Red Cedar Ventures

Red Cedar Ventures (RCV), established in 2014, is a venture capital firm based in East Lansing, Michigan, and operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the MSU Research Foundation. It is recognized as the first venture fund in mid-Michigan, focusing on early-stage investments in high-tech startups that are commercializing intellectual property developed at Michigan State University. RCV aims to support the growth of technology-focused entrepreneurs and companies throughout the state, fostering innovation and economic development in the region.

John Tran

Venture Analyst

Calvin VanderWal

Venture Associate

David Washburn

President and Board Member

Jeff Wesley

Executive Director

Matthew Okoneski

Director, Venture Investments

Past deals in Pre-Seed Round

Approva

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Approva is an all-in-one home loan solution that simplifies and accelerates the house loan process by providing users with the best mortgage deal in real-time.

Vetr Health

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Vetr Health operates a subscription-based veterinary service, offering routine and wellness care for pets. Their unique model includes in-home vet visits, providing convenience and reducing stress for both pet owners and their pets, particularly those with busy schedules or anxiety issues. Additionally, they offer unlimited telehealth visits, ensuring pet owners have constant access to veterinary care.

Reel Free

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Reel Free designed a medical device, similar to an automated reel-in garden hose, for managing oxygen tubing. This innovation enhances user mobility and reduces the risk of falls.

Quantitative Coin Grading

Pre Seed Round in 2023
QCG is a technology-based coin grading service platform to assess the value of coins.

Akeila Bio

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Akeila Bio is developing novel small molecule drugs targeting RXR nuclear receptor biology with applications in a variety of disease areas

Protein Pints

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Protein Pints is a premium ice cream manufacturer specializing in high-protein, low-sugar desserts. Their product line includes various flavors like chocolate, strawberry, cookie dough, and mint, all made with natural ingredients and lactose-free, gluten-free whey protein isolates. The company caters to health-conscious individuals seeking to meet their daily nutritional goals through indulgent, guilt-free treats.

UniServices

Pre Seed Round in 2023
UniServices operates an online platform that connects college students with local residents and businesses seeking assistance with various tasks such as dog walking, painting, or tutoring. This marketplace facilitates the completion of odd jobs within communities, enabling students to earn additional income while providing convenient services to those in need.

Deepview AI

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Deepview is a technology company focused on bringing to market the world’s best AI Cameras for manufacturing and automotive applications.

Vetr Health

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Vetr Health operates a subscription-based veterinary service, offering routine and wellness care for pets. Their unique model includes in-home vet visits, providing convenience and reducing stress for both pet owners and their pets, particularly those with busy schedules or anxiety issues. Additionally, they offer unlimited telehealth visits, ensuring pet owners have constant access to veterinary care.

Elite Care Technologies Material

Pre Seed Round in 2023
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MagPlasma

Pre Seed Round in 2023
MagPlasma specializes in the development and integration of plasma systems aimed at air purification, surface disinfection, and advanced material processing. The company focuses on creating innovative technologies that disinfect the air, thereby protecting healthcare workers and service providers from exposure to airborne contagions. By employing novel contagion disinfection devices, MagPlasma effectively collects and neutralizes harmful pathogens before they reach infectious levels, enhancing safety in various environments.

Titan Bioplastics

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Titan Bioplastics specializes in advanced nanotechnology and sustainable material solutions, focusing on the development and commercialization of plant-based and bioplastic composites. The company serves various industries, including packaging, construction, and energy, providing innovative materials that help manufacturers meet global recycling standards and reduce waste. Its expertise encompasses a range of applications, such as polymer composite development, coatings, and the use of nanomaterials like Graphene Oxide. Titan Bioplastics also engages in projects related to environmental technology and bioremediation, aiming to support organizations in implementing carbon-negative materials and improving overall sustainability in their manufacturing processes.

JustAir Solutions

Pre Seed Round in 2022
JustAir Solutions is an air pollution monitoring company. They provide mapping, monitoring, and visualizing. Monitor the air people breathe at a neighborhood level. They observe the activity and trends that drive air quality.

Will Winn Games

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Will Winn Games is a game development studio focused on creating engaging multiplayer video game experiences. The company aims to design, develop, and market games that enhance social interactions among players, allowing them to form friendships and rivalries. By rebuilding games from the ground up for full online multiplayer functionality, Will Winn Games ensures compatibility across all major gaming platforms, catering to a broad audience of gamers. Their commitment to innovation and quality positions them as a significant player in the gaming industry.

KindKatch

Pre Seed Round in 2022
KindKatch is an audience engagement solution company that focuses on helping brands enhance their marketing efforts through personalized video content. The company's platform enables businesses to capture and curate video and picture content from their teams and audiences, fostering deeper relationships and increasing conversions. By leveraging tools for content collection, curation, and sharing, KindKatch allows brands to personalize their marketing and storytelling at scale, effectively engaging their audience and driving better results.

CrossBraining

Pre Seed Round in 2022
CrossBraining, LLC is a company that specializes in developing a video software platform aimed at enhancing vocational and corporate learning for various educational stakeholders, including teachers, students, administrators, and employers. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Jackson, Michigan, the platform offers a range of features such as video editing, narration, music integration, and collaborative sharing, all designed to facilitate community learning. CrossBraining's competency-as-a-Service cloud platform supports K-20 education and vocational training by providing a comprehensive learning library and certification suite. The company's innovative approach addresses challenges in aligning unskilled laborers with skilled trades employers, thereby improving the educational pipeline in skilled trades. The firm has garnered support from prominent educational foundation investors and angels, reflecting its commitment to enhancing learning outcomes.

SBE Medical

Pre Seed Round in 2021
SBE Medical develops a catheter that saves time for clinicians, eliminates the chance of UTIs, and dramatically increases patient comfort.

Full Cycle School

Pre Seed Round in 2021
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Will Winn Games

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Will Winn Games is a game development studio focused on creating engaging multiplayer video game experiences. The company aims to design, develop, and market games that enhance social interactions among players, allowing them to form friendships and rivalries. By rebuilding games from the ground up for full online multiplayer functionality, Will Winn Games ensures compatibility across all major gaming platforms, catering to a broad audience of gamers. Their commitment to innovation and quality positions them as a significant player in the gaming industry.

TiiCKER

Pre Seed Round in 2021
TiiCKER is a digital financial platform that aims to enhance the relationship between publicly traded companies and their retail investors. It offers a unique service that allows consumer shareholders to engage with their stock portfolios, trade without commissions, and explore investment opportunities while accessing verified shareholder perks. The platform not only facilitates direct marketing to shareholders but also provides valuable insights and content to help companies understand and engage their investor base. By incentivizing consumer participation and measuring shareholder lifetime value, TiiCKER supports companies in converting consumers into shareholders and fostering a more interactive investment experience.

MyPlasma

Pre Seed Round in 2021
MyPlasma is a webshop for electric lighters.

Rebound

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Rebound is an e-commerce business metric aggregation platform that provides insights from various online marketplaces, websites, and SaaS tools. It features an artificial intelligence assistant that delivers instant answers, alerts, and insights related to critical business metrics such as revenue, profitability, and inventory. By connecting directly to users' Amazon and Shopify data, Rebound eliminates the need for dashboards or applications, allowing clients to access essential business information quickly and efficiently through text messages. This innovative approach helps businesses save time and make informed decisions without the complexity of traditional data management tools.

Tandem

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Tandem is a technology company that provides a scheduling platform designed to streamline operations and foster community engagement within educational institutions. The platform empowers users to manage resources, schedule events, and stay informed about campus activities, thereby enhancing overall campus coordination and communication.

Starchtek

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Starchtek develops starch-based compostable foam designed for the protective packaging market. The company focuses on providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as styrofoam. By utilizing next-generation starch-based technology, Starchtek offers affordable, plastic-free solutions that aim to enhance product safety while promoting environmental sustainability. Their products cater to various applications, including protective and cold chain packaging, thereby addressing the growing demand for sustainable packaging options.

The Patient Company

Pre Seed Round in 2021
The Patient Company, LLC, founded in 2019 by Andrew Heuerman, specializes in the development and production of SimPull, an automated lateral patient transfer device. With locations in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Scottsdale, Arizona, the company aims to enhance patient care by providing a motorized mechanical lifting device that allows a single care team member to safely and respectfully transfer patients. SimPull is designed to protect clinicians from injuries, reduce the average time required for transfers, and eliminate waste generated by disposable components of alternative products.

IASO

Pre Seed Round in 2021
IASO is a provider of cloud-based backup software and storage solutions designed for consumers, small to mid-sized businesses, managed service providers, and enterprises. The company offers an ultra-fast and reliable online backup service, utilizing advanced and secure technology to ensure data recovery. With a network of 600 direct partnerships worldwide, IASO emphasizes the importance of effective data recovery in its solutions, reflecting its name’s origin from Greek mythology, where Iaso is the goddess of recovery. This focus on reliability and security makes IASO a significant player in the online backup software industry.

Motion Grazer AI

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Motion Grazer AI is a company that specializes in developing advanced monitoring systems for livestock, particularly focusing on sows. Established in 2020 and based in East Lansing, Michigan, the company utilizes a hardware platform equipped with a real-sense camera to provide precise monitoring and health assessments. Its system offers automated indicators related to reproductive potential, body condition, and locomotion, which facilitate precision livestock farming. By delivering in-depth insights into animal health and welfare, Motion Grazer AI aims to enhance productivity and profitability for livestock businesses while reducing costs. The company was founded by John McIntyre, Madonna Benjamin, Daniel Morris, and Michael Lavagnino.

Building CATALYST

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Building Catalyst is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to enhance the building process by integrating various aspects of project management. The platform utilizes data science to inform decision-making, allowing for a comparative analysis of project elements such as program, design, and budget. By automating data and technology solutions, it enables builders and contractors to optimize resources, predict construction outcomes, and streamline efforts, ultimately improving project results while reducing time and costs.

3DFoundri

Pre Seed Round in 2020
3DFoundri specializes in metal production, focusing on advanced manufacturing technologies such as 3D metal printing and magnetic-field assisted finishing. The company offers services that include metal finishing and polishing, aiming to enhance manufacturing efficiency and reduce lead times for complex metal parts. By integrating their technology with computer numerical control (CNC), 3DFoundri effectively addresses fine machining lines, catering to industries such as automotive. Customers can reach out to the company through various channels, including phone, email, and online applications, ensuring responsive support for their inquiries.

Airway Innovations

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Airway Innovations, LLC is a company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that specializes in designing and manufacturing airway management solutions to address issues related to endotracheal tube (ETT) holders. The flagship product, TubeTrac, is an advanced oral tracheal tube holder that effectively prevents unplanned extubations by transferring pull force from the ETT to the back of the patient's head. Its patented design includes a clip that secures the tube connector, significantly reducing the risk of self-extubation. TubeTrac offers enhanced adjustability, facilitating oral care and repositioning of the tube to prevent lip ulcers and pressure sores. This innovative device not only raises the standard of care for intubated patients but also minimizes the need for physical restraints and sedation, thereby improving patient safety and comfort. Incorporated in 2014, Airway Innovations aims to enhance the quality of care provided in healthcare settings.

ServiceBot by WorkWave

Pre Seed Round in 2020
WorkWave's ServiceBot is an online ordering system designed for the home service sector. The company was founded in 2019 and is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

ARUtility

Pre Seed Round in 2020
ARUtility LLC specializes in augmented reality solutions for utility locating and asset management, focusing on reducing underground damages. Founded in 2018 and based in East Lansing, Michigan, the company offers an application that integrates augmented reality with utility management and BIM visualization. This tool enables various stakeholders, including architects, contractors, utility locators, and engineers, to visualize the location of utilities both above and below ground. By facilitating 3D mapping and providing essential information on assets, ARUtility helps users identify potential conflicts before excavation begins, making projects more cost-effective. The platform also allows utility partners to collaborate effectively by sharing asset information and managing access on a project basis, ensuring comprehensive oversight of utility assets across sectors such as electric, water, gas, fiber, sewer, and telecom.

Phenologic

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Phenologic is a company that specializes in developing smart automated inline fertilizer injection systems for professional growers and farmers. Established in 2020 and based in East Lansing, Michigan, the company offers a product called Poseidon, which efficiently proportions multiple fertilizers into a water line, ensuring that plants receive the correct amounts of water and nutrients at optimal times. The technology leverages modern communication systems to synchronize lighting and fertigation processes, allowing for centralized control of various agricultural systems. By optimizing the feeding and watering of crops, Phenologic's solutions aim to enhance production yields while reducing costs for farmers.

MenuBubble

Pre Seed Round in 2020
MenuBubble, LLC is a subscription-based meal delivery service based in East Lansing, Michigan, operating in several cities across the state, including Greater Lansing, Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids. Founded in 2018, the company specializes in providing healthy, macro-balanced meals that are low-calorie and preservative-free, catering to individuals, families, and students. MenuBubble emphasizes accessibility and convenience, offering a weekly rotating menu of chilled meals that can accommodate various dietary and financial needs. Customers can choose from individual meal plans, family meal options, and business catering services, as well as participate in programs such as gift cards and Pay It Forward. The company also utilizes third-party delivery platforms like Grubhub and DoorDash, and engages in partnerships with gyms and health food companies to expand its reach. With a focus on delivering warm, nutritious food quickly, MenuBubble aims to support customers in maintaining healthy eating habits.

BetterYou

Pre Seed Round in 2020
BetterYou is a digital wellness platform that empowers individuals and organizations to make informed health and wellness decisions. By analyzing daily data from users' devices, the platform offers insights into how individuals allocate their time versus what they value most. BetterYou helps users define their personal goals for “time better spent” and supports them in achieving those objectives. Additionally, the platform provides organizations with population-level insights that can lead to improved employee wellness and potential health care savings. By focusing on the interconnected aspects of physical, mental, social, and educational wellness, BetterYou facilitates healthier habits and enhances overall well-being for both individuals and businesses.

Phenologic

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Phenologic is a company that specializes in developing smart automated inline fertilizer injection systems for professional growers and farmers. Established in 2020 and based in East Lansing, Michigan, the company offers a product called Poseidon, which efficiently proportions multiple fertilizers into a water line, ensuring that plants receive the correct amounts of water and nutrients at optimal times. The technology leverages modern communication systems to synchronize lighting and fertigation processes, allowing for centralized control of various agricultural systems. By optimizing the feeding and watering of crops, Phenologic's solutions aim to enhance production yields while reducing costs for farmers.

HealthOpX

Pre Seed Round in 2019
HealthOpX specializes in developing software solutions for community-based organizations, health systems, and payers, aiming to enhance community member engagement and overall health outcomes. Their platform includes a predictive analytics tool that helps assess the risks associated with patient readmissions, emergency room visits, and morbidity. This technology supports healthcare practitioners by facilitating care coordination, improving medical adherence, and enhancing clinical experiences. Through its services, HealthOpX enables organizations to implement effective health programs and collaborate with government and health entities, ultimately providing accessible and cost-effective care to at-risk patients.

MyPlasma

Pre Seed Round in 2019
MyPlasma is a webshop for electric lighters.

IASO

Pre Seed Round in 2019
IASO is a provider of cloud-based backup software and storage solutions designed for consumers, small to mid-sized businesses, managed service providers, and enterprises. The company offers an ultra-fast and reliable online backup service, utilizing advanced and secure technology to ensure data recovery. With a network of 600 direct partnerships worldwide, IASO emphasizes the importance of effective data recovery in its solutions, reflecting its name’s origin from Greek mythology, where Iaso is the goddess of recovery. This focus on reliability and security makes IASO a significant player in the online backup software industry.

AgileCare Solutions

Pre Seed Round in 2019
AgileCare Solutions is a health technology company that focuses on enhancing home-based care services by connecting healthcare staff with patients and their families. The company's innovative staff scheduling software utilizes artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to optimize caregiver assignments based on clients' specific needs. This approach not only improves the matching process between caregivers and those seeking private care but also helps private-duty home-care companies and healthcare agencies to effectively find and hire qualified caregivers. By streamlining communication and minimizing scheduling errors, AgileCare Solutions aims to improve caregiver retention and overall customer satisfaction in the home-care industry.

Oasis Systems

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Oasis Systems is a provider of information technology, systems engineering, enterprise applications, and program management services, primarily serving the Department of Defense and U.S. Federal Agencies. The company is recognized for its ability to anticipate and respond to customer needs by delivering high-quality, cost-effective technical solutions and analytical services. With a skilled team of professionals, Oasis Systems specializes in engineering services, human factors engineering, and enterprise systems, ensuring that clients receive efficient and effective support tailored to their operational requirements.

Uru Sports

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Uru Sports, LLC is an online platform based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that connects field hockey players, coaches, and teams. Established in 2015, the platform facilitates the search for playing and coaching opportunities worldwide, helping athletes and coaches find suitable positions while allowing teams to discover talented individuals. Uru Sports enhances the recruitment process by enabling users to create detailed profiles that highlight their unique accomplishments, making it easier for recruiters to identify top talent. The platform not only streamlines the engagement process for athletes seeking career opportunities but also assists teams in optimizing their recruitment efforts, ultimately aiming to improve their chances of winning championships.

IASO

Pre Seed Round in 2018
IASO is a provider of cloud-based backup software and storage solutions designed for consumers, small to mid-sized businesses, managed service providers, and enterprises. The company offers an ultra-fast and reliable online backup service, utilizing advanced and secure technology to ensure data recovery. With a network of 600 direct partnerships worldwide, IASO emphasizes the importance of effective data recovery in its solutions, reflecting its name’s origin from Greek mythology, where Iaso is the goddess of recovery. This focus on reliability and security makes IASO a significant player in the online backup software industry.

Lingco Language Labs

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Lingco Language Labs operates an online platform focused on personalized language learning for students. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to assess students' existing language abilities through initial evaluations, which helps instructors identify areas where learners struggle. By providing real-time insights, the platform enables educators to tailor their teaching strategies and recommend appropriate activities and content. This approach aims to enhance the overall language learning experience and support students in achieving proficiency.

MySideKick

Pre Seed Round in 2018
MySideKick is an intelligent risk prediction and prevention platform focused on enhancing institutional safety through proactive personal protection measures. By utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, real-time data, and automation, MySideKick moves beyond traditional panic buttons to provide a more effective safety solution. The platform is designed to connect users, including athletes and institutions, creating a vigilant network aimed at protecting individuals from harassment and danger. It empowers users to make informed decisions about their safety while facilitating collaboration among friends, teammates, coaches, and team leaders. Notably, MySideKick has been designated as the Official Safety App of Team USA Athletes for the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding individuals in various environments.

FibrosIX

Pre Seed Round in 2018
FibrosIX is a biotechnology company founded in 2016 and based in East Lansing, Michigan. The company focuses on developing small-molecule therapeutics aimed at preventing lung fibrosis in cancer patients. Its drug candidates target a crucial signaling pathway involved in the progression of fibrotic diseases. By doing so, FibrosIX aims to help healthcare providers mitigate issues related to poor lung function and shortness of breath in affected patients.

Indapta Therapeutics

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Indapta Therapeutics is a privately held biotechnology company focused on developing a natural killer (NK) cell therapy platform aimed at treating both blood and solid tumor cancers. The company specializes in a proprietary off-the-shelf, non-engineered, and allogeneic G-NK cell designed to enhance the immune response and significantly improve the effectiveness of antibody therapies. Through its innovative approach, Indapta Therapeutics seeks to provide healthcare providers with advanced treatment options for patients suffering from cancer, leveraging the potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of its NK cell therapy.

Orion Trading Systems

Funding Round in 2017
Orion Trading Systems is a financial technology company that offers a versatile platform for brokers, educators, and traders to enhance their trading activities. The platform supports a wide range of asset classes, including stocks, options, futures, forex, and digital assets, allowing users to manage multiple accounts from various brokers within a single application. By providing broker-neutral options, the platform facilitates trade execution, order management, and workflow automation, enabling fund managers and brokers to efficiently execute trades and oversee portfolios. This innovative approach aims to transform how users interact with trading software, ensuring a customized and streamlined experience.

Indapta Therapeutics

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Indapta Therapeutics is a privately held biotechnology company focused on developing a natural killer (NK) cell therapy platform aimed at treating both blood and solid tumor cancers. The company specializes in a proprietary off-the-shelf, non-engineered, and allogeneic G-NK cell designed to enhance the immune response and significantly improve the effectiveness of antibody therapies. Through its innovative approach, Indapta Therapeutics seeks to provide healthcare providers with advanced treatment options for patients suffering from cancer, leveraging the potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity of its NK cell therapy.

AIM Artificially Intelligent Machineshop

Pre Seed Round in 2016
Operator of a Computer Numeric Control equipment manufacturing shop intended to specializes in sourcing custom sheet metal parts.

Ubiquitous Energy

Pre Seed Round in 2016
Ubiquitous Energy, Inc. specializes in the development of transparent photovoltaics that aim to enhance energy efficiency in everyday products and surfaces. The company's ClearView Power technology allows windows and other surfaces to harness solar energy while remaining visually indistinguishable from standard glass. This innovative approach enables the generation of electricity from ultraviolet and near-infrared light, providing a sustainable power source for various devices, including wearables, tablets, and smart glass applications. Founded in 2011 and based in Redwood City, California, Ubiquitous Energy originated from research at MIT and has established a production facility in Silicon Valley. The company has also formed a strategic development agreement with Asahi Glass Co., Ltd., reinforcing its position as a leader in transparent solar technology.

Treeborn

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Treeborn, Inc. is a manufacturer and distributor of chestnut chips primarily used in the brewing industry. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, the company sources its chestnuts from sustainably grown trees in the region. Treeborn specializes in processing whole fresh chestnuts by removing their shells, slicing the kernels ultra-thin, and oven-toasting them to enhance their natural sweetness and nutty flavor. The resulting chestnut chips serve as a flavorful ingredient in various beers, including ales and stouts, and are particularly suitable for gluten-free brewing. In addition to chestnut chips, Treeborn produces raw and roasted chestnut flour, catering to a diverse customer base, including those with celiac disease.

Thermetrics

Pre Seed Round in 2014
Thermetrics provide industry-leading technologies for thermal manikin systems and other thermal testing equipment. Our products are used and trusted by commercial organisations, testing labs, and government clients all over the world. They are dedicated to developing cutting-edge thermal measurement testing solutions that will enable customers to develop game-changing technologies. The equipment meets the most stringent thermal comfort research standards.

Lifeblood Biological Services

Pre Seed Round in 2014
Owner and operator of a blood center. The company operates as a blood bank as well as providing human cells, biological materials and other

Digitouch Health

Pre Seed Round in 2014
Digitouch Health is a U.S.-based company located in Valhalla, New York, that specializes in the development of a smartphone device for monitoring blood pressure. This innovative medical device utilizes algorithm-enabled technology and oscillometry to measure hypertension accurately without the need for calibration. It allows users to conveniently track and transmit their blood pressure readings to electronic health records, facilitating better management of cardiovascular health. By collaborating with healthcare practitioners, Digitouch Health aims to help individuals lead longer and healthier lives through effective monitoring and management of their blood pressure.
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