MassVentures

MassVentures is a venture capital firm based in Waltham, Massachusetts, established in 1978 as a quasi-public corporation by the Massachusetts Legislature. The firm focuses on providing seed and early-stage funding to high-growth startups, facilitating their transition from concept to commercialization. MassVentures invests primarily in sectors such as information technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, e-commerce, mobile, manufacturing, and robotics. With a governance structure that includes an independent Board of Directors and management by experienced venture capitalists, MassVentures leverages the state's entrepreneurial spirit and innovation centers to support the Massachusetts innovation economy. The firm also offers accelerator programs to further assist emerging companies in their growth journey.

Charlie Hipwood

President and CEO

Charles Hipwood

Founder President and CEO

Vinit Nijhawan

Managing Director

Nicholas A. Pappas

Vice President

Stacy Swider

Vice President, Investments

Priya Yadav

Vice President, Investments

Past deals in Defence

Guardion

Grant in 2024
Guardion specializes in advanced sensor technology aimed at enhancing safety and security through innovative detection systems. The company has developed the world's first radiation detector that leverages the unique quantum properties of nanomaterials, resulting in low-cost, sensitive, and energy-efficient devices suitable for widespread deployment. Guardion's products include analytical instruments and portable chemical and radiation detectors, designed for use in challenging environments across various sectors, including aerospace, medical, and national security. Recognized for its contributions to technology and innovation, Guardion received the MassChallenge 2017 Gold Prize and the Technology in Space Prize from the Center for Advancement in Science in Space and Boeing. In early 2018, the company was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Techstars Autonomous Tech Accelerator, sponsored by the Air Force.

Transcend Air

Grant in 2024
Transcend Air is a company focused on the development and design of aircraft aimed at enhancing private air travel experiences. It specializes in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, catering to commercial, private, and military sectors. In addition to manufacturing aircraft, Transcend Air operates a short-haul scheduled airline service that connects various cities, offering high-speed travel solutions for both passenger and military cargo transportation.

Phoenix Tailings

Grant in 2023
Phoenix Tailings Inc. is a Massachusetts-based company that focuses on the recycling and re-mining of mining tailings and hazardous by-products, such as Bauxite Residue, to produce essential metal products. Founded in 2019, the company aims to extract strategic materials critical to various industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, biotechnology, and electronics. By treating mining and refining waste as new ore, Phoenix Tailings provides an innovative solution to eliminate hazardous environmental waste while creating primary metals sustainably and economically. This approach not only addresses the demand for metals in multiple sectors but also promotes environmentally friendly practices by offering carbon-free alternatives.

Jetcool

Series A in 2022
Jetcool Technologies Inc., established in 2019 and headquartered in Littleton, Massachusetts, specializes in the research and development of advanced cooling solutions for high-power electronics. The company's core product, microjet cooling modules, is designed to efficiently cool components at the chip or device level, serving industries such as defense and aerospace, advanced semiconductors, data centers, and electric vehicle power systems. Jetcool's technology, developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, offers customized and stock products, targeting long-lasting, low-heat, and power-efficient devices.

Mesodyne

Grant in 2022
Mesodyne is an engineering and manufacturing company focused on innovative electricity generation solutions, particularly through its patented LightCell technology, which converts various fuels into electricity using light. Founded in 2018 by Drs. Veronika Stelmakh and Walker Chan, the company aims to deliver portable and reliable power generation systems to military and commercial users. Mesodyne's compact power generators enhance the endurance of small autonomous systems, offering efficient and long-lasting energy sources that bridge the gap between traditional batteries and internal combustion engines. This technology is designed to alleviate the burden on dismounted warfighters and emergency responders while extending the operational range of unmanned vehicles, wearables, and other equipment.

Mesodyne

Grant in 2021
Mesodyne is an engineering and manufacturing company focused on innovative electricity generation solutions, particularly through its patented LightCell technology, which converts various fuels into electricity using light. Founded in 2018 by Drs. Veronika Stelmakh and Walker Chan, the company aims to deliver portable and reliable power generation systems to military and commercial users. Mesodyne's compact power generators enhance the endurance of small autonomous systems, offering efficient and long-lasting energy sources that bridge the gap between traditional batteries and internal combustion engines. This technology is designed to alleviate the burden on dismounted warfighters and emergency responders while extending the operational range of unmanned vehicles, wearables, and other equipment.

14bis Supply Tracking

Grant in 2021
14bis Supply Tracking specializes in enhancing the aerospace and defense supply chain by addressing the challenges of unapproved parts and high administrative costs associated with traditional paper-based documentation. The company offers a platform that utilizes blockchain technology and data analytics to provide transparency and immutable tracking of asset lifecycles. This solution is adaptable to various industry ERP systems and tagging mechanisms, ensuring seamless integration. Recognized for its innovation, 14bis was a finalist in the Privacy/Security category at SXSW 2018, won the Accenture Innovate Award at Web Summit 2017, and was featured at the Paris Air Show 2017. Through its services, 14bis aims to improve safety and reduce costs for organizations within the aerospace and defense sectors.

Jetcool

Venture Round in 2021
Jetcool Technologies Inc., established in 2019 and headquartered in Littleton, Massachusetts, specializes in the research and development of advanced cooling solutions for high-power electronics. The company's core product, microjet cooling modules, is designed to efficiently cool components at the chip or device level, serving industries such as defense and aerospace, advanced semiconductors, data centers, and electric vehicle power systems. Jetcool's technology, developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, offers customized and stock products, targeting long-lasting, low-heat, and power-efficient devices.

InstantEye Robotics

Grant in 2021
InstantEye Robotics is a division of Physical Sciences Inc., both located in Andover Massachusetts, approximately a half-hour north of Boston. InstantEye Robotics’ tactical, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are the systems of choice by the military, law enforcement, first responder, and commercial users around the world. Our products are characterized by their affordability, ruggedness, and ease of use. We provide full-spectrum solutions, from initial concepts through to products manufactured in our state-of-the-art production facility.

Analog Photonics

Grant in 2020
Analog Photonics is an electronic company focused on the development of photonics integrated circuits and high-performance silicon products. The firm specializes in creating technologies for LiDAR and optical communications, aimed at facilitating high-speed communications. By utilizing a combination of silicon and silicon nitride as core waveguide layers, Analog Photonics designs application-specific integrated circuits that serve various sectors, including automotive, industrial, and defense. This innovative approach enables these industries to access advanced photonic components essential for modern applications.

Physical Sciences

Grant in 2020
Physical Sciences Inc. specializes in contract research and development services across various technical domains for both government and commercial clients. The company offers a diverse range of products, including adaptive infrared imaging spectroradiometers, compact adaptive optics retinal imagers, and miniature diode laser-based ambient gas sensors. Additionally, it provides engineering design services and commercial applications in areas such as pharmaceutical process analytical technology, aerospace measurements, and electrochemical engineering solutions. Physical Sciences serves multiple sectors, including aerospace, energy, environment, manufacturing, biomedical, security, and telecommunications, utilizing direct sales, strategic partnerships, and licensing arrangements. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company operates several satellite offices across the United States, including locations in California, Maryland, Ohio, and New Jersey.

14bis Supply Tracking

Seed Round in 2020
14bis Supply Tracking specializes in enhancing the aerospace and defense supply chain by addressing the challenges of unapproved parts and high administrative costs associated with traditional paper-based documentation. The company offers a platform that utilizes blockchain technology and data analytics to provide transparency and immutable tracking of asset lifecycles. This solution is adaptable to various industry ERP systems and tagging mechanisms, ensuring seamless integration. Recognized for its innovation, 14bis was a finalist in the Privacy/Security category at SXSW 2018, won the Accenture Innovate Award at Web Summit 2017, and was featured at the Paris Air Show 2017. Through its services, 14bis aims to improve safety and reduce costs for organizations within the aerospace and defense sectors.

SicDrone

Grant in 2020
SicDrone, based in Portland, Oregon, specializes in the manufacturing of advanced unmanned aircraft systems and drones. The company produces 360-degree tilt rotor drones designed for a variety of applications, including emergency response, border patrol, security, and infrastructure inspections such as tower and wind turbine assessments. These aerial flight systems are equipped with interchangeable and modular cameras and sensors, allowing defense agencies and other users to capture high-quality aerial images and conduct overhead mapping. SicDrone also provides an online inquiry form for potential customers to learn more about their products and services.

Physical Sciences

Grant in 2020
Physical Sciences Inc. specializes in contract research and development services across various technical domains for both government and commercial clients. The company offers a diverse range of products, including adaptive infrared imaging spectroradiometers, compact adaptive optics retinal imagers, and miniature diode laser-based ambient gas sensors. Additionally, it provides engineering design services and commercial applications in areas such as pharmaceutical process analytical technology, aerospace measurements, and electrochemical engineering solutions. Physical Sciences serves multiple sectors, including aerospace, energy, environment, manufacturing, biomedical, security, and telecommunications, utilizing direct sales, strategic partnerships, and licensing arrangements. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company operates several satellite offices across the United States, including locations in California, Maryland, Ohio, and New Jersey.

14bis Supply Tracking

Seed Round in 2019
14bis Supply Tracking specializes in enhancing the aerospace and defense supply chain by addressing the challenges of unapproved parts and high administrative costs associated with traditional paper-based documentation. The company offers a platform that utilizes blockchain technology and data analytics to provide transparency and immutable tracking of asset lifecycles. This solution is adaptable to various industry ERP systems and tagging mechanisms, ensuring seamless integration. Recognized for its innovation, 14bis was a finalist in the Privacy/Security category at SXSW 2018, won the Accenture Innovate Award at Web Summit 2017, and was featured at the Paris Air Show 2017. Through its services, 14bis aims to improve safety and reduce costs for organizations within the aerospace and defense sectors.

ePaint Company

Grant in 2019
ePaint Company develops specialty antifouling coatings for the United States Coast Guard, The United States Navy, NOAA, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and the U.S Geological Survey. The ongoing research has resulted in three patents.

Physical Sciences

Grant in 2018
Physical Sciences Inc. specializes in contract research and development services across various technical domains for both government and commercial clients. The company offers a diverse range of products, including adaptive infrared imaging spectroradiometers, compact adaptive optics retinal imagers, and miniature diode laser-based ambient gas sensors. Additionally, it provides engineering design services and commercial applications in areas such as pharmaceutical process analytical technology, aerospace measurements, and electrochemical engineering solutions. Physical Sciences serves multiple sectors, including aerospace, energy, environment, manufacturing, biomedical, security, and telecommunications, utilizing direct sales, strategic partnerships, and licensing arrangements. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company operates several satellite offices across the United States, including locations in California, Maryland, Ohio, and New Jersey.

Optodot

Grant in 2017
Optodot Corporation specializes in developing nanotechnology-based components for energy storage, conservation, and generation markets. The company offers a range of products, including NanoPore, a separator made from nano porous ceramic membranes, and NPORE lithium-ion battery separators. Additionally, it provides infrared coated films and laminates for covert and forensic security applications, along with window films. Optodot is focused on advancing technologies for lithium-ion batteries and organic solar cells, as well as optical communications, which involve optical switches, buffers, modulators, and photo detectors. The company also offers intellectual property, product development, and contract services related to coatings, and actively pursues strategic partnerships and licensing opportunities to commercialize its innovations. Its clientele includes start-ups, major corporations, and government entities such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. Founded in 2000 and based in Woburn, Massachusetts, Optodot is committed to continual innovation in the field of nanoporous membranes.

Metamagnetics

Grant in 2017
Metamagnetics specializes in developing radiofrequency and microwave products that aim to enhance the performance of mission-critical radar, communication, and power supply systems. The company offers a range of solutions, including auto-tuning filters, power electronics cores, ferrite circulators and isolators, ferrite phase shifters, high-power microwave components, and microwave ferrite filters. These products enable defense and commercial organizations to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance of their security and surveillance systems while addressing critical factors such as size, weight, power, and cost. Through its innovative solutions, Metamagnetics supports clients in meeting the demands of modern communication and monitoring technologies.

Silverside Detectors

Grant in 2017
Silverside Detectors is a technology company that develops nuclear radiation detection technologies to protect cities and citizens from nuclear terrorism. It designs and develops adaptable radiation detectors. These detectors can be installed in urban and transit infrastructure for nuclear detection. The company develops inexpensive thermal neutron detectors that can be a building block for large-area networked scanning and other future solutions for nuclear threat reduction.

Metamagnetics

Grant in 2015
Metamagnetics specializes in developing radiofrequency and microwave products that aim to enhance the performance of mission-critical radar, communication, and power supply systems. The company offers a range of solutions, including auto-tuning filters, power electronics cores, ferrite circulators and isolators, ferrite phase shifters, high-power microwave components, and microwave ferrite filters. These products enable defense and commercial organizations to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance of their security and surveillance systems while addressing critical factors such as size, weight, power, and cost. Through its innovative solutions, Metamagnetics supports clients in meeting the demands of modern communication and monitoring technologies.

Energid Technologies

Grant in 2015
Energid Technologies Corporation, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, specializes in developing software solutions for advanced motion control in robotics. The company offers Actin, a software development kit and tasking framework designed for real-time and adaptive motion control, addressing the complex needs of various sectors including industrial, medical, aerospace, and energy. Energid's software excels in simulating and controlling the kinematics and dynamics of robotic systems, providing essential support for autonomy through its 3D machine vision capabilities. By tackling challenging robotics problems, Energid Technologies serves applications across diverse fields such as medicine, agriculture, defense, and manufacturing. As of February 2018, Energid operates as a subsidiary of Teradyne, Inc.

Physical Sciences

Grant in 2015
Physical Sciences Inc. specializes in contract research and development services across various technical domains for both government and commercial clients. The company offers a diverse range of products, including adaptive infrared imaging spectroradiometers, compact adaptive optics retinal imagers, and miniature diode laser-based ambient gas sensors. Additionally, it provides engineering design services and commercial applications in areas such as pharmaceutical process analytical technology, aerospace measurements, and electrochemical engineering solutions. Physical Sciences serves multiple sectors, including aerospace, energy, environment, manufacturing, biomedical, security, and telecommunications, utilizing direct sales, strategic partnerships, and licensing arrangements. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, the company operates several satellite offices across the United States, including locations in California, Maryland, Ohio, and New Jersey.

Visible Good

Grant in 2014
Visible Good is a Massachusetts based corporation established in 2012. Through successful efforts within the Army SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program, Visible Good completed the development of a one of a kind innovative shelter system that can be deployed quickly and efficiently in almost any environment. Its products create a solution that is energy-efficient, sustainable, and affordable.

Energid Technologies

Grant in 2013
Energid Technologies Corporation, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, specializes in developing software solutions for advanced motion control in robotics. The company offers Actin, a software development kit and tasking framework designed for real-time and adaptive motion control, addressing the complex needs of various sectors including industrial, medical, aerospace, and energy. Energid's software excels in simulating and controlling the kinematics and dynamics of robotic systems, providing essential support for autonomy through its 3D machine vision capabilities. By tackling challenging robotics problems, Energid Technologies serves applications across diverse fields such as medicine, agriculture, defense, and manufacturing. As of February 2018, Energid operates as a subsidiary of Teradyne, Inc.

Radiation Monitoring Devices

Grant in 2013
Radiation Monitoring Devices (RMD) operates as a research business unit of Dynasil Corporation of America, established in 1974. The company is recognized for its innovative solutions in radiation imaging and detection, as well as nuclear instrumentation and non-destructive testing equipment. RMD specializes in a variety of technology practices, including material science, radiation detection, digital imaging, magnetic imaging, laser optics, and photonics. Its medical instruments are particularly designed to assist physicians in locating radio-labeled cancerous tissue during surgeries, thereby enhancing patient safety and treatment efficiency. RMD has positioned itself as a leader in its field, catering to a broad spectrum of applications in security, medical, and industrial sectors.

Ande

Grant in 2013
Ande Corporation specializes in providing rapid DNA analysis solutions that enhance human forensic identification, biothreat detection, and clinical diagnostics. The company develops advanced microfluidic and molecular biology technologies that facilitate sample preparation, DNA purification, and rapid sequencing. Their products are designed for use by non-technical operators outside traditional laboratory settings, making DNA analysis more accessible for applications such as criminal forensics, military identification, and public health monitoring. By moving DNA analysis from laboratories to field applications, Ande Corporation aims to improve societal safety and health, aiding law enforcement in solving crimes, exonerating the innocent, and facilitating family reunifications. Founded in 2000 and based in Longmont, Colorado, the company serves various sectors, including military, homeland security, and forensic communities in the United States.

CapeSym

Grant in 2012
CapeSym specializes in developing innovative radiation detection solutions, focusing on the production of advanced semiconductors for nuclear detection. The company manufactures scintillators such as SrI2(Eu) and CLYC(Ce), as well as semiconductors like TlBr and CdZnTe. In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, CapeSym offers consulting services to corporate clients and U.S. defense agencies, covering areas such as thermal management, crystal growth, advanced materials technologies, biomedical devices, and industrial equipment design and fabrication. Through these efforts, CapeSym aims to provide effective radiation detectors and thermal analysis techniques to the imaging industry.

Incom

Grant in 2012
Incom is a supplier specializing in glass and polymer fused fiber optic solutions, catering to various sectors including medical, scientific, display, and defense industries. The company focuses on providing innovative components and technological expertise to enhance product development and improve user experience for customers, researchers, and instrument makers. Through its advanced solutions, Incom plays a significant role in driving innovation across these diverse fields.

KaZak Composites

Grant in 2012
Kazak Composites is an engineering design and manufacturing company located in Woburn, Massachusetts, specializing in composite engineering and pultrusion processing. The company focuses on providing low-cost automated manufacturing of composite structures for a wide range of applications, including ship structures, building structures, space systems, and various commercial projects. Kazak Composites primarily serves the aerospace and defense industries, leveraging its technology to deliver efficient and innovative composite solutions.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.