Lakewest Venture Partners

RealVision, established in 2013 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with an additional location in Minneapolis, specializes in developing a B2B content marketing and media technology platform for the real estate industry. The company's core offering is a comprehensive real estate marketing package, comprising 3D virtual tours, floor plans, and still photos, designed to help real estate professionals, including brokers and agents, effectively market properties online. RealVision's platform enables users to navigate properties in all dimensions, providing a holistic view of listings, and also caters to businesses outside real estate, assisting them in converting online visitors into customers.

AddStructure Inc. is a technology company based in New York that specializes in developing a platform for retailers, leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. Founded in 2014, the company offers several key products, including Signal, a plugin that enhances search relevance; Path, which generates search engine optimized landing pages; and Scaffold, an API that supports various search and discovery applications. These tools are designed to help retailers improve their search capabilities and increase organic traffic without the need for extensive engineering resources. AddStructure's technology also enables conversational commerce, allowing consumers to interact with intelligent digital assistants for product discovery and purchasing. As of February 2018, AddStructure operates as a subsidiary of Bazaarvoice, Inc.

XOR Data Exchange, Inc. has developed a permission-based data exchange platform aimed at addressing fraud and credit risk issues in the financial services and communications sectors. By enabling data owners to share information securely, the platform allows organizations to optimize and monetize their data while maintaining ownership and control. XOR Data Exchange also offers solutions to combat identity theft, including a compromised identity exchange and a patent-pending technology called Lumen, which identifies personal information on the Internet, including dark web sources. The company serves various clients, including credit card issuers, small business lenders, and sectors such as wireless and cable industries. Founded in 2014, XOR Data Exchange is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

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. is an online retailer specializing in arts and crafts, founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The company offers a comprehensive platform where creative individuals can shop for craft supplies and tools, as well as access instructional videos for various DIY projects. Blitsy focuses on providing a curated shopping experience through limited-time sale events, enhancing the value and inspiration for its customers. As of November 2017, Blitsy operates as a subsidiary of Nicole Crafts LLC, further solidifying its presence in the arts and crafts market.

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, Inc., based in Chicago, Illinois, is a direct-to-consumer footwear brand that specializes in artist-designed shoes for men, women, and children. Founded in 2011, the company collaborates with a global community of artists to create unique, limited-edition sneakers, with each pair featuring a different artist's design. BucketFeet operates an online platform where customers can order shoes that are printed only after they are purchased, thus reducing unnecessary environmental waste associated with traditional manufacturing cycles. In addition to footwear, the company also offers apparel such as tees, hoodies, and socks. Through its innovative approach, BucketFeet aims to foster meaningful conversations and empower artists to share their stories through the medium of shoes, serving as a canvas for diverse artistic expression. As of late 2017, BucketFeet operates as a subsidiary of SkinnyCorp, LLC.

XOR Data Exchange, Inc. has developed a permission-based data exchange platform aimed at addressing fraud and credit risk issues in the financial services and communications sectors. By enabling data owners to share information securely, the platform allows organizations to optimize and monetize their data while maintaining ownership and control. XOR Data Exchange also offers solutions to combat identity theft, including a compromised identity exchange and a patent-pending technology called Lumen, which identifies personal information on the Internet, including dark web sources. The company serves various clients, including credit card issuers, small business lenders, and sectors such as wireless and cable industries. Founded in 2014, XOR Data Exchange is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Popular Pays, Inc. operates a platform that connects brands with content creators to facilitate the production of engaging content. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in New York, the company provides a marketplace where brands and creators can collaborate effectively. The platform features tools such as a brief builder, creator profiles, in-app messaging, and API integrations, allowing brands to manage their campaigns efficiently and select suitable creators for their needs. Through its in-house built application and dashboard, Popular Pays enables seamless communication and offers valuable analytics, enhancing the collaboration process for both parties involved.

Packback, Inc. is an education technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, that operates an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to enhance critical thinking skills among college students. Founded in 2014, Packback offers two primary products: PB Books, which provides online textbooks on a rental basis, and PB Questions, a digital discussion platform that facilitates online interactions between students and professors. The platform aims to foster a deeper engagement with subject matter, promote personalized learning experiences, and enable educators to assess and improve students' critical thinking abilities effectively. By leveraging its proprietary AI, Packback supports mastery-based learning and sound pedagogical practices in higher education.

Blitsy, Inc. is an online retailer specializing in arts and crafts, founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The company offers a comprehensive platform where creative individuals can shop for craft supplies and tools, as well as access instructional videos for various DIY projects. Blitsy focuses on providing a curated shopping experience through limited-time sale events, enhancing the value and inspiration for its customers. As of November 2017, Blitsy operates as a subsidiary of Nicole Crafts LLC, further solidifying its presence in the arts and crafts market.

Rentable is an internet company founded in 2011 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, that focuses on enhancing the apartment rental search experience. Its web-based platform offers users a variety of tools, including localized flat listings, map-based searches, and shortlisting features, allowing for easy navigation through available properties. Additionally, Rentable provides an affordability calculator to assist users in determining suitable rental options based on their budget. By leveraging modern technology and an intuitive user interface, Rentable aims to streamline the process of finding apartments, making it more efficient and user-friendly for individuals seeking rental accommodations.

Luxury Garage Sale, Inc. operates a consignment boutique and an online e-commerce platform specializing in the sale of luxury designer clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. Founded in 2010 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a diverse range of products, including dresses, jackets, pants, and various types of footwear, as well as a selection of jewelry and fashion accessories. With physical locations in Chicago, Highland Park, and Dallas, Luxury Garage Sale provides consumers with access to high-end fashion items at lower prices through a curated consignment model. The company emphasizes exceptional customer experience while making luxury fashion more accessible.

BucketFeet, Inc., based in Chicago, Illinois, is a direct-to-consumer footwear brand that specializes in artist-designed shoes for men, women, and children. Founded in 2011, the company collaborates with a global community of artists to create unique, limited-edition sneakers, with each pair featuring a different artist's design. BucketFeet operates an online platform where customers can order shoes that are printed only after they are purchased, thus reducing unnecessary environmental waste associated with traditional manufacturing cycles. In addition to footwear, the company also offers apparel such as tees, hoodies, and socks. Through its innovative approach, BucketFeet aims to foster meaningful conversations and empower artists to share their stories through the medium of shoes, serving as a canvas for diverse artistic expression. As of late 2017, BucketFeet operates as a subsidiary of SkinnyCorp, 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.

NuCurrent, Inc. is a developer based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in high-efficiency antennas and inductive components for wireless power applications. Founded in 2009, the company designs, fabricates, and integrates wireless power antennas and surface-mount inductors for various applications, including power electronics, RF devices, and frequency synthesizers. NuCurrent's products comply with industry standards such as the Alliance for Wireless Power and the Wireless Power Consortium, ensuring broad compatibility. The company collaborates closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators to provide custom-designed, rapid-prototype solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce size, and lower costs. By employing patented designs and advanced manufacturing techniques, NuCurrent aims to improve the durability and performance of wireless power systems, facilitating the evolution of electronic devices.

Telnyx LLC is a global connectivity platform that specializes in providing carrier-grade voice, messaging, and telecommunications solutions over a private, cloud-agnostic IP network. Established in 2009 and headquartered in Chicago, with additional offices in Dublin, Amsterdam, Warsaw, and São Paulo, Telnyx offers a range of services including SIP trunking, programmatic messaging, embedded communications, and telephony data. Its solutions are accessible through RESTful APIs and an intuitive Mission Control Portal, allowing users to manage their communications needs effectively. As an internationally licensed carrier, Telnyx ensures secure, high-fidelity connectivity while facilitating real-time communications across various applications. The company serves a diverse clientele, including prominent organizations like Cisco and Philips, providing them with mission-critical services backed by 24/7 engineering support.

Packback, Inc. is an education technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, that operates an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to enhance critical thinking skills among college students. Founded in 2014, Packback offers two primary products: PB Books, which provides online textbooks on a rental basis, and PB Questions, a digital discussion platform that facilitates online interactions between students and professors. The platform aims to foster a deeper engagement with subject matter, promote personalized learning experiences, and enable educators to assess and improve students' critical thinking abilities effectively. By leveraging its proprietary AI, Packback supports mastery-based learning and sound pedagogical practices in higher education.

Rentable is an internet company founded in 2011 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, that focuses on enhancing the apartment rental search experience. Its web-based platform offers users a variety of tools, including localized flat listings, map-based searches, and shortlisting features, allowing for easy navigation through available properties. Additionally, Rentable provides an affordability calculator to assist users in determining suitable rental options based on their budget. By leveraging modern technology and an intuitive user interface, Rentable aims to streamline the process of finding apartments, making it more efficient and user-friendly for individuals seeking rental accommodations.

Earshot, Inc. is a Chicago-based company that develops a social media software platform aimed at enhancing real-time precision-based marketing services for brands. The platform includes several key offerings: Earshot Pulse, which provides an engagement platform and analytics dashboard; Earshot Precision, a programmatic paid media solution that allows for custom audience segmentation and targeted advertising based on offline behaviors; and Earshot Insight, which delivers customized reports on location, competitive intelligence, and event-based analytics. A notable feature of Earshot's technology is its patent-pending Decibel Level, a real-time relevancy score that helps brands prioritize social media posts based on various customizable factors such as location and content. By filtering posts from targeted locations, Earshot enables brands to discover and engage consumers effectively, ultimately improving their return on investment from social media marketing efforts.

Blitsy, Inc. is an online retailer specializing in arts and crafts, founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The company offers a comprehensive platform where creative individuals can shop for craft supplies and tools, as well as access instructional videos for various DIY projects. Blitsy focuses on providing a curated shopping experience through limited-time sale events, enhancing the value and inspiration for its customers. As of November 2017, Blitsy operates as a subsidiary of Nicole Crafts LLC, further solidifying its presence in the arts and crafts market.

SpotHero Inc. is a leading provider of parking reservation services in North America, enabling drivers to easily locate and secure parking spots through its mobile application and website. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Detroit and operations in Toronto, the company allows users to compare prices and reserve discounted parking in garages and lots. The SpotHero application connects various parking facilities, including garages and valet services, facilitating seamless data exchange and payment processing. By streamlining the parking experience, SpotHero aims to make urban areas more accessible and enhance connectivity for drivers.

Visibly, Inc. is a healthcare technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in online eye examination services for patients across the United States. Originally known as Opternative, Inc., the company rebranded in November 2018. Visibly offers a refractive eye exam to measure prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, providing a digital solution for vision care. Its products cater to a variety of sectors, including e-commerce employers, eye care providers, insurance companies, online healthcare platforms, and optical retail. By offering a virtual vision testing technology, Visibly ensures that patients can conveniently renew their prescriptions and address their eye health needs from anywhere at any time, enhancing accessibility to essential eye care services.

OpenMarkets LLC is a collaborative marketplace specializing in capital medical equipment, including clinical items such as anesthesia machines and imaging equipment, as well as commoditized goods like laptops and furniture. Founded in 2010 and based in Skokie, Illinois, the company provides a software-as-a-service (SAAS) platform that enhances budgeting and planning for healthcare providers, improving supply chain visibility into clinician needs and vendor relationships. OpenMarkets also offers outsourced sourcing services and aggregates demand from hospitals to create volume savings opportunities. Its innovative system tracks equipment requirements, facilitating better negotiation and purchasing decisions while charging subscription and transaction fees for its services. Additionally, OpenMarkets has developed a cloud-based mobile engagement platform, indigo, to streamline communication for businesses.

BucketFeet, Inc., based in Chicago, Illinois, is a direct-to-consumer footwear brand that specializes in artist-designed shoes for men, women, and children. Founded in 2011, the company collaborates with a global community of artists to create unique, limited-edition sneakers, with each pair featuring a different artist's design. BucketFeet operates an online platform where customers can order shoes that are printed only after they are purchased, thus reducing unnecessary environmental waste associated with traditional manufacturing cycles. In addition to footwear, the company also offers apparel such as tees, hoodies, and socks. Through its innovative approach, BucketFeet aims to foster meaningful conversations and empower artists to share their stories through the medium of shoes, serving as a canvas for diverse artistic expression. As of late 2017, BucketFeet operates as a subsidiary of SkinnyCorp, LLC.

Packback, Inc. is an education technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, that operates an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to enhance critical thinking skills among college students. Founded in 2014, Packback offers two primary products: PB Books, which provides online textbooks on a rental basis, and PB Questions, a digital discussion platform that facilitates online interactions between students and professors. The platform aims to foster a deeper engagement with subject matter, promote personalized learning experiences, and enable educators to assess and improve students' critical thinking abilities effectively. By leveraging its proprietary AI, Packback supports mastery-based learning and sound pedagogical practices in higher education.

Popular Pays, Inc. operates a platform that connects brands with content creators to facilitate the production of engaging content. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in New York, the company provides a marketplace where brands and creators can collaborate effectively. The platform features tools such as a brief builder, creator profiles, in-app messaging, and API integrations, allowing brands to manage their campaigns efficiently and select suitable creators for their needs. Through its in-house built application and dashboard, Popular Pays enables seamless communication and offers valuable analytics, enhancing the collaboration process for both parties involved.

Enmetric Systems, Inc. is an enterprise Internet of Things company based in Belmont, California, that specializes in plug load management solutions for large enterprises. Founded in 2008, the company provides a platform that allows organizations to monitor, control, and manage energy consumption across various electronic devices, including workstation electronics, shared enterprise equipment, and kitchen appliances. By integrating its technology into common electrical interfaces such as power strips and outlets, Enmetric offers real-time energy use data and automated control, enabling clients to implement energy-use policies effectively. The platform also supports applications for reporting, peak-load reduction, load shifting, demand response, space optimization, and device audits, helping enterprises reduce energy costs and improve overall efficiency.

Food Genius, Inc. is a technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in data and menu analysis services for the food industry. Founded in 2010, the company offers a web-based platform known as Food Genius Reports, which delivers in-depth insights into restaurant menu trends and flavors by analyzing various menu items across numerous restaurant locations in the United States. Catering to foodservice manufacturers, operators, and distributors, Food Genius provides straightforward and digestible reports that address complex business questions, such as competitive price tracking and statistical analysis of menu offerings. The company serves notable clients, including Kraft, Coca-Cola, Arby’s, and US Foods. As an industry leader in foodservice data analytics, Food Genius aims to empower its clients with the knowledge necessary for making informed business decisions.

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. is an online retailer specializing in arts and crafts, founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The company offers a comprehensive platform where creative individuals can shop for craft supplies and tools, as well as access instructional videos for various DIY projects. Blitsy focuses on providing a curated shopping experience through limited-time sale events, enhancing the value and inspiration for its customers. As of November 2017, Blitsy operates as a subsidiary of Nicole Crafts LLC, further solidifying its presence in the arts and crafts market.

Desktime, LLC is a Chicago-based company that provides a SaaS platform designed for coworking operators and businesses with available space to manage and share their resources. Founded in 2011, Desktime enables users to rent shared spaces, including desks, conference rooms, or entire offices, on a flexible basis ranging from daily to monthly rentals. The platform integrates with various third-party software and hardware systems, facilitating payment processing and user communication. Additionally, Desktime features a directory that connects independent and mobile workers with suitable coworking spaces, enhancing accessibility to productive environments.

SimpleRelevance Inc. offers a marketing technology platform designed to enhance personalized digital marketing efforts for businesses. Founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, the company specializes in providing automated marketing recommendations across various channels, including emails, digital advertisements, social media, SMS, and mobile applications. SimpleRelevance utilizes machine learning technology to analyze customers' behavioral, demographic, and psychographic data, allowing businesses to tailor their marketing messages with precision. This personalization extends to aspects such as the timing of message delivery, subject lines, and product recommendations, ultimately leading to improved conversion rates and return on investment. The platform serves a diverse clientele, ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies across sectors such as media, finance, and retail. In December 2015, SimpleRelevance became a subsidiary of Rise Interactive, further enhancing its capabilities in the marketing technology space.

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 LLC is a collaborative marketplace specializing in capital medical equipment, including clinical items such as anesthesia machines and imaging equipment, as well as commoditized goods like laptops and furniture. Founded in 2010 and based in Skokie, Illinois, the company provides a software-as-a-service (SAAS) platform that enhances budgeting and planning for healthcare providers, improving supply chain visibility into clinician needs and vendor relationships. OpenMarkets also offers outsourced sourcing services and aggregates demand from hospitals to create volume savings opportunities. Its innovative system tracks equipment requirements, facilitating better negotiation and purchasing decisions while charging subscription and transaction fees for its services. Additionally, OpenMarkets has developed a cloud-based mobile engagement platform, indigo, to streamline communication for businesses.

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. operates a cloud-based texting platform that allows businesses in the United States and Canada to text-enable their existing landline and toll-free phone numbers. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company serves small and mid-sized businesses across various sectors, including auto repair, healthcare, beauty services, and public safety. By providing the capability for two-way text conversations, Zipwhip enhances customer service and engagement, enabling businesses to field inquiries, schedule appointments, send reminders, and accept orders via text. Its technology combines direct network connectivity with user-friendly software, allowing organizations to communicate effectively and efficiently with their customers.