NextWave Ventures

VNN, Inc. operates a prominent high school sports marketing and networking platform that serves as a digital hub for athletes, coaches, and fans. The platform enables athletes to upload videos, photos, stories, and scores, while allowing coaches to report game results to various media outlets. VNN is dedicated to enhancing the experience of high school sports by aggregating the fragmented market and providing advertising and promotional services. The company has established a significant presence, serving schools across multiple states, including Alabama, California, and Texas, and has gained a rapidly growing user base, with over 7 million fans engaging with the platform daily. Founded in 2010 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VNN aims to transform the consumer experience in high school sports by leveraging technology and connectivity.

Geospiza, Inc. is a technology company focused on developing climate risk assessment platforms to aid the emergency management industry in mitigating the impacts of climate-related disasters. The company provides Geospiza PATH, which allows risk managers and other stakeholders to quantify and address climate and natural hazard risks effectively. Additionally, Geospiza offers Geospiza SWIFT, a web-based decision support software that integrates various datasets and models, delivering actionable insights and enabling informed decision-making. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Geospiza leverages real-time IoT, big data, and advanced analytics to enhance crisis and emergency management processes, ultimately aiming to save lives and protect the environment.

Apical Technology is a systematic investment manager that focuses on developing artificial intelligence-based software for equities trading. The company employs advanced machine learning techniques to create investment strategies aimed at delivering superior risk-adjusted returns that are independent of major asset classes and other hedge fund strategies. As of early 2024, Apical is operating in stealth mode while it finalizes its first year of live trading in U.S. equities.

SmartFoam is a technology company specializing in the development of advanced foam sensors that transform conventional foam into intelligent, connected devices. Utilizing a proprietary platform, SmartFoam integrates piezoelectric nanoparticles with a silicon-based organic polymer to create sensors that accurately detect pressure points and generate electrical signals upon compression. This innovative technology enables the creation of activity trackers, smart home devices, and sensors for monitoring neurological diseases. SmartFoam's cost-effective solutions provide clients with precise data, enhancing the functionality of everyday products and advancing applications in fields such as wearable technology and the Internet of Things (IoT).

TRAQ is a developer of a bio-sensor that utilizes real-time, non-invasive saliva sampling to monitor various health and fitness metrics. This patented technology allows users to track key biomarkers, including lactate, cortisol, and uric acid, providing insights into energy levels, nutrition, hydration, fat burn, and recovery. The sensor is designed to be worn in the mouth, enabling individuals to conveniently assess their health and wellness. Through its innovative approach, TRAQ aims to empower users to take control of their health.

Quad Geometrics, Inc. specializes in precision earth-measuring sensors and services, focusing on applications in geodesy, energy, undersea mining, surveillance, and basic research. Founded in 2011 and based in San Diego, California, the company provides a range of products including pressure measurement sensors, joint seismic and tilt sensors, and infrasound detection solutions. These offerings cater to various industries such as oil and gas production, CO2 sequestration, geothermal energy extraction, and hydrology. Quad Geometrics also conducts microgravity surveys and provides data acquisition services, helping clients enhance operational efficiencies and make informed decisions. The company was sold in 2018 in a private transaction.

Minus9 Labs, LLC specializes in the development of silica nanoparticles designed for the authentication, tracking, tracing, and delivery of a wide range of products, including pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, food items, and industrial products. The company produces microscopic, edible tags known as "mints" (Micro Item Number Tags), which are physically encoded using silica, allowing them to function as "smart silica" that can be electronically read and authenticated in real time. This innovative technology addresses significant issues such as counterfeiting and food safety, which cost global producers nearly $1 trillion annually and affect millions of consumers. By integrating these edible tags directly into products or onto surfaces, Minus9 Labs provides a solution that enhances product safety, ensures authenticity, and offers transparency regarding product origin and quality. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Quad Geometrics, Inc. specializes in precision earth-measuring sensors and services, focusing on applications in geodesy, energy, undersea mining, surveillance, and basic research. Founded in 2011 and based in San Diego, California, the company provides a range of products including pressure measurement sensors, joint seismic and tilt sensors, and infrasound detection solutions. These offerings cater to various industries such as oil and gas production, CO2 sequestration, geothermal energy extraction, and hydrology. Quad Geometrics also conducts microgravity surveys and provides data acquisition services, helping clients enhance operational efficiencies and make informed decisions. The company was sold in 2018 in a private transaction.