Bulldog Innovation Group

Bulldog Innovation Group, founded in 2014 by Yale alumni, is a Connecticut-based venture capital firm that focuses on seed-stage investments in high-potential ventures primarily led by Yale graduates. The firm specializes in sectors such as consumer goods, healthcare, business services, and technology. By providing experienced mentoring and leveraging a robust network of Yale College and Yale School of Management alumni, Bulldog Innovation Group supports entrepreneurs in their early stages of development. The firm aims to create significant opportunities for both entrepreneurs and investors, fostering a sense of community among its members while remaining independent from Yale University.

Kirk Fansher

Founder and Member of the General Partner

Laura Kauer Rodriguez

Managing Director and Member of the General Partner

16 past transactions

CANbridge Pharma

Series E in 2020
CANbridge Pharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of healthcare products in China and North Asia, particularly for oncology and rare diseases. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Beijing, with additional offices in Shanghai, Cambridge, Taipei, and Hong Kong, the company partners with Western biopharmaceutical firms to bring clinical-stage pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic products to the region. CANbridge specializes in therapies for serious medical conditions that are either unavailable or inadequately addressed in North Asia. Its key product, CAN008, is a glycosylated CD95-Fc fusion protein aimed at treating glioblastoma multiforme, while the company also has a diverse pipeline of biologics and small molecules targeting conditions such as Hunter Syndrome, hemophilia A, and various rare metabolic disorders. Through licensing and exclusive commercialization agreements, CANbridge seeks to enhance healthcare solutions for underserved patient populations in the region.

Allergy Amulet

Seed Round in 2020
Allergy Amulet Inc. is a Madison, Wisconsin-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in the manufacturing and sale of consumer food allergen sensors. Its flagship product, the Allergy Amulet, is recognized as the world's smallest and fastest device for testing food for common allergens, providing results in seconds. Designed for portability, it can be conveniently carried on a keychain, necklace, or wristband, allowing users to maintain safety while enjoying meals. With food allergies affecting approximately 32 million Americans and millions more worldwide, Allergy Amulet aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with food allergies or intolerances. The company serves a diverse clientele, including families, individuals, and businesses, addressing the critical need for rapid allergen detection in everyday situations.

Upside Energy

Series A in 2017
Upside Energy Ltd. develops a cloud service that aggregates the energy stored in systems, including uninterruptible power supplies, solar PV systems (solar panels), electric vehicles, domestic heating systems, etc. It helps households and small business sites to reduce their energy costs and environmental impact/greenhouse gases. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Northwich, United Kingdom. As of November 3, 2020, Upside Energy Ltd operates as a subsidiary of Octopus Energy Limited.

Valor Performance

Seed Round in 2017
Valor Performance is digital learning platform focused on igniting and sustaining peak performance for managers and executives. Valor closes the professional training gap through a dynamic digital platform, progress metrics, and personalized programs for all Valor recipients – giving them a premium experience while fostering a performance mindset. Founded in 2017, Valor Performance is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Pearachute

Seed Round in 2017
Drop in to the best kid classes in Chicago! Pearachute is a new way to help your child discover and explore activities that best fit your family’s schedule. From ballet to baseball, Pearachute gives you flexibility and variety - all in one monthly membership.

Trinity Mobile Networks

Venture Round in 2017
Trinity Mobile Networks, Inc. specializes in developing a multi-network overlay software-defined networking (SDN) platform tailored for smartphones and other mobile devices that require efficient connectivity. The company's flagship product, TrinitySDN, integrates cellular, Wi-Fi, and mesh connections, enabling network operators to manage diverse connections effectively. This platform enhances user experience by providing features such as unified network monitoring, software-defined multipath transmissions, seamless network handoffs, and real-time diagnostics. Additionally, Trinity Mobile Networks focuses on improving data speed and overall bandwidth through innovative wireless mesh networking technologies, which allow for affordable connectivity and reduce reliance on costly cellular services. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, the company aims to deliver enhanced performance and coverage for mobile networks while ensuring secure and efficient data transmission.

Vantage Robotics

Seed Round in 2017
Vantage Robotics, LLC, founded in 2013 and based in San Leandro, California, specializes in the development and manufacture of camera drones. The company's flagship product, Snap, is designed for capturing high-quality aerial photos and videos while simplifying the user experience. This innovative flying camera has received significant attention, achieving over $1 million in pre-sales and securing a landmark FAA waiver for commercial operations near people. Vantage Robotics aims to address the $7 billion camera drone market by offering differentiated technology that enhances usability. Major companies, including prominent retailers, have expressed interest in distributing Snap, with projected annual sales exceeding $100 million. Vantage began shipping Snap in the second quarter of 2017, and it has garnered positive reviews since its launch. The company has attracted investments from notable figures in the drone industry and venture capital firms.

Allergy Amulet

Seed Round in 2016
Allergy Amulet Inc. is a Madison, Wisconsin-based company founded in 2016 that specializes in the manufacturing and sale of consumer food allergen sensors. Its flagship product, the Allergy Amulet, is recognized as the world's smallest and fastest device for testing food for common allergens, providing results in seconds. Designed for portability, it can be conveniently carried on a keychain, necklace, or wristband, allowing users to maintain safety while enjoying meals. With food allergies affecting approximately 32 million Americans and millions more worldwide, Allergy Amulet aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with food allergies or intolerances. The company serves a diverse clientele, including families, individuals, and businesses, addressing the critical need for rapid allergen detection in everyday situations.

Wellinks

Seed Round in 2016
Wellinks, Inc. offers wearable devices for orthotics and prosthetics. It develops a smart strap that allows doctors, parents, and children to check how long and how tight the brace is being worn for preventing scoliosis surgeries. Wellinks, Inc. was formerly known as 109 Design LLC. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in New Haven, Connecticut. As per the transaction announced on January 15, 2020, Wellinks, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Convexity Scientific Inc.

Ancera

Series A in 2016
Ancera, Inc., based in Branford, Connecticut, develops and manufactures advanced pathogen detection equipment aimed at enhancing the safety and quality of food production. Founded in 2011, the company focuses on creating rapid and cost-effective diagnostic solutions. Its flagship product, the PIPER platform, allows for near real-time detection and quantification of microbial threats throughout the food supply chain, from farm to consumer. This innovative device enables cell sorting, concentration, manipulation, and detection of significant samples in under ten minutes, all without the need for sample preparation or handling. With high sensitivity and specificity, Ancera’s technology provides an integrated solution for label-free sorting, microscopy, enumeration, and recovery of cells from complex food sources. By monitoring microbial data, Ancera aims to deliver meaningful operational insights and enhance food security for the food industry.

Pearachute

Seed Round in 2016
Drop in to the best kid classes in Chicago! Pearachute is a new way to help your child discover and explore activities that best fit your family’s schedule. From ballet to baseball, Pearachute gives you flexibility and variety - all in one monthly membership.

WorkAmerica

Seed Round in 2015
WorkAmerica specializes in developing tailored workforce retraining programs for students, employers, community colleges, and training institutions. The company provides a range of in-house and external training courses, catering to various sectors, including call centers, warehouses, hospitality, trucking, and manufacturing. Based in Washington, D.C., WorkAmerica aims to bridge the gap between trained individuals in the skilled trades and employers seeking qualified talent. By leveraging its recruiting platform, the company connects credentialed candidates from community colleges, technical schools, and vocational training centers with job opportunities in an evolving job market. The need to match skilled graduates with employers has become increasingly important as the dynamics of recruiting and hiring in traditional trades change. WorkAmerica operates as a subsidiary of Climb.Jobs.

Thunder

Series B in 2015
Thunder Creative Management Platform removes creative friction to allow advertisers to build more ads, faster. By doing so, Thunder scales ad creatives across devices, formats, and volume. Thunder's ad platform powers display, social, and mobile advertising for over 100 brands, media companies, and agencies. Notable customers include InterContinental Hotels Group, Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, and Hearst.

Eli Nutrition

Seed Round in 2014
Eli Nutrition, Inc. develops antacid products. It offers Tummyzen, an antacid pill that offers heartburn relief. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in New Haven, Connecticut.