Ethos VC

Setscale is a provider of funding services that assists businesses in managing their cash flow through purchase order financing. The company evaluates purchase orders of various sizes and offers capital to cover up to 100% of production costs, ensuring that businesses can continue to grow without interruption. By directly paying manufacturers, Setscale facilitates the completion of inventory orders, allowing companies to focus on their operations rather than financial constraints. The funding model is structured so that Setscale only receives payment after the customer has received the goods and invoiced for the order, enabling a non-dilutive growth strategy for its clients.

Clara is a spending management platform focused on serving companies in Latin America. It offers an end-to-end solution that includes locally-issued corporate cards, bill payment services, financing options, and a software platform that streamlines corporate expense management. The platform is designed to simplify and automate financial processes, allowing businesses to gain real-time insights into spending and manage budgets more effectively. Clara is backed by a diverse group of global and regional investors, aiming to empower companies with greater financial agility and clarity. By enhancing the way company finances are managed, Clara contributes to increasing the economic competitiveness of the region.

Payday is a fintech platform that provides global payment solutions such as virtual mastercards and payments for foreign employees. Payday can also be used to handle payroll, taxes, and compliance by foreign companies with African employees. Payday was established on May 1, 2021 in Vancouver, British Columbia by Favour Ori.

TIER Mobility GmbH is a Berlin-based shared micro-mobility provider founded in 2018, specializing in electric kick scooters, e-bikes, and e-mopeds for local commuting. The company aims to transform urban mobility by offering users a convenient way to access light electric vehicles through its application software, which allows them to locate and book available scooters. TIER is dedicated to promoting climate neutrality and reducing urban dependence on cars, contributing to a more sustainable and livable environment. Through its proprietary Energy Network, TIER strives to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of its services, thereby supporting cities in their efforts to improve mobility solutions.

Prism is a marketplace that provides liquidity for startup founders, employees, and investors.

Omneky is an AI-powered platform that assists businesses in creating effective advertising campaigns by leveraging machine learning and data analysis. The platform generates and tests various ad creatives, optimizing campaigns to enhance performance and return on ad spend. Additionally, it personalizes brand experiences by modeling and designing websites based on audience preferences. By recommending posts, ads, and landing pages tailored to specific audiences, Omneky enables clients to drive engagement and expand their market reach, ultimately saving time and resources in the advertising process.

Yummy Inc. is a food delivery service that operates a mobile application, allowing users to conveniently order and pay for food through their platform. Founded in 2020 by Vicente Zavarce, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in Caracas, Venezuela. Yummy serves customers across Latin America, offering various payment options, including foreign credit cards and cash, to facilitate easy access to food delivery at the desired locations.

earnJARVIS is a crypto investment platform that helps retail investors and businesses access the full breath of the crypto economy by automating asset and yield management.

Setscale is a provider of funding services that assists businesses in managing their cash flow through purchase order financing. The company evaluates purchase orders of various sizes and offers capital to cover up to 100% of production costs, ensuring that businesses can continue to grow without interruption. By directly paying manufacturers, Setscale facilitates the completion of inventory orders, allowing companies to focus on their operations rather than financial constraints. The funding model is structured so that Setscale only receives payment after the customer has received the goods and invoiced for the order, enabling a non-dilutive growth strategy for its clients.

Proof is an identity verification platform that focuses on enhancing the security of business transactions. By verifying identities, it ensures that digital transactions are conducted with a high level of trust and security. This platform aims to protect both businesses and their customers by providing a reliable framework for identity assurance and transaction management. Through its services, Proof facilitates secure interactions in an increasingly digital landscape.

SkyLink is a travel management and collaboration platform based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2021. It leverages artificial intelligence to automate trip management through email and chat, streamlining processes typically handled by traditional travel management agents. By integrating with clients' existing technology, SkyLink enhances operational efficiency and simplifies travel planning for users. The platform aims to provide a seamless experience in managing travel arrangements while utilizing cutting-edge technology.

Starburst is an analytics platform that facilitates seamless access to data across various databases, allowing organizations to unlock the full value of their data. By providing a solution that enables instant actionability, Starburst helps data-driven entities reduce the total cost of their infrastructure and analytics investments. The platform also addresses challenges related to data movement and duplication, thereby preventing vendor lock-in and simplifying the complexities associated with managing data. Through its innovative approach, Starburst aims to empower businesses to effectively leverage their data assets for informed decision-making.

Caplight is a financial technology platform that facilitates derivative transactions in private equity, allowing institutional investors to buy and sell options and swap contracts related to private company stock. The platform connects institutional trading counterparties with underwriting financial institutions, enabling investors to manage risks, generate income on assets, and achieve greater liquidity through mechanisms similar to public market settlements. Caplight serves a diverse clientele, including hedge funds, venture capital firms, family offices, pensions, endowments, mutual funds, and insurance companies. The platform's innovative approach provides institutional investors with the ability to take both long and short positions in private companies using synthetic and cash-settled derivatives.

Trackonomy Systems, Inc. specializes in designing and developing software solutions for supply chain management, focusing on enhancing the parcel delivery process. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, the company offers a range of features such as last-mile logistics, cold chain management, and indoor navigation. Their applications provide end-to-end visibility and control, aimed at simplifying the complexities of parcel tracking for various industries, including transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics service providers. By leveraging this technology, Trackonomy Systems enhances efficiency in package delivery, catering to the needs of high-value and time-sensitive shipments.

Chipper Cash is a financial services company founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company operates a mobile application platform that facilitates free and instant cross-border money transfers across Africa. By allowing users to send money to any mobile phone number in the region, Chipper Cash promotes financial inclusivity and provides a frictionless method for personal payments in different currencies. Its aim is to make peer-to-peer money transfers as simple and accessible as sending a text message, thereby enhancing the efficiency of financial transactions across the continent.

Rain Technologies Inc. is a financial technology company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2019. The company develops applications aimed at enhancing employees' financial health by providing them with on-demand access to their earned wages. Rain's platform integrates with existing payroll systems, allowing employees to withdraw portions of their earned wages at any time, rather than waiting for the traditional payday. This service is offered as a voluntary benefit at no cost to employers. The Rain Instant Pay app not only facilitates wage access but also includes features such as overdraft protection through a checking account option, notifications for upcoming bills, and various budgeting and saving tools. By providing an alternative source for cash, Rain helps businesses support their employees in managing finances more effectively and avoiding reliance on payday loans.

Natural Fiber Welding, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, specializes in the manufacturing and supply of sustainable fabrics and materials derived from plants. The company has developed a circularity platform that produces high-performance, plastic-free materials suitable for various industries, including fashion, footwear, automotive, and upholstery. By integrating its innovative technology into existing supply chains, Natural Fiber Welding enables brands to design and scale eco-friendly products effectively.

Anduril Industries, Inc. is a defense technology company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced hardware and software products to address complex national security challenges faced by the United States and its allies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, California, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., and Seattle, the company employs top technical talent to create innovative solutions. Its offerings include the Lattice Platform, which integrates artificial intelligence, computer vision, and machine learning to provide a cohesive operational picture; the Sentry Tower, which collects data across the electromagnetic spectrum; and the Ghost sUAS, a man-portable unmanned aerial system capable of performing various missions autonomously. Additionally, Anduril develops the Anvil sUAS, designed for precise drone threat interception while providing visual feedback for human operators. Through its cutting-edge technology, Anduril aims to enhance defense capabilities and support frontline personnel in safeguarding national interests.

Vise is a New York-based company that automates investment management for financial advisors through the use of artificial intelligence. Founded in 2016 by Samir Vasavada and Runik Mehrotra, Vise has developed a comprehensive platform that supports the entire advisor-client relationship. This includes designing personalized portfolios, managing investments, and offering ongoing intelligence. By automating these processes, Vise allows financial advisors to concentrate on fostering their client relationships while providing tailored investment solutions. The platform facilitates the creation of customized portfolios using individual securities, with features such as automated trade execution and continuous rebalancing, thereby enhancing the capabilities of financial advisors in helping their clients achieve their financial goals.

Hearth is a financial technology platform designed specifically for home improvement contractors. It offers a suite of tools that assist these contractors in managing and growing their businesses. The platform provides essential financial resources, including financing advice, invoicing, payment collections, and insurance products. By enabling contractors to send quotes, contracts, invoices, and financing options from any location, Hearth facilitates a seamless process for closing deals. This comprehensive approach helps contractors streamline operations and improve their overall business efficiency.

GreenLight is a financial technology company that offers a comprehensive debit card and money management app designed for families. The platform allows parents and children to earn, save, spend wisely, give, and invest money effectively. Parents can establish flexible spending controls, oversee chores, automate allowances, and invest for their children's futures. Additionally, GreenLight provides up to 3% unlimited cash back on all purchases, with the option for parents to automatically invest those cash rewards in stocks and ETFs for family-related expenses. Founded in 2014 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, GreenLight has become a valuable resource for millions of families seeking to enhance their financial literacy and management.

Cinchona is a venture builder based in London, founded in 2020. The company focuses on acquiring, incubating, and developing e-commerce brands, leveraging the expertise of its team in e-commerce, technology, and mergers and acquisitions. Cinchona aims to create an ecosystem that supports e-commerce entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and growth in the sector. Backed by leading investors, the company is dedicated to nurturing promising ventures and enhancing their market presence.

Aimi operates a music platform that merges human creativity with advanced technology to deliver dynamic, unscripted sonic experiences. The platform enables artists, listeners, and businesses to explore and create music in innovative ways. By utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning, Aimi generates continuous music landscapes that cater to individual preferences, fostering a more engaging and immersive listening experience. It also offers an interactive software application that ensures artists retain their intellectual property rights and receive proper credit for their contributions. This framework allows businesses to customize listening experiences in alignment with their objectives while maintaining high standards of integrity.

Airtable is a cloud-based software company that provides an intuitive online platform for creating and sharing relational databases. The company enables users to build custom applications tailored to their needs, facilitating tasks such as creating flexible checklists, organizing collections or ideas, and managing customer contacts. With a diverse range of templates available, from home improvement projects to inventory management, Airtable caters to various use cases without requiring users to have prior coding experience. The platform is designed to democratize software creation, empowering individuals and business teams alike to develop the tools that best suit their requirements.

Stripe, Inc. is a technology company that develops application programming interfaces (APIs) and tools to facilitate online payment processing for businesses. Its offerings include a range of services such as a developer toolkit for payments, subscription management, and a routing engine for handling third-party payouts. Additionally, Stripe provides analytics tools for business insights, fraud detection, customizable payment forms, and an embeddable checkout solution that works across various devices. The company supports a wide array of payment methods, including major credit and debit cards, and caters to diverse sectors such as e-commerce, B2B platforms, and non-profits. Established in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Stripe operates in multiple international markets including Canada, the UK, Australia, and several European countries. The company also offers Stripe Capital, which provides businesses with flexible financing options based on their payment history, helping them manage cash flow and invest in growth.

Flutterwave Inc. is a financial technology company that offers comprehensive payment solutions for businesses globally. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Flutterwave provides a range of services, including Flutterwave Checkout for processing payments via web and mobile, and a Flutterwave API for creating and managing virtual cards. The platform also includes tools for invoicing, allowing businesses to create professional invoices and track payments, as well as payment links for easy collection from customers. Serving various industries such as gaming, events, transportation, and hospitality, Flutterwave aims to simplify payment infrastructure by connecting merchants with local and international card schemes and bank accounts, ensuring secure and efficient payment processing.

Astra is a rocket launch startup that provides satellite delivery and launch services. It offers online reservations for payload deliveries to both sun-synchronous and low-inclination orbits. Astra also offers dedicated launch services of 50kg-150kg payloads to 500km SSO reference orbit in 2020 and 2021. The company focuses on providing cost-effective and frequent access to space for small satellite payloads. Astra aims to simplify the process of launching payloads into space by developing lightweight and agile rockets that can be found from various locations. Astra has been actively conducting launch campaigns to demonstrate its capabilities and improve its technology. As with any ambitious space venture, Astra has faced its fair share of challenges and setbacks in developing and launching rockets.

Fantasmo.io, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Venice, California, develops decentralized and open-source software solutions for creating 3D maps and camera-based positioning systems suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. The company's primary offering, the Camera Positioning Standard, operates without the need for traditional infrastructure such as satellites, beacons, or radios, making it particularly versatile for various applications. Fantasmo's technology is utilized across multiple sectors, including micro mobility, robotics, mobile devices, and automotive industries, enabling advancements in augmented reality and the integration of physical and digital spaces.

Astra is a rocket launch startup that provides satellite delivery and launch services. It offers online reservations for payload deliveries to both sun-synchronous and low-inclination orbits. Astra also offers dedicated launch services of 50kg-150kg payloads to 500km SSO reference orbit in 2020 and 2021. The company focuses on providing cost-effective and frequent access to space for small satellite payloads. Astra aims to simplify the process of launching payloads into space by developing lightweight and agile rockets that can be found from various locations. Astra has been actively conducting launch campaigns to demonstrate its capabilities and improve its technology. As with any ambitious space venture, Astra has faced its fair share of challenges and setbacks in developing and launching rockets.

Airtable is a cloud-based software company that provides an intuitive online platform for creating and sharing relational databases. The company enables users to build custom applications tailored to their needs, facilitating tasks such as creating flexible checklists, organizing collections or ideas, and managing customer contacts. With a diverse range of templates available, from home improvement projects to inventory management, Airtable caters to various use cases without requiring users to have prior coding experience. The platform is designed to democratize software creation, empowering individuals and business teams alike to develop the tools that best suit their requirements.

Palantir Technologies Inc. is a data analytics company that provides software solutions for integrating, visualizing, and analyzing large and complex data sets. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Palantir offers two primary platforms: Palantir Gotham, which supports government organizations in managing and analyzing data, and Palantir Foundry, which serves commercial enterprises. The company's software enables organizations across various sectors—including government, defense, finance, healthcare, and non-profits—to collaborate and derive insights from vast amounts of information. Palantir’s solutions address a range of applications, including anti-fraud efforts, crisis response, cybersecurity, and healthcare delivery. The company has established strategic partnerships, such as with United Airlines, to enhance its service offerings.

Bakkt Holdings, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, operates a blockchain-based platform designed for consumers and institutions to buy, sell, store, and spend digital assets. The company's platform offers a user-friendly experience accessible through applications and APIs, enabling seamless transactions in cryptocurrencies and loyalty points. Bakkt aims to enhance consumer spending and strengthen loyalty programs, creating value for all participants in its digital assets ecosystem. Additionally, Bakkt provides custody solutions tailored for institutional clients, ensuring secure storage of digital assets. The company generates revenue through subscription services and various digital asset transactions, positioning itself as a trusted player in the evolving digital economy.

Citizen is a mobile application focused on enhancing personal and community safety by delivering real-time safety alerts and incident updates to its users. The app utilizes the latest 911 data to provide timely information, allowing users to stay informed about their surroundings. It features live stories and user-generated content, promoting transparency and awareness within neighborhoods. Citizen has been recognized for its positive impact, assisting in various emergency situations, including evacuations and locating missing persons and pets. With millions of downloads across the United States, the app has established significant user bases in major metropolitan areas such as New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Citizen aims to empower individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones while fostering a connected community.