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 Wearables

Humotech

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Humotech is a developer of a wearable robotics platform that focuses on advancing research and development in areas such as prosthetics, orthotics, and exoskeletons. The company offers a system known as Caplex, which allows users to explore and innovate with reduced risk and shorter development timelines. Caplex serves as a programmable performance system that emulates real-world physical characteristics, enabling researchers to test their ideas before committing to physical prototypes. This platform provides high-performance, customizable, and expandable hardware and software, thereby facilitating the rapid development, testing, and evaluation of wearable assistive technology concepts with human users.

Resilient Lifescience

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Resilient Lifescience focuses on the development of a wearable medical device aimed at preventing opioid overdose deaths. The device is designed to detect overdose events and automatically administer naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This innovative technology empowers individuals to respond to overdose situations effectively, even in the absence of immediate assistance from others, thereby enhancing patient safety and potentially saving lives.

EKTO VR

Convertible Note in 2023
EKTO VR, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of wearable robotic boots designed to facilitate movement in virtual reality environments. Founded in 2018, EKTO VR's flagship product, Traverse, features advanced technology that includes rotating plates and a set of wheels. This design allows users to walk naturally while remaining in a fixed location, thereby enhancing the realism of virtual experiences and training simulations. The innovative boots aim to reduce motion sickness, enabling users to engage fully in virtual reality games and experiences without physical discomfort. EKTO VR is focused on improving the quality of immersive experiences for users around the globe.

Velo.AI

Non Equity Assistance in 2023
Velo AI specializes in enhancing cyclist safety through its innovative product, Copilot, an AI-powered bike light and camera system. This technology integrates artificial intelligence with rear-facing video recording to improve visibility and awareness for cyclists. Copilot provides real-time alerts for approaching vehicles, capturing video recordings of each ride to document cyclist experiences and behaviors. Additionally, it features audible warnings to alert cyclists of potential dangers from behind and visual warnings to inform drivers of their proximity to bicyclists. The system's predictive risk estimation capabilities track driver behavior, promoting safer riding practices and helping to prevent accidents on the road.

Mamalux

Seed Round in 2023
Mamalux is an online retailer specializing in innovative, leakproof apparel designed for maternity and breastfeeding. The company offers a range of personal luxury items, including gowns for nursing women, handbags made from authentic materials, and comfort-focused sleepwear for postpartum mothers. By providing a variety of stylish and functional options, Mamalux aims to enhance the shopping experience for new mothers, allowing them to prioritize self-care while maintaining their look.

Velo.AI

Seed Round in 2023
Velo AI specializes in enhancing cyclist safety through its innovative product, Copilot, an AI-powered bike light and camera system. This technology integrates artificial intelligence with rear-facing video recording to improve visibility and awareness for cyclists. Copilot provides real-time alerts for approaching vehicles, capturing video recordings of each ride to document cyclist experiences and behaviors. Additionally, it features audible warnings to alert cyclists of potential dangers from behind and visual warnings to inform drivers of their proximity to bicyclists. The system's predictive risk estimation capabilities track driver behavior, promoting safer riding practices and helping to prevent accidents on the road.

Apollo Neuroscience

Venture Round in 2023
Apollo Neuroscience, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2016. It manufactures a wearable wellness device designed to assist the body in recovering from chronic stress through gentle vibrations. The company also develops a complementary application that leverages neuroscience and machine learning to enhance heart rate variability and support various wellness activities, including waking up, focusing, unwinding, and improving parasympathetic nervous system function. Apollo's products are sold online and are clinically validated, though they are not intended to treat psychiatric disorders or serve as a substitute for professional medical care.

Gus Gear

Seed Round in 2022
Gus Gear specializes in the development and manufacturing of wearable securement clothing designed to protect implanted medical devices. The company's flagship product, the Central Line Vest, effectively prevents damage, breakage, and accidental removal of central catheters. By providing securement solutions for various medical devices, including ostomy pouches and feeding tubes, Gus Gear aims to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. Their innovative approach enables patients to maintain a higher level of independence and well-being while undergoing medical treatment, allowing them to live their lives to the fullest despite any health challenges.

Element Exo

Seed Round in 2022
Element Exo specializes in the design and development of lightweight exoskeletons aimed at facilitating lifting and bending tasks for workers. The company's innovative technology focuses on assisting users by storing energy during bending movements and releasing it when standing up, all without the need for motors, batteries, or electricity. This approach not only enhances the ease of physical tasks but also significantly reduces the risk of overuse injuries related to repetitive lifting. By improving the health and well-being of wearers, Element Exo's products help mitigate the financial and time losses associated with debilitating back injuries, ultimately leading to increased productivity in the workplace.

Hava Health

Seed Round in 2021
Hava Health, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in the United States that specializes in developing innovative solutions for nicotine addiction. The company manufactures a smoking cessation device that includes a connected vape pen designed to assist individuals in their efforts to quit smoking. This device pairs with a smartphone application called Hale, which serves as a digital support tool for users undergoing nicotine de-addiction. Through its focus on combining technology with therapeutic approaches, Hava Health aims to provide effective support for those seeking to overcome nicotine dependence.

Mamalux

Seed Round in 2021
Mamalux is an online retailer specializing in innovative, leakproof apparel designed for maternity and breastfeeding. The company offers a range of personal luxury items, including gowns for nursing women, handbags made from authentic materials, and comfort-focused sleepwear for postpartum mothers. By providing a variety of stylish and functional options, Mamalux aims to enhance the shopping experience for new mothers, allowing them to prioritize self-care while maintaining their look.

Apollo Neuroscience

Seed Round in 2021
Apollo Neuroscience, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2016. It manufactures a wearable wellness device designed to assist the body in recovering from chronic stress through gentle vibrations. The company also develops a complementary application that leverages neuroscience and machine learning to enhance heart rate variability and support various wellness activities, including waking up, focusing, unwinding, and improving parasympathetic nervous system function. Apollo's products are sold online and are clinically validated, though they are not intended to treat psychiatric disorders or serve as a substitute for professional medical care.

JuneBrain

Seed Round in 2021
JuneBrain, LLC is a Washington, D.C.-based company founded in 2017 that focuses on developing wearable and non-invasive imaging devices for multiple sclerosis patients. The technology allows patients to monitor their disease activity from home, facilitating earlier detection of MS attacks and enhancing the monitoring of treatment efficacy. By leveraging telemedicine, JuneBrain aims to optimize remote assessment for neurological diseases, thereby enabling clinicians to track patients outside traditional clinical settings. The company's long-term vision includes extending its device's applications to a broader range of neurodegenerative diseases, promoting more accessible and frequent monitoring of brain health.

Gus Gear

Seed Round in 2021
Gus Gear specializes in the development and manufacturing of wearable securement clothing designed to protect implanted medical devices. The company's flagship product, the Central Line Vest, effectively prevents damage, breakage, and accidental removal of central catheters. By providing securement solutions for various medical devices, including ostomy pouches and feeding tubes, Gus Gear aims to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. Their innovative approach enables patients to maintain a higher level of independence and well-being while undergoing medical treatment, allowing them to live their lives to the fullest despite any health challenges.

EKTO VR

Seed Round in 2020
EKTO VR, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of wearable robotic boots designed to facilitate movement in virtual reality environments. Founded in 2018, EKTO VR's flagship product, Traverse, features advanced technology that includes rotating plates and a set of wheels. This design allows users to walk naturally while remaining in a fixed location, thereby enhancing the realism of virtual experiences and training simulations. The innovative boots aim to reduce motion sickness, enabling users to engage fully in virtual reality games and experiences without physical discomfort. EKTO VR is focused on improving the quality of immersive experiences for users around the globe.

Connect Wolf

Seed Round in 2020
Connect Wolf, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2017 that specializes in manufacturing wearable devices for tracking individuals, including babies, children, and adults. The company's innovative modular wearable provides real-time location and heart rate information, eliminating the need for additional devices to connect via Bluetooth or WiFi. This technology aims to give caregivers peace of mind by allowing them to monitor the well-being of their loved ones, whether in a nursery, senior center, or healthcare facility. Additionally, Connect Wolf offers family tracking options for use in various public venues such as amusement parks and zoos, catering to the needs of parents seeking reassurance about their children's safety. The company also develops an accompanying application to enhance the tracking experience and facilitate monitoring activities.

Gus Gear

Seed Round in 2020
Gus Gear specializes in the development and manufacturing of wearable securement clothing designed to protect implanted medical devices. The company's flagship product, the Central Line Vest, effectively prevents damage, breakage, and accidental removal of central catheters. By providing securement solutions for various medical devices, including ostomy pouches and feeding tubes, Gus Gear aims to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life. Their innovative approach enables patients to maintain a higher level of independence and well-being while undergoing medical treatment, allowing them to live their lives to the fullest despite any health challenges.

Sparkwear

Seed Round in 2020
Sparkwear, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative wearable devices for event management. Founded in 2019, Sparkwear's flagship product, Aura Sparks, is a Bluetooth-enabled light-emitting bracelet that helps event attendees connect with others who share similar interests. The bracelets change color and vibrate in sync with those of nearby users, facilitating interpersonal interaction and enhancing engagement at social and networking events. By leveraging modern technology, Sparkwear aims to improve in-person interactions and create a more connected experience for participants as they return to physical gatherings.

Sparkwear

Seed Round in 2019
Sparkwear, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative wearable devices for event management. Founded in 2019, Sparkwear's flagship product, Aura Sparks, is a Bluetooth-enabled light-emitting bracelet that helps event attendees connect with others who share similar interests. The bracelets change color and vibrate in sync with those of nearby users, facilitating interpersonal interaction and enhancing engagement at social and networking events. By leveraging modern technology, Sparkwear aims to improve in-person interactions and create a more connected experience for participants as they return to physical gatherings.

Apollo Neuroscience

Seed Round in 2019
Apollo Neuroscience, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2016. It manufactures a wearable wellness device designed to assist the body in recovering from chronic stress through gentle vibrations. The company also develops a complementary application that leverages neuroscience and machine learning to enhance heart rate variability and support various wellness activities, including waking up, focusing, unwinding, and improving parasympathetic nervous system function. Apollo's products are sold online and are clinically validated, though they are not intended to treat psychiatric disorders or serve as a substitute for professional medical care.

EKTO VR

Pre Seed Round in 2019
EKTO VR, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of wearable robotic boots designed to facilitate movement in virtual reality environments. Founded in 2018, EKTO VR's flagship product, Traverse, features advanced technology that includes rotating plates and a set of wheels. This design allows users to walk naturally while remaining in a fixed location, thereby enhancing the realism of virtual experiences and training simulations. The innovative boots aim to reduce motion sickness, enabling users to engage fully in virtual reality games and experiences without physical discomfort. EKTO VR is focused on improving the quality of immersive experiences for users around the globe.

Apollo Neuroscience

Seed Round in 2018
Apollo Neuroscience, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2016. It manufactures a wearable wellness device designed to assist the body in recovering from chronic stress through gentle vibrations. The company also develops a complementary application that leverages neuroscience and machine learning to enhance heart rate variability and support various wellness activities, including waking up, focusing, unwinding, and improving parasympathetic nervous system function. Apollo's products are sold online and are clinically validated, though they are not intended to treat psychiatric disorders or serve as a substitute for professional medical care.

EXGwear

Seed Round in 2018
EXGwear specializes in the development of wearable and artificial intelligence devices aimed at improving mental health, productivity, and human-machine interactions. The company produces compact wearable Internet of Things (IoT) devices that utilize brain-computer interface technology, allowing users to interact seamlessly with assistive robotic devices. Additionally, EXGwear's technology enables the tracking of users' mental states through the analysis of brain wave signals, facilitating enhanced user convenience and productivity.

LaneSpotter

Seed Round in 2018
LaneSpotter finds safe bike routes for cyclists and provides real-time information about the roads they ride. Unlike current apps, LaneSpotter leverages its community to create living maps that highlight real-life road conditions. By sharing their knowledge of local streets and businesses, LaneSpotter’s cycling community generates information that cannot be captured with a static map, like road safety ratings, bike infrastructure, alerts for road conditions like potholes, and recommended rides and routes.

Spand-Ice

Seed Round in 2018
Spand-Ice LLC, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in manufacturing wearable support products aimed at alleviating back pain and enhancing recovery. Founded in 2015 with the support of Kickstarter backers, the company initially launched the Recovery Wrap and Revive Tank, targeting a broad demographic of individuals suffering from chronic back pain. In 2016, Spand-Ice expanded its offerings with the Maternity Relief Wrap, designed specifically for pregnant women to address their unique needs related to back pain and support. The company's product line now includes various items that provide belly support, back pain relief, and adjustable compression, catering to the changing bodies of women during pregnancy and postpartum. Committed to supporting mothers throughout their journey, Spand-Ice aims to ensure that back pain does not hinder their experience of motherhood.

LaneSpotter

Seed Round in 2018
LaneSpotter finds safe bike routes for cyclists and provides real-time information about the roads they ride. Unlike current apps, LaneSpotter leverages its community to create living maps that highlight real-life road conditions. By sharing their knowledge of local streets and businesses, LaneSpotter’s cycling community generates information that cannot be captured with a static map, like road safety ratings, bike infrastructure, alerts for road conditions like potholes, and recommended rides and routes.

Behaivior

Seed Round in 2017
Behaivior LLC is a digital health company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focused on predicting and preventing addiction relapses through innovative technology. Founded in 2017, Behaivior develops a platform that combines wearable devices and machine learning algorithms to monitor key physiological signals such as heart rate and motion. This system, known as Recovery, is designed to support mental health recovery and wellness by delivering timely interventions based on real-time data. By utilizing a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, Behaivior empowers individuals to maintain their recovery process while enabling care providers to better assist their clients. The integration of AI and behavioral health technology allows Behaivior to recognize patterns in human behavior, ultimately aiming to enhance mental well-being and reduce the incidence of crises, including relapse.

LaneSpotter

Seed Round in 2017
LaneSpotter finds safe bike routes for cyclists and provides real-time information about the roads they ride. Unlike current apps, LaneSpotter leverages its community to create living maps that highlight real-life road conditions. By sharing their knowledge of local streets and businesses, LaneSpotter’s cycling community generates information that cannot be captured with a static map, like road safety ratings, bike infrastructure, alerts for road conditions like potholes, and recommended rides and routes.

SolePower

Convertible Note in 2016
SolePower creates a connected work boot that helps industrial workers become safer and more efficient. Industrial worksites are dangerous and dynamic; the costs of small inefficiencies add up quickly, and big mistakes can result in serious incidents or loss of life. SmartBoots aim to lower incident rates, increase work site visibility, and establish metrics from which workflow and safety improvements can be made. At the core of the system is an Army-tested, patented kinetic charger which uses walking motion to sustainably charge sensors embedded inside the boot. (Pilot unit includes GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, IMU, Sub-GHz RF, thermocouple, Wifi, altimeter). SolePower's mission is to take the functionality of a variety of standalone wearables and combine them into a single, compact, self-charged platform. The team is partnered with SR Max (a leading safety footwear provider) and the US Army.

SolePower

Seed Round in 2015
SolePower creates a connected work boot that helps industrial workers become safer and more efficient. Industrial worksites are dangerous and dynamic; the costs of small inefficiencies add up quickly, and big mistakes can result in serious incidents or loss of life. SmartBoots aim to lower incident rates, increase work site visibility, and establish metrics from which workflow and safety improvements can be made. At the core of the system is an Army-tested, patented kinetic charger which uses walking motion to sustainably charge sensors embedded inside the boot. (Pilot unit includes GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, IMU, Sub-GHz RF, thermocouple, Wifi, altimeter). SolePower's mission is to take the functionality of a variety of standalone wearables and combine them into a single, compact, self-charged platform. The team is partnered with SR Max (a leading safety footwear provider) and the US Army.

Diamond Kinetics

Seed Round in 2014
Diamond Kinetics, founded in 2012 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in providing real-time quantitative data, biomechanics feedback, and training guidance for baseball and softball players. The company offers products such as SwingTracker for comprehensive swing analysis, PitchTracker Baseball and Softball for detailed pitching analysis, and Axon Sports. Additionally, Diamond Kinetics provides DiamondCLUB, a platform that allows users to analyze and compare swings, share data, and enhance training programs. Their solutions utilize wireless inertial measurement units and mobile applications to help players improve their performance. The company sells its products online, catering to players of all ages and skill levels.

SolePower

Seed Round in 2013
SolePower creates a connected work boot that helps industrial workers become safer and more efficient. Industrial worksites are dangerous and dynamic; the costs of small inefficiencies add up quickly, and big mistakes can result in serious incidents or loss of life. SmartBoots aim to lower incident rates, increase work site visibility, and establish metrics from which workflow and safety improvements can be made. At the core of the system is an Army-tested, patented kinetic charger which uses walking motion to sustainably charge sensors embedded inside the boot. (Pilot unit includes GPS, Ultra Wideband, RFID, IMU, Sub-GHz RF, thermocouple, Wifi, altimeter). SolePower's mission is to take the functionality of a variety of standalone wearables and combine them into a single, compact, self-charged platform. The team is partnered with SR Max (a leading safety footwear provider) and the US Army.
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