Grand Angels

Grand Angels, founded in 2004 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an angel investment group that focuses on early-stage companies. The firm primarily invests in sectors such as advanced agriculture technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and business-to-business technology. Grand Angels typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million in companies, favoring those located in Michigan, particularly in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon counties. The group is distinguished by its unique approach, offering mentoring alongside investments and allowing for a more patient exit strategy compared to traditional investors. Since its inception, Grand Angels has invested over $8 million, aiming to support 4 to 14 new investments annually across various funding stages.

Christopher Gutek

Managing Partner

Michael Jandernoa

Co-Founder and Board Member

Meagan Malm

Director

Timothy S. Parker

President

25 past transactions

Akadeum

Series B in 2021
Akadeum Life Sciences, Inc. is a life sciences company headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that specializes in manufacturing microbubble cell separation products. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on isolating mammalian and bacterial cells from complex mixtures, offering a range of products including T cell and B cell isolation kits for human and mouse cells. Additionally, Akadeum provides depletion microbubbles for red blood cell removal and streptavidin microbubbles for targeting and capturing various biological entities. Its innovative approach utilizes buoyancy-activated cell sorting, which employs microscopic microbubbles to effectively isolate target cells by floating them to the surface of liquid samples. These advancements enable medical practitioners to perform downstream testing and analysis with enhanced efficiency. The company sells its products online and has established a strategic partnership with Agilent Technologies.

ONL Therapeutics

Series B in 2020
ONL Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, focused on developing innovative therapies aimed at protecting vision by targeting photoreceptors. Established in 2006, the company specializes in creating photoreceptor protective agents that address the FAS apoptotic pathway, which is critical for preserving photoreceptor cells. With a growing market for retinal drugs exceeding $7 billion, ONL Therapeutics aims to overcome the limitations of existing treatments that do not target the initial neural component of vision loss. The company’s drug programs include small-molecule peptides designed to protect photoreceptors during vision-threatening conditions such as retinal detachment, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and supporting successful surgical interventions.

Ripple Science

Seed Round in 2020
Ripple Science Corporation, founded in 2016 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in developing web-based software aimed at improving the recruitment and management of participants in clinical, translational, and social science studies. The company's flagship product, Ripple SaaS, integrates sales and marketing automation tools specifically for participant recruitment, allowing research investigators to engage more participants efficiently. This software supports various functions, including study dashboard management, recruitment campaign oversight, and participant tracking—both potential and enrolled. Ripple Science's solutions cater to academic investigators, clinical trial sites, and contract research organizations, and the software is currently utilized by over 75 academic and research institutions globally, enhancing communication and collaboration throughout the clinical trial process.

KitoTech Medical

Convertible Note in 2020
KitoTech Medical is a medical device company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on developing and commercializing innovative products for wound closure and care. The company's flagship product, microMend, features a unique design that incorporates tiny Microstaples on an adhesive backing, resembling a butterfly bandage. This product is painless to apply 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 various clinical outcomes, including cosmetic results, and can be applied more quickly by a range of medical personnel, resulting in significant cost savings. microMend is marketed across numerous surgical specialties, as well as in dermatology and emergency medicine, with additional commercialization efforts targeting military applications. The potential market for microMend is substantial, estimated at over $600 million in the U.S. and around $2 billion globally. KitoTech Medical was founded in 2011.

Ocuphire Pharma

Seed Round in 2019
Ocuphire Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of therapies to treat patients with a variety of ophthalmic disorders. We are currently focused on providing a novel once-daily eye drop treatment option, Nyxol®, to treat multiple front-of-the-eye disorders, including night vision disturbances, glaucoma, pharmacologically-induced mydriasis, and presbyopia. Nyxol eye drops are an investigational 505(b)(2) drug candidate in late-stage clinical development with over a decade of safety and efficacy data from Phase 1 and 2 trials. Part of our strategy is to explore opportunities to acquire additional ophthalmic assets for both the front and the back of the eyes, and to seek strategic partners for global commercialization.

Ambiq

Venture Round in 2018
Ambiq Micro is an early-stage fabless semiconductor company that is developing ultra-low-power mixed-signal solutions for a new generation of wireless electronics. Ambiq Micro was founded in 2010 on the simple yet powerful notion that extremely low power semiconductors are the key to the future of electronics. Through the use of their pioneering ultra-low-power technology, they help innovative companies around the world develop differentiated solutions that reduce or eliminate the need for batteries, lower overall system power, and maximize industrial design flexibility.

Micro-LAM

Angel Round in 2017
Micro-LAM, Inc. specializes in the manufacture of precision laser-focused cutting tools, notably the Micro-LAM Optimus T+1, a hybrid laser-diamond cutting system designed for ultra-precision machining of advanced engineered ceramics, semiconductors, glass, and metals. The company provides a range of services, including feasibility analysis, process development, system customization, and installation support, ensuring comprehensive solutions for its clients. Micro-LAM's technology is particularly beneficial for industries such as optics, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and automotive, enabling efficient machining of hard and brittle materials. Founded in 2012, Micro-LAM is based in Portage, Michigan, and has evolved from its original name, Micro-Laser Assisted Machining Technologies.

HistoSonics

Series B in 2017
HistoSonics provides the Edison Platform, which uses advanced imaging and proprietary sensing technology to deliver non-invasive, personalized treatments with precision and control, and uses the science of histotripsy and focused sound energy to generate pressures to liquify and completely destroy targeted tissues at sub-cellular levels.

Tetra Therapeutics

Series A in 2016
Tetra Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing a portfolio of therapeutic products that will bring clarity of thought to people suffering from Fragile X syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, and other brain disorders.

Tetra Discovery

Series A in 2016
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

Seed Round in 2016
Reconstruct, Inc. is a software company that specializes in predictive computer vision data analytics for construction projects. Founded in 2015 and based in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Champaign, Illinois, the company offers a visual production management platform that integrates data from drones, fixed cameras, and mobile devices. This platform facilitates progress analysis and documentation by visualizing images and 3D points aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM). It serves as a virtual command center for project executives, enabling them to manage construction progress, identify potential delays, and enhance coordination among various stakeholders, including general contractors and owners. By providing near real-time insights and reporting on performance issues, Reconstruct helps project teams improve planning, communication, and transparency, ultimately aiming to enhance return on investment and reduce costs in construction projects.

Blue Medora

Series B in 2016
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

Debt Financing in 2016
Gemphire Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing and commercializing therapies for cardiometabolic disorders, particularly dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH). The company is advancing gemcabene, an innovative oral medication aimed at lowering LDL cholesterol levels in patients who cannot achieve their lipid-lowering goals, including those on maximally tolerated statin therapy. Gemphire has completed three Phase IIb clinical trials for gemcabene, targeting conditions such as homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), hypercholesterolemia in heterozygous familial cases, and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Founded in 2008 and initially based in Livonia, Michigan, the company underwent a reverse merger with NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals in 2019, which has influenced its strategic direction and operations.

HistoSonics

Debt Financing in 2015
HistoSonics provides the Edison Platform, which uses advanced imaging and proprietary sensing technology to deliver non-invasive, personalized treatments with precision and control, and uses the science of histotripsy and focused sound energy to generate pressures to liquify and completely destroy targeted tissues at sub-cellular levels.

Tetra Discovery

Seed Round in 2015
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

Series A in 2015
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

Series A in 2014
VNN, Inc. operates a high school sports marketing and networking platform that enables athletes to share videos, pictures, stories, and scores while allowing coaches to report game results to media outlets. Founded in 2010 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company serves schools across numerous states, including Alabama, California, and Texas. VNN is recognized as the largest and fastest-growing platform of its kind in the United States, catering to a community of over 7 million fans and adding approximately 8,000 fans daily. The platform aggregates the fragmented high school sports market, enhancing the consumer experience by providing digital and Internet advertising and promotional services.

Tetra Discovery

Seed Round in 2013
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

Seed Round in 2013
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

Venture Round in 2011
AzulStar, Inc. is a provider of 4G and 5G wireless broadband Internet and communications services, catering to commercial, government, and multi-tenant unit clients. Established in 2003 and based in Ada, Michigan, the company operates carrier-class networks in key markets in Michigan and New Mexico. AzulStar offers a range of services, including high-speed Internet access, managed wireless networking, and intelligent transportation solutions. The company utilizes open standards wireless technology and an all-IP wireless architecture to ensure high performance and reliability in its broadband offerings. AzulStar has received recognition for its innovative approaches and commitment to service quality in the wireless broadband access sector.

Tetra Discovery

Seed Round in 2011
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

Series A in 2011
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

Venture Round in 2007
Janeeva is a provider of outsourcing relationship management software designed to enhance the governance of outsourced operations. Its flagship product, Janeeva Assurance, offers a comprehensive platform for governance groups, service providers, and internal customers to effectively manage their outsourcing relationships. Users can easily arrange additional resources, address issues, track service level agreements (SLAs), and compare performance across multiple providers. By fostering transparency and creating an institutional memory, Janeeva Assurance improves the efficiency of interactions, builds trust, and reduces missed opportunities. Additionally, the extensive data collected through the platform can be analyzed to uncover trends, identify process bottlenecks, and establish best practices, ultimately streamlining outsourcing management.

Accuri Cytometers

Series A in 2005
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.
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