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

Kevin Dowling

Managing Director of Robotics Factory and Hardware

Peter Erin

Senior Investment Associate

Rich Luak

CEO

Jeffrey McDaniel

Investor

Megan Kahn Shaw

Managing Director, Life Sciences

Past deals in Beauty

Subtl Beauty

Seed Round in 2021
Subtl Beauty, Inc. specializes in producing stackable makeup products designed to offer women flexibility and convenience in their beauty routines. Founded in 2018 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company provides a unique packaging solution that allows makeup products to be stored in compact, customizable stacks. This design enables easy portability, making it simple for users to carry their makeup in gym bags, purses, or pockets. Subtl Beauty sells its products exclusively online, focusing on delivering a cohesive and user-friendly experience for its customers through its innovative modularized offerings.

Subtl Beauty

Seed Round in 2020
Subtl Beauty, Inc. specializes in producing stackable makeup products designed to offer women flexibility and convenience in their beauty routines. Founded in 2018 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company provides a unique packaging solution that allows makeup products to be stored in compact, customizable stacks. This design enables easy portability, making it simple for users to carry their makeup in gym bags, purses, or pockets. Subtl Beauty sells its products exclusively online, focusing on delivering a cohesive and user-friendly experience for its customers through its innovative modularized offerings.

Subtl Beauty

Seed Round in 2019
Subtl Beauty, Inc. specializes in producing stackable makeup products designed to offer women flexibility and convenience in their beauty routines. Founded in 2018 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company provides a unique packaging solution that allows makeup products to be stored in compact, customizable stacks. This design enables easy portability, making it simple for users to carry their makeup in gym bags, purses, or pockets. Subtl Beauty sells its products exclusively online, focusing on delivering a cohesive and user-friendly experience for its customers through its innovative modularized offerings.

Subtl Beauty

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Subtl Beauty, Inc. specializes in producing stackable makeup products designed to offer women flexibility and convenience in their beauty routines. Founded in 2018 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company provides a unique packaging solution that allows makeup products to be stored in compact, customizable stacks. This design enables easy portability, making it simple for users to carry their makeup in gym bags, purses, or pockets. Subtl Beauty sells its products exclusively online, focusing on delivering a cohesive and user-friendly experience for its customers through its innovative modularized offerings.

Diversamé

Seed Round in 2017
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.

ZaaBox

Convertible Note in 2017
ZaaBox, LLC is a New York-based company that specializes in delivering bath and body products through a monthly subscription service. The company curates a selection of high-quality, natural products sourced from black-owned retailers and artisans worldwide. Each month, subscribers receive a box featuring a variety of items, including cream cleansers, massage oils, body washes, hair washes, and hand washes. ZaaBox aims to provide customers with an opportunity to indulge and rejuvenate themselves at home while supporting black-owned businesses and artisans.

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.

FutureDerm

Seed Round in 2014
FutureDerm, Inc. is a science-based cosmetics company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It operates a blog that offers well-researched articles on various topics related to skincare and dermatology, including nutrition, fitness, beauty, and personal development. The blog aims to demystify the science behind beauty products and ingredients, providing readers with informed product reviews that dissect marketing claims. Additionally, FutureDerm sells its own line of skincare products and cosmetics through an e-commerce platform, allowing users to easily purchase recommended items. The company targets a global audience of beauty enthusiasts by combining scientific insights with accessible beauty tips.

FutureDerm

Seed Round in 2013
FutureDerm, Inc. is a science-based cosmetics company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It operates a blog that offers well-researched articles on various topics related to skincare and dermatology, including nutrition, fitness, beauty, and personal development. The blog aims to demystify the science behind beauty products and ingredients, providing readers with informed product reviews that dissect marketing claims. Additionally, FutureDerm sells its own line of skincare products and cosmetics through an e-commerce platform, allowing users to easily purchase recommended items. The company targets a global audience of beauty enthusiasts by combining scientific insights with accessible beauty tips.

FutureDerm

Seed Round in 2012
FutureDerm, Inc. is a science-based cosmetics company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It operates a blog that offers well-researched articles on various topics related to skincare and dermatology, including nutrition, fitness, beauty, and personal development. The blog aims to demystify the science behind beauty products and ingredients, providing readers with informed product reviews that dissect marketing claims. Additionally, FutureDerm sells its own line of skincare products and cosmetics through an e-commerce platform, allowing users to easily purchase recommended items. The company targets a global audience of beauty enthusiasts by combining scientific insights with accessible beauty tips.
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