Hyde Park Venture Partners

Hyde Park Venture Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm specializes in seed and series A investments in high-growth technology companies, primarily within the Midwest region, including cities such as Toronto, Atlanta, Ontario, Chicago, and Indianapolis. Hyde Park Venture Partners focuses on sectors such as B2B software, software-as-a-service, consumer marketplaces, healthcare IT, and technology-enabled services. It typically invests between $0.1 million and $0.75 million in startups, with a maximum investment of $2.5 million for companies with pre-money valuations under $7 million. The firm actively supports its portfolio companies through mentoring in product development and business strategy, often co-investing with Hyde Park Angels. Hyde Park Venture Partners aims to back exceptional founding teams with significant growth potential, contributing value to early-stage investments while maintaining a rigorous focus on the Midwest technology landscape.

Greg Barnes

Partner

Carlos Covarrubias

Associate

Dawn Nguyen

Associate

Ira Weiss

Founder & Partner

Past deals in Midwestern US

Out Of Office

Seed Round in 2022
Out Of Office is a travel app for people to discover and share travel recommendations and restaurants with friends. The platform allows travelers to plan, discover and explore trendy hotspots, book hotels, and reserve tables, enabling travelers to find safe, flexible, curated accommodation via an easy-to-use and intuitive platform.

LandscapeHub

Series A in 2022
LandscapeHub is dedicated to streamlining the B2B procurement process in the Landscaping Industry. Buyers and suppliers increase efficiency, expand their networks and gain valuable market knowledge and insights by using LandscapeHub.LandscapeHub is a digital, B2B marketplace connecting buyers and suppliers within a central online platform.LandscapeHub represents quality suppliers across the country, aggregating their available inventory and pricing, empowering buyers with a “one stop shop” buying experience.

Leap

Series B in 2022
Leap Services, Inc. operates a retail-as-a-service platform designed to support consumer brands in establishing their physical store presence. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, the company facilitates store development and operations by providing the necessary infrastructure, including physical space, staffing, and technology management. Leap's platform aims to enhance the retail experience by creating a seamless, omnichannel environment that caters to customer preferences. The company manages retail locations in major cities such as New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Miami, positioning itself as a key player in transforming the retail landscape for high-growth brands.

Certiverse

Seed Round in 2022
pValue Inc. offers develops online test development platform for certification exams. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Leap

Series B in 2022
Leap Services, Inc. operates a retail-as-a-service platform designed to support consumer brands in establishing their physical store presence. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, the company facilitates store development and operations by providing the necessary infrastructure, including physical space, staffing, and technology management. Leap's platform aims to enhance the retail experience by creating a seamless, omnichannel environment that caters to customer preferences. The company manages retail locations in major cities such as New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Miami, positioning itself as a key player in transforming the retail landscape for high-growth brands.

FactoryFix

Series A in 2022
FactoryFix is a platform based in Chicago, Illinois, that connects manufacturing companies with a network of qualified skilled workers, including engineers, machinists, and maintenance technicians. Founded in 2015, FactoryFix offers a managed marketplace that streamlines the hiring process for full-time and part-time positions, as well as contract and temporary roles. The platform not only provides access to vetted labor resources but also includes tools for generating job listings, vetting candidates, and offering salary insights. By facilitating connections between manufacturers and skilled labor, FactoryFix enhances the efficiency of workforce management in the manufacturing sector.

HData

Seed Round in 2021
HData, Inc. is a provider of regulatory technology (RegTech) solutions designed to support data companies in scaling their services for government regulators, regulated enterprises, and investors. Established in 2018 and based in Joliet, Illinois, the company focuses on transforming traditional regulatory activities such as compliance, reporting, and regulatory analysis through innovative technologies. HData develops a comprehensive platform that integrates solutions for both regulators and enterprises, facilitating a more efficient interface between the public and private sectors. The company also offers strategic counsel and relationship management services to assist clients in identifying growth opportunities within the regulatory landscape. The founder and CEO, Hudson Hollister, has a background in advocating for government data reforms, including contributions to the DATA Act of 2014.

ShipBob

Series E in 2021
ShipBob, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, offers an online shipping and fulfillment platform tailored for small e-commerce businesses. The company provides an end-to-end solution that includes warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping services, enabling direct-to-consumer brands to deliver packages in 1-2 business days. ShipBob's technology integrates with various e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, facilitating streamlined order and inventory management, customer communication, and predictive analytics. Additionally, ShipBob aggregates shipment services from major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, and offers features such as a smartphone application for scheduling pickups and tracking shipments. With a network of fulfillment centers across the United States, including a warehouse in Dallas, Texas, ShipBob aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations for online merchants.

Market Wagon

Seed Round in 2021
Market Wagon, Inc. operates an online platform that connects farmers and food producers directly with consumers, facilitating the sale of a wide range of products including produce, eggs, cheese, meat, snacks, soups, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals. Established in 2016 and based in Carmel, Indiana, the company serves several locations including Indianapolis, Lafayette, Evansville, and Kokomo, providing delivery services to homes and businesses. By offering comprehensive e-commerce solutions, inventory management, and logistics support, Market Wagon enables local food producers to focus on their farming while efficiently reaching customers in their communities.

Certiverse

Seed Round in 2021
pValue Inc. offers develops online test development platform for certification exams. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

FairX

Series B in 2021
CFTC- regulated futures exchange to offer smaller, simpler, more accessible futures for active individual investors.

PreFlight

Seed Round in 2021
PreFlight HQ, founded in 2018 and based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, specializes in software testing and quality assurance services. The company offers a range of testing solutions, including system structural, behavioral, and automated testing. PreFlight's platform enables businesses to enhance the quality of their IT solutions by automating the testing process directly in the browser. Users can record their tests as if conducting manual testing, and subsequently repeat these tests automatically, either on-demand or according to a schedule, without requiring any technical expertise. This approach streamlines the testing process, allowing organizations to create greater value through improved software quality.

Malomo

Seed Round in 2021
Malomo, Inc. develops an application for shipment marketing for e-commerce companies. Its platform allows e-commerce brands to generate revenue and loyalty by turning shipment tracking into a brand marketing channel; and enables companies to message customers with tracking information and include branded communication. The company’s platform also connects with customers’ e-commerce sites and into the software of its customers’ shipping providers. Malomo, Inc. was founded in 2018 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

FourKites

Series D in 2021
FourKites, Inc. develops software platform for freight brokers and shippers to streamline their operations. It offers a real-time tracking platform for shippers, carriers, third party logistics companies, and freight brokers; BackHaul Management, a solution that identifies details about the window in which deadhead miles could potentially occur; and CarrierLink, a solution that helps brokers and owner-operators sync up in real time. FourKites, Inc. was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

K4 Mobility

Venture Round in 2021
K4 Mobility Inc. specializes in providing broadband internet services to the maritime industry, focusing on yachts and large ships. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company has developed a proprietary digital platform that employs software algorithms to identify the most suitable internet networks from both satellite and terrestrial sources. This platform enables ship captains to manage bandwidth effectively between crew members and yacht owners, ensuring reliable internet connectivity whether the vessels are in port or at sea. K4 Mobility aims to enhance the digital experience for maritime users by delivering consistent and robust internet access.

NestEgg

Series A in 2020
NestEgg Online, Inc. is a Chicago-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in property management software designed for rental property owners and tenants. Its platform offers various features including property maintenance, rent collection, and tenant-finding services. The app provides busy rental property owners with on-demand access to expert assistance, facilitating effortless coordination of maintenance tasks through trusted professionals at discounted rates. Additionally, NestEgg aims to enhance property management efficiency by ensuring consistent cash flow through timely rent collection.
Upfront Healthcare Services, Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in designing and developing a data analytics platform aimed at enhancing the ambulatory care experience. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on automating and personalizing care navigation to improve patient engagement and optimize healthcare resources. Its platform, known as Care Traffic Control, utilizes advanced analytics to direct patients toward appropriate care options within the health system, thereby minimizing wasted appointments and improving outcomes. By integrating various data types, including demographics, billing, scheduling, claims, and care gap information, Upfront Healthcare Services effectively aligns patient needs with healthcare resources, fostering a more efficient and satisfactory healthcare experience for all stakeholders.

Malomo

Seed Round in 2020
Malomo, Inc. develops an application for shipment marketing for e-commerce companies. Its platform allows e-commerce brands to generate revenue and loyalty by turning shipment tracking into a brand marketing channel; and enables companies to message customers with tracking information and include branded communication. The company’s platform also connects with customers’ e-commerce sites and into the software of its customers’ shipping providers. Malomo, Inc. was founded in 2018 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Malomo

Seed Round in 2020
Malomo, Inc. develops an application for shipment marketing for e-commerce companies. Its platform allows e-commerce brands to generate revenue and loyalty by turning shipment tracking into a brand marketing channel; and enables companies to message customers with tracking information and include branded communication. The company’s platform also connects with customers’ e-commerce sites and into the software of its customers’ shipping providers. Malomo, Inc. was founded in 2018 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

ShipBob

Series D in 2020
ShipBob, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, offers an online shipping and fulfillment platform tailored for small e-commerce businesses. The company provides an end-to-end solution that includes warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping services, enabling direct-to-consumer brands to deliver packages in 1-2 business days. ShipBob's technology integrates with various e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, facilitating streamlined order and inventory management, customer communication, and predictive analytics. Additionally, ShipBob aggregates shipment services from major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, and offers features such as a smartphone application for scheduling pickups and tracking shipments. With a network of fulfillment centers across the United States, including a warehouse in Dallas, Texas, ShipBob aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations for online merchants.

FairX

Series B in 2020
CFTC- regulated futures exchange to offer smaller, simpler, more accessible futures for active individual investors.

SteadyMD

Series A in 2020
SteadyMD, Inc. is a telehealth company based in St. Louis, Missouri, providing online primary care services across the United States. Founded in 2016, the company connects patients with doctors through its platform, allowing for telehealth consultations focused on various medical conditions, dietary preferences, and lifestyle choices. Utilizing a proprietary Matching Engine, SteadyMD pairs members with doctors based on hundreds of attributes to foster long-term relationships. The platform offers services in primary care, functional medicine, pediatric care, and employer health solutions, and is licensed to operate in all 50 states. Patients can conveniently communicate with their doctors via text, phone, or video chat, while the medical team manages health records, referrals to specialists, and coordination of tests and procedures, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care.

PartySlate

Venture Round in 2020
PartySlate, Inc. operates a website for event professionals worldwide. Its platform enables users to browse, search, and save event ideas for weddings, fundraisers, mitzvahs, birthdays, milestones, holidays, corporate events, etc. posted by event professionals; and provides images from decor companies, event planners, caterers, photographers, venues, entertainers, and more. The company also connects users with event professionals. PartySlate, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Leap

Venture Round in 2020
Leap Services, Inc. operates a retail-as-a-service platform designed to support consumer brands in establishing their physical store presence. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, the company facilitates store development and operations by providing the necessary infrastructure, including physical space, staffing, and technology management. Leap's platform aims to enhance the retail experience by creating a seamless, omnichannel environment that caters to customer preferences. The company manages retail locations in major cities such as New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Miami, positioning itself as a key player in transforming the retail landscape for high-growth brands.

Clinician Nexus

Seed Round in 2019
Clinician Nexus provides health systems, schools, and students with a transparent, people-centered platform that facilitates better clinical rotation management, from start to finish.

VNDLY

Series B in 2019
VNDLY, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing a cloud-based vendor management platform aimed at managing the non-employee workforce of organizations. Founded in 2017 and based in Mason, Ohio, VNDLY's platform facilitates the entire engagement lifecycle of non-employees, encompassing talent acquisition, training, payment, and offboarding. It features four key modules: contingent workforce management, statement of work management, independent contractor compliance, and total talent acquisition. The platform streamlines the sourcing and acquisition processes from various channels, including staffing agencies and job boards, enabling businesses to enhance their return on investment, hire quality talent, and automate workflows from job requisition to closure. VNDLY primarily serves Fortune 500 companies, managed service providers, and vendors, providing comprehensive solutions that simplify implementation and management of external workforces.

FairX

Series A in 2019
CFTC- regulated futures exchange to offer smaller, simpler, more accessible futures for active individual investors.

Clinc

Series B in 2019
Clinc, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software applications, primarily focused on creating advanced conversational AI platforms. The technology enables enterprises to build sophisticated virtual assistants capable of understanding and responding to user input with a high degree of accuracy. Unlike traditional speech-to-text systems, Clinc's platform analyzes various factors such as wording, sentiment, intent, tone of voice, and contextual information to provide nuanced responses. This approach is powered by cutting-edge machine learning and deep neural networks, which allow the system to continually enhance its knowledge base with each interaction. Originally founded in 2015 as Clarity Lab Inc., Clinc serves multiple industries, including banking, automotive, gaming, and healthcare, and is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Fast Radius

Series B in 2019
Fast Radius, Inc. provides additive manufacturing solutions including application discovery, product design and testing, production-grade manufacturing, and global fulfillment. The company offers additive thermoplastic, elastomeric, and metal manufacturing services. Additionally, it provides CNC machining, injection and cast urethane molding, and reverse engineering services. Fast Radius, Inc. was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Malomo

Seed Round in 2019
Malomo, Inc. develops an application for shipment marketing for e-commerce companies. Its platform allows e-commerce brands to generate revenue and loyalty by turning shipment tracking into a brand marketing channel; and enables companies to message customers with tracking information and include branded communication. The company’s platform also connects with customers’ e-commerce sites and into the software of its customers’ shipping providers. Malomo, Inc. was founded in 2018 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

VNDLY

Series A in 2019
VNDLY, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing a cloud-based vendor management platform aimed at managing the non-employee workforce of organizations. Founded in 2017 and based in Mason, Ohio, VNDLY's platform facilitates the entire engagement lifecycle of non-employees, encompassing talent acquisition, training, payment, and offboarding. It features four key modules: contingent workforce management, statement of work management, independent contractor compliance, and total talent acquisition. The platform streamlines the sourcing and acquisition processes from various channels, including staffing agencies and job boards, enabling businesses to enhance their return on investment, hire quality talent, and automate workflows from job requisition to closure. VNDLY primarily serves Fortune 500 companies, managed service providers, and vendors, providing comprehensive solutions that simplify implementation and management of external workforces.

FourKites

Series C in 2019
FourKites, Inc. develops software platform for freight brokers and shippers to streamline their operations. It offers a real-time tracking platform for shippers, carriers, third party logistics companies, and freight brokers; BackHaul Management, a solution that identifies details about the window in which deadhead miles could potentially occur; and CarrierLink, a solution that helps brokers and owner-operators sync up in real time. FourKites, Inc. was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

PartySlate

Seed Round in 2019
PartySlate, Inc. operates a website for event professionals worldwide. Its platform enables users to browse, search, and save event ideas for weddings, fundraisers, mitzvahs, birthdays, milestones, holidays, corporate events, etc. posted by event professionals; and provides images from decor companies, event planners, caterers, photographers, venues, entertainers, and more. The company also connects users with event professionals. PartySlate, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Truss

Series A in 2019
Truss Holdings, Inc. develops and operates an online commercial real estate (CRE) tech platform. It helps small and medium businesses find, tour and lease office, co-working, industrial, and retail space. The company’ platform uses machine learning to help find properties that best fit a company’s needs. It allows businesses in virtually tour the listings, negotiate price, and sign lease documents all on its site. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

chowly

Series A in 2018
Chowly Inc., founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in software solutions that integrate third-party online ordering platforms with restaurant point of sale (POS) systems. The company connects various online ordering services, including Grubhub, UberEats, DoorDash, and Caviar, to streamline restaurant operations. By providing these integrations, Chowly aims to enhance efficiency, reduce staffing costs, and minimize errors, ultimately increasing revenue for restaurants. The company is committed to delivering affordable technology-based solutions tailored for the restaurant industry.

Sigstr

Venture Round in 2018
Sigstr, Inc. develops a cloud-based email signature marketing application. It offers Sigstr, a platform that gives marketers the ability to target their top contacts and accounts with relevant ads where they're spending their time. The company’s platform also helps companies to get more out of their employee email by turning it into a channel that understands and engages their important audiences. Sigstr, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. As of December 17, 2019, Sigstr, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Terminus Software, LLC.

ShipBob

Series C in 2018
ShipBob, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, offers an online shipping and fulfillment platform tailored for small e-commerce businesses. The company provides an end-to-end solution that includes warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping services, enabling direct-to-consumer brands to deliver packages in 1-2 business days. ShipBob's technology integrates with various e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, facilitating streamlined order and inventory management, customer communication, and predictive analytics. Additionally, ShipBob aggregates shipment services from major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, and offers features such as a smartphone application for scheduling pickups and tracking shipments. With a network of fulfillment centers across the United States, including a warehouse in Dallas, Texas, ShipBob aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations for online merchants.

Clear Software

Series A in 2018
Clear Software is an Intelligent Automation platform that protects and extends technology investments. The company's platform enables organizations to streamline core business processes across software such as SAP, OracleEBS, Salesforce, and many other cloud and premise applications. It enables automation ranging from a single step task to an end-to-end business process that may involve hundreds of tasks. Clear Software was established in 2015 and is headquartered in Zionsville, Indiana.

Zipnosis

Series B in 2018
Zipnosis, Inc. operates a virtual healthcare platform that connects patients with clinicians through phone and video interviews. The company specializes in online diagnosis, triage, and telehealth, providing device-agnostic virtual care that enhances patient choice and convenience while improving efficiency for healthcare providers. In addition to virtual consultations, Zipnosis offers a ZipTicket, which serves as a healthcare boarding pass, granting patients access to clinics for in-person assessments or lab tests. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Zipnosis collaborates with strategic partners to advance its mission of delivering accessible and efficient healthcare solutions.

Provi

Seed Round in 2018
Provi is a Chicago-based company that has developed a platform designed to simplify the ordering process in the alcohol beverage industry. Established in 2016, Provi serves bars, restaurants, and retailers by enabling them to place orders with multiple distributors simultaneously through a centralized system. This streamlined approach allows users to manage their purchasing operations more efficiently, making it easier to access a diverse selection of spirits, wine, and beer at competitive prices. By facilitating better communication and decision-making among buyers, distributors, and brands, Provi enhances the overall operational experience within the industry.

Fixer

Series A in 2018
Fixer is headache-free home repair. Customers book a skilled, experienced Fixer for any kind of home maintenance issue - confirming the hourly rate, estimate, and date + time online in seconds. The Fixer team handles any number of tasks big or small, often in just one visit. Quick, easy, finished. Fixer is a public benefit corp committed to providing training, certification and sustainable career paths for men and women in home repair and building trades.

DemandJump

Series A in 2018
DemandJump is a customer acquisition software that shows marketers new sources of growth online. Their mission is to understand the world’s competitive digital data and make it actionable for marketers everywhere. The company's software uses artificial intelligence that shows a holistic view of the data, overlays absent data, and maps that target market behavior, thereby, enabling marketers to make better decisions by providing actions that maximize return on investments. DemandJump was founded in 2015 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

LandscapeHub

Seed Round in 2018
LandscapeHub is dedicated to streamlining the B2B procurement process in the Landscaping Industry. Buyers and suppliers increase efficiency, expand their networks and gain valuable market knowledge and insights by using LandscapeHub.LandscapeHub is a digital, B2B marketplace connecting buyers and suppliers within a central online platform.LandscapeHub represents quality suppliers across the country, aggregating their available inventory and pricing, empowering buyers with a “one stop shop” buying experience.

SteadyMD

Seed Round in 2018
SteadyMD, Inc. is a telehealth company based in St. Louis, Missouri, providing online primary care services across the United States. Founded in 2016, the company connects patients with doctors through its platform, allowing for telehealth consultations focused on various medical conditions, dietary preferences, and lifestyle choices. Utilizing a proprietary Matching Engine, SteadyMD pairs members with doctors based on hundreds of attributes to foster long-term relationships. The platform offers services in primary care, functional medicine, pediatric care, and employer health solutions, and is licensed to operate in all 50 states. Patients can conveniently communicate with their doctors via text, phone, or video chat, while the medical team manages health records, referrals to specialists, and coordination of tests and procedures, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care.

FourKites

Series B in 2018
FourKites, Inc. develops software platform for freight brokers and shippers to streamline their operations. It offers a real-time tracking platform for shippers, carriers, third party logistics companies, and freight brokers; BackHaul Management, a solution that identifies details about the window in which deadhead miles could potentially occur; and CarrierLink, a solution that helps brokers and owner-operators sync up in real time. FourKites, Inc. was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Zylo

Series A in 2018
Zylo, Inc. operates a software-as-a-service (SaaS) management platform aimed at helping enterprises and technology brands optimize their cloud-based applications. Founded in 2015 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Zylo's platform enables organizations to discover all applications, manage licenses, and build renewal calendars. It provides visibility into SaaS application usage and spending, allowing clients to understand hidden employee expenditures and manage contract renewals effectively. By capturing insights and feedback on SaaS utilization, Zylo assists companies in optimizing their SaaS investments, thereby driving cost containment and enhancing IT collaboration. Formerly known as ProKure, Inc., Zylo continues to focus on empowering organizations to unlock the full potential of their SaaS solutions.

Fast Radius

Series A in 2017
Fast Radius, Inc. provides additive manufacturing solutions including application discovery, product design and testing, production-grade manufacturing, and global fulfillment. The company offers additive thermoplastic, elastomeric, and metal manufacturing services. Additionally, it provides CNC machining, injection and cast urethane molding, and reverse engineering services. Fast Radius, Inc. was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Sigstr

Series A in 2017
Sigstr, Inc. develops a cloud-based email signature marketing application. It offers Sigstr, a platform that gives marketers the ability to target their top contacts and accounts with relevant ads where they're spending their time. The company’s platform also helps companies to get more out of their employee email by turning it into a channel that understands and engages their important audiences. Sigstr, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. As of December 17, 2019, Sigstr, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Terminus Software, LLC.

Vid Grid

Seed Round in 2017
Ilos Videos are a group of 12 full-time employees who work hard and are good friends along the way. ilos is an online screen recording platform that allows you to record, share, and organize your videos in one place. With cloud-storage, ilos is the simplest and fastest way to record your screen and share it with the people who need it.

Vibenomics

Seed Round in 2017
Vibenomics provides location-based businesses and connected cities with Audio Experience Software (AES) to manage background music, scheduled messaging, live announcements, and out-of-home (OOH) advertising. Vibenomics is based in Indianapolis, Indiana and was founded in 2016 by Brent Oakley, Adam Ritz, and Nathan Miller.

ShipBob

Series B in 2017
ShipBob, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, offers an online shipping and fulfillment platform tailored for small e-commerce businesses. The company provides an end-to-end solution that includes warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping services, enabling direct-to-consumer brands to deliver packages in 1-2 business days. ShipBob's technology integrates with various e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, facilitating streamlined order and inventory management, customer communication, and predictive analytics. Additionally, ShipBob aggregates shipment services from major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, and offers features such as a smartphone application for scheduling pickups and tracking shipments. With a network of fulfillment centers across the United States, including a warehouse in Dallas, Texas, ShipBob aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations for online merchants.
Upfront Healthcare Services, Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in designing and developing a data analytics platform aimed at enhancing the ambulatory care experience. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on automating and personalizing care navigation to improve patient engagement and optimize healthcare resources. Its platform, known as Care Traffic Control, utilizes advanced analytics to direct patients toward appropriate care options within the health system, thereby minimizing wasted appointments and improving outcomes. By integrating various data types, including demographics, billing, scheduling, claims, and care gap information, Upfront Healthcare Services effectively aligns patient needs with healthcare resources, fostering a more efficient and satisfactory healthcare experience for all stakeholders.

Precognitive Inc

Seed Round in 2017
Precognitive, Inc. develops fraud prevention solutions. It provides Adaptive-ID, a device intelligence solution that performs a real-time assessment of each device, adapting itself to optimize tracking capabilities based on the device type, connection, and prior interactions. The company’s fraud prevention technology includes device intelligence, advanced behavioral analytics, and a real-time decision engine to detect and prevent fraud. It serves banking and FinTech, travel and entertainment, and ecommerce. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. As of January 18, 2019, Precognitive, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of ShopRunner, Inc.

Rambl

Seed Round in 2017
Rambl provides streamlined, fully-integrated CRM dialing experience and call performance visibility. Developer of a mobile voice to text app designed to turn phone calls into productive follow-ups and notes. The company's Rambl app automatically delivers call details, suggested follow-ups, and notes, enabling users to prepare for the next conversation with search and related phone call notes and follow-ups.

Pear Deck

Venture Round in 2017
Pear Deck, Inc. develops and operates software solution for education industry. The company offers Pear Deck, a solution that allows schools and teachers to connect with students through virtual classroom. Pear Deck, Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Iowa City, Iowa. As of November 16, 2020, Pear Deck, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Liminex, Inc.

PartySlate

Seed Round in 2017
PartySlate, Inc. operates a website for event professionals worldwide. Its platform enables users to browse, search, and save event ideas for weddings, fundraisers, mitzvahs, birthdays, milestones, holidays, corporate events, etc. posted by event professionals; and provides images from decor companies, event planners, caterers, photographers, venues, entertainers, and more. The company also connects users with event professionals. PartySlate, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Clinc

Series A in 2017
Clinc, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software applications, primarily focused on creating advanced conversational AI platforms. The technology enables enterprises to build sophisticated virtual assistants capable of understanding and responding to user input with a high degree of accuracy. Unlike traditional speech-to-text systems, Clinc's platform analyzes various factors such as wording, sentiment, intent, tone of voice, and contextual information to provide nuanced responses. This approach is powered by cutting-edge machine learning and deep neural networks, which allow the system to continually enhance its knowledge base with each interaction. Originally founded in 2015 as Clarity Lab Inc., Clinc serves multiple industries, including banking, automotive, gaming, and healthcare, and is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

FarmLogs

Series C in 2017
Their mission is to help bring farmers the future of farming. They challenge what is possible and invent new ways of applying cutting-edge technology to the world's oldest and most foundational industry. Farmers are the core of agriculture and they help them use technology to be more successful. Farmer success is their success. They will never make a decision that doesn't benefit farmers. Their world depends on agriculture. By making farming more efficient and helping farmers grow more using less, they have the opportunity to make a massive positive impact. And, they've brought together a world-class team to make it happen.

Provi

Seed Round in 2016
Provi is a Chicago-based company that has developed a platform designed to simplify the ordering process in the alcohol beverage industry. Established in 2016, Provi serves bars, restaurants, and retailers by enabling them to place orders with multiple distributors simultaneously through a centralized system. This streamlined approach allows users to manage their purchasing operations more efficiently, making it easier to access a diverse selection of spirits, wine, and beer at competitive prices. By facilitating better communication and decision-making among buyers, distributors, and brands, Provi enhances the overall operational experience within the industry.

LogicGate

Seed Round in 2016
LogicGate, Inc. provides enterprise process automation solutions that enable organizations to streamline and manage risk and compliance activities. The company's main offering is an agile platform that allows users to create applications through a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. This platform supports various functions, including enterprise risk management, regulatory change management, compliance management, incident management, and IT security risk management. LogicGate's technology is designed to help businesses address the challenges of disorganized processes, facilitating better collaboration and transparency across the organization. The company's clientele spans multiple industries, including software, fintech, telecommunications, banking, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and energy. Founded in 2015 and based in Chicago, Illinois, LogicGate aims to reduce mission-critical risks and enhance compliance through its innovative solutions.

InContext Solutions

Series F in 2016
InContext Solutions, Inc. provides mixed and virtual reality solutions for retail optimization needs. It offers ShopperMX, a web-based three-dimensional simulation software solution for the collaborative ideation, evaluation, and activation of retail experiences. The company provides digital content, virtual simulation, insight and analytics, and retail technology solutions. It caters to consumer packaged goods, retail, consumer electronic, restaurant and food service, home improvement, and apparel and fashion industries. The company was incorporated in 2008 and is based in Chicago, Illinois with operations in London, United Kingdom; Summit, New Jersey; New Brighton, Minnesota; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Trove, Inc.

Series A in 2016
Trove AI, Inc. develops a mobile email application. The company develops artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that solve email overload and enhance communications. Its AI solution offers smart multi-swiping and email notifications; surfaces insights about user’s relationships; and lets snoozing emails to get them out of the user’s way until the user is ready to get to them. The application works with existing email services. Its mobile application is compatible with iOS and Android devices. The company was formerly known as Notion AI, Inc. Trove AI, Inc. was founded in 2013 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

FourKites

Series A in 2016
FourKites, Inc. develops software platform for freight brokers and shippers to streamline their operations. It offers a real-time tracking platform for shippers, carriers, third party logistics companies, and freight brokers; BackHaul Management, a solution that identifies details about the window in which deadhead miles could potentially occur; and CarrierLink, a solution that helps brokers and owner-operators sync up in real time. FourKites, Inc. was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Remote Year

Series A in 2016
Remote Year, Inc. provides services for curating work and travel programs for professionals to see the world without quit their jobs. It operates a community of digital nomads from across the globe to spend a year working, traveling, and exploring cities in Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and South America, as well as exploring the local community through cultural tours, speaking events, and volunteer opportunities. The company provides co-working spaces, private rooms, transportation, and community activities and events. Remote Year, Inc. was founded in 2015 and is based in Dover, Delaware.

Tock

Series A in 2016
Tock, Inc. operates a comprehensive platform designed for managing reservations, guest interactions, and table logistics for restaurants, wineries, and pop-up venues worldwide. Established in 2014 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Tock provides a multifaceted system that allows users to manage reservations, delivery, and event planning while capturing essential guest information to develop targeted marketing strategies. The platform includes features such as automated waitlists, text confirmations, and customizable booking options like wine pairings and cookbooks. Additionally, Tock integrates with various reservation systems and marketing tools, enabling seamless connections with social media platforms like Google, Facebook, and Instagram. This service is tailored for hospitality businesses of all sizes, facilitating efficient management of bookings and operational reporting.

TurboAppeal

Series A in 2016
Founded in 2015, TurboAppeal provides sophisticated, yet simple property tax appeal services that combine exceptional customer service with the best in class technology to make the process of appealing each year intelligent and seamless. At our core, the machine-learning algorithm gets more accurate and smarter as we do more and more appeals, meaning that we are only improving. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, each year we are opening up more offices throughout the country.

TransparentCareer

Seed Round in 2016
TransparentCareer is building the next-generation career management platform for job seekers and employers. We are collecting the most robust compensation and career path dataset in existence to help professionals and students understand their fair pay and plan their careers. Our data enables us to provide compensation and career insights that are 1) personalized based on users’ backgrounds and 2) longitudinal, allowing users to visualize how one choice might impact their career path over time. No other product accomplishes these goals. Check it out at www.transparentcareer.com

Catalytic

Series A in 2016
Catalytic Inc. operates a SaaS based automation platform to remove data processing tasks. The product enable business users to rapidly build an intelligent automation layer to process data, documents, emails, web sites, and systems by coordinating people, bots, and AI. It can be used to automate tasks such as, scanning and generating documents & spreadsheets, automated response to triggers, and collection of data; connect to systems to push and pull data and to create custom integrations with APIs and SFTP; and to automate cognitive tasks with machine learning. Catalytic Inc. was founded in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois with an additional office in Naperville, Illinois.

Doxly

Seed Round in 2016
Doxly develops transaction-management software for law firms. It was built with one simple vision: transform the archaic, chaotic process of managing legal transactions into a streamlined, efficient process. Built by lawyers, for lawyers, the Doxly platform exists to remove frustrations inherent in legal transactions. Doxly helps lawyers deliver better client experiences while building stronger practices. Doxly began operation in 2016. It has its headquarters in Indianapolis in Indiana.

Clinc

Seed Round in 2016
Clinc, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence software applications, primarily focused on creating advanced conversational AI platforms. The technology enables enterprises to build sophisticated virtual assistants capable of understanding and responding to user input with a high degree of accuracy. Unlike traditional speech-to-text systems, Clinc's platform analyzes various factors such as wording, sentiment, intent, tone of voice, and contextual information to provide nuanced responses. This approach is powered by cutting-edge machine learning and deep neural networks, which allow the system to continually enhance its knowledge base with each interaction. Originally founded in 2015 as Clarity Lab Inc., Clinc serves multiple industries, including banking, automotive, gaming, and healthcare, and is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Bolstra

Seed Round in 2016
Bolstra, LLC provides a Software-as-a-Service game-changing software solution that enables B2B companies to optimize their customer success outcomes, recurring revenue, and lifetime value. The company was formerly known as ConsulTeams, LLC and changed its name to Bolstra, LLC in July 2016. Bolstra, LLC was founded in 2014 and is based in Carmel, Indiana.

Emplify

Series A in 2016
Emplify, a leader in employee engagement measurement, enables executives to ask for, analyze, and act on employee feedback — transforming data insights into human action. Informed by science and psychometrics. Emplify is the first to fuse survey insights, employee communication, performance enhancement, and transformation strategists into a proven agile engagement system. It was founded in 2010 and is based in Fishers, Indiana.

StreamLink Software

Venture Round in 2016
StreamLink Software is a Software-as-a-Service company that specializes in grant management solutions for nonprofits and the public sector. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, the company offers a comprehensive platform named AmpliFund, which facilitates the management of all stages of the grant lifecycle. AmpliFund aims to enhance operational capacity and efficiency by automating grant compliance and standardizing data processes. Through its innovative software, StreamLink Software supports organizations in navigating the complexities of grant management effectively.

Cribspot

Seed Round in 2016
Cribspot, Inc. operates an online platform for leasing and rental of student apartments and houses in Ann Arbor, Columbus, and East Lansing areas. Its online platform enables college students to find off-campus housing and apartment rentals with virtual tours and floorplans. The company also offers property management and marketing, online leasing and payment, tenant screening, maintenance and repair, accounting, and turnover services for property owners. In addition, it provides a mobile application for iOS and Android devices. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

ShipBob

Series A in 2016
ShipBob, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, offers an online shipping and fulfillment platform tailored for small e-commerce businesses. The company provides an end-to-end solution that includes warehousing, order fulfillment, and shipping services, enabling direct-to-consumer brands to deliver packages in 1-2 business days. ShipBob's technology integrates with various e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, facilitating streamlined order and inventory management, customer communication, and predictive analytics. Additionally, ShipBob aggregates shipment services from major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, and offers features such as a smartphone application for scheduling pickups and tracking shipments. With a network of fulfillment centers across the United States, including a warehouse in Dallas, Texas, ShipBob aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain operations for online merchants.

DemandJump

Seed Round in 2016
DemandJump is a customer acquisition software that shows marketers new sources of growth online. Their mission is to understand the world’s competitive digital data and make it actionable for marketers everywhere. The company's software uses artificial intelligence that shows a holistic view of the data, overlays absent data, and maps that target market behavior, thereby, enabling marketers to make better decisions by providing actions that maximize return on investments. DemandJump was founded in 2015 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Flywheel

Series A in 2016
Flywheel is a company focused on enhancing the experience of web designers and developers who work with WordPress. Founded in 2012 and based in Colorado Springs, Flywheel offers a range of products, including a user-friendly WordPress hosting platform and Local by Flywheel, a local development application designed for effortless management of WordPress sites. The company aims to provide sleek, efficient tools that facilitate the building, launching, and management of WordPress projects for users ranging from small agencies to larger clients. Flywheel has successfully supported over 100,000 users in scaling their businesses on the WordPress platform, reflecting its commitment to improving the lives of creatives in the digital space.

Truss

Seed Round in 2016
Truss Holdings, Inc. develops and operates an online commercial real estate (CRE) tech platform. It helps small and medium businesses find, tour and lease office, co-working, industrial, and retail space. The company’ platform uses machine learning to help find properties that best fit a company’s needs. It allows businesses in virtually tour the listings, negotiate price, and sign lease documents all on its site. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Catalytic

Seed Round in 2016
Catalytic Inc. operates a SaaS based automation platform to remove data processing tasks. The product enable business users to rapidly build an intelligent automation layer to process data, documents, emails, web sites, and systems by coordinating people, bots, and AI. It can be used to automate tasks such as, scanning and generating documents & spreadsheets, automated response to triggers, and collection of data; connect to systems to push and pull data and to create custom integrations with APIs and SFTP; and to automate cognitive tasks with machine learning. Catalytic Inc. was founded in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois with an additional office in Naperville, Illinois.

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.

FourKites

Seed Round in 2016
FourKites, Inc. develops software platform for freight brokers and shippers to streamline their operations. It offers a real-time tracking platform for shippers, carriers, third party logistics companies, and freight brokers; BackHaul Management, a solution that identifies details about the window in which deadhead miles could potentially occur; and CarrierLink, a solution that helps brokers and owner-operators sync up in real time. FourKites, Inc. was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

TurboAppeal

Seed Round in 2016
Founded in 2015, TurboAppeal provides sophisticated, yet simple property tax appeal services that combine exceptional customer service with the best in class technology to make the process of appealing each year intelligent and seamless. At our core, the machine-learning algorithm gets more accurate and smarter as we do more and more appeals, meaning that we are only improving. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, each year we are opening up more offices throughout the country.

Zipnosis

Series A in 2016
Zipnosis, Inc. operates a virtual healthcare platform that connects patients with clinicians through phone and video interviews. The company specializes in online diagnosis, triage, and telehealth, providing device-agnostic virtual care that enhances patient choice and convenience while improving efficiency for healthcare providers. In addition to virtual consultations, Zipnosis offers a ZipTicket, which serves as a healthcare boarding pass, granting patients access to clinics for in-person assessments or lab tests. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Zipnosis collaborates with strategic partners to advance its mission of delivering accessible and efficient healthcare solutions.

Clear Software

Seed Round in 2016
Clear Software is an Intelligent Automation platform that protects and extends technology investments. The company's platform enables organizations to streamline core business processes across software such as SAP, OracleEBS, Salesforce, and many other cloud and premise applications. It enables automation ranging from a single step task to an end-to-end business process that may involve hundreds of tasks. Clear Software was established in 2015 and is headquartered in Zionsville, Indiana.

DemandJump

Seed Round in 2015
DemandJump is a customer acquisition software that shows marketers new sources of growth online. Their mission is to understand the world’s competitive digital data and make it actionable for marketers everywhere. The company's software uses artificial intelligence that shows a holistic view of the data, overlays absent data, and maps that target market behavior, thereby, enabling marketers to make better decisions by providing actions that maximize return on investments. DemandJump was founded in 2015 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Sentic Technologies Inc

Seed Round in 2015
Sentic Technologies Inc. develops a technology that interprets the Web's social signals to increase ROI, brand awareness, and customer satisfaction. Its products include Sentic Optimized AdWords that generates real time social signals for the purpose of optimizing AdWords campaigns; Sentic Crowd Search that brings clarity to the growing mass of social data by revealing popular conversation topics; and Sentic Predict Prevent to predict outcomes and provide insights that could prevent unwanted events from occurring. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

blooom

Series A in 2015
Blooom, Inc. is an online investment advisory firm based in Leawood, Kansas, that specializes in managing individual accounts within employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s. Established in 2013, the company was founded by experienced financial advisors who recognized the need to provide accessible financial guidance to a broader audience, particularly those without access to traditional financial advisors. As a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC, Blooom focuses on delivering fiduciary best practices through low-cost solutions, appropriate asset allocation, and diversification. The firm aims to assist millions of Americans who have workplace retirement accounts but may lack the expertise or desire to manage their investments independently.

PartySlate

Seed Round in 2015
PartySlate, Inc. operates a website for event professionals worldwide. Its platform enables users to browse, search, and save event ideas for weddings, fundraisers, mitzvahs, birthdays, milestones, holidays, corporate events, etc. posted by event professionals; and provides images from decor companies, event planners, caterers, photographers, venues, entertainers, and more. The company also connects users with event professionals. PartySlate, Inc. was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Avant

Series E in 2015
Avant, LLC is an online marketplace lending platform that provides consumers access to personal loans for various purposes, including debt consolidation, medical expenses, and vacations. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Los Angeles and London, the company collaborates with banks and financial institutions to enhance its offerings. Utilizing big data and machine-learning algorithms, Avant delivers a tailored approach to streamline credit options for its users. In addition to serving individual consumers in the United States and the United Kingdom, Avant operates an institutional marketplace that allows investors to purchase loans generated through its technology platform. The company also focuses on risk and fraud verification, credit policy adherence, and analytics to support its lending processes.

Pear Deck

Seed Round in 2015
Pear Deck, Inc. develops and operates software solution for education industry. The company offers Pear Deck, a solution that allows schools and teachers to connect with students through virtual classroom. Pear Deck, Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Iowa City, Iowa. As of November 16, 2020, Pear Deck, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Liminex, Inc.

G2

Series A in 2015
G2 is a platform to share business software reviews in real-time. It leverages more than 425,000 user reviews to drive better purchasing decisions. G2 is used by business professionals, buyers, investors, and analysts to select the best software and services based on peer reviews and synthesized social data. The company was founded in 2012 and is based out of Chicago, Illinois.

Trove, Inc.

Seed Round in 2015
Trove AI, Inc. develops a mobile email application. The company develops artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that solve email overload and enhance communications. Its AI solution offers smart multi-swiping and email notifications; surfaces insights about user’s relationships; and lets snoozing emails to get them out of the user’s way until the user is ready to get to them. The application works with existing email services. Its mobile application is compatible with iOS and Android devices. The company was formerly known as Notion AI, Inc. Trove AI, Inc. was founded in 2013 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Rithmio

Seed Round in 2015
Rithmio, Inc. specializes in gesture recognition technology, offering a platform that enables the development of accurate and personalized gesture-based products. Its software, known as Constellation, is designed to integrate with various motion-sensing devices, including wearables, smartphones, and connected sports equipment. By operating at the sensor, operating system, or application level, Rithmio's technology tracks and analyzes movements in real time, facilitating the creation of advanced wearable technology and connected clothing. The company has established partnerships with leading semiconductor firms and consumer electronics manufacturers to embed its technology at the System on Chip level. Founded in 2011 and initially known as Neurogito, Rithmio rebranded in 2014 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

FourKites

Seed Round in 2015
FourKites, Inc. develops software platform for freight brokers and shippers to streamline their operations. It offers a real-time tracking platform for shippers, carriers, third party logistics companies, and freight brokers; BackHaul Management, a solution that identifies details about the window in which deadhead miles could potentially occur; and CarrierLink, a solution that helps brokers and owner-operators sync up in real time. FourKites, Inc. was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

TurboAppeal

Seed Round in 2015
Founded in 2015, TurboAppeal provides sophisticated, yet simple property tax appeal services that combine exceptional customer service with the best in class technology to make the process of appealing each year intelligent and seamless. At our core, the machine-learning algorithm gets more accurate and smarter as we do more and more appeals, meaning that we are only improving. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, each year we are opening up more offices throughout the country.

Geofeedia

Series A in 2015
Geofeedia is specializing in location-based social media monitoring, intelligence, and analysis for corporate security, public safety, media and journalism, and marketing teams. Its patented platform enables organizations to derive social intelligence from specific geographic locations to understand, in real-time, what’s happening within the areas, which are most important to them. More than 300 of the world's leading brands and organizations, including Fortune 500 companies like McDonald’s and Dell, leading news outlets like the AP, BBC, and CNN, and major law enforcement agencies like the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, utilize Geofeedia’s powerful subscription-based service to gain real-time, actionable intelligence through hyper-local social media monitoring. Geofeedia was founded in 2011 by Scott Mitchell, Mike Mulroyand, and Phil Harris. It is headquartered in Chicago, I.L. with offices in Naples, Florida, and Indianapolis, Indiana.

Persio

Series A in 2015
Persio’s multi-channel marketing and decision platform put the power of personalization into marketers’ hands. Built to meet the needs of retailers, Persio connects marketers’ existing data sources, technology solutions, deployment channels, and identity resolution services into a single, interoperable interface so that marketers can deploy data-driven and personalized campaigns across web, email, SMS, mobile apps and other sales channels to reach customers with relevant offers at their most responsive point.

FarmLogs

Series B in 2014
Their mission is to help bring farmers the future of farming. They challenge what is possible and invent new ways of applying cutting-edge technology to the world's oldest and most foundational industry. Farmers are the core of agriculture and they help them use technology to be more successful. Farmer success is their success. They will never make a decision that doesn't benefit farmers. Their world depends on agriculture. By making farming more efficient and helping farmers grow more using less, they have the opportunity to make a massive positive impact. And, they've brought together a world-class team to make it happen.

Strap

Seed Round in 2014
Strap enables actionable human data to inform and improve marketing and engagement programs. They believe the consumer centered journey must be personalized because a more personal world is a better world.