Unvale
Pre Seed Round in 2025
Unvale is a rapidly expanding social platform designed for creatives. It facilitates the development of stories, helps users grow an audience, and enables self-publishing. The platform's core feature is an online character management system, allowing creators to build detailed profiles for their characters, fostering connections with others, and aiding in the transformation of ideas into published stories.
Unvale
Pre Seed Round in 2024
Unvale is a rapidly expanding social platform designed for creatives. It facilitates the development of stories, helps users grow an audience, and enables self-publishing. The platform's core feature is an online character management system, allowing creators to build detailed profiles for their characters, fostering connections with others, and aiding in the transformation of ideas into published stories.
Tercero Technologies
Pre Seed Round in 2024
Tercero Technologies is a Chicago-based company specializing in artificial intelligence with a focus on edge AI software and hardware. It is engaged in the research, development, and integration of intelligent sensors and autonomous vehicles. The company excels in areas such as autonomous navigation and control, perception and sensor processing, and system architecture planning. Tercero Technologies also emphasizes open communications standards and vehicle and platform systems integration, providing solutions that enhance intelligent sensor applications and autonomous vehicle capabilities, particularly within the defense sector.
Flora & Noor
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Flora & Noor is an inclusive skincare brand that focuses on providing halal, vegan, and cruelty-free products designed for individuals with melanin-rich skin. The company offers a diverse range of luxury skincare items, including cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, masks, body care products, and specialized collections like vitamin C and rose renewal. Emphasizing organic ingredients, Flora & Noor aims to meet the skincare needs of consumers who appreciate clean beauty and seek effective solutions for their specific skin concerns. By catering to a diverse clientele, the brand ensures that skincare reflects the true diversity of its customers while promoting glowing and healthy skin.
Cuentología
Seed Round in 2023
Cuentología helps children overcome today's everyday challenges. It was founded in 2020.
Foode
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Foode is a technology company that operates a social utility application platform focused on enhancing the dining experience. Its platform connects users with personalized dining recommendations, facilitates interaction with like-minded food enthusiasts, and provides a convenient, curated directory of restaurants and eateries. Additionally, Foode rewards users for their food-related activities, incentivizing engagement and fostering a community of passionate foodies.
FitOS
Pre Seed Round in 2023
FitOS is a health tech startup defining the future of fitness discovery. Our first app, FitLevel, is a Software As A Service (SAAS) app merging in-person and digital workout experiences into one omni-channel platform. FitLevel will redefine discovery, community, and engagement for gym goers and maximize customer retention and acquisition for gym operators.
Blip Energy
Seed Round in 2023
Blip Energy is a developer of innovative battery energy storage systems designed to address surging peak demand and enhance the efficiency of the power grid. The company offers smart, affordable, plug-and-play solutions that enable users to optimize their energy costs while also providing critical backup power when needed. By leveraging artificial intelligence and a distributed network of Internet of Things (IoT) batteries, Blip Energy's platform facilitates a seamless integration into the smart grid, allowing for drop-in energy management without the typical permitting and installation barriers. This approach not only lowers operating costs for utilities but also supports the broader transition to a sustainable and reliable power infrastructure. Blip Energy's business model emphasizes resilience and cost savings, making it well-suited to meet current energy demands and future grid challenges.
Grapefruit Health
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Grapefruit Health is a healthcare technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2022. It addresses the significant staffing shortages in the healthcare sector by leveraging a clinical student workforce to conduct remote patient interactions. The company recruits, trains, and manages clinical students to operate on technology platforms for healthcare organizations, thereby enhancing the efficiency of hospitals and clinics. By creating a semi-clinical workforce, Grapefruit Health aims to provide effective solutions to the challenges faced in the healthcare industry while also offering valuable experience to its student workforce.
Co-Created Goods
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Co-Created Goods operates a social commerce marketplace that empowers consumers to engage with their favorite brands by voting on potential products and content before they are officially launched. The platform facilitates interactive experiences through tools such as polls, quizzes, games, and videos, enabling brands to generate excitement and anticipation for upcoming offerings. By fostering direct consumer involvement, Co-Created Goods helps businesses enhance customer loyalty and strengthen their connections with audiences. This approach not only aids in future-proofing product launches but also cultivates a community-driven environment that values customer feedback and participation.
Sangria
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Sangria is a collaborative software platform that facilitates interactions between B2B SaaS buyers and sellers. It offers a neutral, product-led relationship management solution designed to enhance collaboration among all stakeholders involved in a project. The platform features tools for co-creation, allowing users to tailor project details and develop mutual, transparent plans from templates. Sangria enables users to track offline work collectively, maximizing the efficacy of each interaction. Additionally, it provides capabilities for sharing notes, files, and documentation, creating a dynamic archive of the project’s progress. By aligning timelines and requirements, Sangria helps users complete projects more efficiently while minimizing risks and costs.
Rivet
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Rivet is a community management platform designed specifically for artists and creators, enabling them to effectively engage with their most dedicated fans. The platform offers tools that allow users to analyze fan engagement metrics, helping them identify and nurture their most engaged audiences. By streamlining the fan funnel process, Rivet empowers content creators to develop, expand, and monetize their fanbases more efficiently. Additionally, the technology facilitates the building of lasting relationships between artists and their superfans, providing new avenues for monetization and enhancing overall fan interaction. Through its comprehensive approach, Rivet supports users in optimizing their engagement strategies and fostering meaningful connections within their communities.
AEGIS
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Personal safety mobile application that modernizes 911 interactions
Eventnoire
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Eventnoire is a technology company that specializes in providing an event management platform designed to simplify the event planning process. The platform offers a range of features, including online event registration, venue selection, ticket booking, and sales tracking. It also supports event marketers by enabling them to optimize their marketing campaigns and effectively advertise events to consumers with relevant interests. By catering to event planners and organizations, Eventnoire aims to enhance brand visibility and ensure a seamless experience from event conception to execution.
Sparrow Finance
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Sparrow Finance is a bitcoin platform and community specifically designed for women, focusing on eliminating technological barriers to entry in the cryptocurrency market. Established in 2022 by Kendra and Lord Cole in Chicago, Sparrow offers a user-friendly platform that allows women to create digital wallets for purchasing bitcoin either as a one-time investment or through auto-monthly contributions. The platform enables users to set up personalized funds to help them stay organized and motivated in achieving their financial goals. Additionally, Sparrow features peer-to-peer bitcoin gifting for celebrating significant life events. By targeting women, particularly those in parenting phases, Sparrow aims to bridge the gap between the growing interest in cryptocurrency and the female demographic, fostering shared experiences and enhancing financial confidence among women. Ultimately, Sparrow seeks to empower women to engage in the cryptocurrency market, supporting their journey towards financial independence while addressing the gender gap in the crypto space.
Evergreen
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Cleanest label frozen breakfast foods (starting with waffles)
OrdrSmart
Pre Seed Round in 2022
OrdrSmart helps B2B manufacturers solve their biggest customer acquisition problem - physical product sampling. The OrdrSmart platform not only cuts costs but also significantly boosts revenue for the +600K B2B manufacturers managing over 10 million product samples annually.
DeepWalk Research
Seed Round in 2022
DeepWalk Research develops scanning software to simplify sidewalk ADA Transition Plans for backlogged public works departments. They also develop a mobile application that supplements construction surveys with precision 3D models.
Red Belly Honey
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Raw hemp honey products infused by bees, not humans
Anjoy
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Anjoy operates an online platform designed to support small farms and food producers in managing and expanding their distribution channels. The platform features an intuitive interface that automates invoicing, facilitates product subscriptions, and enables wholesale ordering, all while offering delivery options. By providing these tools, Anjoy aims to enhance the revenue potential of local producers, making it easier for them to connect with consumers and streamline their operations. Through its focus on locally produced goods, Anjoy fosters a more efficient marketplace that benefits both producers and customers.
Stabl
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Stabl is a recovery services company focused on postoperative rehabilitation, providing a solution that transitions care from clinical settings to patients' homes. The company leverages real-time motion feedback technology to facilitate and monitor home exercise rehabilitation tailored to individual patients' goals, environments, and lifestyles. Stabl's platform includes a validated recovery protocol, comprehensive data analysis through custom reports and dashboards, and remote patient monitoring capabilities. This approach enables patients to receive timely recovery updates and share their progress with their medical teams, enhancing the overall rehabilitation experience.
Flora
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Flora is a technology company that specializes in plant care solutions. It offers a freemium mobile application and an Internet of Things (IoT) device designed to simplify plant maintenance. The IoT device, equipped with electronic sensors, monitors plants' environments in real-time, providing users with personalized care instructions via the app. This includes setting benchmarks and custom alerts using artificial intelligence for optimal plant health. Flora aims to promote sustainable practices by encouraging plant ownership and reducing carbon offset through improved plant survival rates.
Bilin Academy
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Bilin Academy is an e-learning platform focused on providing children with access to multilingual education. By offering online extracurricular, cultural, and academic classes in children's second languages, the platform aims to enhance second language acquisition and foster an understanding of diverse cultural perspectives. This approach not only supports language development but also promotes respect for cultural differences among young learners. Through its innovative offerings, Bilin Academy seeks to create a global learning environment that enriches children's educational experiences.
Fillow
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Fillow is a company focused on transforming the feminine hygiene industry by offering innovative period care products designed for modern women. Its product line includes reusable feminine hygiene solutions that merge the convenience of tampons with the sustainability and longevity of menstrual cups. Fillow's products are designed to be easy to use, leak-free, and mess-free, providing comfort and hygiene while supporting environmental sustainability. By prioritizing user experience, Fillow aims to empower and uplift menstruators, making period care more accessible and efficient.
Kavnia
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Kavnia is a company that specializes in cold drip coffee, focusing on the slow brewing process to maximize flavor extraction from coffee beans. It offers a variety of concentrate options, including medium, dark, and light roast, catering to diverse taste preferences. Kavnia's products are designed for both baristas and coffee enthusiasts, allowing for various brewing styles that enhance the unique flavors of each coffee bean. By emphasizing sustainability and quality, Kavnia aims to provide a rich coffee experience that appeals to a wide range of consumers.
Kazadi Enterprises
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Kazadi Enterprises is focused on developing innovative renewable energy systems that harness environmental thermal energy for various applications. The company's groundbreaking technology enables the acquisition and utilization of heat energy through a two-stage process, which involves manipulating dissolved solutes and leveraging environmental heat to create movement, thermal gradients, and evaporation. One of its primary applications is in dehumidification, where the technology can significantly reduce energy consumption by up to 90%. This approach not only offers a low-cost energy solution but also promotes sustainability by utilizing readily available environmental resources.
Bottlecode
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Bottlecode LLC is a Chicago-based company that specializes in men's skincare solutions. Established in 2018, it combines technology and human expertise to provide personalized skincare regimens tailored to individual lifestyles, skin types, and objectives. Through its digital platform, Bottlecode offers consultations that guide men in choosing the right products and using them effectively, addressing both general and specific skincare concerns. By facilitating access to expert advice and personalized recommendations, Bottlecode aims to transform skincare from a daunting task into a sustainable habit for men.
Hanahana Beauty
Seed Round in 2022
Hanahana Beauty is a consciously clean skincare brand dedicated to humanizing the beauty industry. The company provides a range of natural skincare products designed to address various skin concerns. Their offerings include beauty creams, body lotions, soaps, and anti-aging skincare solutions, all aimed at enhancing the skin and improving complexion. Through its commitment to clean ingredients and ethical practices, Hanahana Beauty seeks to create a positive impact on both consumers and the beauty market as a whole.
OjaExpress
Pre Seed Round in 2022
OjaExpress is a digital marketplace that specializes in ethnic and cultural groceries, aiming to enhance the visibility and competitiveness of local independent grocery stores. The platform enables customers to discover unique products from these stores and facilitates online ordering for same-day delivery. OjaExpress addresses the challenges of food access and convenience, particularly for immigrant communities and food enthusiasts seeking cultural provisions. Additionally, the company supports its grocery store partners by providing valuable customer insights and marketing assistance, helping them grow sustainably in a competitive landscape.
Science On Call
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Science On Call is a subscription-based tech support platform for restaurants. Help with POS, internet, Wi-Fi, online ordering & more—just one call or text away, even on nights & weekends! A Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator portfolio company (2021), Food Foundry (2020)
Stigma
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Stigma is a media firm and mental health application focused on eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness and other misunderstood disorders. It operates an online community-based platform where users can engage in discussions about mental health, connect with individuals who share similar experiences, and share their personal stories. The platform facilitates peer-to-peer support and provides access to relevant resources and trusted mental health content. By fostering a supportive community, Stigma aims to empower individuals in managing their mental health challenges effectively.
LivNow Relocation
Pre Seed Round in 2022
LivNow Relocation is revolutionizing the way older adults move into 55+ and senior living communities across the country.
Metric
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Metric develops data analytics software aimed at helping private market investors assess and manage the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of their portfolios. The software identifies key performance indicators, simplifies data collection, and offers comprehensive performance analysis. Additionally, it provides actionable recommendations for improvement, enabling investors and companies to derive valuable insights, evaluate the financial implications of their ESG initiatives, and enhance their operational and investment strategies. Through its tools, Metric supports informed decision-making that aligns with both performance metrics and broader impact considerations.
Frankly Apparel
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Frankly Apparel is a women's clothing company focused on providing innovative braless apparel that aims to replace traditional bras. By utilizing advanced sewing techniques and sustainable fabrics, Frankly Apparel designs clothing that offers stylish, adaptable support without the bulk of conventional padding. Their products cater to a diverse range of women, combining functionality with comfort to meet the needs of those seeking alternatives to traditional undergarments. The brand emphasizes delivering ease and confidence through clothing that naturally lifts, secures, and shapes while ensuring modesty.
Light Pong
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Light Pong is a gaming technology company that offers an innovative, portable gaming console using a single beam of light. Targeting casual gamers, the device enables users to play various games without requiring a screen. Light Pong fosters creativity by allowing developers to create their own content, which can be accessed via the Companion App's game marketplace.
Hanahana Beauty
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Hanahana Beauty is a consciously clean skincare brand dedicated to humanizing the beauty industry. The company provides a range of natural skincare products designed to address various skin concerns. Their offerings include beauty creams, body lotions, soaps, and anti-aging skincare solutions, all aimed at enhancing the skin and improving complexion. Through its commitment to clean ingredients and ethical practices, Hanahana Beauty seeks to create a positive impact on both consumers and the beauty market as a whole.
Clouty
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Clouty is a music derivatives market that offers a unique platform for trading based on real-time music data. The company has developed a suite of indices that transform music trends into tradeable assets, allowing fans, artists, and investors to engage with the music industry in a novel way. By providing the ability to buy and sell futures contracts linked to its proprietary indexes, Clouty enables participants to hedge and speculate on the future performance of songs and genres. This innovative approach addresses significant challenges within the expanding music business, particularly in commercialization and risk management, while fostering a closer connection between the music and financial markets. Clouty aims to enhance the flow of capital in an industry characterized by billions in streaming and downloading, yet limited financial movement.
Science On Call
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Science On Call is a subscription-based tech support platform for restaurants. Help with POS, internet, Wi-Fi, online ordering & more—just one call or text away, even on nights & weekends! A Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator portfolio company (2021), Food Foundry (2020)
Science On Call
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Science On Call is a subscription-based tech support platform for restaurants. Help with POS, internet, Wi-Fi, online ordering & more—just one call or text away, even on nights & weekends! A Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator portfolio company (2021), Food Foundry (2020)
Stigma
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Stigma is a media firm and mental health application focused on eliminating the stigma surrounding mental illness and other misunderstood disorders. It operates an online community-based platform where users can engage in discussions about mental health, connect with individuals who share similar experiences, and share their personal stories. The platform facilitates peer-to-peer support and provides access to relevant resources and trusted mental health content. By fostering a supportive community, Stigma aims to empower individuals in managing their mental health challenges effectively.
Bottlecode
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Bottlecode LLC is a Chicago-based company that specializes in men's skincare solutions. Established in 2018, it combines technology and human expertise to provide personalized skincare regimens tailored to individual lifestyles, skin types, and objectives. Through its digital platform, Bottlecode offers consultations that guide men in choosing the right products and using them effectively, addressing both general and specific skincare concerns. By facilitating access to expert advice and personalized recommendations, Bottlecode aims to transform skincare from a daunting task into a sustainable habit for men.
Sanarai
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Sanarai is an online mental health platform focused on serving the Latinx community. It connects users to mental health professionals in Latin America, offering culturally sensitive and Spanish-language emotional support. The platform aims to provide accessible mental health services at affordable prices, enabling individuals to enhance their quality of life through personalized assistance from qualified experts. By addressing the unique cultural needs of its users, Sanarai seeks to improve access to mental health care within the Latinx population.