Lakewest Venture Partners

Realvision is a Toronto-based immersive media technology company that builds a platform for real estate marketing. The platform provides a complete marketing package for property listings, including three-dimensional virtual tours, floor plans, and still photographs, enabling real estate agents and brokers to showcase properties online and in print. It supports VR-ready tours captured with DSLR cameras and can present spaces such as condos, houses, venues, offices, hotels, and restaurants. Realvision's solutions aim to turn online visitors into potential buyers by delivering a comprehensive, room-by-room view of listings. The company was formerly Toursler and began operations in 2013, with an additional office in Minneapolis.

AddStructure Inc. is a technology company based in New York, founded in 2014, that specializes in developing an artificial intelligence-powered search and discovery platform. The company offers innovative products such as Signal, which enhances search relevance through machine learning and natural language processing; Path, which generates search engine optimized landing pages to boost organic traffic; and Scaffold, an API that serves as a foundational tool for various search projects. AddStructure's platform enables retailers and brands to implement conversational commerce solutions, streamlining the way consumers interact with products through features like review summarization and intelligent digital assistants. By leveraging its technology, AddStructure aims to increase revenue for its clients by improving product visibility and engagement without necessitating significant investments in engineering resources. As of February 2018, AddStructure operates as a subsidiary of Bazaarvoice, Inc.

XOR Data Exchange, Inc. is a data exchange platform that focuses on permission-based data sharing to address fraud and credit risk issues within the financial services and communications sectors. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company enables data owners to maintain control over their information while facilitating its optimization and monetization. By allowing organizations to share data across both competing and non-competing industries, XOR Data Exchange enhances accountability and transparency. Additionally, the company offers solutions such as a compromised identity exchange to protect consumers from identity theft and fraud, as well as Lumen, a patent-pending technology that searches for personal information on the Internet, including dark websites known for trafficking in stolen data. Its clientele includes credit card issuers, small business lenders, marketplace lenders, and companies within the wireless, cable, and satellite industries.

Align Income Share Funding, formerly Cumulus Funding, is to invest in the American worker. Many people in this country need access to funds for many different reasons. They recognize that in many cases, traditional banks and lenders are unwilling or unable to meet those individuals’ needs. When loans are available, they are made at terms that are extremely favorable to the banks — high and inflexible interest payments, multiple hidden fees and service charges, and often, a requirement that if you can’t make your payments the bank can come and take your personal assets that were pledged as collateral.

Blitsy, Inc., founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is an online retailer specializing in arts and crafts supplies. The company provides a comprehensive shopping platform that offers a wide selection of craft supplies, tools, and instructional videos for various DIY projects. Blitsy aims to enhance the online shopping experience for creative individuals by offering curated, limited-time sale events that feature unique products and competitive prices. Additionally, the company supports craft suppliers with digital promotion services, helping them reach a broader audience in the arts and crafts market. As of 2017, Blitsy operates as a subsidiary of Nicole Crafts LLC.

Shiftgig, Inc. is a technology company that operates a workforce management platform designed to connect individuals seeking temporary work with businesses requiring on-demand staffing. Founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Shiftgig serves a variety of industries, including food service, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and experiential marketing. The platform allows businesses to post job opportunities while enabling workers to browse and claim shifts that align with their skills and schedules. By collecting data on hiring requirements and worker qualifications, Shiftgig facilitates timely matching and effective event management. The company also provides mobile applications for both Android and iPhone, enhancing accessibility for users. With additional offices in cities such as Milwaukee, Atlanta, Dallas, and New York, Shiftgig aims to streamline staffing processes and optimize workforce management for its clients.

Bucketfeet is a direct-to-consumer shoe brand based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2011 by Raaja Nemani and Aaron Firestein. The company collaborates with a global community of artists to design limited-edition shoes, allowing each artist to create unique shoe designs that are printed on sneakers once ordered online. This responsive commerce model enables Bucketfeet to disrupt traditional manufacturing cycles by letting the community select styles they’d like to purchase and wear, thereby informing demand. In addition to shoes, Bucketfeet offers tees, hoodies, and socks, all available for purchase through its online platform. The company aims to spark meaningful conversations and create a brighter world by empowering artists to share their stories and perspectives using art on footwear as their canvas.

XOR Data Exchange, Inc. is a data exchange platform that focuses on permission-based data sharing to address fraud and credit risk issues within the financial services and communications sectors. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company enables data owners to maintain control over their information while facilitating its optimization and monetization. By allowing organizations to share data across both competing and non-competing industries, XOR Data Exchange enhances accountability and transparency. Additionally, the company offers solutions such as a compromised identity exchange to protect consumers from identity theft and fraud, as well as Lumen, a patent-pending technology that searches for personal information on the Internet, including dark websites known for trafficking in stolen data. Its clientele includes credit card issuers, small business lenders, marketplace lenders, and companies within the wireless, cable, and satellite industries.

Popular Pays, Inc. is a technology company that operates a platform designed to connect brands with content creators, facilitating the production of engaging and shareable content. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional location in New York, Popular Pays offers a comprehensive marketplace where brands can browse, apply, and collaborate with creators. The platform features tools such as a brief builder, creator profiles, in-app messaging, and API integrations, which streamline the collaboration process and enhance communication between users. By providing powerful analytics and workflow tools, Popular Pays empowers brands to effectively manage campaigns and select the right creators to tell their stories.

Packback is an education technology company that provides an AI‑driven online discussion platform used by college professors to assess and enhance students’ critical thinking. The platform, known as PB Questions, facilitates structured, peer‑reviewed conversations that quantify learning outcomes. In addition, Packback offers PB Books, a digital textbook rental service that delivers course materials on demand. By combining artificial intelligence with evidence‑based pedagogy, the company enables educators to scale interactive learning and helps students develop a stronger voice in their studies.

Blitsy, Inc., founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is an online retailer specializing in arts and crafts supplies. The company provides a comprehensive shopping platform that offers a wide selection of craft supplies, tools, and instructional videos for various DIY projects. Blitsy aims to enhance the online shopping experience for creative individuals by offering curated, limited-time sale events that feature unique products and competitive prices. Additionally, the company supports craft suppliers with digital promotion services, helping them reach a broader audience in the arts and crafts market. As of 2017, Blitsy operates as a subsidiary of Nicole Crafts LLC.

Rentable is an internet company founded in 2011 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, that focuses on enhancing the apartment rental search experience. The company offers a web-based platform that features localized flat listings, search aids, and map-based searches. Its intuitive user design and robust search functionality allow users to browse apartment listings easily and calculate rent affordability. By leveraging modern technology, Rentable aims to streamline the process of finding suitable rental properties, catering to the needs of rent seekers looking for a more efficient way to search for apartments.

Founded in 2010, Luxury Garage Sale is a Chicago-based boutique that specializes in the resale of luxury designer clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry. It operates physical stores in Illinois and Texas, as well as an online platform, offering customers high-end fashion at affordable prices.

Bucketfeet is a direct-to-consumer shoe brand based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2011 by Raaja Nemani and Aaron Firestein. The company collaborates with a global community of artists to design limited-edition shoes, allowing each artist to create unique shoe designs that are printed on sneakers once ordered online. This responsive commerce model enables Bucketfeet to disrupt traditional manufacturing cycles by letting the community select styles they’d like to purchase and wear, thereby informing demand. In addition to shoes, Bucketfeet offers tees, hoodies, and socks, all available for purchase through its online platform. The company aims to spark meaningful conversations and create a brighter world by empowering artists to share their stories and perspectives using art on footwear as their canvas.

Shiftgig, Inc. is a technology company that operates a workforce management platform designed to connect individuals seeking temporary work with businesses requiring on-demand staffing. Founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Shiftgig serves a variety of industries, including food service, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and experiential marketing. The platform allows businesses to post job opportunities while enabling workers to browse and claim shifts that align with their skills and schedules. By collecting data on hiring requirements and worker qualifications, Shiftgig facilitates timely matching and effective event management. The company also provides mobile applications for both Android and iPhone, enhancing accessibility for users. With additional offices in cities such as Milwaukee, Atlanta, Dallas, and New York, Shiftgig aims to streamline staffing processes and optimize workforce management for its clients.

NuCurrent is a Chicago-based developer and manufacturer of wireless power technologies, founded in 2009. It designs, fabricates, and integrates wireless power antennas, surface-mount inductors, and inductive coils for low- and high-frequency systems, and provides custom-designed prototypes. The company offers high-efficiency antennas and components suitable for a range of applications, and supports rapid prototyping and integration for OEMs and system integrators. Its wireless power solutions comply with major standards including A4WP, Qi, and PMA, enabling collaboration with automotive, consumer, industrial, IoT, mobile, and wearable device manufacturers. By focusing on optimized designs and manufacturing techniques, NuCurrent aims to deliver higher efficiency, smaller form factors, greater durability, and lower costs in wireless power deployment.

Telnyx develops and provides global carrier-grade communication solutions via its cloud-based platform. It offers voice, messaging, video, wireless, fax, and identity services, accessible through APIs and Mission Control Portal. Established in 2009, Telnyx operates globally with offices in Chicago, Dublin, Amsterdam, Warsaw, and São Paulo.

Packback is an education technology company that provides an AI‑driven online discussion platform used by college professors to assess and enhance students’ critical thinking. The platform, known as PB Questions, facilitates structured, peer‑reviewed conversations that quantify learning outcomes. In addition, Packback offers PB Books, a digital textbook rental service that delivers course materials on demand. By combining artificial intelligence with evidence‑based pedagogy, the company enables educators to scale interactive learning and helps students develop a stronger voice in their studies.

Rentable is an internet company founded in 2011 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, that focuses on enhancing the apartment rental search experience. The company offers a web-based platform that features localized flat listings, search aids, and map-based searches. Its intuitive user design and robust search functionality allow users to browse apartment listings easily and calculate rent affordability. By leveraging modern technology, Rentable aims to streamline the process of finding suitable rental properties, catering to the needs of rent seekers looking for a more efficient way to search for apartments.

Earshot, Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in a precision-based social media marketing platform aimed at enhancing brand engagement and customer acquisition. Founded in 2012 and originally named Evzdrop, Inc., the company offers innovative solutions such as Earshot Pulse, an engagement platform featuring a real-time analytics dashboard; Earshot Precision, a programmatic paid media solution that provides custom audience segmentation and precise targeting; and Earshot Insight, which delivers tailored intelligence reports on locations and competitive analysis. A key feature of Earshot's platform is the patent-pending Decibel Level, a customizable real-time relevancy score that allows brands to prioritize social media posts based on various factors, such as location and content. This approach helps enterprises convert social media interactions into actionable insights, thereby improving their marketing effectiveness.

Blitsy, Inc., founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is an online retailer specializing in arts and crafts supplies. The company provides a comprehensive shopping platform that offers a wide selection of craft supplies, tools, and instructional videos for various DIY projects. Blitsy aims to enhance the online shopping experience for creative individuals by offering curated, limited-time sale events that feature unique products and competitive prices. Additionally, the company supports craft suppliers with digital promotion services, helping them reach a broader audience in the arts and crafts market. As of 2017, Blitsy operates as a subsidiary of Nicole Crafts LLC.

Founded in 2011, SpotHero is a leading independent marketplace for parking reservations in North America. It offers a mobile application and website that enables drivers to locate, price, compare, and reserve discounted parking spots from various garages and lots.

Visibly is a healthcare technology company based in Chicago that provides online eye examinations and digital vision care services. It offers remote refractive assessments to determine prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses and supports optical businesses with online vision testing, prescription renewals, and integrated digital tools. The company serves consumers, eye care providers, insurers, online health platforms, and optical retailers through e-commerce channels, enabling convenient access to vision care and streamlined operations for practitioners. Formerly Opternative, it rebranded as Visibly in 2018 and was founded in 2013.

OpenMarkets operates a collaborative marketplace for medical capital equipment procurement. It negotiates prices for clinical items like anesthesia machines and imaging equipment, along with commoditized equipment such as laptops and furniture. Additionally, it offers Indigo, a cloud-based mobile engagement platform for customer and employee communication. Founded in 2010, OpenMarkets is headquartered in Skokie, Illinois.

Bucketfeet is a direct-to-consumer shoe brand based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2011 by Raaja Nemani and Aaron Firestein. The company collaborates with a global community of artists to design limited-edition shoes, allowing each artist to create unique shoe designs that are printed on sneakers once ordered online. This responsive commerce model enables Bucketfeet to disrupt traditional manufacturing cycles by letting the community select styles they’d like to purchase and wear, thereby informing demand. In addition to shoes, Bucketfeet offers tees, hoodies, and socks, all available for purchase through its online platform. The company aims to spark meaningful conversations and create a brighter world by empowering artists to share their stories and perspectives using art on footwear as their canvas.

Packback is an education technology company that provides an AI‑driven online discussion platform used by college professors to assess and enhance students’ critical thinking. The platform, known as PB Questions, facilitates structured, peer‑reviewed conversations that quantify learning outcomes. In addition, Packback offers PB Books, a digital textbook rental service that delivers course materials on demand. By combining artificial intelligence with evidence‑based pedagogy, the company enables educators to scale interactive learning and helps students develop a stronger voice in their studies.

Popular Pays, Inc. is a technology company that operates a platform designed to connect brands with content creators, facilitating the production of engaging and shareable content. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional location in New York, Popular Pays offers a comprehensive marketplace where brands can browse, apply, and collaborate with creators. The platform features tools such as a brief builder, creator profiles, in-app messaging, and API integrations, which streamline the collaboration process and enhance communication between users. By providing powerful analytics and workflow tools, Popular Pays empowers brands to effectively manage campaigns and select the right creators to tell their stories.

Enmetric Systems, Inc. is an enterprise Internet of Things company based in Belmont, California, specializing in plug load management solutions for large organizations. Founded in 2008, the company provides a platform that allows businesses to monitor, control, and manage energy use across various plug load devices, including workstation electronics, shared devices, and kitchen appliances. Enmetric's technology integrates directly with common electrical interfaces such as power strips, outlets, and light switches, facilitating automated control and measurement of energy consumption. Their enterprise management software collects and analyzes real-time energy use data, assisting organizations in implementing effective energy use policies, optimizing space, and achieving cost reductions through enhanced reporting and demand response strategies.

Food Genius provides data-driven insights to the foodservice industry. It offers menu analysis services, gathering and interpreting granular data from various restaurant locations in the U.S., serving brands, manufacturers, distributors, and restaurant chains.

NextSpace Coworking & Innovation, Inc. is a provider of shared workspaces located in various cities, including Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose, Culver City, and Chicago. Founded in 2008 and based in Santa Cruz, California, the company caters to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals by offering both physical and virtual workspace solutions. Its facilities include desks, private offices, conference rooms, and amenities such as high-speed internet, printing services, and community programming. NextSpace focuses on fostering a collaborative environment that serves as a hub for networking and inspiration, while accommodating diverse workstyles through flexible options like day passes and dedicated workstations. The company operates as a subsidiary of PBC Management LLC.

Blitsy, Inc., founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is an online retailer specializing in arts and crafts supplies. The company provides a comprehensive shopping platform that offers a wide selection of craft supplies, tools, and instructional videos for various DIY projects. Blitsy aims to enhance the online shopping experience for creative individuals by offering curated, limited-time sale events that feature unique products and competitive prices. Additionally, the company supports craft suppliers with digital promotion services, helping them reach a broader audience in the arts and crafts market. As of 2017, Blitsy operates as a subsidiary of Nicole Crafts LLC.

Desktime, LLC is a Chicago-based company founded in 2011 that operates a SaaS platform designed for coworking operators and businesses with extra capacity. The platform facilitates the sharing of workspaces by allowing users to manage availability, resources, and payments, as well as integrate with third-party software and hardware systems. Users can rent shared spaces, including desks, conference rooms, and entire offices, on a flexible basis—by the day, week, or month. Additionally, Desktime features a directory that lists various coworking spaces, helping independent and mobile workers connect with suitable environments for their work needs.

SimpleRelevance Inc. is a marketing technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in providing a personalization platform for digital marketers. Established in 2011, the company focuses on enhancing customer engagement through personalized and automated marketing across various channels, including emails, digital advertisements, and mobile applications. By leveraging machine learning technology, SimpleRelevance enables businesses to optimize their marketing messages using both internal and external customer data. This approach allows for tailored communications that consider factors such as customer behavior and preferences, resulting in improved conversion rates and return on investment. SimpleRelevance caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from small businesses to large Fortune 500 companies in sectors such as media, finance, and retail. In December 2015, the company was acquired by Rise Interactive, further integrating its innovative technology into the broader marketing solutions offered by its parent company.

LearnCore is a cloud-based learning platform specializing in skill development and training for sales professionals. The company focuses on enhancing the capabilities of employees through collaborative technology that facilitates practice and learning from top performers. By providing salespeople with essential training and coaching, LearnCore aims to improve the buyer and seller experience and foster informed discussions with potential clients. The platform also offers managers and executives valuable insights into team performance and identifies skill gaps, ultimately contributing to increased productivity and effectiveness within organizations.

OpenMarkets operates a collaborative marketplace for medical capital equipment procurement. It negotiates prices for clinical items like anesthesia machines and imaging equipment, along with commoditized equipment such as laptops and furniture. Additionally, it offers Indigo, a cloud-based mobile engagement platform for customer and employee communication. Founded in 2010, OpenMarkets is headquartered in Skokie, Illinois.

Shiftgig, Inc. is a technology company that operates a workforce management platform designed to connect individuals seeking temporary work with businesses requiring on-demand staffing. Founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Shiftgig serves a variety of industries, including food service, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and experiential marketing. The platform allows businesses to post job opportunities while enabling workers to browse and claim shifts that align with their skills and schedules. By collecting data on hiring requirements and worker qualifications, Shiftgig facilitates timely matching and effective event management. The company also provides mobile applications for both Android and iPhone, enhancing accessibility for users. With additional offices in cities such as Milwaukee, Atlanta, Dallas, and New York, Shiftgig aims to streamline staffing processes and optimize workforce management for its clients.

Ingage, developed by ScrollMotion, Inc., is a software platform that allows businesses to create and share interactive touchscreen content without the need for extensive design or development resources. This software as a service (SaaS) solution provides sales teams with tools to create, customize, and deliver branded content that enhances engagement throughout the sales process. Users can easily create new presentations or import existing PowerPoint files, share content from mobile devices, and utilize interactive elements such as images, videos, and product specifications. Ingage also offers analytics features that track content engagement, enabling teams to understand viewer interactions and adapt their materials for improved effectiveness. The platform serves a diverse range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, finance, and retail, and is supported by Scrollmotion Blue, a creative agency that collaborates with clients to develop tailored interactive solutions. Founded in 2008, ScrollMotion is headquartered in New York, with an additional office in La Jolla, California.

Zipwhip, Inc. is a Seattle-based company that operates a cloud-based texting platform, enabling businesses in the United States and Canada to text-enable their existing landline and toll-free phone numbers. Founded in 2007, Zipwhip provides a solution that allows small and mid-sized businesses, such as auto repair shops, dentists, and beauty salons, to enhance customer service and drive sales through two-way text conversations. The platform facilitates effective communication by allowing customers the option to text or call, thereby increasing engagement and productivity. With a focus on modernizing customer interactions, Zipwhip supports various sectors, including foodservice, staffing agencies, and public services, by enabling them to handle inquiries, schedule appointments, send reminders, and take orders via text messaging.