Innovation Works

Innovation Works is a venture capital firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, established in 1999. With over 20 years of experience, it has become a key player in Southwestern Pennsylvania's technology economy, focusing on investing in high-potential companies that can significantly impact the regional economy. As the largest investor in seed-stage companies in the region, Innovation Works supports a diverse range of sectors, including robotics, artificial intelligence, medical devices, retail technologies, and enterprise software. In addition to financial investment, the firm offers business expertise and resources to help manufacturers adopt new technologies, further fostering innovation and growth within the local economy.

Sophie Burkholder

Investment Associate

Peter Erin

Senior Investment Associate

Aaron Tainter

Director of Accelerator Programs

Steven Welles

Managing Director of Software

Past deals in 3D Printing

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2024
CapSen Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in advanced 3D computer vision systems that allow computers to interpret and navigate cluttered environments. The company offers a range of solutions, including cluttered object detection, scanning for both large and small objects, and object tracking, catering to diverse applications in factory automation, vehicle scanning, and retail inventory management. Drawing on research from MIT, CapSen’s technology enhances the capabilities of robots and computer vision systems, which are increasingly being utilized in less structured settings such as warehouses, hospitals, and homes. The company is currently beta testing its software with various system integrators and robotics firms, focusing on robotic picking applications and partnering with a major government contractor for a warehouse project. Their innovative object detection software has already demonstrated its effectiveness in competitive environments, such as a recent robotic order fulfillment competition.

Lead-In Record

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Lead-In Record Co. is a music technology company focused on providing on-demand record manufacturing services tailored for independent artists. Utilizing advanced techniques such as 3D printing and computer numerical control (CNC) technology, the firm automates the record production process. This innovation allows artists to manufacture records more efficiently and quickly, facilitating a smoother experience in bringing their music to market. By prioritizing accessibility and speed, Lead-In Record Co. aims to support independent musicians in producing and distributing their work effectively.

Testa-Seat

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Testa-Seat specializes in developing affordable, adaptable seating solutions for children with special needs, utilizing tailored 3D printing technology. The company's products are designed to enhance mobility and independence for individuals with disabilities. Testa-Seat's body-contouring therapeutic seating provides optimal support for those with mild to moderate body control, helping to reduce the risks associated with improper seating during child development. By delivering its innovative seating devices to rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and private customers, Testa-Seat aims to improve comfort and wellness for disabled children and adults, positively impacting their mobility and overall quality of life for both individuals and their families.

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2022
CapSen Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in advanced 3D computer vision systems that allow computers to interpret and navigate cluttered environments. The company offers a range of solutions, including cluttered object detection, scanning for both large and small objects, and object tracking, catering to diverse applications in factory automation, vehicle scanning, and retail inventory management. Drawing on research from MIT, CapSen’s technology enhances the capabilities of robots and computer vision systems, which are increasingly being utilized in less structured settings such as warehouses, hospitals, and homes. The company is currently beta testing its software with various system integrators and robotics firms, focusing on robotic picking applications and partnering with a major government contractor for a warehouse project. Their innovative object detection software has already demonstrated its effectiveness in competitive environments, such as a recent robotic order fulfillment competition.

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2020
CapSen Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in advanced 3D computer vision systems that allow computers to interpret and navigate cluttered environments. The company offers a range of solutions, including cluttered object detection, scanning for both large and small objects, and object tracking, catering to diverse applications in factory automation, vehicle scanning, and retail inventory management. Drawing on research from MIT, CapSen’s technology enhances the capabilities of robots and computer vision systems, which are increasingly being utilized in less structured settings such as warehouses, hospitals, and homes. The company is currently beta testing its software with various system integrators and robotics firms, focusing on robotic picking applications and partnering with a major government contractor for a warehouse project. Their innovative object detection software has already demonstrated its effectiveness in competitive environments, such as a recent robotic order fulfillment competition.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2020
Rapid TPC, LLC, established in 2013 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing automated platform technology for the manufacturing of lightweight, high-strength plastic composite parts. The company focuses on thermoplastic composites, utilizing advanced automation techniques to produce components reinforced with materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramids, and organic fibers. This innovative production process addresses bottlenecks in manufacturing, allowing clients to scale their sales volumes effectively without the constraints of production limitations. Rapid TPC's services encompass manufacturing, forming, and prototyping, catering to a diverse range of industries seeking efficient and high-performance composite solutions.

CapSen Robotics

Seed Round in 2018
CapSen Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in advanced 3D computer vision systems that allow computers to interpret and navigate cluttered environments. The company offers a range of solutions, including cluttered object detection, scanning for both large and small objects, and object tracking, catering to diverse applications in factory automation, vehicle scanning, and retail inventory management. Drawing on research from MIT, CapSen’s technology enhances the capabilities of robots and computer vision systems, which are increasingly being utilized in less structured settings such as warehouses, hospitals, and homes. The company is currently beta testing its software with various system integrators and robotics firms, focusing on robotic picking applications and partnering with a major government contractor for a warehouse project. Their innovative object detection software has already demonstrated its effectiveness in competitive environments, such as a recent robotic order fulfillment competition.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2018
Rapid TPC, LLC, established in 2013 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing automated platform technology for the manufacturing of lightweight, high-strength plastic composite parts. The company focuses on thermoplastic composites, utilizing advanced automation techniques to produce components reinforced with materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramids, and organic fibers. This innovative production process addresses bottlenecks in manufacturing, allowing clients to scale their sales volumes effectively without the constraints of production limitations. Rapid TPC's services encompass manufacturing, forming, and prototyping, catering to a diverse range of industries seeking efficient and high-performance composite solutions.

PieceMaker

Convertible Note in 2016
PieceMaker Technologies Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in manufacturing and distributing 3D printing solutions. The company offers a range of services, including the installation, calibration, repair, and maintenance of 3D printers, along with the provision of replacement parts and custom parts. Notably, PieceMaker has developed 3D printing kiosks for retail environments, allowing customers to create and print personalized toys or jewelry in-store within 30 minutes. These kiosks cater to non-technical users and small businesses, primarily in the northeastern United States. Additionally, PieceMaker provides Piece-It, a software application for digital content organization, file management, and inventory monitoring.

Kaarta

Seed Round in 2016
Kaarta, Inc. specializes in 3D model generation software that processes environmental data to create accurate, multi-dimensional digital models. The company’s technology enables real-time mobile 3D reality capture, allowing users to map complex environments without the need for external signals such as GPS or Wi-Fi. Kaarta offers a hand-held 3D scanning system called Contour, which allows users to generate a 3D map while moving through an environment, as well as Stencil 2, a mobile mapping platform designed for rapid scanning. Utilizing advanced robotics and proprietary algorithms, Kaarta's solutions streamline workflows and reduce costs while enhancing understanding of physical spaces for both humans and autonomous machines. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company was previously known as Real Earth, Inc. before rebranding in December 2016.

CapSen Robotics

Angel Round in 2016
CapSen Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in advanced 3D computer vision systems that allow computers to interpret and navigate cluttered environments. The company offers a range of solutions, including cluttered object detection, scanning for both large and small objects, and object tracking, catering to diverse applications in factory automation, vehicle scanning, and retail inventory management. Drawing on research from MIT, CapSen’s technology enhances the capabilities of robots and computer vision systems, which are increasingly being utilized in less structured settings such as warehouses, hospitals, and homes. The company is currently beta testing its software with various system integrators and robotics firms, focusing on robotic picking applications and partnering with a major government contractor for a warehouse project. Their innovative object detection software has already demonstrated its effectiveness in competitive environments, such as a recent robotic order fulfillment competition.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2016
Rapid TPC, LLC, established in 2013 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing automated platform technology for the manufacturing of lightweight, high-strength plastic composite parts. The company focuses on thermoplastic composites, utilizing advanced automation techniques to produce components reinforced with materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, aramids, and organic fibers. This innovative production process addresses bottlenecks in manufacturing, allowing clients to scale their sales volumes effectively without the constraints of production limitations. Rapid TPC's services encompass manufacturing, forming, and prototyping, catering to a diverse range of industries seeking efficient and high-performance composite solutions.

PieceMaker

Seed Round in 2015
PieceMaker Technologies Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in manufacturing and distributing 3D printing solutions. The company offers a range of services, including the installation, calibration, repair, and maintenance of 3D printers, along with the provision of replacement parts and custom parts. Notably, PieceMaker has developed 3D printing kiosks for retail environments, allowing customers to create and print personalized toys or jewelry in-store within 30 minutes. These kiosks cater to non-technical users and small businesses, primarily in the northeastern United States. Additionally, PieceMaker provides Piece-It, a software application for digital content organization, file management, and inventory monitoring.

PieceMaker

Pre Seed Round in 2014
PieceMaker Technologies Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in manufacturing and distributing 3D printing solutions. The company offers a range of services, including the installation, calibration, repair, and maintenance of 3D printers, along with the provision of replacement parts and custom parts. Notably, PieceMaker has developed 3D printing kiosks for retail environments, allowing customers to create and print personalized toys or jewelry in-store within 30 minutes. These kiosks cater to non-technical users and small businesses, primarily in the northeastern United States. Additionally, PieceMaker provides Piece-It, a software application for digital content organization, file management, and inventory monitoring.

Liquid X

Series A in 2013
Liquid X is a company specializing in the development of innovative metallic inks that enable the printing of functional components for various electronic devices. Their inks, which contain actual metal atoms rather than nanoparticles or metal flakes, offer superior properties such as high conductivity, thin and precise features, and excellent adhesion. This unique formulation allows for low-temperature processing and short production times, making it possible to use a wide range of substrates, including paper, gauze, and flexible plastics. Liquid X collaborates with manufacturers in the electronics industry to create applications such as sensors, heating elements, and smart textiles. The versatility of their inks supports various deposition methods, including inkjet, flexography, and gravure, positioning Liquid X as a key player in the emerging market for advanced electronic materials.

VistaTek

Seed Round in 2011
VistaTek, established in 1996, is a family-owned manufacturing company based in the US. Initially focused on rapid prototyping, the company has since expanded its capabilities to include custom manufacturing services. VistaTek specializes in injection molding, mold-making, and secondary operations, utilizing technology to provide high-volume production at competitive costs for various industries.

AllPoint Systems

Seed Round in 2010
AllPoint Systems specializes in software and data processing solutions that cater to the needs of surveyors and engineers engaged in 3D projects. By focusing on advanced technologies like High Definition Scanning (HDS) and Terrestrial Mobile LiDAR Scanning (TMLS), the company enables scanning professionals to efficiently collect and process 3D LIDAR point cloud data, significantly enhancing the scale and speed of their projects compared to traditional manual methods. Their offerings are particularly valuable in the roadway and building markets, where there is growing demand for accurate and effective data management to meet the expectations of asset owners.

VistaTek

Seed Round in 2009
VistaTek, established in 1996, is a family-owned manufacturing company based in the US. Initially focused on rapid prototyping, the company has since expanded its capabilities to include custom manufacturing services. VistaTek specializes in injection molding, mold-making, and secondary operations, utilizing technology to provide high-volume production at competitive costs for various industries.
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