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, 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, Inc. is an education technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2014. It operates an artificial intelligence-powered discussion platform designed for college professors to enhance student engagement and assess critical thinking skills through online discussions. The platform includes PB Books, which provides online textbooks for rental, and PB Questions, which facilitates digital discussions among students. By leveraging proprietary AI technology, Packback aims to foster a love for learning, promote personalized educational experiences, and enable students to develop their voices through mastery-based learning.

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.

Luxury Garage Sale is a retailer that operates both physical stores and an online e-commerce platform, specializing in the sale of luxury designer clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, and jewelry. The company sources these items through consignment and offers them to consumers at discounted prices, providing access to high-end fashion brands at more affordable rates. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Luxury Garage Sale has physical locations in Chicago, Highland Park (Illinois), and Dallas (Texas).

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, 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.

Telnyx LLC is a cloud communication platform that specializes in providing carrier-grade voice and messaging solutions. Incorporated in 2009 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Dublin, Amsterdam, Warsaw, and São Paulo, Telnyx operates on a private, cloud-agnostic IP network. The company offers a range of services, including SIP trunking, programmatic messaging, embedded communications, and international numbering solutions, all accessible through its robust API and the award-winning Mission Control portal. As an internationally licensed carrier, Telnyx ensures secure, high-fidelity connectivity, catering to a diverse clientele that includes major organizations such as Cisco and Philips. The platform is designed to support real-time communications while providing clients with complete control over their telecommunications infrastructure, thus enabling efficient and low-latency interactions.

Packback, Inc. is an education technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2014. It operates an artificial intelligence-powered discussion platform designed for college professors to enhance student engagement and assess critical thinking skills through online discussions. The platform includes PB Books, which provides online textbooks for rental, and PB Questions, which facilitates digital discussions among students. By leveraging proprietary AI technology, Packback aims to foster a love for learning, promote personalized educational experiences, and enable students to develop their voices through mastery-based learning.

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.

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 healthcare technology company based in Skokie, Illinois, that specializes in providing a collaborative marketplace for capital medical equipment. Founded in 2010, OpenMarkets focuses on helping healthcare providers save money on clinical capital items, such as anesthesia machines and imaging equipment, as well as commoditized items like laptops and furniture. The company offers a cloud-based software platform that enhances visibility into supply chain needs, aids in budgeting and planning, and facilitates better communication between healthcare providers and vendors. In addition to its software as a service (SAAS) offerings, OpenMarkets provides outsourced sourcing services and aggregates hospital demand to create volume savings opportunities. The company generates revenue through subscription fees for its software and transaction fees based on savings achieved.

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, Inc. is an education technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2014. It operates an artificial intelligence-powered discussion platform designed for college professors to enhance student engagement and assess critical thinking skills through online discussions. The platform includes PB Books, which provides online textbooks for rental, and PB Questions, which facilitates digital discussions among students. By leveraging proprietary AI technology, Packback aims to foster a love for learning, promote personalized educational experiences, and enable students to develop their voices through mastery-based learning.

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, Inc. is a technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in data and restaurant menu analysis services for the food industry. Founded in 2010, it offers a web-based platform known as Food Genius Reports, which provides clients with insights into restaurant trends and menu items across the United States. The company focuses on delivering detailed and actionable data to foodservice manufacturers, operators, and distributors, helping them address complex business questions ranging from competitive price tracking to flavor trend analysis. Food Genius serves a diverse clientele, including well-known brands and restaurant chains, and is recognized as a leader in foodservice data and analytics. As of 2016, Food Genius operates as a subsidiary of US Foods, Inc.

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 LLC is a healthcare technology company based in Skokie, Illinois, that specializes in providing a collaborative marketplace for capital medical equipment. Founded in 2010, OpenMarkets focuses on helping healthcare providers save money on clinical capital items, such as anesthesia machines and imaging equipment, as well as commoditized items like laptops and furniture. The company offers a cloud-based software platform that enhances visibility into supply chain needs, aids in budgeting and planning, and facilitates better communication between healthcare providers and vendors. In addition to its software as a service (SAAS) offerings, OpenMarkets provides outsourced sourcing services and aggregates hospital demand to create volume savings opportunities. The company generates revenue through subscription fees for its software and transaction fees based on savings achieved.

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.