Pillar VC

Adaptilens, LLC is focused on developing an injectable, physiologically adaptive intraocular lens that provides patients with clear vision at various distances without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Incorporated in 2019 and based in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, the company's innovative lens mimics the function of the natural human lens, allowing the ciliary muscles within the eye to alter the shape of the lens. This unique design enables natural accommodation, enabling users to focus on both near and distant objects effectively. Adaptilens aims to enhance the quality of life for patients by offering a solution that facilitates excellent near, intermediate, and distance vision.

Asimov, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the design and development of genetically engineered therapeutics. Established in 2017 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Asimov focuses on creating tools for programming living cells to enhance the design and manufacturing processes of biologics and gene therapies. The company's platform integrates synthetic biology, computer-aided design, and machine learning, allowing for the engineering of genetic circuits. Asimov's multidisciplinary team employs machine-learning algorithms that connect large-scale datasets with biological models, facilitating advancements in molecular manufacturing and therapeutic applications. The company is dedicated to optimizing the production of protein biologics, viral vectors, and cell and gene therapies.

JobGet Inc. is a mobile hiring application and job search platform based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. It serves as a marketplace connecting employers and job seekers, facilitating direct communication through messaging, scheduling meetings, and conducting video interviews. The platform is particularly focused on the retail and hospitality industries, significantly accelerating the job search process by reducing the timeline from weeks to mere minutes. JobGet has gained recognition as a top-rated application on both iOS and Android, assisting thousands of job seekers in engaging with prominent employers.

Kula Bio, Inc. is focused on developing innovative biological solutions for modern agriculture. Founded in 2018 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company specializes in the production of organic biofertilizers using nitrogen-fixing microbes charged with renewable energy. By enhancing natural microbial processes, Kula Bio aims to create affordable and sustainable fertilization methods that enable farmers to increase their yields while promoting environmental stewardship. The company's approach seeks to disrupt traditional synthetic fertilizers, bridging the gap between effective agricultural practices and the responsible management of natural resources.

Mana Interactive Inc., based in Boston, is a financial solutions provider established in 2021 that focuses on creating a rewards platform tailored for gamers. The company has developed a financial application that offers a checking account and debit card specifically designed for individuals who enjoy gaming. Through this application, users can earn rewards points not only from their everyday purchases but also from engaging in their favorite games. Additionally, Mana Interactive provides access to gaming events, hardware, and beta tests, further enhancing the gaming experience. The team at Mana Interactive is dedicated to transforming the fintech landscape and reshaping how rewards, payments, and technology integrate within the gaming community.

Hometap is a fintech company founded in 2018 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in home equity investments. It offers homeowners a unique opportunity to access cash without incurring debt or selling their property. By providing immediate funds in exchange for a percentage of the home's future value, Hometap enables homeowners to utilize the money for various purposes, such as paying off debt or financing renovations. This approach allows homeowners to improve their financial situation without the burden of monthly payments or additional loans.

Waeve Inc. is an eCommerce company based in Somerville, Massachusetts, specializing in the sale of limited drop ready-to-wear wigs targeted primarily at millennial and Gen Z black women. Founded in 2018 by Tiiso McGinty, Mary Imevbore, and Susana Hawken, Waeve is a black woman-owned beauty startup that aims to redefine the hair industry by providing beginner-friendly, high-quality wigs. The company is backed by venture capital and focuses on a direct-to-consumer model, emphasizing accessibility and style for its customers.

Circle is a financial technology firm established in 2013 by Jeremy Allaire and Sean Neville, headquartered in Boston, with additional offices in New York, San Francisco, Dublin, London, and Hong Kong. The company leverages blockchain technology to facilitate payments and e-commerce through stablecoins and its Circle Pay platform, streamlining the process of sending money. Circle offers a range of services, including Circle Invest, which allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrency assets, and Circle Trade, which provides over-the-counter trading services with access to one of the largest global liquidity pools for digital asset trading, averaging $2 billion in monthly volume. Backed by prominent investors such as Goldman Sachs and Accel Partners, Circle positions itself as a key player in the global internet finance sector, focused on integrating crypto assets into mainstream financial applications.

Kula Bio, Inc. is focused on developing innovative biological solutions for modern agriculture. Founded in 2018 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company specializes in the production of organic biofertilizers using nitrogen-fixing microbes charged with renewable energy. By enhancing natural microbial processes, Kula Bio aims to create affordable and sustainable fertilization methods that enable farmers to increase their yields while promoting environmental stewardship. The company's approach seeks to disrupt traditional synthetic fertilizers, bridging the gap between effective agricultural practices and the responsible management of natural resources.

Knox Financial is a Boston-based company founded in 2018 that provides a platform for homeowners to transform their residences into investment properties, thereby generating passive income. The company's algorithm-driven system simplifies the management of residential rentals by offering a comprehensive suite of services, including legal and background checks, rent collection, bill payment, accounting, tenant relations, maintenance management, and insurance programs. By streamlining these processes, Knox Financial empowers clients to maximize the financial benefits of property ownership while enjoying greater lifestyle flexibility and wealth creation opportunities.

Adaptilens, LLC is focused on developing an injectable, physiologically adaptive intraocular lens that provides patients with clear vision at various distances without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Incorporated in 2019 and based in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, the company's innovative lens mimics the function of the natural human lens, allowing the ciliary muscles within the eye to alter the shape of the lens. This unique design enables natural accommodation, enabling users to focus on both near and distant objects effectively. Adaptilens aims to enhance the quality of life for patients by offering a solution that facilitates excellent near, intermediate, and distance vision.

JobGet Inc. is a mobile hiring application and job search platform based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. It serves as a marketplace connecting employers and job seekers, facilitating direct communication through messaging, scheduling meetings, and conducting video interviews. The platform is particularly focused on the retail and hospitality industries, significantly accelerating the job search process by reducing the timeline from weeks to mere minutes. JobGet has gained recognition as a top-rated application on both iOS and Android, assisting thousands of job seekers in engaging with prominent employers.

JobGet Inc. is a mobile hiring application and job search platform based in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2017. It serves as a marketplace connecting employers and job seekers, facilitating direct communication through messaging, scheduling meetings, and conducting video interviews. The platform is particularly focused on the retail and hospitality industries, significantly accelerating the job search process by reducing the timeline from weeks to mere minutes. JobGet has gained recognition as a top-rated application on both iOS and Android, assisting thousands of job seekers in engaging with prominent employers.

Zapata Computing, Inc. is a quantum software company that specializes in developing computing solutions for various industries, including finance, healthcare, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Toronto, the company offers Orquestra, a software platform that enables users to compose quantum workflows and execute them on both quantum and classical hardware. This platform facilitates simulations, optimizations, and machine learning applications, allowing for efficient management of complex tasks across different environments. As a spin-out from Harvard University, Zapata Computing leverages advanced computational techniques grounded in quantum physics to provide hardware-agnostic solutions tailored to enterprise organizations.

Kula Bio, Inc. is focused on developing innovative biological solutions for modern agriculture. Founded in 2018 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company specializes in the production of organic biofertilizers using nitrogen-fixing microbes charged with renewable energy. By enhancing natural microbial processes, Kula Bio aims to create affordable and sustainable fertilization methods that enable farmers to increase their yields while promoting environmental stewardship. The company's approach seeks to disrupt traditional synthetic fertilizers, bridging the gap between effective agricultural practices and the responsible management of natural resources.

Adaptilens, LLC is focused on developing an injectable, physiologically adaptive intraocular lens that provides patients with clear vision at various distances without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Incorporated in 2019 and based in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, the company's innovative lens mimics the function of the natural human lens, allowing the ciliary muscles within the eye to alter the shape of the lens. This unique design enables natural accommodation, enabling users to focus on both near and distant objects effectively. Adaptilens aims to enhance the quality of life for patients by offering a solution that facilitates excellent near, intermediate, and distance vision.

Kula Bio, Inc. is focused on developing innovative biological solutions for modern agriculture. Founded in 2018 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company specializes in the production of organic biofertilizers using nitrogen-fixing microbes charged with renewable energy. By enhancing natural microbial processes, Kula Bio aims to create affordable and sustainable fertilization methods that enable farmers to increase their yields while promoting environmental stewardship. The company's approach seeks to disrupt traditional synthetic fertilizers, bridging the gap between effective agricultural practices and the responsible management of natural resources.

Knox Financial is a Boston-based company founded in 2018 that provides a platform for homeowners to transform their residences into investment properties, thereby generating passive income. The company's algorithm-driven system simplifies the management of residential rentals by offering a comprehensive suite of services, including legal and background checks, rent collection, bill payment, accounting, tenant relations, maintenance management, and insurance programs. By streamlining these processes, Knox Financial empowers clients to maximize the financial benefits of property ownership while enjoying greater lifestyle flexibility and wealth creation opportunities.

Petri is a venture capital accelerator based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in investing in formation-stage startups, particularly at the intersection of biology and engineering. Petri focuses on sectors such as biotech applications, food, healthcare, industrial chemicals, and new materials. It provides pre-seed and seed capital investments, typically up to $0.25 million, and works closely with founders over a 12-month period to help them build high-quality teams, develop intellectual property, and identify customers. Petri's programming culminates in a Demo Day presentation, showcasing the startups' progress. In exchange for its support, Petri acquires an equity stake in the participating companies.

Zapata Computing, Inc. is a quantum software company that specializes in developing computing solutions for various industries, including finance, healthcare, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Toronto, the company offers Orquestra, a software platform that enables users to compose quantum workflows and execute them on both quantum and classical hardware. This platform facilitates simulations, optimizations, and machine learning applications, allowing for efficient management of complex tasks across different environments. As a spin-out from Harvard University, Zapata Computing leverages advanced computational techniques grounded in quantum physics to provide hardware-agnostic solutions tailored to enterprise organizations.

RECLAIM is a financial wellness app that relieves patients from financial stress so that they can focus on their wellbeing. It helps healthcare users understand their care pathway and what to expect ahead, save on their cost of care, and optimize their insurance selection to best mitigate their financial risk. It was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Jellyfish, Inc. is an engineering management platform that assists engineering leaders in aligning their teams' activities with strategic business objectives. The platform integrates engineering data with contextual business information, enabling users to understand how engineering efforts contribute to overall business growth. Jellyfish's solutions encompass tracking engineering work, analyzing performance, and enhancing productivity, while also providing visibility into resource allocation and operational effectiveness. The platform supports functions such as strategic alignment, communication of value, and R&D cost capitalization. Established in 2007, Jellyfish is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Washington, D.C.

Kula Bio, Inc. is focused on developing innovative biological solutions for modern agriculture. Founded in 2018 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company specializes in the production of organic biofertilizers using nitrogen-fixing microbes charged with renewable energy. By enhancing natural microbial processes, Kula Bio aims to create affordable and sustainable fertilization methods that enable farmers to increase their yields while promoting environmental stewardship. The company's approach seeks to disrupt traditional synthetic fertilizers, bridging the gap between effective agricultural practices and the responsible management of natural resources.

Zapata Computing, Inc. is a quantum software company that specializes in developing computing solutions for various industries, including finance, healthcare, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Toronto, the company offers Orquestra, a software platform that enables users to compose quantum workflows and execute them on both quantum and classical hardware. This platform facilitates simulations, optimizations, and machine learning applications, allowing for efficient management of complex tasks across different environments. As a spin-out from Harvard University, Zapata Computing leverages advanced computational techniques grounded in quantum physics to provide hardware-agnostic solutions tailored to enterprise organizations.

Circle is a financial technology firm established in 2013 by Jeremy Allaire and Sean Neville, headquartered in Boston, with additional offices in New York, San Francisco, Dublin, London, and Hong Kong. The company leverages blockchain technology to facilitate payments and e-commerce through stablecoins and its Circle Pay platform, streamlining the process of sending money. Circle offers a range of services, including Circle Invest, which allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrency assets, and Circle Trade, which provides over-the-counter trading services with access to one of the largest global liquidity pools for digital asset trading, averaging $2 billion in monthly volume. Backed by prominent investors such as Goldman Sachs and Accel Partners, Circle positions itself as a key player in the global internet finance sector, focused on integrating crypto assets into mainstream financial applications.

Hometap is a fintech company founded in 2018 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in home equity investments. It offers homeowners a unique opportunity to access cash without incurring debt or selling their property. By providing immediate funds in exchange for a percentage of the home's future value, Hometap enables homeowners to utilize the money for various purposes, such as paying off debt or financing renovations. This approach allows homeowners to improve their financial situation without the burden of monthly payments or additional loans.

Algorand Technologies, established in 2017 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, specializes in blockchain technology. It operates a decentralized digital currency and transactions platform, offering features such as Algorand Standard Asset, Atomic Transfers, and Algorand Smart Contracts at the Layer-1 level. The company is renowned for its innovative approach to blockchain scalability, enabling rapid and efficient user consensus, even for small transactions, regardless of transaction volume or user base. This results in low-cost, near-instant blockchain transactions. Additionally, Algorand Technologies develops and maintains decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and digital identity solutions.

RECLAIM is a financial wellness app that relieves patients from financial stress so that they can focus on their wellbeing. It helps healthcare users understand their care pathway and what to expect ahead, save on their cost of care, and optimize their insurance selection to best mitigate their financial risk. It was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Asimov, Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in the design and development of genetically engineered therapeutics. Established in 2017 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Asimov focuses on creating tools for programming living cells to enhance the design and manufacturing processes of biologics and gene therapies. The company's platform integrates synthetic biology, computer-aided design, and machine learning, allowing for the engineering of genetic circuits. Asimov's multidisciplinary team employs machine-learning algorithms that connect large-scale datasets with biological models, facilitating advancements in molecular manufacturing and therapeutic applications. The company is dedicated to optimizing the production of protein biologics, viral vectors, and cell and gene therapies.

PathAI, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence solutions for pathology laboratories. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Austin, Texas, PathAI focuses on enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The company's platform employs machine and deep learning techniques to analyze large datasets, assisting pathologists in making rapid and precise diagnoses for patients. By addressing complex challenges in pathology, PathAI aims to facilitate personalized medicine and improve patient outcomes by identifying individuals who may benefit from innovative therapies.

Rekener, Inc. is a customer data platform specializing in B2B solutions, based in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on creating and maintaining a comprehensive view of customers by integrating data from various sources, including Salesforce, Marketo, and HubSpot. Rekener provides analytical applications designed to enhance go-to-market strategies by prioritizing prospects and resources effectively. Additionally, the platform automates key performance indicators, allowing businesses to continuously measure and assess the effectiveness of their strategies. As of December 2019, Rekener operates as a subsidiary of Brainshark, Inc.

Talla, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Brookline, Massachusetts, specializes in developing an AI and automation platform aimed at enhancing customer support services. The company offers a comprehensive IT Service Management (ITSM) solution that automates support workflows, allowing users to efficiently access accurate answers to inquiries while simultaneously boosting customer satisfaction and support team productivity. Talla's platform is designed to manage and prioritize requests, automate responses to frequently asked questions, and provide proactive employee education, all within chat applications. Unlike its competitors, Talla's technology improves over time through machine learning and seamlessly integrates with various tools essential for support teams.

Edgewise Networks, Inc. is a cybersecurity software company based in Burlington, Massachusetts, founded in 2016. It specializes in Trusted Application Networking for cloud and data center environments, addressing vulnerabilities where traditional firewalls may fall short. The company focuses on preventing the compromise of applications and the advancement of network-borne threats by permitting only trusted applications to communicate over designated network paths. Edgewise employs machine learning to analyze application communication patterns, enabling the creation of effective protection policies that can reduce the network attack surface by up to 98%. This approach allows organizations to safeguard critical business applications without necessitating network changes, thereby enhancing security management even in the absence of firewall effectiveness. In May 2020, Edgewise Networks became a subsidiary of Zscaler, Inc.

Desktop Metal, Inc. is a manufacturer of additive manufacturing solutions, specializing in 3D printing technologies for metal and carbon fiber. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, the company offers a range of products, including the Production System for industrial manufacturing, the Shop System for machine and job shops, the Studio System designed for office use, and the Fiber desktop 3D printer. Desktop Metal serves a variety of industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, consumer products, heavy industry, machine design, and research and development. Its innovative systems, materials, and software facilitate on-demand digital mass production, providing the speed, cost-efficiency, and part quality necessary for modern manufacturing. The company markets its solutions across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from the Americas.

PillPack, Inc. is a pharmacy that specializes in organizing and delivering medications directly to customers' doors. Founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, the company provides a unique service by sorting medications into personalized packets, which are tailored to individual dosing schedules. In addition to prescription medications, PillPack also offers vitamins, over-the-counter products, inhalers, creams, and testing supplies. The company serves various clients, including healthcare providers and caregivers, throughout the United States. PillPack is also known for its online magazine, Folks, which highlights inspiring stories of individuals overcoming health challenges. As of September 2018, PillPack operates as a subsidiary of Amazon.com, expanding its reach and capabilities within the healthcare sector. Locations include Miami, Brooklyn, Somerville, Salt Lake City, and Austin.

PathAI, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing artificial intelligence solutions for pathology laboratories. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Austin, Texas, PathAI focuses on enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The company's platform employs machine and deep learning techniques to analyze large datasets, assisting pathologists in making rapid and precise diagnoses for patients. By addressing complex challenges in pathology, PathAI aims to facilitate personalized medicine and improve patient outcomes by identifying individuals who may benefit from innovative therapies.

Rekener, Inc. is a customer data platform specializing in B2B solutions, based in Charlestown, Massachusetts. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on creating and maintaining a comprehensive view of customers by integrating data from various sources, including Salesforce, Marketo, and HubSpot. Rekener provides analytical applications designed to enhance go-to-market strategies by prioritizing prospects and resources effectively. Additionally, the platform automates key performance indicators, allowing businesses to continuously measure and assess the effectiveness of their strategies. As of December 2019, Rekener operates as a subsidiary of Brainshark, Inc.

PillPack, Inc. is a pharmacy that specializes in organizing and delivering medications directly to customers' doors. Founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, the company provides a unique service by sorting medications into personalized packets, which are tailored to individual dosing schedules. In addition to prescription medications, PillPack also offers vitamins, over-the-counter products, inhalers, creams, and testing supplies. The company serves various clients, including healthcare providers and caregivers, throughout the United States. PillPack is also known for its online magazine, Folks, which highlights inspiring stories of individuals overcoming health challenges. As of September 2018, PillPack operates as a subsidiary of Amazon.com, expanding its reach and capabilities within the healthcare sector. Locations include Miami, Brooklyn, Somerville, Salt Lake City, and Austin.

Desktop Metal, Inc. is a manufacturer of additive manufacturing solutions, specializing in 3D printing technologies for metal and carbon fiber. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, the company offers a range of products, including the Production System for industrial manufacturing, the Shop System for machine and job shops, the Studio System designed for office use, and the Fiber desktop 3D printer. Desktop Metal serves a variety of industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, consumer products, heavy industry, machine design, and research and development. Its innovative systems, materials, and software facilitate on-demand digital mass production, providing the speed, cost-efficiency, and part quality necessary for modern manufacturing. The company markets its solutions across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region, with a significant portion of its revenue generated from the Americas.

Circle is a financial technology firm established in 2013 by Jeremy Allaire and Sean Neville, headquartered in Boston, with additional offices in New York, San Francisco, Dublin, London, and Hong Kong. The company leverages blockchain technology to facilitate payments and e-commerce through stablecoins and its Circle Pay platform, streamlining the process of sending money. Circle offers a range of services, including Circle Invest, which allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrency assets, and Circle Trade, which provides over-the-counter trading services with access to one of the largest global liquidity pools for digital asset trading, averaging $2 billion in monthly volume. Backed by prominent investors such as Goldman Sachs and Accel Partners, Circle positions itself as a key player in the global internet finance sector, focused on integrating crypto assets into mainstream financial applications.