Next Level Ventures

Hummingbirds operates a software-as-a-service marketplace that connects place-based brands with hyperlocal content creators and influencers. The platform is designed to facilitate collaboration between brands and local individuals, allowing them to share authentic experiences related to products, services, or events within their communities. By leveraging the influence of everyday locals, Hummingbirds aims to enhance brand awareness and drive sales through grassroots marketing efforts. This approach enables brands to engage with their target audiences in a more meaningful and relatable manner, fostering community-driven growth.

Hummingbirds operates a software-as-a-service marketplace that connects place-based brands with hyperlocal content creators and influencers. The platform is designed to facilitate collaboration between brands and local individuals, allowing them to share authentic experiences related to products, services, or events within their communities. By leveraging the influence of everyday locals, Hummingbirds aims to enhance brand awareness and drive sales through grassroots marketing efforts. This approach enables brands to engage with their target audiences in a more meaningful and relatable manner, fostering community-driven growth.

iotaMotion, Inc. is a company based in Iowa City, Iowa, that specializes in the development and manufacture of cochlear ear implants aimed at treating hearing loss. Founded in 2015, the company has created a robotic-assisted surgical system designed to standardize the insertion of cochlear implant electrodes. This innovative technology enhances surgical precision by controlling the speed and acceleration of electrode insertion, which helps to reduce variability in surgical procedures. By personalizing the approach to each patient, iotaMotion enables surgeons to provide more accurate and tailored cochlear interventions, ultimately expanding access to these critical treatments for both patients and healthcare providers.

Hummingbirds operates a software-as-a-service marketplace that connects place-based brands with hyperlocal content creators and influencers. The platform is designed to facilitate collaboration between brands and local individuals, allowing them to share authentic experiences related to products, services, or events within their communities. By leveraging the influence of everyday locals, Hummingbirds aims to enhance brand awareness and drive sales through grassroots marketing efforts. This approach enables brands to engage with their target audiences in a more meaningful and relatable manner, fostering community-driven growth.

Pitchly, Inc. is a technology company that offers a cloud-based content services platform tailored for merger and acquisition professionals. Founded in 2014 and based in Des Moines, Iowa, Pitchly's platform allows users to create and manage custom databases that catalog proprietary experience and intellectual property. The service is designed for investment banks, accounting firms, and law firms, enabling non-technical users to easily generate data-driven documents in PowerPoint and Word, linking to various internal data sources such as Excel, SQL, and Salesforce. By aggregating disparate information, Pitchly significantly reduces the time needed to create complex documents and eliminates errors, thus enhancing efficiency in data management and presentation. Users can also create custom forms to ensure they are accessing the most current data, further streamlining their workflows.

Tractor Zoom, Inc. operates an online marketplace that connects farm equipment auctioneers with buyers, facilitating the purchase and sale of agricultural machinery. Founded in 2017 and based in Urbandale, Iowa, the company offers a mobile application that allows auctioneers to list and promote their auctions while enabling buyers to search for and browse available farm equipment. The platform streamlines the auction advertising process, making it easier for users to access auction inventory nationwide. Tractor Zoom is dedicated to helping agricultural leaders make informed, data-driven decisions regarding the buying, selling, financing, and insuring of heavy equipment.

Mazen Animal Health, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Saint Joseph, Missouri, that specializes in developing and commercializing innovative biological vaccines and therapeutics for both production and companion animals. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on creating orally-delivered vaccines that are room-temperature stable, eliminating the need for refrigeration and allowing for multiple animal dosing. Utilizing maize as a biofactory, Mazen aims to provide cost-effective and safe vaccination solutions that address complex challenges in animal health and protein production. Their novel technology platform represents a significant advancement in disease prevention, targeting a wide range of species including swine, poultry, aquaculture, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife.

OpenLoop Health is a technology company that provides a comprehensive infrastructure for digital healthcare, enabling healthcare organizations to enhance their service delivery. The company offers a full-stack platform that simplifies telehealth by centralizing essential services, including clinician support, laboratory services, medication management, and regulatory compliance. OpenLoop's solutions are designed to assist healthcare companies in scaling their virtual care services effectively, addressing staff shortages by maintaining an updated provider database and facilitating job matching based on location and specialty. This streamlined approach supports healthcare institutions in efficiently meeting their staffing needs while ensuring high-quality patient care.

Gross-Wen Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Slater, Iowa, focused on developing solutions for wastewater treatment. The company specializes in a revolving algal biofilm (RAB) system that effectively recovers nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater while generating algae biomass, which can be utilized as a fertilizer or bioplastic. By providing municipalities and wastewater-producing industries with an economical and environmentally friendly method for treating water, Gross-Wen Technologies aims to enhance water quality and promote sustainability in wastewater management. Established in 2013, the company is dedicated to delivering effective and affordable solutions for the treatment of wastewater pollutants.

Dryland Genetics is focused on developing agricultural seeds that enhance the yield and resilience of crops in water-scarce environments. By utilizing advanced breeding technologies, the company targets crops that are naturally adapted to marginal lands, where traditional crops like corn and rice struggle to survive without irrigation. Through the application of quantitative genetics and high throughput phenotyping, Dryland Genetics aims to create seeds that require less water while producing higher grain outputs. This approach not only helps farmers increase their profitability but also contributes to a more sustainable food supply in a world facing water scarcity.

Dwolla, established in 2010 and headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, specializes in developing API solutions for bank transfers. It offers the Access API, enabling users to link bank accounts and initiate transfers within their platform. Additionally, Dwolla provides the Dwolla Dashboard and Admin, an intuitive interface for managing customers, viewing transactions, and analyzing business trends. Dwolla's modern API simplifies complex payment network integrations, allowing businesses to efficiently and securely transfer funds directly to bank accounts, with the flexibility of same-day, next-day, or real-time payments.

WINPRO is the world's first and only line of blood protein supplements. WINPRO products use the power of clinically proven animal blood proteins to help prevent and combat the negative effects of stress-induced inflammation in dogs.

Mazen Animal Health, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Saint Joseph, Missouri, that specializes in developing and commercializing innovative biological vaccines and therapeutics for both production and companion animals. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on creating orally-delivered vaccines that are room-temperature stable, eliminating the need for refrigeration and allowing for multiple animal dosing. Utilizing maize as a biofactory, Mazen aims to provide cost-effective and safe vaccination solutions that address complex challenges in animal health and protein production. Their novel technology platform represents a significant advancement in disease prevention, targeting a wide range of species including swine, poultry, aquaculture, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife.

OpenLoop Health is a technology company that provides a comprehensive infrastructure for digital healthcare, enabling healthcare organizations to enhance their service delivery. The company offers a full-stack platform that simplifies telehealth by centralizing essential services, including clinician support, laboratory services, medication management, and regulatory compliance. OpenLoop's solutions are designed to assist healthcare companies in scaling their virtual care services effectively, addressing staff shortages by maintaining an updated provider database and facilitating job matching based on location and specialty. This streamlined approach supports healthcare institutions in efficiently meeting their staffing needs while ensuring high-quality patient care.

Roboflow, Inc. is a software-as-a-service company focused on enhancing computer vision capabilities for software engineers. Founded in 2019 and based in Des Moines, Iowa, Roboflow offers solutions such as Roboflow Organize, which assists developers in managing image datasets and annotations, and Roboflow Pro, designed to facilitate the deployment of computer vision applications using existing engineering resources. The company's tools streamline the creation and organization of datasets, including both image and video data, and employ pre-trained models and artificial intelligence to automate the annotation process. By providing features like dataset management, image transformations, and easy integration, Roboflow enables teams to build computer vision models more efficiently, improving accuracy and reducing common errors that can hinder model performance.

MSUITE Corporation develops a cloud-based suite of management software designed to enhance collaboration among building information modeling (BIM), fabrication, and field construction teams within the construction industry. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the company offers several key solutions: BIMPro, a plug-in for Autodesk Revit that automates spooling selection and sheet creation; FabPro, a tool that focuses on accurate productivity tracking and shop production management; and FieldPro, which enables site leadership to monitor real-time productivity and status of job site activities. MSUITE's software provides valuable tracking, estimating information, and real-time updates, ultimately improving communication, expediting workflow, and reducing errors throughout the life cycle of construction projects.

Coviance is a technology-driven company that specializes in enhancing the lending process for credit unions and community banks. It offers a web-based compliance platform that integrates both instant and traditional lending services, facilitating a streamlined approach to borrowing. By employing advanced technology, Coviance aims to improve efficiency and reduce the financial loan cycle, allowing users to digitize their lending processes. The platform provides essential workflows and reporting capabilities, enabling loan originators to work more effectively and enhance the overall borrowing experience.

VIDA is a lung health company focused on modernizing respiratory care through artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics. It empowers healthcare organizations and physicians to enhance patient outcomes, improve care coordination, and drive efficiencies. VIDA's comprehensive software solutions, which are FDA cleared and CE-marked, assist in managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, and COVID-19. The company also provides a full suite of clinical trial services, including advanced quantitative image analysis, to strengthen trial data and site quality, as well as subject screening. With a commitment to proven quality and clinical leadership, VIDA aims to accelerate the delivery of new therapies to patients.

MākuSafe Corp. is a technology company based in West Des Moines, Iowa, that specializes in wearable technology aimed at enhancing workplace safety and productivity. Founded in 2016, the company has developed a two-piece armband equipped with sensors that collect environmental data, including location and motion speed, as well as indicators of near-miss accidents. This data is transmitted to the MākuSmart platform, an online portal that allows safety and operational personnel to access real-time reports and predictive analytics. By identifying patterns in workplace risks, MākuSafe's technology helps organizations proactively reduce hazards and improve overall worker health and safety. The company's innovative approach integrates IoT sensors and software to deliver actionable insights, ultimately aiming to mitigate incidents and enhance operational efficiency.

FarmlandFinder, Inc. operates an online platform that facilitates connections between farmland buyers and sellers, primarily in the Midwest United States. Founded in 2016 and based in Grimes, Iowa, the company provides Terva, a tool that allows users to search for upcoming land sales and auctions. The platform offers a wealth of resources, including sale price records, comparison tools, and soil composition maps, aimed at streamlining the process of researching farmland real estate. By enhancing access to farmland information and promoting market transparency, FarmlandFinder helps clients minimize the time and costs associated with buying, selling, or renting farmland.

MākuSafe Corp. is a technology company based in West Des Moines, Iowa, that specializes in wearable technology aimed at enhancing workplace safety and productivity. Founded in 2016, the company has developed a two-piece armband equipped with sensors that collect environmental data, including location and motion speed, as well as indicators of near-miss accidents. This data is transmitted to the MākuSmart platform, an online portal that allows safety and operational personnel to access real-time reports and predictive analytics. By identifying patterns in workplace risks, MākuSafe's technology helps organizations proactively reduce hazards and improve overall worker health and safety. The company's innovative approach integrates IoT sensors and software to deliver actionable insights, ultimately aiming to mitigate incidents and enhance operational efficiency.

Pitchly, Inc. is a technology company that offers a cloud-based content services platform tailored for merger and acquisition professionals. Founded in 2014 and based in Des Moines, Iowa, Pitchly's platform allows users to create and manage custom databases that catalog proprietary experience and intellectual property. The service is designed for investment banks, accounting firms, and law firms, enabling non-technical users to easily generate data-driven documents in PowerPoint and Word, linking to various internal data sources such as Excel, SQL, and Salesforce. By aggregating disparate information, Pitchly significantly reduces the time needed to create complex documents and eliminates errors, thus enhancing efficiency in data management and presentation. Users can also create custom forms to ensure they are accessing the most current data, further streamlining their workflows.

Coviance is a technology-driven company that specializes in enhancing the lending process for credit unions and community banks. It offers a web-based compliance platform that integrates both instant and traditional lending services, facilitating a streamlined approach to borrowing. By employing advanced technology, Coviance aims to improve efficiency and reduce the financial loan cycle, allowing users to digitize their lending processes. The platform provides essential workflows and reporting capabilities, enabling loan originators to work more effectively and enhance the overall borrowing experience.

Higher Learning Technologies develops educational applications designed for smartphones and tablets, enabling students to learn on mobile devices. The company offers its products through app stores like iStore and Google Play. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Coralville, Iowa, Higher Learning Technologies aims to empower students by providing innovative and engaging mobile education platforms. Their mission is to transform student lives by equipping them with the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their dreams.

Dwolla, established in 2010 and headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, specializes in developing API solutions for bank transfers. It offers the Access API, enabling users to link bank accounts and initiate transfers within their platform. Additionally, Dwolla provides the Dwolla Dashboard and Admin, an intuitive interface for managing customers, viewing transactions, and analyzing business trends. Dwolla's modern API simplifies complex payment network integrations, allowing businesses to efficiently and securely transfer funds directly to bank accounts, with the flexibility of same-day, next-day, or real-time payments.

VIDA is a lung health company focused on modernizing respiratory care through artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics. It empowers healthcare organizations and physicians to enhance patient outcomes, improve care coordination, and drive efficiencies. VIDA's comprehensive software solutions, which are FDA cleared and CE-marked, assist in managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, and COVID-19. The company also provides a full suite of clinical trial services, including advanced quantitative image analysis, to strengthen trial data and site quality, as well as subject screening. With a commitment to proven quality and clinical leadership, VIDA aims to accelerate the delivery of new therapies to patients.

Igor Inc. is a developer of a power-over-Ethernet lighting platform that provides intelligent control over LED lighting systems in various environments. The platform allows users to connect Igor-enabled LED light fixtures, motion sensors, and daylight sensors through standard Ethernet cables and network switches. It features an application interface that facilitates the wireless discovery of hardware on the network, the creation of virtual spaces for managing devices, and the assignment of specific lights, switches, and sensors to designated areas. This capability enables clients to achieve operational savings, easy configuration, and enhanced control over their lighting systems. Founded in 2013 and based in Johnston, Iowa, Igor Inc. partners with distributors, installers, contractors, and resellers to deliver its solutions.

Workgroups DaVinci is a productivity solution tailored for marketing and creative teams, focusing on enhancing collaboration and task management. The software facilitates the management of various media production processes, including print, interactive content, photography, and video. By providing workflow tools, it allows organizations to streamline project management, implement online proofing, and handle approvals efficiently. This comprehensive approach enables teams to maintain control over their projects while fostering effective communication and collaboration.

1COMM Medical Inc. is a company devoted to providing physician and health care organizations turnkey solutions for medical device patient monitoring and billing services.

VIDA is a lung health company focused on modernizing respiratory care through artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics. It empowers healthcare organizations and physicians to enhance patient outcomes, improve care coordination, and drive efficiencies. VIDA's comprehensive software solutions, which are FDA cleared and CE-marked, assist in managing patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, and COVID-19. The company also provides a full suite of clinical trial services, including advanced quantitative image analysis, to strengthen trial data and site quality, as well as subject screening. With a commitment to proven quality and clinical leadership, VIDA aims to accelerate the delivery of new therapies to patients.

Igor Inc. is a developer of a power-over-Ethernet lighting platform that provides intelligent control over LED lighting systems in various environments. The platform allows users to connect Igor-enabled LED light fixtures, motion sensors, and daylight sensors through standard Ethernet cables and network switches. It features an application interface that facilitates the wireless discovery of hardware on the network, the creation of virtual spaces for managing devices, and the assignment of specific lights, switches, and sensors to designated areas. This capability enables clients to achieve operational savings, easy configuration, and enhanced control over their lighting systems. Founded in 2013 and based in Johnston, Iowa, Igor Inc. partners with distributors, installers, contractors, and resellers to deliver its solutions.