Jumpstart

Jumpstart Ventures is a Cleveland-based venture capital firm established in 2011. The firm focuses on investing in startups that are innovating within sectors such as software, healthcare information technology, biotechnology, and business-to-business solutions. Jumpstart Ventures aims to partner with entrepreneurs who possess a blend of humility and ambition, supporting those who are dedicated to creating meaningful and positive changes in their communities through intelligent innovation. The firm seeks to back founders who are launching companies with a strong purpose and a commitment to impactful solutions.

Joshua Borstein Ph.D

Investment Principal

Hardik Desai

Managing Partner & NEXT Fund Manager

Bethany George

Partner, Investments

Anne Richie

Venture Partner

Past deals in Illinois

Packback

Series B in 2019
Packback, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2014. It operates an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to enhance online discussions in academic settings. This platform enables professors to evaluate and improve students' critical thinking skills through structured digital interactions. Packback offers two main products: PB Books, which provides online textbooks on a rental basis, and PB Questions, a digital discussion forum that fosters engagement and personalized learning. The company's innovative approach aims to make learning more engaging and effective, helping students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for their subjects.

AVIA

Series C in 2016
AVIA Health Innovation specializes in digital healthcare transformation, focusing on developing platforms and systems that enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing within the healthcare sector. The company's flagship offering, AVIA Connect, supports hospitals and health systems in identifying, selecting, and implementing innovative IT-enabled solutions that drive growth, improve operational efficiency, and enhance value. By facilitating collaboration between healthcare providers and entrepreneurs, AVIA accelerates the adoption of emerging technologies while mitigating associated risks. The company addresses critical needs in areas such as population health, clinical data insights, care model redesign, patient engagement, and operational effectiveness. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, AVIA serves a diverse clientele, including health systems, medical groups, health plans, and life sciences companies.

Bucketfeet

Series A in 2015
BucketFeet, Inc., doing business as BucketFeet, designs and manufactures shoes for men, women, and children. It also offers tees, hoodies, and socks. The company provides its products online. BucketFeet, Inc. was founded in 2011 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. As of October 23, 2017, BucketFeet, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of SkinnyCorp, LLC.

LearnCore

Venture Round in 2015
LearnCore is a cloud-based learning platform dedicated to enhancing mission-critical skills and developing top performers within organizations. It provides sales training and coaching software designed to improve the buyer-seller experience by equipping sales professionals with the necessary training to engage effectively with potential clients. The platform features collaborative technology that allows users to practice skills and learn from high performers, streamlining the development process. Additionally, it offers managers and executives valuable insights into team performance and identifies skill gaps, facilitating targeted coaching and training efforts. LearnCore aims to elevate employee performance and drive productivity across organizations.

YCharts

Series C in 2015
YCharts, Inc. is a financial analytics company that offers a range of data and analytics solutions tailored to investment professionals, portfolio managers, and wealth advisors. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chicago, with additional offices in New York City, YCharts provides tools such as fundamental equity data, financial data alerts, and stock screening capabilities, allowing users to compare data across companies for benchmarking and time-series analysis. The platform also features Portfolio Sync, which integrates client portfolio holdings automatically. YCharts caters to various sectors, including wealth management, asset management, hedge funds, and equity research, thereby supporting informed decision-making through its comprehensive financial and economic data set.

The Eastman Egg Company

Seed Round in 2015
The Eastman Egg Company, LLC is a fast casual restaurant based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2013. The establishment focuses on providing healthy breakfast and lunch options to busy individuals. Its menu features farm-fresh, made-to-order egg sandwiches and bowls, homemade yogurt parfaits, and a variety of sides and snacks. Additionally, the restaurant offers a full craft coffee and espresso program sourced from Irving Farm. Beyond regular dining, The Eastman Egg Company provides catering services for various events, including corporate meetings, brunches, and weddings, emphasizing quality and unique ingredients in its offerings.

Bucketfeet

Series A in 2015
BucketFeet, Inc., doing business as BucketFeet, designs and manufactures shoes for men, women, and children. It also offers tees, hoodies, and socks. The company provides its products online. BucketFeet, Inc. was founded in 2011 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. As of October 23, 2017, BucketFeet, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of SkinnyCorp, LLC.

AVIA

Series B in 2014
AVIA Health Innovation specializes in digital healthcare transformation, focusing on developing platforms and systems that enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing within the healthcare sector. The company's flagship offering, AVIA Connect, supports hospitals and health systems in identifying, selecting, and implementing innovative IT-enabled solutions that drive growth, improve operational efficiency, and enhance value. By facilitating collaboration between healthcare providers and entrepreneurs, AVIA accelerates the adoption of emerging technologies while mitigating associated risks. The company addresses critical needs in areas such as population health, clinical data insights, care model redesign, patient engagement, and operational effectiveness. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, AVIA serves a diverse clientele, including health systems, medical groups, health plans, and life sciences companies.

Packback

Seed Round in 2014
Packback, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2014. It operates an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to enhance online discussions in academic settings. This platform enables professors to evaluate and improve students' critical thinking skills through structured digital interactions. Packback offers two main products: PB Books, which provides online textbooks on a rental basis, and PB Questions, a digital discussion forum that fosters engagement and personalized learning. The company's innovative approach aims to make learning more engaging and effective, helping students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for their subjects.

Bucketfeet

Venture Round in 2014
BucketFeet, Inc., doing business as BucketFeet, designs and manufactures shoes for men, women, and children. It also offers tees, hoodies, and socks. The company provides its products online. BucketFeet, Inc. was founded in 2011 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. As of October 23, 2017, BucketFeet, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of SkinnyCorp, LLC.

WeDeliver

Seed Round in 2014
WeDeliver connects businesses to their customers by providing same-day delivery of goods, real-time tracking and customer feedback. Using a fleet of curated, on-demand drivers powered by algorithmic dispatching, the company ensures the quickest delivery of any product from any business to any customer at any time.

DialogTech

Series D in 2014
DialogTech provides actionable marketing analytics for businesses that value inbound phone calls. Consistently recognized as the leader and pioneer in call analytics and optimization, DialogTech is the trusted voice management platform for Fortune 500 brands, agencies, and fast-growing companies. From call attribution to conversation analytics to caller experience optimization, only DialogTech has everything marketers need to drive more of the conversations that drive revenue.

Signal

Series D in 2013
Signal Digital, Inc. is a digital marketing technology company that specializes in customer identity solutions for enterprises. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Signal offers a platform designed to enhance the customer experience by delivering contextual relevance at various engagement points. Its key services include Onboard to Activate, which helps businesses engage the right customers while eliminating duplicate and outdated audiences; Onsite Identity Resolution, which identifies anonymous visitors; and a Measurement solution that provides detailed insights into media impressions and return on investment. The Signal Open Data Platform enables marketers to collect and synchronize data from multiple offline and online sources in real-time, facilitating improved customer interactions across all channels. In June 2014, the company changed its name from BrightTag Inc. and operates as a subsidiary of TransUnion, with additional offices in London, Tokyo, and Sydney.

Levy Acquisition

Seed Round in 2013
Levy Acquisition Corp. operates as a blank check company. It is formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company intends to focus its search for business combination targets in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. Levy Acquisition was founded on August 2, 2013 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL.

Bucketfeet

Seed Round in 2013
BucketFeet, Inc., doing business as BucketFeet, designs and manufactures shoes for men, women, and children. It also offers tees, hoodies, and socks. The company provides its products online. BucketFeet, Inc. was founded in 2011 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. As of October 23, 2017, BucketFeet, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of SkinnyCorp, LLC.

SMS Assist

Series B in 2013
SMS ASSIST, L.L.C. provides exterior maintenance, facilities maintenance, interior maintenance, and property management services in the United States. It serves commercial retail, residential, financial service, government, restaurant, and healthcare markets. The company was founded in 1995 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Packback

Venture Round in 2013
Packback, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2014. It operates an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to enhance online discussions in academic settings. This platform enables professors to evaluate and improve students' critical thinking skills through structured digital interactions. Packback offers two main products: PB Books, which provides online textbooks on a rental basis, and PB Questions, a digital discussion forum that fosters engagement and personalized learning. The company's innovative approach aims to make learning more engaging and effective, helping students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for their subjects.

Tastebud

Seed Round in 2013
*Tastebud Techologies, Inc. was formerly StyleSeek, Inc.* Tastebud builds mobile experiences that personalize the world around you. The Tastebud Retail platform helps drive sales at brick-and-mortar shopping centers via personalized offers, games, loyalty programs, and beacon technology. We've delighted millions of users nationwide, and are fortunate to work with hundreds of leading retailers and brands.

AVIA

Series A in 2013
AVIA Health Innovation specializes in digital healthcare transformation, focusing on developing platforms and systems that enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing within the healthcare sector. The company's flagship offering, AVIA Connect, supports hospitals and health systems in identifying, selecting, and implementing innovative IT-enabled solutions that drive growth, improve operational efficiency, and enhance value. By facilitating collaboration between healthcare providers and entrepreneurs, AVIA accelerates the adoption of emerging technologies while mitigating associated risks. The company addresses critical needs in areas such as population health, clinical data insights, care model redesign, patient engagement, and operational effectiveness. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, AVIA serves a diverse clientele, including health systems, medical groups, health plans, and life sciences companies.

LearnCore

Venture Round in 2013
LearnCore is a cloud-based learning platform dedicated to enhancing mission-critical skills and developing top performers within organizations. It provides sales training and coaching software designed to improve the buyer-seller experience by equipping sales professionals with the necessary training to engage effectively with potential clients. The platform features collaborative technology that allows users to practice skills and learn from high performers, streamlining the development process. Additionally, it offers managers and executives valuable insights into team performance and identifies skill gaps, facilitating targeted coaching and training efforts. LearnCore aims to elevate employee performance and drive productivity across organizations.

GetSet

Venture Round in 2013
GetSet Learning, LLC operates an online platform designed to support students in exploring, defining, and achieving their goals collaboratively. Founded in 2012 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the platform allows students to create personalized plans, set reminders, and ask questions. It facilitates connections among students who share similar objectives, fostering a supportive community where they can share experiences and overcome challenges together. By promoting skills such as resilience, growth mindset, and self-regulation, GetSet enhances students' learning experiences and encourages behavioral change through community engagement. Additionally, the platform provides schools with valuable analytics and tools for outreach and intervention, further enriching the educational environment.

Shiftgig

Series A in 2012
Shiftgig, Inc. operates a mobile platform that connects businesses in need of temporary labor with individuals seeking short-term work. Founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, the company serves various industries including healthcare, hospitality, retail, and experiential marketing. Its platform facilitates on-demand shift opportunities by enabling businesses to post job openings and allowing qualified workers to claim them based on their skills and availability. Shiftgig collects data on hiring requirements and worker capabilities to ensure efficient and timely matches. The company also provides tools for event management, enhancing the overall staffing process. In addition to its Chicago headquarters, Shiftgig has offices in several major cities, including Milwaukee, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and New York.

SwipeSense

Venture Round in 2012
SwipeSense, Inc. offers a hand hygiene solution that combines point-of-care hand hygiene dispensers with real-time data from existing dispensers. The company offers portable dispensers, badges, wall mounted dispensers, hubs, and analytics. It serves the healthcare industry. The company was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Bucketfeet

Angel Round in 2012
BucketFeet, Inc., doing business as BucketFeet, designs and manufactures shoes for men, women, and children. It also offers tees, hoodies, and socks. The company provides its products online. BucketFeet, Inc. was founded in 2011 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. As of October 23, 2017, BucketFeet, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of SkinnyCorp, LLC.

Tastebud

Seed Round in 2012
*Tastebud Techologies, Inc. was formerly StyleSeek, Inc.* Tastebud builds mobile experiences that personalize the world around you. The Tastebud Retail platform helps drive sales at brick-and-mortar shopping centers via personalized offers, games, loyalty programs, and beacon technology. We've delighted millions of users nationwide, and are fortunate to work with hundreds of leading retailers and brands.

Dose

Venture Round in 2012
Spartz is an online platform that makes it easy to create and share content with others to make them learn, laugh, and feel inspired. Its network, including OMG Facts, GivesMeHope, and MuggleNet, attracts 17 million readers across dozens of websites, mobile platforms, and apps. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
Buzz Referrals enables companies to have their own referral programs that integrate with both social media and their company websites. The company is specialized in e-mail, mobile, and native advertising.