IU Ventures

IU Ventures, established in 2018 and based in Bloomington, Indiana, is the venture capital arm of Indiana University. The organization is dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial efforts of IU students, faculty, staff, and alumni by facilitating new venture opportunities. IU Ventures focuses on investing in startups and early-stage companies that have connections to the university, fostering innovation and economic growth within the community. Through its initiatives, IU Ventures aims to cultivate a robust ecosystem that encourages the development of new ideas and business ventures emerging from the university's rich intellectual resources.

Tony Armstrong JD

CEO and President

Emily Atkinson

Venture Analyst

Jon Barada

Vice President

Mike Burton

CFO

Kate Evinger

Senior Venture Analyst

Jason Whitney

Chief Venture Officer and Executive Director, Indiana University Angel Network

Jason Whitney

Chief Venture Officer

44 past transactions

Amplified Sciences

Seed Round in 2024
Amplified Sciences LLC is a molecular diagnostics company based in West Lafayette, Indiana, that specializes in the early detection of debilitating diseases, including pancreatic cancer and kidney disease. The company utilizes an ultra-sensitive molecular sensing technology, licensed exclusively from Purdue University, which allows for the detection of disease markers at the single-molecule level. This technology is versatile and disease state agnostic, enabling accurate diagnosis using bodily fluids such as urine and saliva. Amplified Sciences has developed a point-of-care system that combines sensing and assay methods with low-cost biospecimen collection devices, facilitating scalability and accessibility in healthcare settings. Their first application focuses on the early detection of pancreatic cancer, addressing a significant unmet medical need and offering a favorable reimbursement pathway. With a working prototype and published proof of concept data, Amplified Sciences aims to provide healthcare professionals with innovative diagnostics that can operate with a single sample on one instrument.

Plan Forward

Seed Round in 2023
Plan Forward, LLC is a company that specializes in developing an online dental membership platform aimed at providing uninsured patients with access to dental care alternatives. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Plan Forward collaborates with dentists, group practices, and dental office managers to create and manage in-house membership plans tailored for patients who do not have traditional insurance. The platform is designed to enhance patient loyalty, increase treatment acceptance, and support revenue growth for dental practices. By offering user-friendly software with pre-built dashboards, Plan Forward enables dental professionals to effectively manage membership plans, market their services, and ensure compliance with necessary regulations.

Boardable

Series A in 2022
Boardable is a software company that specializes in providing a cloud-based platform designed to enhance board member engagement and facilitate remote collaboration for nonprofits. By consolidating essential functions such as meeting scheduling, voting, discussions, and document storage into a single interface, Boardable alleviates the challenges of traditional board management, which often relies on email and disparate file storage. The platform features automated notifications, secure document handling, and video conferencing capabilities, allowing organizations to efficiently manage meetings and foster communication among board members. This integrated approach ensures continuity in board operations, particularly as members transition in and out of the organization.

Confluence Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2022
Confluence Pharmaceuticals LLC is a biopharmaceutical company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing therapeutic medications aimed at addressing social and communication impairments associated with fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Confluence Pharmaceuticals focuses on novel drug discovery, creating treatments for these rare neurological disorders. Its innovative approach not only targets the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and fragile X syndrome but also extends to related conditions such as Rett syndrome and treatment-resistant anxiety, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.

Folia

Seed Round in 2022
Folia is a company that develops productivity applications specifically designed for digital document work. Its key products include iAnnotate, which facilitates reading and annotating documents, and the Folia platform, which streamlines research and analysis processes. Users of iAnnotate can easily highlight, draw, stamp, and underline text, allowing for effective document interaction. The Folia platform enhances productivity by enabling users to organize, access, annotate, search, and share documents seamlessly. This functionality supports collaboration among researchers, professionals, and students, allowing them to work across devices, share insights securely, and present ideas clearly and effectively.

iink Payments

Seed Round in 2022
iink Payments is a fintech company operating within the financial services sector, focused on enhancing the payment processes for restoration professionals dealing with insured property losses. It offers a digital payments network that facilitates the swift receipt of payments, allowing property owners and contractors to recover more quickly after disasters. The company's platform automates the verification and disbursement of insurance proceeds, enabling contractors to access property insurance payments efficiently. By streamlining property claim processes, iink Payments has been shown to expedite payments to insurance restoration professionals, allowing them to receive funds up to 60 times faster than conventional methods.

The Bee Corp

Venture Round in 2022
The Bee Corp is a company that specializes in enhancing agricultural productivity through advanced technological solutions. Its primary offering, Verifli, utilizes infrared inspection technology and data analytics to monitor beehives. This innovative platform allows growers to assess the number, health, and distribution of pollinating bees, ensuring effective pollination. By enabling beekeepers to measure pollination value and protect crop yields, The Bee Corp aims to increase agricultural output and support the sustainability of farming practices.

HotDrop

Pre Seed Round in 2022
HotDrop is a music discovery platform that connects emerging artists with dedicated fans. Founded by a team passionate about music, the platform facilitates rapid discovery through 30-second snippets of songs, allowing users to easily share and promote new music within their social circles. The app encourages engagement by enabling fans to swipe to like, save, and share tracks, thus amplifying the visibility of undiscovered artists. Since its launch, HotDrop has experienced significant popularity, quickly accumulating over 25,000 downloads and achieving a top ranking on the App Store. By leveraging social interactions, HotDrop aims to reshape how music is discovered and consumed in the digital age.

Kovina Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2021
Kovina Therapeutics is a preclinical biotechnology company focused on developing non-surgical, medical treatments for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections and associated cancers. The company's approach involves creating antiviral therapeutics that target and inactivate a specific HPV protein consistently expressed in early-stage infections and cancers. This targeted strategy aims to enable medical practitioners to treat patients infected with HPV and HPV-related cancers without the need for surgery.

NuCurrent

Venture Round in 2021
NuCurrent, Inc. is a Chicago-based company specializing in the design, fabrication, and integration of high-efficiency wireless power antennas and surface-mount inductors. Founded in 2009, the company develops antennas for both low and high frequency systems, catering to a variety of applications such as power electronics, RF electronics, and frequency synthesis. NuCurrent's innovations adhere to industry standards set by the Alliance for Wireless Power, Wireless Power Consortium, and Power Matters Alliance. The company collaborates closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators to deliver custom-designed prototypes that enhance performance while reducing costs and sizes. Its patented technologies effectively address high-frequency challenges, resulting in improved efficiency and durability for wireless power applications.

Apexian Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2021
Apexian Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in developing innovative compounds for cancer treatment. Founded in 2007, the company is focused on its lead drug candidate, APX3330, which is an oral anticancer agent targeting the APE1/Ref-1 redox protein, a molecule associated with various cancers, including those of the colon, lung, breast, and pancreas. Apexian's research is grounded in the scientific discoveries of Dr. Mark R. Kelley, whose work on APE1/Ref-1 has illuminated this biological target's potential. In addition to its primary focus on cancer, the company is also involved in developing therapies for other diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and inflammatory bowel disease, aiming to provide safe and effective treatment options for patients.

Amplified Sciences

Seed Round in 2021
Amplified Sciences LLC is a molecular diagnostics company based in West Lafayette, Indiana, that specializes in the early detection of debilitating diseases, including pancreatic cancer and kidney disease. The company utilizes an ultra-sensitive molecular sensing technology, licensed exclusively from Purdue University, which allows for the detection of disease markers at the single-molecule level. This technology is versatile and disease state agnostic, enabling accurate diagnosis using bodily fluids such as urine and saliva. Amplified Sciences has developed a point-of-care system that combines sensing and assay methods with low-cost biospecimen collection devices, facilitating scalability and accessibility in healthcare settings. Their first application focuses on the early detection of pancreatic cancer, addressing a significant unmet medical need and offering a favorable reimbursement pathway. With a working prototype and published proof of concept data, Amplified Sciences aims to provide healthcare professionals with innovative diagnostics that can operate with a single sample on one instrument.

Mentor Collective

Convertible Note in 2021
Mentor Collective is a Boston-based company that specializes in providing a platform for universities to implement and manage mentoring programs. Founded in 2013, the company partners with over 120 educational institutions, including prominent names like Princeton and UC Davis, to facilitate access to near-peer mentors for students. The services offered by Mentor Collective encompass program design, mentorship operations, software solutions, and analytics, all aimed at enhancing student engagement and improving graduation rates. The company's focus on mentorship not only helps students navigate their academic journeys but also fosters connections with young alumni. Through its comprehensive support, Mentor Collective strives to create a meaningful impact on the educational experience, ultimately contributing to higher retention rates among students.

iink Payments

Seed Round in 2021
iink Payments is a fintech company operating within the financial services sector, focused on enhancing the payment processes for restoration professionals dealing with insured property losses. It offers a digital payments network that facilitates the swift receipt of payments, allowing property owners and contractors to recover more quickly after disasters. The company's platform automates the verification and disbursement of insurance proceeds, enabling contractors to access property insurance payments efficiently. By streamlining property claim processes, iink Payments has been shown to expedite payments to insurance restoration professionals, allowing them to receive funds up to 60 times faster than conventional methods.

Encamp

Venture Round in 2021
Encamp, Inc. is a software company focused on automating environmental compliance and reporting for businesses in the United States. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Encamp develops tools that help organizations manage hazardous material tracking and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Its flagship product, Tier2, simplifies the process of reporting hazardous chemicals by allowing users to fill out and submit necessary forms electronically. Additionally, the software offers a centralized platform for environmental health and safety information, featuring a compliance calendar, task reminders, a form library, and comprehensive compliance reporting capabilities. By leveraging technology, Encamp enables businesses to efficiently align their operations with environmental goals and regulatory requirements.

Confluence Pharmaceuticals

Convertible Note in 2020
Confluence Pharmaceuticals LLC is a biopharmaceutical company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing therapeutic medications aimed at addressing social and communication impairments associated with fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Confluence Pharmaceuticals focuses on novel drug discovery, creating treatments for these rare neurological disorders. Its innovative approach not only targets the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and fragile X syndrome but also extends to related conditions such as Rett syndrome and treatment-resistant anxiety, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.

Diagnotes

Venture Round in 2020
Diagnotes, Inc. is a digital healthcare company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in enhancing communication and collaboration within the healthcare industry. Founded in 2010, Diagnotes offers a clinical communication platform designed for secure messaging, provider scheduling, patient data management, and documentation of discussions. The platform is tailored to the natural communication habits of healthcare professionals and their patients, facilitating seamless interactions among patients, physicians, care teams, hospitals, and other healthcare entities. Diagnotes serves a diverse clientele, including large health systems, community hospitals, long-term care facilities, and behavioral health organizations. Its applications are versatile, enabling uses from simple secure messaging to telehealth consultations, particularly beneficial for connecting specialists with patients in rural areas through live video. The platform's user-friendly design promotes quick implementation and adoption, making it an integral tool for managing patient-related communications effectively.

Canopy

Seed Round in 2020
Canopy is a technology company that develops and operates an online platform designed for frontline sales managers. The platform provides insights into user data, facilitating a deep understanding of sales performance at the individual seller level. By utilizing data snapshotting, Canopy identifies key opportunities and potential risks, allowing managers to proactively address issues before they affect deals. The platform enhances decision-making, aids in tracking team performance, and supports effective coaching by providing managers with the necessary context to guide their sales representatives. Canopy's innovative approach aims to improve forecast accuracy and drive strategic changes, ultimately enabling clients to achieve consistent success within their sales teams. Founded in 2019 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company was previously known as Loupe Software, Inc.

Encamp

Series A in 2020
Encamp, Inc. is a software company focused on automating environmental compliance and reporting for businesses in the United States. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Encamp develops tools that help organizations manage hazardous material tracking and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Its flagship product, Tier2, simplifies the process of reporting hazardous chemicals by allowing users to fill out and submit necessary forms electronically. Additionally, the software offers a centralized platform for environmental health and safety information, featuring a compliance calendar, task reminders, a form library, and comprehensive compliance reporting capabilities. By leveraging technology, Encamp enables businesses to efficiently align their operations with environmental goals and regulatory requirements.

Qumulex

Seed Round in 2019
Qumulex Inc. is a software developer focused on video surveillance and access control solutions for the security integrator channel. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Fishers, Indiana, the company offers a unified platform that integrates video surveillance and access control, leveraging cloud IoT technology to meet the needs of the commercial security market. Qumulex's products feature a progressive web application that supports third-party and cloud-to-cloud integrations, ensuring end-to-end encryption and local functionality even without a cloud connection. Additionally, the platform allows customers to manage multiple sites from a single login, simplifying setup and maintenance while enhancing security.

NuCurrent

Series C in 2019
NuCurrent, Inc. is a Chicago-based company specializing in the design, fabrication, and integration of high-efficiency wireless power antennas and surface-mount inductors. Founded in 2009, the company develops antennas for both low and high frequency systems, catering to a variety of applications such as power electronics, RF electronics, and frequency synthesis. NuCurrent's innovations adhere to industry standards set by the Alliance for Wireless Power, Wireless Power Consortium, and Power Matters Alliance. The company collaborates closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators to deliver custom-designed prototypes that enhance performance while reducing costs and sizes. Its patented technologies effectively address high-frequency challenges, resulting in improved efficiency and durability for wireless power applications.

Mentor Collective

Venture Round in 2019
Mentor Collective is a Boston-based company that specializes in providing a platform for universities to implement and manage mentoring programs. Founded in 2013, the company partners with over 120 educational institutions, including prominent names like Princeton and UC Davis, to facilitate access to near-peer mentors for students. The services offered by Mentor Collective encompass program design, mentorship operations, software solutions, and analytics, all aimed at enhancing student engagement and improving graduation rates. The company's focus on mentorship not only helps students navigate their academic journeys but also fosters connections with young alumni. Through its comprehensive support, Mentor Collective strives to create a meaningful impact on the educational experience, ultimately contributing to higher retention rates among students.

NERx Biosciences

Seed Round in 2019
NERx BioSciences Inc is focused on discovering and developing targeted therapeutics for cancer, specifically lung and ovarian cancers. Established in 2009 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company specializes in creating novel biopharmaceutical compounds designed to repair the DNA damage response pathway. By developing Ku protein inhibitors, NERx BioSciences aims to target specific cellular processes that allow for the detection and elimination of cancer cells while minimizing effects on healthy cells. This approach enables medical researchers to identify preclinical anti-cancer targets, facilitating faster, safer, and more cost-effective cancer treatment options.

Tend.ly

Seed Round in 2019
Tend.ly is a care relationship management system designed to enhance engagement between care providers and the families of those they serve, including senior living facilities, adult day services, and early childhood education centers. This user-friendly and secure application enables care providers to send real-time updates, including photos and videos, to families via text and email, fostering meaningful connections and providing peace of mind. By facilitating better communication, Tend.ly allows caregivers to dedicate more time to quality care while also differentiating themselves in a competitive market. The data collected through the platform aids care providers in making informed business decisions, ultimately leading to improved operational efficiency and family engagement.

OpenINSIGHTS

Angel Round in 2019
OpenINSIGHTS is an AI-driven customer analytics and predictive insights platform that focuses on generating replicable incremental revenue for its clients. The company's technology is integrated into the clients' existing cloud infrastructure and employs a cognitive framework to generate predictions for every customer throughout the sales channel, covering all product lines and categories. This capability extends to every stage of the customer lifecycle, allowing organizations to leverage self-adapting data that enhances strategic decision-making. By providing actionable insights, OpenINSIGHTS enables clients to achieve customer growth while optimizing their margins.

OpenINSIGHTS

Pre Seed Round in 2018
OpenINSIGHTS is an AI-driven customer analytics and predictive insights platform that focuses on generating replicable incremental revenue for its clients. The company's technology is integrated into the clients' existing cloud infrastructure and employs a cognitive framework to generate predictions for every customer throughout the sales channel, covering all product lines and categories. This capability extends to every stage of the customer lifecycle, allowing organizations to leverage self-adapting data that enhances strategic decision-making. By providing actionable insights, OpenINSIGHTS enables clients to achieve customer growth while optimizing their margins.

Doxly

Venture Round in 2018
Doxly, Inc. is a technology company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in developing transaction-management software specifically designed for law firms. Founded in 2016, Doxly aims to streamline and simplify the complex processes involved in managing legal transactions. The platform enhances efficiency by offering features such as automated workflows, intelligent diligence processes, closing checklists, document-level collaboration, and transaction analytics. By addressing the common frustrations lawyers face during legal transactions, Doxly enables legal professionals to deliver improved client experiences while optimizing their practice management capabilities. In 2019, Doxly became a subsidiary of Freedom Solutions Group, LLC.

Allinaire Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2018
Allinaire Therapeutics, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Cleveland, Ohio, established in 2015. The company focuses on developing innovative therapeutics for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other pulmonary diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Allinaire's research is grounded in the discovery of a novel therapeutic target identified by its scientific founders, Irina Petrache, MD, and Matthias Clauss, Ph.D., which plays a critical role in the development and progression of lung disease. By targeting this mechanism, Allinaire Therapeutics aims to create treatment options that could significantly enhance clinical outcomes for patients suffering from various cardiopulmonary conditions.

PrecisionHawk

Series C in 2016
PrecisionHawk Inc. is a technology company that specializes in providing drones, sensors, and software solutions tailored for various industries, including agriculture, construction, energy, insurance, and government. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company has established additional locations in Texas, Indiana, Canada, Virginia, and Colorado. PrecisionHawk combines unmanned aerial systems with remote sensing technologies and advanced data analytics to enhance business operations and decision-making processes. Its platform offers an end-to-end solution for aerial data collection, processing, and analysis, delivering actionable insights through its proprietary software tools. The company also owns DataMapper, a software for aerial data management, Terraserver, a satellite imagery provider, and LATAS, a platform focused on low-altitude traffic and airspace safety for drones.

DinnerCal

Venture Round in 2015
DinnerCall is a mobile app that enables users to search, order, and pickup family-style dinner from grocery stores. It was launched by Gerry Hays, Ashton Chaffee, and Akram Mnif in September 2015 and it operates from San Francisco, California.

MatterFab

Series A in 2015
MatterFab is a provider of 3D metal printing solutions aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional industrial fabrication. The company specializes in scalable production additive manufacturing, offering a comprehensive suite of services that includes advanced 3D metal printers, material supply, traceable powder cartridges, and extensive support in training, education, maintenance, and application engineering. By facilitating the adoption of additive manufacturing within client organizations, MatterFab enables accelerated production capabilities and fosters innovation in manufacturing processes. Their offerings are designed to meet the growing demand for efficient and scalable solutions in the rapidly evolving landscape of 3D printing.

Sharpen Technologies

Series C in 2014
Sharpen Technologies, established in 2011 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, specializes in developing software and voice solutions for businesses to enhance customer communication. Its flagship product, Sharpen, is a Communications Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) that equips leadership, operations, and IT teams with tools and data to support frontline customer service teams. The platform offers customizable voice system management, real-time analytics reporting, and omnichannel routing, aiming to improve agent performance and well-being, and ultimately create perfect customer experiences. Serving various sectors such as education, marketing, retail, and insurance, Sharpen caters to agents, supervisors, IT professionals, and executives, addressing decades-old agent issues responsible for poor customer service.

Haven

Seed Round in 2014
Haven is a technology company based in Fishers, Indiana, that offers a mobile application and website designed to assist homeowners in managing their home maintenance needs. The platform utilizes predictive technology to help users learn about and anticipate necessary updates for their homes. It features a personalized reminder system that tracks preferences, schedules maintenance tasks, and organizes important documents such as receipts and records. Additionally, Haven connects homeowners with licensed, insured, and pre-vetted service professionals, facilitating the scheduling and payment of services directly through the app. By providing these tools, Haven empowers homeowners to take a proactive approach to home maintenance, enhancing their confidence and peace of mind.

MatterFab

Seed Round in 2014
MatterFab is a provider of 3D metal printing solutions aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional industrial fabrication. The company specializes in scalable production additive manufacturing, offering a comprehensive suite of services that includes advanced 3D metal printers, material supply, traceable powder cartridges, and extensive support in training, education, maintenance, and application engineering. By facilitating the adoption of additive manufacturing within client organizations, MatterFab enables accelerated production capabilities and fosters innovation in manufacturing processes. Their offerings are designed to meet the growing demand for efficient and scalable solutions in the rapidly evolving landscape of 3D printing.

PrecisionHawk

Series B in 2014
PrecisionHawk Inc. is a technology company that specializes in providing drones, sensors, and software solutions tailored for various industries, including agriculture, construction, energy, insurance, and government. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company has established additional locations in Texas, Indiana, Canada, Virginia, and Colorado. PrecisionHawk combines unmanned aerial systems with remote sensing technologies and advanced data analytics to enhance business operations and decision-making processes. Its platform offers an end-to-end solution for aerial data collection, processing, and analysis, delivering actionable insights through its proprietary software tools. The company also owns DataMapper, a software for aerial data management, Terraserver, a satellite imagery provider, and LATAS, a platform focused on low-altitude traffic and airspace safety for drones.

amSTATZ

Seed Round in 2014
amSTATZ is a cloud based software for fitness professionals and studios who want to save time, stay organized and grow client relationships. Unlike traditional fitness business software, amSTATZ streamlines your operations, from a simplified booking & payment process to the workout homework you assign to clients between sessions.

PrecisionHawk

Series A in 2013
PrecisionHawk Inc. is a technology company that specializes in providing drones, sensors, and software solutions tailored for various industries, including agriculture, construction, energy, insurance, and government. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company has established additional locations in Texas, Indiana, Canada, Virginia, and Colorado. PrecisionHawk combines unmanned aerial systems with remote sensing technologies and advanced data analytics to enhance business operations and decision-making processes. Its platform offers an end-to-end solution for aerial data collection, processing, and analysis, delivering actionable insights through its proprietary software tools. The company also owns DataMapper, a software for aerial data management, Terraserver, a satellite imagery provider, and LATAS, a platform focused on low-altitude traffic and airspace safety for drones.

Diagnotes

Series A in 2013
Diagnotes, Inc. is a digital healthcare company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in enhancing communication and collaboration within the healthcare industry. Founded in 2010, Diagnotes offers a clinical communication platform designed for secure messaging, provider scheduling, patient data management, and documentation of discussions. The platform is tailored to the natural communication habits of healthcare professionals and their patients, facilitating seamless interactions among patients, physicians, care teams, hospitals, and other healthcare entities. Diagnotes serves a diverse clientele, including large health systems, community hospitals, long-term care facilities, and behavioral health organizations. Its applications are versatile, enabling uses from simple secure messaging to telehealth consultations, particularly beneficial for connecting specialists with patients in rural areas through live video. The platform's user-friendly design promotes quick implementation and adoption, making it an integral tool for managing patient-related communications effectively.

Sharpen Technologies

Series B in 2013
Sharpen Technologies, established in 2011 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, specializes in developing software and voice solutions for businesses to enhance customer communication. Its flagship product, Sharpen, is a Communications Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) that equips leadership, operations, and IT teams with tools and data to support frontline customer service teams. The platform offers customizable voice system management, real-time analytics reporting, and omnichannel routing, aiming to improve agent performance and well-being, and ultimately create perfect customer experiences. Serving various sectors such as education, marketing, retail, and insurance, Sharpen caters to agents, supervisors, IT professionals, and executives, addressing decades-old agent issues responsible for poor customer service.

DRIFT Eyewear

Seed Round in 2013
DRIFT Eyewear Co., established in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, designs and manufactures eco-friendly eyeglasses. The company offers its products through retailers in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Cause.it

Seed Round in 2012
Cause.it Inc. is a company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in developing mobile applications aimed at enhancing engagement between higher education institutions and their alumni. Founded in 2011, Cause.it provides digital tools that allow schools to connect with graduates by enabling them to create personalized affinity profiles based on their interests. This information helps institutions tailor their engagement strategies and improve their fundraising efforts by moving away from traditional direct mail and telemarketing methods. The platform also facilitates volunteer engagement, offering nonprofits tools to organize service events and communicate effectively with volunteers. By focusing on simplicity and user engagement, Cause.it aims to create a more efficient and effective fundraising experience for both alumni and educational institutions.

Courseload

Series A in 2012
Courseload, Inc. is an early-stage educational software company focused on providing digital course materials to students and educators. Its software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform significantly reduces the cost of textbooks and proprietary content by up to two-thirds while ensuring access to self-generated, open source, and fair use educational resources. This affordability can save students thousands of dollars over their undergraduate years, while also enhancing revenue for textbook publishers. The Courseload platform facilitates collaborative teaching and learning, which has been shown to improve educational outcomes through research supported by the National Science Foundation. With a commitment to making higher education more accessible and affordable, Courseload is expanding its services in the K-12 and higher education sectors, partnering with various universities and schools, including multiple Big Ten institutions and community colleges. The company's continued growth reflects its mission to provide significant savings to students while fostering improved learning experiences.

Aarden Pharmaceuticals

Seed Round in 2011
Aarden Pharmaceuticals is a small molecule drug discovery and development company. The company’s novel technology is a chemistry breakthrough that will enable it to make drugs against a previously un-druggable set of intracellular phosphatase (PTP) disease targets. The technology was developed in the laboratory of Dr. Zhong-Yin Zhang, Robert A. Harris Professor and chairman of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Zhang is an internationally recognized expert in the field of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Aarden’s first programs are focused on infectious disease, cancer, and metabolic and autoimmune conditions.

Apexian Pharmaceuticals

Seed Round in 2010
Apexian Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in developing innovative compounds for cancer treatment. Founded in 2007, the company is focused on its lead drug candidate, APX3330, which is an oral anticancer agent targeting the APE1/Ref-1 redox protein, a molecule associated with various cancers, including those of the colon, lung, breast, and pancreas. Apexian's research is grounded in the scientific discoveries of Dr. Mark R. Kelley, whose work on APE1/Ref-1 has illuminated this biological target's potential. In addition to its primary focus on cancer, the company is also involved in developing therapies for other diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and inflammatory bowel disease, aiming to provide safe and effective treatment options for patients.
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