Hella Ventures

actnano Inc. is a nanotechnology company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced coatings designed to protect automotive and consumer electronics from water damage and harsh environmental conditions. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, actnano offers a range of transparent nano guard coatings that can be applied to electronic devices, enhancing their water resistance to IPx7 levels. This technology allows clients to effectively safeguard their products while integrating seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes. Additionally, actnano serves diverse sectors, including automotive, consumer electronics, and the Internet of Things, with a global presence that includes offices in Shenzhen, China; Stuttgart, Germany; and Seoul, South Korea.

ZaiNar, Inc. is a technology company based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in location tracking solutions. Founded in 2016, ZaiNar has developed a platform that utilizes radio signals to provide real-time tracking of various assets, including cell phones, vehicles, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The company's technology offers a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional tracking methods, achieving sub-meter accuracy over a range exceeding 200 meters. This capability allows enterprises to monitor the location of their assets without the need for direct line of sight, making it particularly effective in dynamic industrial environments.

AEye, Inc. develops advanced vision hardware, software, and algorithms for autonomous vehicles and driver-assistance systems. Based in Dublin, California, the company offers a range of products including the 4Sight Intelligent Sensing Platform, which integrates solid-state lidar with low-light cameras and artificial intelligence to provide precise and reliable perception of surroundings. AEye's unique software-defined lidar solutions are designed for dynamic applications in vehicle autonomy, smart infrastructure, and logistics, focusing on delivering faster and more accurate information. The company's notable products include the 4Sight A and 4Sight M sensors, as well as the AE100 and AE200 robotic perception systems, which cater to the mobility market. AEye operates globally, with offices in Germany, Korea, and the United States, and primarily generates revenue from customers in the United States, followed by Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Ridecell, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in fleet automation and management software solutions. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in several global locations, Ridecell offers a range of products designed to enhance the efficiency of fleet operations. Its Demand-Response solution automates various processes including dispatch, routing, and scheduling, while its Fixed Route product enables real-time tracking and notifications for public transportation users. The Ridecell platform further streamlines operations for ride-sharing and car-sharing services by facilitating tasks such as rider onboarding, ID verification, dynamic pricing, and payment processing. By leveraging data insights and digital vehicle control, Ridecell transforms traditional manual processes into automated workflows, thereby improving operational efficiency for clients including public transportation agencies, universities, and logistics fleets across North America and Europe.

Oculii develops advanced AI software for radar systems, aiming to enhance resolution, range, and accuracy while reducing costs compared to traditional solutions. Its technology is essential for the advancement of autonomous vehicles, which require reliable and high-performance perception capabilities in all weather conditions. By utilizing Virtual Aperture Imaging, Oculii's software allows existing radar hardware to achieve higher angular resolution without the need for increased physical antenna count. This innovation enables the extraction of detailed 4D positioning information from low-cost, off-the-shelf radar components, paving the way for improved radar imaging. Oculii collaborates with leading companies in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and drones, positioning itself as a key player in the development of affordable and effective perception technologies for the future of autonomy.

Wejo Group Ltd specializes in the aggregation and analysis of connected vehicle data, partnering with automotive manufacturers to harness authentic data streams from vehicles equipped with numerous sensors. The company processes billions of data points globally, offering insights that cater to a diverse range of sectors, including public and private organizations, traffic analysts, smart city planners, and automotive suppliers. Utilizing its proprietary cloud software and analytics platform, Wejo Neural Edge, the company transforms high-volume datasets into actionable insights. These insights aim to enhance driver safety, improve urban livability, and optimize the overall driving experience. Wejo's commitment to ethical data usage ensures that its solutions deliver significant customer and economic value, facilitating advancements in mobility and urban planning across North America and Europe.

AMP operates as an energy management solutions provider for e-mobility. Its technology underpins offerings from e-mobility pioneers and those on the verge of disrupting the market.

Drishti Technologies, Inc. specializes in artificial intelligence-based computer vision solutions designed for visual inspections in manufacturing processes. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, with an additional office in Bengaluru, India, the company offers a software as a service solution that leverages video analytics and traceability to enhance productivity, quality, and training on manual assembly lines. Drishti's technology digitizes human actions, providing real-time, non-intrusive observations that enable manufacturers to improve operational efficiency. It serves primarily the electronics and automotive industries by facilitating the training of new employees, cross-training existing staff, and identifying high-performing workers who innovate within their roles. This approach not only aids in digital transformation but also helps workers remain competitive in an increasingly automated environment.

Apex.AI, Inc. is a software company that focuses on developing solutions for autonomous mobility systems, particularly self-driving vehicles. Founded in 2017 and based in Palo Alto, California, the company offers Apex.OS, a software framework that simplifies the complexity of hardware and software integration through user-friendly APIs. Additionally, Apex.AI provides Apex.Autonomy, which is tailored for safety-critical applications, and MARV.Automotive, a versatile data management platform that facilitates data transfer between vehicles and the cloud. This platform allows for advanced analytics, data introspection, and team collaboration. Apex.AI's software products leverage open-source technologies, enabling developers to create secure and efficient applications for autonomous vehicles.

Light Field Lab, Inc. is a technology startup focused on developing holographic capture display systems. Founded in 2017 and based in San Jose, California, the company creates innovative solutions that generate three-dimensional holographic images that can be viewed from multiple angles without the need for head-mounted devices. Its technology aims to project 3D holograms into living spaces, allowing users to experience immersive visuals that respond dynamically to their viewpoint. Additionally, Light Field Lab offers integrated processing and imaging solutions designed to deliver these visuals over commercial network speeds. The company is also working on a universal application programming interface to facilitate the adaptation of existing content for its holographic displays. With a mission to enable a holographic future, Light Field Lab seeks to unlock new business opportunities across both consumer and enterprise markets.

Excelfore Corporation specializes in developing cloud-based platforms and connectivity applications tailored for the transportation industry. The company's eSync System facilitates over-the-air updates, diagnostics, and telematics through a comprehensive architecture that includes eSync Servers, vehicles equipped with eSync Clients, and various eSync Agents. Excelfore also provides in-vehicle network protocol stacks and software for advanced vehicle-to-cloud communication, enabling effective vehicle management and data analytics. The company is focused on driving innovation in the Internet of Things (IoT) for automotive applications, partnering with top-tier automotive suppliers to enhance lifecycle management and data utilization. With a strong intellectual property portfolio, Excelfore is positioned to support the development of connected and autonomous vehicles. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Fremont, California, the company has additional offices in China, Germany, Japan, and India.

BreezoMeter Ltd. is a company specializing in real-time air quality monitoring and health recommendations for consumers and businesses, operating primarily in the United States and Israel. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Haifa, Israel, with an additional office in the U.S., BreezoMeter provides street-level air quality data and tailored health solutions for various demographics, including children and athletes. Its suite of APIs offers information on air pollution, pollen, and active fires, making it a preferred choice for companies like Siemens and Tata Motors. The company employs a unique multi-data layer approach that integrates data from governmental sensors, satellites, and weather patterns to achieve high accuracy in air quality reporting. With sophisticated modeling and artificial intelligence, BreezoMeter calculates air quality metrics at a resolution of 0.003 miles (5 meters/16 feet) on an hourly basis across more than 90 countries.

CarForce operates an enterprise cloud-based telematics platform designed to enhance customer satisfaction and retention for franchise dealerships. The platform addresses the challenges faced by consumers and dealers related to vehicle maintenance and diagnostics. With 162 million used vehicles lacking embedded telematics, consumers often find themselves uncertain when warning lights appear, while dealers remain unaware of potential service needs. CarForce's solution offers real-time updates on vehicle health, allowing service centers to identify service opportunities promptly. This capability enables dealers to provide timely maintenance services, including remote diagnostics and emergency repairs, thereby improving customer trust and loyalty. Founded by Jessika Lora, who has extensive experience in the automotive and e-commerce sectors, CarForce aims to empower dealerships with actionable insights, enhancing the overall customer experience in vehicle maintenance.

Ario, Inc. is a technology company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the manufacturing of intelligent lighting systems designed to enhance health and well-being. Founded in 2015, Ario's flagship product, the Ario lamp, automatically adjusts its light direction, color, and intensity throughout the day to align with the body's natural hormone production and circadian rhythm. The company is committed to helping individuals lead healthier lives through innovative lighting solutions.

CarForce operates an enterprise cloud-based telematics platform designed to enhance customer satisfaction and retention for franchise dealerships. The platform addresses the challenges faced by consumers and dealers related to vehicle maintenance and diagnostics. With 162 million used vehicles lacking embedded telematics, consumers often find themselves uncertain when warning lights appear, while dealers remain unaware of potential service needs. CarForce's solution offers real-time updates on vehicle health, allowing service centers to identify service opportunities promptly. This capability enables dealers to provide timely maintenance services, including remote diagnostics and emergency repairs, thereby improving customer trust and loyalty. Founded by Jessika Lora, who has extensive experience in the automotive and e-commerce sectors, CarForce aims to empower dealerships with actionable insights, enhancing the overall customer experience in vehicle maintenance.

Brighter AI Technologies GmbH, founded in 2017 and based in Berlin, Germany, specializes in artificial intelligence-enabled software solutions that focus on video anonymization and identity protection. The company develops innovative software to recreate daylight images from infrared night images, enhancing capabilities for security professionals in suspect identification while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR. Brighter AI's technology effectively anonymizes personally identifiable information, such as faces, allowing organizations to utilize publicly recorded camera data for analytics and AI applications without compromising individual privacy. Recognized as a leading player in the field, the company has garnered accolades for its contributions to privacy-preserving technologies across various sectors, moving beyond its initial focus in the automotive industry.

Halion Displays Inc., founded in 2015 and located in Waterloo, Canada, specializes in the development of low-power, full-color displays designed for portable devices, including smartwatches and e-readers. The company's innovative technology is inspired by traditional printing methods, utilizing advanced cyan, magenta, and yellow materials that can rapidly change colors, thus providing a high refresh rate. Halion Displays aims to establish a new global standard in display technologies, offering daylight-visible displays that combine the best features of print with the capability to display video, enhancing the user experience in next-generation devices.