Grand Angels

Akadeum Life Sciences, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in the manufacturing of microbubble cell separation products. Founded in 2014, the company develops bioseparation products that utilize microscopic microbubbles to efficiently capture and isolate target cells from biological samples. Their offerings include T cell and B cell isolation kits for both human and mouse cells, as well as depletion microbubbles for red blood cell separation. Akadeum's products streamline the process of removing specific cells, such as bacteria or viruses, from liquid samples, thereby enhancing the efficiency of downstream testing and analysis. The company also collaborates with strategic partners, including Agilent Technologies, to further advance its innovative solutions in cell separation. Akadeum Life Sciences sells its products online, aiming to improve cell-based research and diagnostics in the life sciences sector.

ONL Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, focused on developing innovative therapies to protect and improve vision in patients with retinal diseases. Established in 2006, the company specializes in creating photoreceptor protective agents that target the FAS apoptotic pathway, offering potential protection for photoreceptors. Its drug programs are designed to address serious, vision-threatening conditions, including retinal detachment, ultimately aiming to enhance surgical outcomes and patient quality of life through the use of small-molecule peptides.

Ripple Science Corporation is a software development company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that specializes in web-based solutions for the health sciences sector. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on facilitating the recruitment and management of participants in clinical, translational, and social science studies. Its flagship product, Ripple SaaS, enhances participant recruitment by employing sales and marketing automation tools tailored to research needs. The software supports a range of functionalities, including study dashboard management, recruitment campaign oversight, and participant tracking, which are crucial for academic investigators, clinical trial sites, and contract research organizations. Ripple Science's solutions are currently utilized by over 75 academic and research institutions globally, demonstrating its commitment to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical research.

KitoTech Medical, Inc. is a medical device company based in Seattle, Washington, specializing in the development and commercialization of innovative products for wound closure and care. Established in 2011, the company has introduced microMend, a proprietary wound closure device featuring tiny Microstaples on an adhesive backing, designed for ease of application similar to a bandage. microMend is painless to use and offers the holding strength of traditional sutures, making it suitable for closing surgical incisions and lacerations. Clinical studies indicate that microMend outperforms sutures in terms of clinical outcomes, including cosmetic results, and allows for quicker application by various medical personnel, resulting in considerable cost savings. The product is marketed across a range of surgical specialties, as well as in dermatology and emergency medicine, with additional opportunities in military applications. KitoTech Medical targets a potential market exceeding $600 million in the US and $2 billion worldwide.

Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, dedicated to developing and commercializing therapies for various ophthalmic disorders. The company's primary focus is on innovative treatment options for front and back of the eye conditions, with its lead product candidate, Nyxol eye drops, currently in Phase 3 clinical development. Nyxol is a once-daily, preservative-free formulation aimed at addressing issues such as dim light or night vision disturbances, pharmacologically-induced mydriasis, and presbyopia. Additionally, Ocuphire is advancing another candidate, APX3330, a twice-daily oral tablet, which is entering Phase 2 clinical trials to target diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema by inhibiting angiogenesis and inflammation. The company also seeks to explore opportunities for acquiring additional ophthalmic assets and forming strategic partnerships for global commercialization.

Ambiq Micro, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company based in Austin, Texas, specializing in the development of ultra-low power integrated circuits tailored for power-sensitive applications. Founded in 2010, the company utilizes innovative subthreshold power optimized technology to create real-time clock and microcontroller products designed for wearables, smart cards, wireless sensors, and Internet-of-Things devices. By focusing on ultra-low-power mixed-signal solutions, Ambiq Micro aims to enhance the efficiency of wireless electronics, facilitating the creation of devices that either minimize or eliminate battery use while maximizing design flexibility. The company also provides technical support services and operates additional offices in San Jose, California, as well as in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Taiwan.

Micro-LAM Technologies, LLC, founded in 2012 and based in Battle Creek, Michigan, specializes in manufacturing precision laser-focused cutting tools. The company's flagship product is the Micro-LAM Optimus T+1, a hybrid laser-diamond cutting tool system designed for ultra-precision machining of advanced engineered ceramics, semiconductors, glass, metals, and other materials. In addition to its cutting tools, Micro-LAM offers feasibility analysis, process development, system customization, and installation and support services. These services include manufacturing setup evaluations, laser absorption tests, hardness reduction tests, sample machining, and value proposition analyses. The company serves a diverse range of industries, including optics, aerospace, defense and armor, semiconductor, and automotive.

HistoSonics, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Plymouth, Minnesota, established in 2009. It specializes in developing non-invasive tumor ablation systems, notably the Edison platform. This innovative technology employs sonic beam therapy to deliver pulsed sound energy into the body, effectively liquefying and destroying targeted tissues at the sub-cellular level. By harnessing advanced imaging and proprietary sensing technology, HistoSonics provides personalized treatments with high precision and control, allowing physicians to continuously monitor the treatment's effects in real time. The platform aims to offer a safer alternative to traditional interventional and surgical methods by minimizing undesirable side effects associated with these approaches.

Tetra Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing pharmaceutical drugs that target phosphodiesterase (PDE) subtype inhibitors for various neurological and non-neurological disorders. The company is advancing BPN14770, a novel therapeutic agent designed to enhance synaptic actions in the brain's neurons, which is particularly relevant for conditions affecting memory and cognition, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and developmental disabilities. Tetra Therapeutics aims to create effective treatments for patients suffering from Alzheimer's, other dementias, traumatic brain injury, and psychiatric disorders. Founded in 2011 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company was previously known as Tetra Discovery Partners and rebranded in August 2019. Tetra Therapeutics has established a strategic collaboration with Shionogi & Co., Ltd., and as of July 2020, operates as a subsidiary of Shionogi.

Tetra Discovery Partners provides consulting services in drug discovery and development. They partner with Universities to commercialize intellectual property and conduct proprietary research on diseases affecting the central nervous system. Their research focuses on developing new treatments for depression and schizophrenia. Severe forms of depression affect 2–5% of the US population, while mood disorders impact 7% of the world’s population and rank among the top ten causes of disability.

Reconstruct, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in predictive computer vision data analytics software tailored for the construction industry. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Champaign, Illinois, Reconstruct offers a visual production management platform that facilitates data collection from various sources, including drones and cameras. This platform enables users to analyze construction progress, visualize images and 3D models aligned with building information modeling (BIM), and identify potential delays. By providing a virtual command center, Reconstruct enhances coordination among project stakeholders such as general contractors, subcontractors, and owners, allowing for real-time monitoring and proactive planning. The platform ultimately aims to improve the quality and efficiency of construction projects while mitigating risks and ensuring better return on investment.

Blue Medora Inc. is a software solutions provider based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializing in enhancing the visibility of cloud system management and application performance management. Founded in 2007, the company develops a range of product extensions for major platforms such as VMware vRealize Operations, Oracle Enterprise Manager, and IBM Tivoli Monitoring. Its offerings include management solutions that integrate with various databases and applications, such as Oracle, SAP HANA, Microsoft SQL Server, and NetApp Storage. Blue Medora's solutions facilitate the monitoring and troubleshooting of IT environments, providing analytics and capacity planning capabilities. The company also addresses limitations in traditional IT monitoring through its BindPlane service, which connects performance data across diverse sources. Blue Medora distributes its products through resellers and has established strategic partnerships with VMware, Oracle, and IBM to enhance its service offerings.

Gemphire Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH). The company is known for its development of gemcabene, a novel oral medication aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol levels in patients who have not achieved their lipid-lowering goals, particularly those on maximally tolerated statin therapy. Gemphire has conducted multiple Phase IIb clinical trials for gemcabene, targeting conditions such as homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Gemphire Therapeutics is dedicated to addressing the needs of patients with cardiometabolic disorders. The company was acquired by NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals in a reverse merger transaction in December 2019.

HistoSonics, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Plymouth, Minnesota, established in 2009. It specializes in developing non-invasive tumor ablation systems, notably the Edison platform. This innovative technology employs sonic beam therapy to deliver pulsed sound energy into the body, effectively liquefying and destroying targeted tissues at the sub-cellular level. By harnessing advanced imaging and proprietary sensing technology, HistoSonics provides personalized treatments with high precision and control, allowing physicians to continuously monitor the treatment's effects in real time. The platform aims to offer a safer alternative to traditional interventional and surgical methods by minimizing undesirable side effects associated with these approaches.

Tetra Discovery Partners provides consulting services in drug discovery and development. They partner with Universities to commercialize intellectual property and conduct proprietary research on diseases affecting the central nervous system. Their research focuses on developing new treatments for depression and schizophrenia. Severe forms of depression affect 2–5% of the US population, while mood disorders impact 7% of the world’s population and rank among the top ten causes of disability.

Blue Medora Inc. is a software solutions provider based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializing in enhancing the visibility of cloud system management and application performance management. Founded in 2007, the company develops a range of product extensions for major platforms such as VMware vRealize Operations, Oracle Enterprise Manager, and IBM Tivoli Monitoring. Its offerings include management solutions that integrate with various databases and applications, such as Oracle, SAP HANA, Microsoft SQL Server, and NetApp Storage. Blue Medora's solutions facilitate the monitoring and troubleshooting of IT environments, providing analytics and capacity planning capabilities. The company also addresses limitations in traditional IT monitoring through its BindPlane service, which connects performance data across diverse sources. Blue Medora distributes its products through resellers and has established strategic partnerships with VMware, Oracle, and IBM to enhance its service offerings.

VNN, Inc. operates a prominent high school sports marketing and networking platform that serves as a digital hub for athletes, coaches, and fans. The platform enables athletes to upload videos, photos, stories, and scores, while allowing coaches to report game results to various media outlets. VNN is dedicated to enhancing the experience of high school sports by aggregating the fragmented market and providing advertising and promotional services. The company has established a significant presence, serving schools across multiple states, including Alabama, California, and Texas, and has gained a rapidly growing user base, with over 7 million fans engaging with the platform daily. Founded in 2010 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VNN aims to transform the consumer experience in high school sports by leveraging technology and connectivity.

Tetra Discovery Partners provides consulting services in drug discovery and development. They partner with Universities to commercialize intellectual property and conduct proprietary research on diseases affecting the central nervous system. Their research focuses on developing new treatments for depression and schizophrenia. Severe forms of depression affect 2–5% of the US population, while mood disorders impact 7% of the world’s population and rank among the top ten causes of disability.

Blue Medora Inc. is a software solutions provider based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializing in enhancing the visibility of cloud system management and application performance management. Founded in 2007, the company develops a range of product extensions for major platforms such as VMware vRealize Operations, Oracle Enterprise Manager, and IBM Tivoli Monitoring. Its offerings include management solutions that integrate with various databases and applications, such as Oracle, SAP HANA, Microsoft SQL Server, and NetApp Storage. Blue Medora's solutions facilitate the monitoring and troubleshooting of IT environments, providing analytics and capacity planning capabilities. The company also addresses limitations in traditional IT monitoring through its BindPlane service, which connects performance data across diverse sources. Blue Medora distributes its products through resellers and has established strategic partnerships with VMware, Oracle, and IBM to enhance its service offerings.

AzulStar, Inc. is a provider of 4G and 5G wireless broadband Internet and communications services, catering to commercial, government, and multi-tenant unit customers. Established in 2003 and based in Ada, Michigan, the company operates carrier-class networks primarily in Michigan and New Mexico. AzulStar specializes in delivering high-speed Internet access, managed wireless networking, and intelligent transportation services. With a focus on open standards wireless technology and an all IP wireless architecture, the company has achieved a reputation for exceptional broadband performance and reliability. AzulStar has been recognized for its innovation and service quality in the wireless broadband access market.

Tetra Discovery Partners provides consulting services in drug discovery and development. They partner with Universities to commercialize intellectual property and conduct proprietary research on diseases affecting the central nervous system. Their research focuses on developing new treatments for depression and schizophrenia. Severe forms of depression affect 2–5% of the US population, while mood disorders impact 7% of the world’s population and rank among the top ten causes of disability.

TransCorp Spine manufactures medical devices and procedures to restore spinal function and preserve healthy tissue. Its product includes SpinePort, a MIS access system. David Lowry, Des O'Farrell, and Scott Tuinstra founded TransCorp Spine in 2008. It has its headquarters in Byron Center in Michigan.

Janeeva is a provider of an outsourcing relationship management platform designed to streamline interactions between users and providers of outsourcing services. Its flagship product, Janeeva Assurance, serves as a comprehensive solution for governance activities related to outsourced operations. This platform enables governance groups, service providers, and internal customers to efficiently arrange additional resources, manage issues, track service level agreements, and compare performance across multiple providers. By fostering transparency and creating institutional memory, Janeeva Assurance enhances the efficiency of these interactions, builds trust, and reduces missed opportunities. Additionally, the extensive data gathered through the platform can be analyzed to uncover trends, identify process bottlenecks, and establish best practices, further optimizing outsourcing relationships.

Accuri Cytometers was founded to address a compelling need: life scientists love the rapid cell-by-cell analysis capability of flow cytometers, but too few have a flow cytometer in their lab. The barriers for most researchers include cost of the instrument, complexity of the software, effort required for maintenance, and the large amount of bench space required for the instrument. As a result, the company is looking to develop affordable and robust cytometers.