Innovation Works

For more than 20 years, Innovation Works has played a vital role in Southwestern PA's technology economy, investing capital, business expertise, and other resources into high-potential companies with the greatest likelihood for regional economic impact. IW is the single largest investor in seed-stage companies in the region. They also provide resources for manufacturers to adopt new technologies.

Peter Erin

Senior Investment Associate

Gary Glausser

CIO

Jim Jen

MD

Dave Lishego

Investment Associate

Ven Raju

CIO

Megan Shaw

MD of Life Sciences

Bob Starzynski

Director of Business Development

658 past transactions

Cassian Solutions

Seed Round in 2020
Cassian Solutions, Inc. develops and manufactures a phone case medication dispenser. The company also develops an application that offers outcome collection, biometric verification, medication reminder, medication sleeves, adherence verification, environment sensing, treatment analysis, real time communication, and medication distribution. It caters to pharmacies, clinical trial companies, drug manufacturers, and insurers. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

Watt-Learn, Inc.

Private Placement in 2018
Watt-Learn, Inc. develops software-as-a-service (SaaS) for grid-connected battery installations for the energy industry. Its artificial intelligence based software helps to increase life of grid-connected energy storage systems, as well as provides battery and energy performance audit, daily operation setpoints, proactive lifetime-aware automation system (PLAAS) services. The company caters to battery original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), small system OEMs, system integrators, commercial and industrial (C&I) end users, and utility end users. Watt-Learn, Inc. was founded in 2016 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Subtl Beauty

Seed Round in 2020
Subtl Beauty, inc. engages in the production of stackable makeup products. The company provides women with flexibility in their makeup routine through its packaging design as makeup products packaged in compact and customizable stacks that can easily fit inside a gym bag, purse, or back pocket. It sells its products online. Subtl Beauty, inc. was founded in 2018 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

RC21X

Seed Round in 2020
RC21X develops a web-based application for measuring and monitoring brain performance. Its application empowers users to take personal responsibility in monitoring their brain health and make informed health decisions. The company serves customers in the B2B and B2C markets. RC21X was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.

ThermalTherapeuticSystems

Series A in 2009
ThermalTherapeutic Systems was founded in June, 2006 by a team of highly respected experts in the field of hyperthermic perfusion technology, medical device manufacturing, molecular diagnostics and technology commercialization.

PittMoss

Private Placement in 2019
PittMoss LLC manufactures PittMoss, a mix of organic additives and recycled papers for use in commercial greenhouses and nurseries, and home gardens. It serves greenhouse and nursery growers, and home gardeners in the United States. The company also offers PittMoss Prime, a soil amendment that can be mixed with compost, existing blends, native soil, or self-fertilized. PittMoss LLC was formerly known as PittMoss Development Company LLC. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania.

Arieca

Seed Round in 2018
Arieca manufactures and distributes a thermally conductive rubber composite. Arieca's composite is a stretchable, thermally conductive rubber that combines elasticity of soft silicone with the thermal of metal to be used as circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers, allowing manufacturers to deploy an alternative form of rubber that improve the performance electronics and help them to safely interact with humans.

Make It Hapin

Seed Round in 2019
Make It Hapin, Inc., a fashion technology company that provides an online personal shopping service. It provides customized outfit based on image sent by the buyer. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Portland, Oregon.

PittMoss

Seed Round in 2015
PittMoss LLC manufactures PittMoss, a mix of organic additives and recycled papers for use in commercial greenhouses and nurseries, and home gardens. It serves greenhouse and nursery growers, and home gardeners in the United States. The company also offers PittMoss Prime, a soil amendment that can be mixed with compost, existing blends, native soil, or self-fertilized. PittMoss LLC was formerly known as PittMoss Development Company LLC. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania.

Gus Gear

Seed Round in 2021
Gus Gear offers medical devices intended to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Its flagship product, the Central Line Vest, prevents damage, breakage, and accidental removal of central catheters, keeping patients out of the hospital, so they can live their lives to the fullest, even while receiving treatment.

Meter Feeder

Seed Round in 2020
Meter Feeder's mission to provide a low cost payment and enforcement solution for small to mid-sized governments. A fast set up process and geolocation get new users paid and on their way fast. MeterFeeder works with customers' current infrastructure. Users don't need to purchase any new meters or kiosks, growing the base of people more willing to pay via electronic payments.

Ariel Precision Medicine

Seed Round in 2018
Ariel Precision Medicine, Inc. operates as an integrated genomics and digital health company that provides precision medicine solutions for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of complex chronic diseases and disorders. It also offers ArielDx, a cloud-based clinical decision support tool that simplifies the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic disease. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trusst Brands

Convertible Note in 2018
Trusst Brands offers engineered bras designed purposely for the D+ woman. It operates as a direct-to-consumer brand that uses advanced industrial design and engineering principles to build a product that brings support and comfort to a consumer who has long been ignored by the traditional bra brands.

ESTAT Actuation

Seed Round in 2021
ESTAT Actuation make robots more dynamic using breakthrough actuator technology.

Symmetric Health Solutions

Seed Round in 2020
Symmetric Health Solutions LLC designs and develops software for the healthcare medical supplies industry. The company offers supply chain data solutions for healthcare providers, such as manages data of devices and pharmaceuticals, research reports, files, price benchmarking, product standardization, supplier listing, and tracking of expenses. It provides professional and supports services in the supply chain system. The company was founded in 2018 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It has additional offices in New York, New York; and Washington, District of Columbia.

Medallion Analytics

Venture Round in 2011
Medallion Analytics is a web solution designed that gives control over compliance and cost across the entire origination process. Medallion closes the gap between the loan origination system and the post-closing environment. It was incorporated in 2009 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Honeycomb Credit

Seed Round in 2019
Honeycomb Credit, Inc. owns and operates an electronic platform where business owners can seek to borrow money from investors, and where investors can offer loans to businesses. The company, through its funding portal, lets small businesses borrow money from their own customers in a community. It allows debt crowdfunding between lenders and borrowers. Honeycomb Credit, Inc. was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

BlastPoint

Seed Round in 2020
BlastPoint provides big data solutions that help companies optimize revenue growth. Its user-intuitive software platform is customizable, interactive, and stays constantly up to date. It provides services to customers in retail, the utility industry, emerging franchises, and nonprofit organizations. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Nollapelli

Seed Round in 2020
Nollapelli, Inc. manufactures bedding products. It offers bed sheets and pillowcases through its online store. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Allegheny, Pennsylvania.

Twined

Seed Round in 2016
Twined, Inc. operates an e-commerce marketplace that provides product reviews and recommendations. The company provides reviews and recommendations for a range of products, including giveaways, kitchen and baby products, art supplies, and more; negotiates the lowest possible prices with vendors and allows users to unlock discounts by joining a group of people who want to buy the same product; and links the lowest price from a brand and a retailer. It also offers purchase options. Twined, Inc. was founded in 2013 and is based in Brooklyn, New York.

Mighty

Seed Round in 2020
Mighty is a Proptech marketplace for home inspections and repairs designed to streamlines the homebuying and selling process. Using AI, Mighty’s platform turns home inspection repairs into estimates that provides home buyers and sellers with real data to negotiate and close on homes.

Honeycomb Credit

Seed Round in 2020
Honeycomb Credit, Inc. owns and operates an electronic platform where business owners can seek to borrow money from investors, and where investors can offer loans to businesses. The company, through its funding portal, lets small businesses borrow money from their own customers in a community. It allows debt crowdfunding between lenders and borrowers. Honeycomb Credit, Inc. was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Optimus Technologies

Series A in 2023
Optimus Technologies® designs and builds patented EPA compliant biodiesel conversion systems (“Vector Systems”) with integrated telematics to allow medium and heavy-duty trucks to operate on up to 100% biodiesel in temperatures to -20°F. Our system is deployable within 30 days providing North American trucking fleets with the lowest cost, highest return, barrier free alternative fuel system available, allowing them a significant return on investment while achieving sustainability targets. By partnering with major industry players to leverage their capabilities, Optimus will deliver a fully integrated client solution that is rapidly scalable, creating a $279MM company by 2023. MARKET OPPORTUNITY In the U.S. there are over 10.8 million medium- and heavy-duty on-road commercial vehicles that consume 39 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually and account for 23% of transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions. , In Canada, these figures are 1.1 million, 13 billion, and 70% respectively. Fuel costs are the second largest operating expense of a fleet, after labor, accounting for roughly 40% of all costs. Fleets are aggressively seeking solutions to reduce fuel costs, even fractions of a percent, because the bottom-line impact is so substantial. Optimus enables fleets to reduce fuel costs by at least 10%, utilize domestically produced fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while allowing a fleet of 100 trucks to save at least $800,000 in annual fuel costs. Of these 11.9 million trucks, approximately 3 million are currently operating on a low biodiesel blend . This early customer segment represents a beachhead market opportunity of $30 billion. WHY INVEST COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES: We are the most competitive alternative fuel system available. Directly competing technologies such as CNG, and the emerging segment of electric trucks have high barriers to entry including long lead times, high technology and infrastructure costs, and limitations on long-haul adaptability. Our infrastructure costs are at most, 10% of competing technologies. Our integrated solution is rapidly scalable, integrating seamlessly with existing equipment and infrastructure and our range equates to and can exceed diesel technology. Competitive advantage increases in relation to weight class, with Optimus easily bypassing all heavy-duty competitors. * Only Fully Integrate Alternative Fuel Solution: Fuel System, Fuel, Fueling Infrastructure * Lowest Cost Alternative Fuel System: $12,000 Fully Installed * Guaranteed Annual Cost Savings - $8,000/year/truck * Rapidly Deployable: 30 days * Achieves Sustainability Targets: GHG Emission Credit: 60-100%, Particulate Matter Reduction 40% * DPF Operating System Improvement - Improves Efficiency * Fuel Infrastructure Solved * Simple Maintenance - Fully Automated * Available for New and Used Vehicles PROVEN MANAGEMENT TEAM - Extensive experience across the transportation, renewable fuels, software and engineering sectors from start-up to leading industry players. Multiple successes founding, financing, scaling, managing, and exiting companies. PATENTED, PROVEN TECHNOLOGY - 4 patents (2 approved and 2 pending) and extensive IP surrounding proprietary engine systems’ control software. We believe our system to be the only EPA compliant biodiesel conversion system available for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The Vector System is a proven technology in early stages of commercialization, backed by five years of research and seven years of pilot testing and development. LEVERAGE SUSTAINABILITY & REGULATION – There is a large and growing demand for alternatives to gasoline and diesel that is driven by regulation as well as public and private sector interest in reducing carbon and NOx emissions. The Company’s profitability and customer value proposition is not dependent upon these incentives, but we will leverage these multiple state, provincial, US and Canadian policies to further support expansion. Optimus’ system has been approved for the Government of Quebec’s Programme Ecocamionnage, providing a 30% rebate on the installed cost of the system. Similar provincial incentives will be pursued across Canada. ONLY APPROVED PATHWAY FOR HIGH BIODIESEL BLENDS UP TO B100 IN CALIFORNIA – Leveraging our RFID system to meet California fuel control requirements, Optimus’ core technology combined with our RFID fuel management system will provide our investors, distributors, and fuel partners a 2-3 year first mover advantage in California. SUPPORT AMERICAN MANUFACTURING & JOB CREATION – Optimus will directly create over 200 new jobs and 100% of our components are sourced from US manufacturers and suppliers. INVESTOR VALUE CREATION – $199-$279MM valuation by 2023 (5-7x EBITDA), on $12.8MM total invested capital, yielding 16-22x total investment.

Spoken

Seed Round in 2021
Spoken is a text-to-speech smartphone application that helps people that are having difficulty communicating. The company is based in Marietta, Ohio.

Optimus Technologies

Convertible Note in 2014
Optimus Technologies® designs and builds patented EPA compliant biodiesel conversion systems (“Vector Systems”) with integrated telematics to allow medium and heavy-duty trucks to operate on up to 100% biodiesel in temperatures to -20°F. Our system is deployable within 30 days providing North American trucking fleets with the lowest cost, highest return, barrier free alternative fuel system available, allowing them a significant return on investment while achieving sustainability targets. By partnering with major industry players to leverage their capabilities, Optimus will deliver a fully integrated client solution that is rapidly scalable, creating a $279MM company by 2023. MARKET OPPORTUNITY In the U.S. there are over 10.8 million medium- and heavy-duty on-road commercial vehicles that consume 39 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually and account for 23% of transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions. , In Canada, these figures are 1.1 million, 13 billion, and 70% respectively. Fuel costs are the second largest operating expense of a fleet, after labor, accounting for roughly 40% of all costs. Fleets are aggressively seeking solutions to reduce fuel costs, even fractions of a percent, because the bottom-line impact is so substantial. Optimus enables fleets to reduce fuel costs by at least 10%, utilize domestically produced fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while allowing a fleet of 100 trucks to save at least $800,000 in annual fuel costs. Of these 11.9 million trucks, approximately 3 million are currently operating on a low biodiesel blend . This early customer segment represents a beachhead market opportunity of $30 billion. WHY INVEST COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES: We are the most competitive alternative fuel system available. Directly competing technologies such as CNG, and the emerging segment of electric trucks have high barriers to entry including long lead times, high technology and infrastructure costs, and limitations on long-haul adaptability. Our infrastructure costs are at most, 10% of competing technologies. Our integrated solution is rapidly scalable, integrating seamlessly with existing equipment and infrastructure and our range equates to and can exceed diesel technology. Competitive advantage increases in relation to weight class, with Optimus easily bypassing all heavy-duty competitors. * Only Fully Integrate Alternative Fuel Solution: Fuel System, Fuel, Fueling Infrastructure * Lowest Cost Alternative Fuel System: $12,000 Fully Installed * Guaranteed Annual Cost Savings - $8,000/year/truck * Rapidly Deployable: 30 days * Achieves Sustainability Targets: GHG Emission Credit: 60-100%, Particulate Matter Reduction 40% * DPF Operating System Improvement - Improves Efficiency * Fuel Infrastructure Solved * Simple Maintenance - Fully Automated * Available for New and Used Vehicles PROVEN MANAGEMENT TEAM - Extensive experience across the transportation, renewable fuels, software and engineering sectors from start-up to leading industry players. Multiple successes founding, financing, scaling, managing, and exiting companies. PATENTED, PROVEN TECHNOLOGY - 4 patents (2 approved and 2 pending) and extensive IP surrounding proprietary engine systems’ control software. We believe our system to be the only EPA compliant biodiesel conversion system available for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The Vector System is a proven technology in early stages of commercialization, backed by five years of research and seven years of pilot testing and development. LEVERAGE SUSTAINABILITY & REGULATION – There is a large and growing demand for alternatives to gasoline and diesel that is driven by regulation as well as public and private sector interest in reducing carbon and NOx emissions. The Company’s profitability and customer value proposition is not dependent upon these incentives, but we will leverage these multiple state, provincial, US and Canadian policies to further support expansion. Optimus’ system has been approved for the Government of Quebec’s Programme Ecocamionnage, providing a 30% rebate on the installed cost of the system. Similar provincial incentives will be pursued across Canada. ONLY APPROVED PATHWAY FOR HIGH BIODIESEL BLENDS UP TO B100 IN CALIFORNIA – Leveraging our RFID system to meet California fuel control requirements, Optimus’ core technology combined with our RFID fuel management system will provide our investors, distributors, and fuel partners a 2-3 year first mover advantage in California. SUPPORT AMERICAN MANUFACTURING & JOB CREATION – Optimus will directly create over 200 new jobs and 100% of our components are sourced from US manufacturers and suppliers. INVESTOR VALUE CREATION – $199-$279MM valuation by 2023 (5-7x EBITDA), on $12.8MM total invested capital, yielding 16-22x total investment.

Gus Gear

Seed Round in 2022
Gus Gear offers medical devices intended to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Its flagship product, the Central Line Vest, prevents damage, breakage, and accidental removal of central catheters, keeping patients out of the hospital, so they can live their lives to the fullest, even while receiving treatment.

Thar Geothermal

Seed Round in 2011
Thar Geothermal, LLC develops and markets heating and cooling solutions that are rooted in nature’s design, and that meets the triple bottom line of enhanced energy efficiency, reduced operating costs, and reduced environmental footprint. What differentiates Thar Geothermal from other commercial geothermal systems is the use of an established natural refrigerant, recycled carbon dioxide (known as R744). Additionally the technology lowers the cost and environmental footprint of system installation which has historically hampered adoption of conventional geothermal technology. By improving return of investment and lowering market barriers, Thar Geothermal is planning for rapid market penetration. The company is now in the process of transitioning from a development-stage company to a commercial operating company that designs, builds, installs, and finances sustainable heating and cooling systems.

GoJaneGo

Seed Round in 2018
Go Jane Go galvanizes a new sector of discerning, pragmatic professionals to get the specific products and level of service they deserve on the road. ​ Above all, their diverse group of women wants one thing: seamless travel within an industry built by and for men.

Jetpack Workflow

Seed Round in 2020
Jetpack Workflow LLC provides a cloud based workflow software solution that helps CPAs, bookkeepers, and accountants to automate and track recurring client work. The company offers Jetpack Workflow, a Web application that allows users to import their client’s CSV; add projects/tasks, set recurrence, and duplicate; search for projects, tasks, and clients; filter down to the exact project or task; and track progress of staff. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Allpoint Systems

Seed Round in 2010
Allpoint helps surveyors and engineers complete 3D projects at unprecedented scale, speed (by an order of magnitude over manual methods) and efficiency. Scanning professionals may be able to use existing visualization tools for smaller projects (e.g., 1,000 feet of pipe, 10 bridges). However, it is much more difficult to effectively and economically meet the rising demands of asset owners when the increasing capabilities of High Definition Scanning (HDS) and Terrestrial Mobile LiDAR Scanning (TMLS) hardware are rapidly raising expectations.

Go Jane, Go

Private Placement in 2018
Go Jane Go, LLC develops and offers an application that helps women on solo business travel find like-minded female professionals. Its product includes Amelia, an application that connects women who travel domestically for business. It uses crowd-sourced knowledge, hard data, and insights to guide companies through the world of providing products and services to the woman business traveler. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Gus Gear

Seed Round in 2020
Gus Gear offers medical devices intended to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Its flagship product, the Central Line Vest, prevents damage, breakage, and accidental removal of central catheters, keeping patients out of the hospital, so they can live their lives to the fullest, even while receiving treatment.

Hibersense

Seed Round in 2018
Hibersense Smart Comfort Control for Every Room empowers homeowners with a smart HVAC control solution. The patent-pending, easy retrofit system uses wireless sensors, machine learning & battery-operated, wireless vents to heat or cool every space ensuring maximum room-by-room comfort and HVAC energy savings of up to 40%. Further, Hibersense services for multi-family operators increase tenant comfort, satisfaction, and renewal rates while providing detailed building thermal dynamics and usage rates providing increased opportunities for profitability and shareholder value.

Suitable

Seed Round in 2015
Suitable’s web/mobile application enables universities to gamify their extra curricular activities to help students develop important soft skills and relationships. As students complete these activities they are awarded digital badges and credentials they can use to secure internships and entry-level jobs.

AbiliLife

Seed Round in 2015
AbiliLife, Inc. designs, develops, and manufactures biomedical solutions for neurodegenerative disorders and diseases. It offers Calibrace, a brace designed to help Parkinson’s disease patients in restoring equilibrium through a back tensioning system that improves posture, positioning, and balance. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Containership

Seed Round in 2015
Containership, Inc. owns and operates a cloud based Platform-as-a-Service and continuous delivery system for containers. It offers an open source Docker hosting platform that provides application deployment, cluster scheduling, and service discovery; and hosted service, which includes automated provisioning, marketplace integrations, load balancing, and cluster snapshots. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Covey

Convertible Note in 2016
Covey is a social collaboration application for parents. It enables them to share experiences, ask parenting questions, and make connections with others nearby.

StageMark

Venture Round in 2006
StageMark develops and markets inflammatory diseases identification and monitoring solutions. The company's product, CB-CAPs, enables user to analyze complement products bound to various blood cell types such as erythrocytes, platelets, reticulocytes, and lymphocytes. StageMark, Inc. was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Compliance Assurance

Venture Round in 2011
Compliance Assurance Corporation provides on-demand governance risk and compliance solutions to the insurance industry. Its products include Compliance Assured Enterprise that provides compliance packages for the insurance carrier and its extended enterprise; and Compliance Assured Producer Network that offers the Compliance Officer with the tools to mitigate the risks associated with extended enterprise compliance. The company provides enterprise solutions to streamline governance, risk, and compliance processes; reduce costs of compliance; manage and mitigate risks; and provide visibility into an insurers extended enterprise. Compliance Assurance Corporation was founded in 2003 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

EEme, LLC

Seed Round in 2013
EEme, LLC, a Carnegie Mellon University spin-out, converts big data into actionable insight to mine for residential energy efficiency (EE) sweet spots. Our data-driven platform solution enables electric utilities, home improvement product and service providers, and residential users to make targeted and informed EE investment decisions.

NewCare Solutions

Seed Round in 2011
The SilentAlert Resident Attendant System is a product of NewCare Solutions, LLC. Located in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, NewCare Solutions is a spinoff of medSage Technologies, LLC and was created when its founder, William Kaigler, was unable to find an effective and affordable solution to help his 85-year old mother live independently in her home. The SilentAlert Resident Attendant System became a reality after his mother was hospitalized and her sleep was continuously disrupted by an audible bed alarm for another patient.

Rimsys

Series A in 2021
Rimsys is a RIM software platform for MedTech companies that digitizes, automates, and creates regulatory order. The only holistic RIM software for medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, and medical device software, Rimsys makes it easy to navigate the pillars of regulatory affairs including product registration, standards management, essential principles/GSPR, and regulatory intelligence.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2021
Phlux Technologies develops three-dimensional sensing technology that works with robotics, industrial automation, and autonomous vehicle. Phlux Technologies was founded in 2020 and was headquartered in Pittsburgh, California.

PittMoss

Series B in 2019
PittMoss LLC manufactures PittMoss, a mix of organic additives and recycled papers for use in commercial greenhouses and nurseries, and home gardens. It serves greenhouse and nursery growers, and home gardeners in the United States. The company also offers PittMoss Prime, a soil amendment that can be mixed with compost, existing blends, native soil, or self-fertilized. PittMoss LLC was formerly known as PittMoss Development Company LLC. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania.

Ariel Precision Medicine

Seed Round in 2021
Ariel Precision Medicine, Inc. operates as an integrated genomics and digital health company that provides precision medicine solutions for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of complex chronic diseases and disorders. It also offers ArielDx, a cloud-based clinical decision support tool that simplifies the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic disease. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Endorsify

Venture Round in 2020
Endorsify, Inc. develops Software as a service (SaaS) platform that helps brands connect with influencers. The company’s influencer marking SaaS platform enables influencers to create their profiles, brands to explore these influencers, align with them, and execute their campaign. It offers a network for content creators, influencer pricing model, communication about the details of your campaign with creators, campaign strategy calculator, and fully managed campaign for brands. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

Subtl Beauty

Seed Round in 2021
Subtl Beauty, inc. engages in the production of stackable makeup products. The company provides women with flexibility in their makeup routine through its packaging design as makeup products packaged in compact and customizable stacks that can easily fit inside a gym bag, purse, or back pocket. It sells its products online. Subtl Beauty, inc. was founded in 2018 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Hava Health

Seed Round in 2021
HAVA HEALTH, INC. manufactures a smoking cessation device for people with nicotine addiction. The company's products includes a connected vape pen which pairs with smartphone application, Hale. HAVA HEALTH, INC. is based in the United States.

Atmosferiq

Seed Round in 2013
Atmosferiq is an online platform that integrates digital marketing channels with traditional marketing. The company offers web-based customer engagement visibility solutions for small and medium businesses. The company also offers a marketing mix dashboard, goal setting and planning tools, and integrated campaign planning and production tools. Atmosferiq was founded in 2013 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

BIOSAFE

Seed Round in 2007
Cleanliness and freshness are what the BIOSAFE products deliver. Formulated with BIOSAFE’s own patented polymer in water based solutions or made into solid goods like touch screen skins or keyboard covers, these products have continuous and ongoing action against microorganisms. Bacteria and mold and mildew cause all kinds of headaches in their lives. The surface of the BIOSAFE polymer is unfriendly to microbes but non-toxic to people. The perfect combination for keeping your clothes, gear, and surrounding as fresh and clean as possible, all day long.

ComVibe

Seed Round in 2014
In 2010, we began to survey the multi-tenant marketplace, and found a strong correlation between resident satisfaction rates and property management services. After conducting two years of research with a variety of property managers, we concluded that true resident satisfaction can only be achieved by correcting key property management challenges and poor communication practices. Furthermore, we discovered that there were limited tools available to achieve this. Our solutions target and solve the #1 cause of avoidable resident turn over — poor maintenance — through a suite of tools that create a virtuous cycle of improved management services, driven by positive community feedback, which in turn generates even better services.

Ariel Precision Medicine

Seed Round in 2019
Ariel Precision Medicine, Inc. operates as an integrated genomics and digital health company that provides precision medicine solutions for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of complex chronic diseases and disorders. It also offers ArielDx, a cloud-based clinical decision support tool that simplifies the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic disease. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

ESTAT Actuation

Seed Round in 2021
ESTAT Actuation make robots more dynamic using breakthrough actuator technology.

nanoGriptech

Seed Round in 2014
NanoGriptech has developed a nature-inspired microfiber based adhesive that functions in the same way a gecko’s feet stick to surfaces. As a dry, durable, residue-free, and customizable adhesive, nanoGriptech’s product provides a superior alternative to reusable adhesives currently being used in a large variety of industries such as clothing, sports, automotive, product design, and medical devices. The company has successfully engaged in partnerships with several multinational corporations across these industries and just started its first small volume sale in high friction/grip clothing material market.

Just Between Friends

Seed Round in 2011
They have earned money and clothed their children, and most importantly, they have met many new friends. Starting out with 17 consignors in Shannon's living room, they have gone to over 1400 consignors in the Exchange Center of Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Each territory supports one or more non-profits. Just another way that JBF helps the community. It gives moms the opportunity to sell their children's gently used clothes, furniture, equipment, toys and even maternity. Not only can they sell their things, but it is a great place to purchase great items at unbelievable prices. Becoming part of this great event is easy. You gather your items, prepare them for the sale, and drop them off at the sale to be sold. In most territories, for participating, you get to be a part of a presale that you have to see to believe! Imagine this, getting to choose from thousands of items of the best in children's, maternity and teens' merchandise that you have ever seen!

C.C. Busy

Seed Round in 2018
C.C. Busy assists child care providers use voice assistants to log each child’s daily activities, making that log available to parents and regulators. Paperwork doesn’t take care of children, people do! Child care providers spend too much time on required paperwork, distracting them from the care of children. C.C. Busy saves child care providers time, allows providers to focus on children, keeps providers in compliance and facilitates communication with parents.

Maven Machines

Seed Round in 2019
Maven Machines is a mobile cloud solution for trucking, transportation, and logistics industries. The company offers a modern fleet management solution that streamlines driver safety, real-time telematics, and alerting and automated compliance. It blends IoT sensors, artificial intelligence, software, and wireless communications to provide a real-time platform for both drivers and managers. Maven Machines was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Diversamé

Convertible Note in 2016
Diversamé creates tools with natural/afro textured, coiled and curly hair textures at the center of design. Hair tools have traditionally been designed with straight hair used as the default. Everyone without that hair type is forced to “make it work.” With Diversamé, those with textured hair can take the “work” out of styling and simply have fabulous hair.

nanoGriptech

Venture Round in 2020
NanoGriptech has developed a nature-inspired microfiber based adhesive that functions in the same way a gecko’s feet stick to surfaces. As a dry, durable, residue-free, and customizable adhesive, nanoGriptech’s product provides a superior alternative to reusable adhesives currently being used in a large variety of industries such as clothing, sports, automotive, product design, and medical devices. The company has successfully engaged in partnerships with several multinational corporations across these industries and just started its first small volume sale in high friction/grip clothing material market.

Qlicket

Private Placement in 2018
Qlicket is an AI SaaS platform that specializes in talent retention. It helps enterprises reduce employee turnover through continuous employee insights. Qlicket’s kiosk feedback system bridges the communication gap between high turnover workers and company executives. The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Liquid X

Series A in 2013
Liquid X is an electronic company that enables users to print metal traces and films that deliver results comparable to the bulk metal. The company partners with manufacturers within the electronics industry to develop and print functional components utilized in various devices, including sensors; heating elements; smart textiles, and many others. Liquid X inks are unique because, unlike other metallic conductive inks, their products contain actual metal atoms, not nanoparticles or metal flakes. The processing parameters of Liquid X metallic inks are attractive due to the low conversion temperatures and short processing times. The resulting films or traces exhibit desirable characteristics such as high conductivity, thin and precise features, and excellent adhesion. An advantage of the low temperature processing is the ability to use of a wide range of substrates from fibrous materials such as paper and gauze to flexible, organic material such as plastics. In addition, low viscosity provides the opportunity for the use of a variety of deposition methods such as inkjet, slot die, flexography, offset, and gravure.

ShowClix

Series B in 2011
ShowClix, a product of Patron Technology, is a full-service event technology solution that handles ticket sales, marketing, and on-site operations for their partners. They operate in over 20 countries and localize their platform for each market. ShowClix partners include fandom conventions, museums, festivals, attractions, and consumer shows. Iconic brands like New York Comic Con, Ice Castles, The Daily Show, PAX, and MoMa choose ShowClix to power their events.

LifeWhere

Private Placement in 2018
LifeWhere, LLC develops software solutions for home service provider market by using predictive analytics for home utilities. The company's solution enables users to monitor health of home utility machines. The company's product includes a home health dashboard that warns the system to schedule repairs before problems arise. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As of June 27, 2019, LifeWhere, LLC operates as a subsidiary of Resideo Technologies, Inc..

NewCare Solutions

Series A in 2013
The SilentAlert Resident Attendant System is a product of NewCare Solutions, LLC. Located in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, NewCare Solutions is a spinoff of medSage Technologies, LLC and was created when its founder, William Kaigler, was unable to find an effective and affordable solution to help his 85-year old mother live independently in her home. The SilentAlert Resident Attendant System became a reality after his mother was hospitalized and her sleep was continuously disrupted by an audible bed alarm for another patient.

Sparkwear

Seed Round in 2019
Sparkwear is an events management company that features a wearable device that keeps its users connected. Its driven by a mission is to explore, design, and provide ways to harness modern technologies to help increase in-person interaction and engagement at social and networking events.

Accel Diagnostics

Convertible Note in 2016
Accel Diagnostics, LLC develops medical diagnostics technologies. It offers pScreen Card, a credit card sized disposable mobile-enable blood diagnostic platform that detects and quantifies biomarkers; and a companion mobile application. The company also develops heart failure test for primary care physicians and home patient monitoring. Accel Diagnostics, LLC was formerly known as Tropical Health Systems LLC. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Arieca

Series A in 2022
Arieca manufactures and distributes a thermally conductive rubber composite. Arieca's composite is a stretchable, thermally conductive rubber that combines elasticity of soft silicone with the thermal of metal to be used as circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers, allowing manufacturers to deploy an alternative form of rubber that improve the performance electronics and help them to safely interact with humans.

Jetpack Workflow

Seed Round in 2015
Jetpack Workflow LLC provides a cloud based workflow software solution that helps CPAs, bookkeepers, and accountants to automate and track recurring client work. The company offers Jetpack Workflow, a Web application that allows users to import their client’s CSV; add projects/tasks, set recurrence, and duplicate; search for projects, tasks, and clients; filter down to the exact project or task; and track progress of staff. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

CorePower Magnetics

Seed Round in 2021
Electrification of transportation, greater energy efficiency and grid modernization require advances in power electronics and power conversion systems. Magnetics have presented a critical limitation in advancing these technologies. With the ability to custom engineer the features of magnetic cores, CorePower Magnetics’ components represent a step change in efficiency and power density. ​ CorePower Magnetics’ patented combination of advanced manufacturing processes and novel materials result in up to 10x reductions in weight, 5x reductions in volume and 50% reductions in losses with no rare earth metals required. Combined with our lower operating temperatures, these benefits lead to higher current capabilities, increased electric vehicle ranges, and longer component lifetimes.

Gridwise

Seed Round in 2018
Gridwise, Inc. develops and operates a peer-to-peer driver intelligence mobile application for rideshare drivers. The company's software solution enables drivers to receive events and end time updates, real-time alerts, airport demand data, and maintain driver taskbar. Its application also enables to get alerts about traffic, weather, events letting out, and other nearby opportunities; calculate tax deductions and prepare detailed tax reports; automatically track mileage; and get real-time passenger data. Gridwise, Inc. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Forest Devices

Convertible Note in 2017
Forest Devices is developing AlphaStroke, the first stroke screening device designed for use by medical personnel in any environment. A non-invasive, AI-powered device that can identify a stroke before a CT or MRI is available, AlphaStroke will improve patient outcomes by decreasing time to treatment and by increasing the overall frequency that stroke treatments are provided. Making stroke decisions smarter.

FutureDerm

Seed Round in 2013
FutureDerm, Inc., a science-and research-based cosmetics company, operates a blog that provides researched and detailed articles on skin care and dermatology, including nutrition, fitness, fashion, beauty, health, and personal development. It also provides product reviews that break down the science behind the marketing fluff. In addition, the company sells skin care products and cosmetics online. FutureDerm, Inc. was founded in 2007 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Wise Telemetry

Seed Round in 2018
Provider of a gas sensor system intended to help gas distributors to monitor real-time supply and usage data. The company's system automatically determines and continuously communicates a gas cylinder's size, fill level and usage rate without any user input or special programming, which in return improves delivery route planning, usage tracking and future demand prediction, enabling clients to optimize deliveries and save on money and time.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
Phlux Technologies develops three-dimensional sensing technology that works with robotics, industrial automation, and autonomous vehicle. Phlux Technologies was founded in 2020 and was headquartered in Pittsburgh, California.

Sparket

Seed Round in 2018
Sparket is an electronic startup that fastly sells electronics.

Creegh Pharmaceuticals

Seed Round in 2020
Creegh Pharmaceuticals specializes in the pharmaceutical preparation industry. It was founded in 2018 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Optimus Technologies

Convertible Note in 2017
Optimus Technologies® designs and builds patented EPA compliant biodiesel conversion systems (“Vector Systems”) with integrated telematics to allow medium and heavy-duty trucks to operate on up to 100% biodiesel in temperatures to -20°F. Our system is deployable within 30 days providing North American trucking fleets with the lowest cost, highest return, barrier free alternative fuel system available, allowing them a significant return on investment while achieving sustainability targets. By partnering with major industry players to leverage their capabilities, Optimus will deliver a fully integrated client solution that is rapidly scalable, creating a $279MM company by 2023. MARKET OPPORTUNITY In the U.S. there are over 10.8 million medium- and heavy-duty on-road commercial vehicles that consume 39 billion gallons of diesel fuel annually and account for 23% of transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions. , In Canada, these figures are 1.1 million, 13 billion, and 70% respectively. Fuel costs are the second largest operating expense of a fleet, after labor, accounting for roughly 40% of all costs. Fleets are aggressively seeking solutions to reduce fuel costs, even fractions of a percent, because the bottom-line impact is so substantial. Optimus enables fleets to reduce fuel costs by at least 10%, utilize domestically produced fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while allowing a fleet of 100 trucks to save at least $800,000 in annual fuel costs. Of these 11.9 million trucks, approximately 3 million are currently operating on a low biodiesel blend . This early customer segment represents a beachhead market opportunity of $30 billion. WHY INVEST COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES: We are the most competitive alternative fuel system available. Directly competing technologies such as CNG, and the emerging segment of electric trucks have high barriers to entry including long lead times, high technology and infrastructure costs, and limitations on long-haul adaptability. Our infrastructure costs are at most, 10% of competing technologies. Our integrated solution is rapidly scalable, integrating seamlessly with existing equipment and infrastructure and our range equates to and can exceed diesel technology. Competitive advantage increases in relation to weight class, with Optimus easily bypassing all heavy-duty competitors. * Only Fully Integrate Alternative Fuel Solution: Fuel System, Fuel, Fueling Infrastructure * Lowest Cost Alternative Fuel System: $12,000 Fully Installed * Guaranteed Annual Cost Savings - $8,000/year/truck * Rapidly Deployable: 30 days * Achieves Sustainability Targets: GHG Emission Credit: 60-100%, Particulate Matter Reduction 40% * DPF Operating System Improvement - Improves Efficiency * Fuel Infrastructure Solved * Simple Maintenance - Fully Automated * Available for New and Used Vehicles PROVEN MANAGEMENT TEAM - Extensive experience across the transportation, renewable fuels, software and engineering sectors from start-up to leading industry players. Multiple successes founding, financing, scaling, managing, and exiting companies. PATENTED, PROVEN TECHNOLOGY - 4 patents (2 approved and 2 pending) and extensive IP surrounding proprietary engine systems’ control software. We believe our system to be the only EPA compliant biodiesel conversion system available for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. The Vector System is a proven technology in early stages of commercialization, backed by five years of research and seven years of pilot testing and development. LEVERAGE SUSTAINABILITY & REGULATION – There is a large and growing demand for alternatives to gasoline and diesel that is driven by regulation as well as public and private sector interest in reducing carbon and NOx emissions. The Company’s profitability and customer value proposition is not dependent upon these incentives, but we will leverage these multiple state, provincial, US and Canadian policies to further support expansion. Optimus’ system has been approved for the Government of Quebec’s Programme Ecocamionnage, providing a 30% rebate on the installed cost of the system. Similar provincial incentives will be pursued across Canada. ONLY APPROVED PATHWAY FOR HIGH BIODIESEL BLENDS UP TO B100 IN CALIFORNIA – Leveraging our RFID system to meet California fuel control requirements, Optimus’ core technology combined with our RFID fuel management system will provide our investors, distributors, and fuel partners a 2-3 year first mover advantage in California. SUPPORT AMERICAN MANUFACTURING & JOB CREATION – Optimus will directly create over 200 new jobs and 100% of our components are sourced from US manufacturers and suppliers. INVESTOR VALUE CREATION – $199-$279MM valuation by 2023 (5-7x EBITDA), on $12.8MM total invested capital, yielding 16-22x total investment.

Gridwise

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Gridwise, Inc. develops and operates a peer-to-peer driver intelligence mobile application for rideshare drivers. The company's software solution enables drivers to receive events and end time updates, real-time alerts, airport demand data, and maintain driver taskbar. Its application also enables to get alerts about traffic, weather, events letting out, and other nearby opportunities; calculate tax deductions and prepare detailed tax reports; automatically track mileage; and get real-time passenger data. Gridwise, Inc. was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Honeycomb Credit

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Honeycomb Credit, Inc. owns and operates an electronic platform where business owners can seek to borrow money from investors, and where investors can offer loans to businesses. The company, through its funding portal, lets small businesses borrow money from their own customers in a community. It allows debt crowdfunding between lenders and borrowers. Honeycomb Credit, Inc. was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Flexable

Private Placement in 2018
Flexable is bringing trust, safety, and accessibility to the childcare market by connecting millions of parents with fully vetted Flexable Certified Caregivers™, exactly when and where they are needed. Since August 2017, Flexable has been growing 70% month over month, exceeding $200K in revenue, and is seeking $1M seed investment to expand to three new cities and grow revenue 10x by 2022. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.

Forest Devices

Seed Round in 2016
Forest Devices is developing AlphaStroke, the first stroke screening device designed for use by medical personnel in any environment. A non-invasive, AI-powered device that can identify a stroke before a CT or MRI is available, AlphaStroke will improve patient outcomes by decreasing time to treatment and by increasing the overall frequency that stroke treatments are provided. Making stroke decisions smarter.

Flexable

Seed Round in 2018
Flexable is bringing trust, safety, and accessibility to the childcare market by connecting millions of parents with fully vetted Flexable Certified Caregivers™, exactly when and where they are needed. Since August 2017, Flexable has been growing 70% month over month, exceeding $200K in revenue, and is seeking $1M seed investment to expand to three new cities and grow revenue 10x by 2022. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.

Hibersense

Seed Round in 2019
Hibersense Smart Comfort Control for Every Room empowers homeowners with a smart HVAC control solution. The patent-pending, easy retrofit system uses wireless sensors, machine learning & battery-operated, wireless vents to heat or cool every space ensuring maximum room-by-room comfort and HVAC energy savings of up to 40%. Further, Hibersense services for multi-family operators increase tenant comfort, satisfaction, and renewal rates while providing detailed building thermal dynamics and usage rates providing increased opportunities for profitability and shareholder value.

Module

Seed Round in 2020
Module Housing, LLC designs and develops adaptable housing solutions. The company develops a wall system and design platform that enables residents to turn a one bedroom starter unit into a three bedroom house. It collects information about the users, and determines the next steps to get users closer to moving into next home. The company offers modules, such as the grown-up, the flat top, the Tom and Jerry, and the moonlighter. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Ocugenix

Seed Round in 2020
Ocugenix is a therapeutics company focused on the development of of cancer immunotherapy drug intended to treat eye diseases. Its cancer immunotherapy drug is a medicine against drug-resistant bacteria, enabling doctors to perform a cancer-related eye treatment.

Adrich

Venture Round in 2020
Adrich connects brands and retailers through product usage data and analytics. Its post-purchase engagement platform is comprised of two essential components which include smart packaging hardware and customized software. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

CytoAgents

Seed Round in 2020
CytoAgents, Inc., a biotechnology company, manufactures protein based drugs for the treatment of influenza and other viral infectious diseases. The company offers GP1681, an agonist of a G-protein coupled receptor. CytoAgents, Inc. was incorporated in 2018 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trusst Brands

Convertible Note in 2015
Trusst Brands offers engineered bras designed purposely for the D+ woman. It operates as a direct-to-consumer brand that uses advanced industrial design and engineering principles to build a product that brings support and comfort to a consumer who has long been ignored by the traditional bra brands.

Safaba Translation Solutions

Convertible Note in 2014
Machine Translation answers the need of today’s global business for high volume and high velocity content localization and enterprise translation. Safaba provides Enterprise Machine Translation solutions to the world’s leading global enterprises.

Panacea.Ag

Seed Round in 2018
Panacea AG Inc., a technology company, develops a platform to create sustainable local food ecosystems. The company offers Panacea Fresh, an online marketplace; Panacea Pollinator, an investment portal; and Panacea JustGrow, a hardware suite. The company integrates technologies, including blockchain, hardware automation, machine learning, market analytics, and advanced financial technology tools. The platform’s features include security and decentralization, predictive market modeling, financial matchmaking, and flexible repayment options. Its mobile application enables the farmer to connect with his consumers. Panacea AG Inc. was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Module

Seed Round in 2018
Module Housing, LLC designs and develops adaptable housing solutions. The company develops a wall system and design platform that enables residents to turn a one bedroom starter unit into a three bedroom house. It collects information about the users, and determines the next steps to get users closer to moving into next home. The company offers modules, such as the grown-up, the flat top, the Tom and Jerry, and the moonlighter. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Adrich

Seed Round in 2017
Adrich connects brands and retailers through product usage data and analytics. Its post-purchase engagement platform is comprised of two essential components which include smart packaging hardware and customized software. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

NuRelm

Seed Round in 2001
NuRelm, Inc. provides web solutions for business enterprises, non-profits, and educational organizations. The company designs, builds, and deploys websites, apps, and custom e-Commerce solutions. Its services also include CMS, third party integrations, APIs, and cloud hosting. The company was founded in 1999 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

TouchWood Labs

Seed Round in 2020
Touchwood Labs is revolutionizing the way we interact with technology. Touchwood’s proprietary invisible displays magically come to life through the surfaces of our furniture and surroundings. By merging the capabilities of this hardware platform with mindful design, Touchwood Labs is developing an ecosystem of products to build healthier relationships with technology.

Inteligistics

Seed Round in 2013
Inteligistics is a provider of innovative cool chain and supply chain visibility solutions. Leveraging Machine to Machine (M2M) low power, portable and wireless sensors and or passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, our InteliView solutions fully integrate cloud based communications gateways, patented portable readers and controllers. Insightful and actionable information and alerts provided via a graphics dashboard and data analytics platform deliver high value improvements to cool chain and supply chain performance, productivity and quality.