Reinforced Ventures

CapSen Robotics, Inc., founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in advanced 3D computer vision systems that allow computers to interpret and navigate cluttered environments. The company offers a range of solutions, including cluttered object detection, scanning for both large and small objects, and object tracking, catering to diverse applications in factory automation, vehicle scanning, and retail inventory management. Drawing on research from MIT, CapSen’s technology enhances the capabilities of robots and computer vision systems, which are increasingly being utilized in less structured settings such as warehouses, hospitals, and homes. The company is currently beta testing its software with various system integrators and robotics firms, focusing on robotic picking applications and partnering with a major government contractor for a warehouse project. Their innovative object detection software has already demonstrated its effectiveness in competitive environments, such as a recent robotic order fulfillment competition.

SFA Therapeutics, Inc. is a development-stage bio-pharmaceutical company located in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. The company specializes in creating drugs derived from microbiome-derived metabolites aimed at treating chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. By harnessing compounds discovered in the human microbiome, SFA Therapeutics seeks to provide innovative therapeutic solutions for various medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases and liver disorders.

EKTO VR, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of wearable robotic boots designed to facilitate movement in virtual reality environments. Founded in 2018, EKTO VR's flagship product, Traverse, features advanced technology that includes rotating plates and a set of wheels. This design allows users to walk naturally while remaining in a fixed location, thereby enhancing the realism of virtual experiences and training simulations. The innovative boots aim to reduce motion sickness, enabling users to engage fully in virtual reality games and experiences without physical discomfort. EKTO VR is focused on improving the quality of immersive experiences for users around the globe.

Edge Case Research is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with an additional office in Unterschleißheim, Germany, specializing in developing software products and safety systems for companies involved in self-driving car technology. Founded in 2013, the firm focuses on testing vehicle software and artificial intelligence without requiring physical vehicles. Its key offerings include Hologram, a platform for identifying and addressing edge cases that challenge machine learning, and Switchboard, a cloud-based tool for automated robustness testing of complex software. The company employs Model-based Iterative System Safety Analysis to pinpoint and model safety risks in intricate systems. Additionally, Edge Case Research provides embedded software best practices assessment and training services. It serves industries such as autonomous vehicles and robotics, consumer electronics and the Internet of Things, and industrial controls and embedded systems.

Honeycomb Credit, Inc. operates a peer-to-peer lending platform that connects small business owners with individual investors seeking to fund those businesses. Founded in 2017 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company allows businesses to secure loans from their own customers and community members, facilitating debt crowdfunding. This innovative approach enables small businesses to obtain necessary capital without relinquishing equity, thus supporting their growth while providing a unique investment opportunity for lenders. By bridging the gap between traditional funding sources and community support, Honeycomb Credit enhances access to financial resources for small enterprises.

OtterTune, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in providing automated database tuning services. Founded in 2020, OtterTune develops solutions aimed at enhancing the performance of data-intensive applications. Its technology continuously learns from database behavior and optimizes runtime settings to improve system performance, identifying optimization strategies that are often overlooked by human database administrators. By reusing training data from past tuning sessions, OtterTune's tool simplifies the deployment of database management systems, allowing developers to configure these systems effectively without requiring in-depth expertise in database administration.

Locomation, Inc. is a technology company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializing in the development of autonomous driving solutions for the trucking industry. Established in 2016, Locomation focuses on enhancing trucking safety and efficiency through its Autonomous Relay Convoy (ARC) system, which combines artificial intelligence with driver augmentation. This innovative approach allows one truck to autonomously follow a lead truck operated by a human driver, facilitating safer and more cost-effective transportation. The company aims to reduce truck-involved accidents and improve operational efficiency for trucking companies by leveraging advanced AI-driven systems for both commercial and defense applications.

UpContent, LLC is a technology company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in content discovery solutions. Founded in 2015, it offers a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to enhance digital content curation for brands and improve audience engagement. The platform automates the process of discovering relevant news and blog articles, integrating with tools like Hootsuite and Buffer. Its features include the UpContent Gallery, which enables users to curate content, develop custom calls-to-action, and implement retargeting strategies to capture audience traffic. UpContent aims to simplify the search for quality content, empowering marketing, sales, and human resource teams to effectively share insights and foster meaningful conversations within their communities.

Gridwise, Inc. develops and operates a mobile application designed for rideshare and delivery drivers, enabling them to enhance their earnings and manage their business operations efficiently. Launched in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Gridwise app offers a range of features, including real-time alerts on traffic, weather, and local events, as well as tools for tracking mileage and analyzing earnings. The application also helps users prepare detailed tax reports and calculate deductions, thereby facilitating better financial management. With its focus on providing demand insights and performance tracking, Gridwise serves hundreds of thousands of gig economy drivers across the United States, offering a comprehensive platform to support their unique business needs.