democracy of giving. It also offers the first hosted platform for branded cause-marketing campaigns. The SaaS-based marketing and campaign management platform enables highly personalized cause campaigns, building greater brand and customer loyalty and creating stronger connections between organizations, their causes, and their key audiences. Giveo offers a platform for branded, crowd-sourced cause-marketing campaigns and social fundraising. The company goal is o help nonprofits market more effectively to engage supporters and or find new donors as well as make a bigger impact with the available marketing budget. Giveo was founded in 2008 and is based in Boulder, CO, USA.

LogRhythm

Series B in 2009
LogRhythm is a world leader in NextGen SIEM, empowering thousands of enterprises on six continents to successfully reduce cyber and operational risk by rapidly detecting, responding to and neutralizing damaging cyberthreats. The LogRhythm NextGen SIEM Platform combines advanced security analytics; user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA); network detection and response (NDR); and security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) in a single end-to-end solution. LogRhythm’s technology serves as the foundation for the world’s most modern enterprise security operations centers (SOCs), helping customers measurably secure their cloud, physical, and virtual infrastructures for both IT and OT environments. Built for security professionals by security professionals, the LogRhythm NextGen SIEM Platform has won countless customer and industry accolades. LogRhythm was founded in 2003 by Chris Petersen and Phillip Villella to address the unmet and growing need for a comprehensive log and event management solution. Their varied experience with customers gave them insight into how to architect an enterprise-class solution for maximum utility and long-term viability.

Rebit

Series B in 2008
Backup your PC and gain peace of mind with Rebit’s award-winning computer backup solution. Rebit software is used by hundreds of thousands of users and has built a reputation for providing innovative backup solutions. Our next-generation technology combines full-system protection locally with cloud backup in a single solution. Designed to be “Ridiculously Simple,” Rebit offers an easy-to-use interface for both cloud and local backup. The seamless integration of local and cloud backup, along with the ability to backup clients and servers with a single product, provides you with enterprise level backup capabilities without the need to manage a complex, expensive product.

Collective Intellect

Series B in 2008
Collective Intellect produces real time market intelligence, using the most advanced digital communications analytics platform available to address the most critical needs that marketing professionals face. Collective Intellect's technology enables it to answer any question and address problem that marketers and researchers have, and produce the most relevant and actionable intelligence faster, more cost effectively, and with better data purity than any other method.

HiveLive

Series A in 2008
HiveLive is a B2B social networking application provider offering standard features like wikis, blogs, forums, and user profiles. It improves the power of these tools by allowing users in the network to create "Hives", which are blocks of users who choose to restrict access to a particular application amongst selected members in their network. For instance, a project team inside a company network may join a wiki restricted to a Hive of team members. Friends with a shared common interest may form a form a forum Hive to discuss their interests. HiveLive's targeted customer base is companies looking to build communities with their customers, employees, or partners. It competes with other social networking application providers like [Ning](http://www.crunchbase.com/organization/ning) and [OneSite](http://www.crunchbase.com/organization/onesite).

Aztek Networks

Series B in 2007
Aztek Networks is a supplier of telecommunications products that allow service providers to consolidate the number of legacy voice switches in network while providing a migration path to IP broadband networks. Aztek's 5000-series products allow service providers, through switch consolidation, to reduce operating costs associated with their older switches while maintaining reliable voice connectivity. Aztek Networks draws on its 25-year heritage as Aztek Engineering to bring patented ESA switch and migration products to the telecommunications industry. Aztek's mission is to provide solutions to telecommunications service providers that address the balance between declining wireline subscribers and the costs of maintaining and operating reliable legacy voice networks.

Aztek Networks

Series A in 2006
Aztek Networks is a supplier of telecommunications products that allow service providers to consolidate the number of legacy voice switches in network while providing a migration path to IP broadband networks. Aztek's 5000-series products allow service providers, through switch consolidation, to reduce operating costs associated with their older switches while maintaining reliable voice connectivity. Aztek Networks draws on its 25-year heritage as Aztek Engineering to bring patented ESA switch and migration products to the telecommunications industry. Aztek's mission is to provide solutions to telecommunications service providers that address the balance between declining wireline subscribers and the costs of maintaining and operating reliable legacy voice networks.