Rhapsody Venture Partners

Rhapsody Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focusing on breakthrough innovations in industrial sciences, excluding life sciences. Established in 2012, the firm aims to support hard science startups that address significant industrial challenges. Through its investments, Rhapsody seeks to bring transformative scientific advancements to market, fostering growth and development in the industrial sector.

Jessica Freyer

Principal

Mike Fuerstman Ph.D

Partner

Corrie Kavanaugh

Associate

Isabel Klein

Associate

Paige Omura

Associate

Rebecca Wilson

Associate

41 past transactions

ChEmpower

Series A in 2025
ChEmpower is an advanced materials company focused on enhancing semiconductor manufacturing through the development of innovative planarization pads. These pads are designed to be chemically reactive and abrasive-free, aiming to improve chip yields and promote sustainability in the production process. By eliminating traditional abrasives from the planarization process, ChEmpower's products leverage chemical reactions to achieve the desired planarity, allowing semiconductor manufacturers to streamline their operations and enhance throughput. This approach not only simplifies the manufacturing process but also contributes to environmentally sustainable practices within the industry.

Adden Energy

Series A in 2024
Adden Energy is a company focused on the development of lithium-metal, solid-state batteries that offer significant advantages for electric vehicles. Their innovative technology is capable of achieving charge times as short as three minutes and maintaining capacity for over 10,000 cycles in lab-scale cells. By advancing solid-state battery technology, Adden Energy aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles globally, thereby playing a crucial role in promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Tender Food

Series A in 2024
Tender Food is a food technology startup focused on developing plant-based and cultured meat products. Founded by researchers from Harvard University, the company utilizes novel fiber production technology to transform plant proteins into fibrous structures that closely replicate the texture and mouthfeel of traditional meat. This innovative method aims to create alternative meats that not only match the taste and nutritional value of animal meat but also promote vegan food options. Through its sustainable approach, Tender Food seeks to support meat companies and enhance the consumer experience with realistic and environmentally friendly alternatives.

Wavelogix

Series A in 2024
Wavelogix is a company that specializes in developing an Internet of Things (IoT) sensing and data analytics platform aimed at enhancing infrastructure testing and monitoring. With a primary focus on public infrastructure, vertical and commercial construction, and the precast concrete sectors, Wavelogix provides a system that delivers real-time, in-place concrete strength measurements. This innovative approach eliminates the reliance on pre-established maturity curves or indices, thereby facilitating access to precise data. The platform simplifies workflows for construction engineers, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding material selection, construction timelines, budgets, and the allocation of essential resources.

Holiferm

Series B in 2023
Holiferm Limited, founded in 2018 and based in Manchester, United Kingdom, specializes in the production of biosurfactants through innovative fermentation technology. The company focuses on developing environmentally friendly processes that utilize gravity separation to efficiently recover insoluble lipids during fermentation. This approach allows for the cost-effective production of bio-based materials, including surfactants. Holiferm is currently engaged in the construction of a large-scale manufacturing plant for sophorolipids, aiming to bring these sustainable products to market.

Polaris Electro-Optics

Seed Round in 2023
Polaris Electro-Optics specializes in integrated photonics, focusing on the development of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals that enhance the performance of electro-optic modulators. By leveraging patented materials and design innovations, the company produces high-speed, energy-efficient products aimed at improving data transmission in the communications and computation sectors. Their solutions enable faster data movement, addressing the growing demands for efficiency and speed in these industries.

SpinDrive

Series A in 2023
SpinDrive specializes in the development of advanced levitation technology, focusing on magnetic bearing systems that enhance energy efficiency while promoting oil-free solutions. Their innovative systems include magnetic bearing sensors that monitor shaft positioning and relay this information to a magnetic bearing controller. This technology allows clients to significantly improve system efficiency, reduce material consumption, and lower maintenance costs, making it a valuable solution for industries seeking sustainable and efficient operational practices.

GPR

Series A in 2023
GPR specializes in ground-penetrating radar technology designed for autonomous vehicles. The company develops advanced systems that enable these vehicles to navigate effectively on any road, regardless of environmental conditions. By utilizing ground-penetrating radar, GPR creates high-definition maps and improves vehicle localization, ensuring reliable positioning even in areas with weak GPS signals or absent lane markings. This technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of autonomous vehicles, allowing them to operate safely and efficiently in diverse and challenging environments.

Tendo Technologies

Seed Round in 2023
Tendo Technologies is an industrial technology company that specializes in the development of flow sensors and dispensing systems for commercial and industrial applications. Utilizing its innovative elastic filament velocimetry technology, Tendo produces miniature sensors capable of accurately detecting low flow rates and measuring temperature. These sensors are designed to meet the needs of various sectors, including medical, agriculture, food, and manufacturing, by providing precise flow rate and pressure measurements. Tendo's approach aims to enhance the fidelity of flow sensing while maintaining a cost-effective pricing model, thus enabling more effective monitoring solutions across different industries.

pH7

Series A in 2023
pH7 is a cleantech company focused on the sustainable extraction and refining of strategic metals essential for the transition to renewable energy. The firm has developed an innovative process for extracting platinum group metals (PGMs) from both primary and secondary resources, including waste materials. This process is designed to be economical and environmentally friendly, utilizing green, biodegradable, and recyclable solvents instead of traditional smelting methods. By enabling on-site extraction at locations such as mines, scrap yards, and recycling facilities, pH7's closed-loop system minimizes waste generation and eliminates toxic off-gassing, providing a practical solution for the operational challenges faced by chemical factories.

Latys

Seed Round in 2023
Latys is a technology company based in Montreal, Quebec, founded in 2020. It specializes in developing advanced wireless infrastructure using proprietary metasurface technology. This technology enables the creation of ultra-compact, dynamically reconfigurable wireless relays that are resistant to interference, multipath fading, and noise. Latys's innovative approach allows for full-duplex communications that are agnostic to various protocols and modulation techniques. By optimizing wireless communication and reducing hardware footprint, Latys aims to enhance the overall wireless experience for its customers.

Chinova Bioworks

Series A in 2022
Chinova Bioworks Inc. specializes in developing natural antimicrobials for the beverage industry, focusing on enhancing the shelf life of fresh juices. Founded in 2016 and based in Fredericton, Canada, the company utilizes a chitosan polymer derived from fungal-sourced technology, specifically natural fibers from mushrooms. This broad-spectrum preservative effectively protects products from spoilage while remaining a healthy, natural ingredient suitable for use in foods, beverages, cosmetics, and personal care items. By providing manufacturers with a solution to improve product quality and freshness, Chinova Bioworks aims to increase consumer satisfaction and reduce food waste.

Nodar

Series A in 2022
NODAR, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in manufacturing advanced sensors for various transportation modes, including cars, trucks, drones, ships, trains, and aircraft. Established in 2018, NODAR focuses on developing cutting-edge camera-based 3D vision systems aimed at enhancing the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles. Their flagship product, Hammerhead, utilizes off-the-shelf cameras to deliver long-range, ultra-precise depth sensing essential for Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous applications. This technology enables critical functionalities such as collision warning, path planning, and automatic emergency braking, while ensuring cost-effectiveness and high performance. NODAR's innovations target automotive, marine, and railway industries, providing solutions that meet the growing demand for reliable 3D sensing technology in the mainstream automotive market.

Biophilica

Seed Round in 2022
Biophilica focuses on transforming green waste into a sustainable leather-like material, offering an innovative alternative to traditional leather. The company has developed Treekind, a plastic-free and polyurethane-free substitute that utilizes non-edible agricultural feedstock and lignocellulosic materials sourced from urban parks and gardens. By creating recyclable and compostable materials, Biophilica provides clients with a non-toxic option that eliminates the use of plastics, contributing to more environmentally friendly practices in material production.

Adden Energy

Seed Round in 2022
Adden Energy is a company focused on the development of lithium-metal, solid-state batteries that offer significant advantages for electric vehicles. Their innovative technology is capable of achieving charge times as short as three minutes and maintaining capacity for over 10,000 cycles in lab-scale cells. By advancing solid-state battery technology, Adden Energy aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of electric vehicles globally, thereby playing a crucial role in promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Tender Food

Seed Round in 2022
Tender Food is a food technology startup focused on developing plant-based and cultured meat products. Founded by researchers from Harvard University, the company utilizes novel fiber production technology to transform plant proteins into fibrous structures that closely replicate the texture and mouthfeel of traditional meat. This innovative method aims to create alternative meats that not only match the taste and nutritional value of animal meat but also promote vegan food options. Through its sustainable approach, Tender Food seeks to support meat companies and enhance the consumer experience with realistic and environmentally friendly alternatives.

Holiferm

Funding Round in 2021
Holiferm Limited, founded in 2018 and based in Manchester, United Kingdom, specializes in the production of biosurfactants through innovative fermentation technology. The company focuses on developing environmentally friendly processes that utilize gravity separation to efficiently recover insoluble lipids during fermentation. This approach allows for the cost-effective production of bio-based materials, including surfactants. Holiferm is currently engaged in the construction of a large-scale manufacturing plant for sophorolipids, aiming to bring these sustainable products to market.

Verdafresh

Seed Round in 2021
Verdafresh specializes in flexible packaging solutions that preserve the freshness of food while emphasizing recyclability. The company manufactures mono-material packaging that incorporates barrier coatings on films, providing an effective alternative to traditional materials like EVOH. This innovative approach not only helps extend the shelf life of food products but also addresses concerns related to plastic waste. By focusing on natural and abundant materials, Verdafresh aims to deliver competitive and sustainable packaging options for its clients, ensuring both quality preservation and environmental responsibility.

Hazel Technologies

Series C in 2021
Hazel Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on reducing waste in the agricultural supply chain through innovative packaging solutions. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional location in Salinas, California, the company designs packaging inserts, known as sachets, that are placed in produce boxes at harvest. These sachets slow down the aging process of fruits and vegetables by controlling the storage atmosphere and inhibiting ethylene, which helps to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage. Hazel Technologies also offers horticultural consulting services to growers and shippers, working to improve the efficiency of the fresh produce supply chain. Their product development is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture, with performance validated by third-party research institutions. By providing effective shelf-life extension technologies and services, Hazel Technologies aims to combat global food waste and enhance profitability for its customers.

GPR

Venture Round in 2021
GPR specializes in ground-penetrating radar technology designed for autonomous vehicles. The company develops advanced systems that enable these vehicles to navigate effectively on any road, regardless of environmental conditions. By utilizing ground-penetrating radar, GPR creates high-definition maps and improves vehicle localization, ensuring reliable positioning even in areas with weak GPS signals or absent lane markings. This technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of autonomous vehicles, allowing them to operate safely and efficiently in diverse and challenging environments.

Tender Food

Seed Round in 2020
Tender Food is a food technology startup focused on developing plant-based and cultured meat products. Founded by researchers from Harvard University, the company utilizes novel fiber production technology to transform plant proteins into fibrous structures that closely replicate the texture and mouthfeel of traditional meat. This innovative method aims to create alternative meats that not only match the taste and nutritional value of animal meat but also promote vegan food options. Through its sustainable approach, Tender Food seeks to support meat companies and enhance the consumer experience with realistic and environmentally friendly alternatives.

Nodar

Seed Round in 2020
NODAR, Inc. is a Boston-based company that specializes in manufacturing advanced sensors for various transportation modes, including cars, trucks, drones, ships, trains, and aircraft. Established in 2018, NODAR focuses on developing cutting-edge camera-based 3D vision systems aimed at enhancing the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles. Their flagship product, Hammerhead, utilizes off-the-shelf cameras to deliver long-range, ultra-precise depth sensing essential for Level 3 and Level 4 autonomous applications. This technology enables critical functionalities such as collision warning, path planning, and automatic emergency braking, while ensuring cost-effectiveness and high performance. NODAR's innovations target automotive, marine, and railway industries, providing solutions that meet the growing demand for reliable 3D sensing technology in the mainstream automotive market.

Sensatek Propulsion Technology

Venture Round in 2019
Sensatek Propulsion Technology, Inc. specializes in the development of wireless ceramic sensors designed to monitor extreme temperature, pressure, and strain in challenging environments. Its flagship product, Smartjet, enables real-time wireless monitoring within applications such as fuel cells, gas turbine engines, and rocket propulsion systems. The company also offers Vision AI, which extracts vibration data from video pixels to provide a cost-effective and easily deployable solution for wireless vibration and condition monitoring. This technology aids in preventing downtime and optimizing the performance of energy assets like hydroelectric and wind turbines by identifying issues such as shaft misalignment and excessive vibrations. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida, Sensatek conducts extensive research in ceramic processing and analysis, focusing on the synthesis and characterization of advanced ceramic materials suitable for high-temperature and harsh environments.

Chinova Bioworks

Seed Round in 2019
Chinova Bioworks Inc. specializes in developing natural antimicrobials for the beverage industry, focusing on enhancing the shelf life of fresh juices. Founded in 2016 and based in Fredericton, Canada, the company utilizes a chitosan polymer derived from fungal-sourced technology, specifically natural fibers from mushrooms. This broad-spectrum preservative effectively protects products from spoilage while remaining a healthy, natural ingredient suitable for use in foods, beverages, cosmetics, and personal care items. By providing manufacturers with a solution to improve product quality and freshness, Chinova Bioworks aims to increase consumer satisfaction and reduce food waste.

Hazel Technologies

Series B in 2019
Hazel Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on reducing waste in the agricultural supply chain through innovative packaging solutions. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional location in Salinas, California, the company designs packaging inserts, known as sachets, that are placed in produce boxes at harvest. These sachets slow down the aging process of fruits and vegetables by controlling the storage atmosphere and inhibiting ethylene, which helps to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage. Hazel Technologies also offers horticultural consulting services to growers and shippers, working to improve the efficiency of the fresh produce supply chain. Their product development is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture, with performance validated by third-party research institutions. By providing effective shelf-life extension technologies and services, Hazel Technologies aims to combat global food waste and enhance profitability for its customers.

SAFI-Tech

Seed Round in 2019
SAFI-Tech, Inc. is a startup company based in Ames, Iowa, that specializes in innovative soldering technology for the electronics manufacturing industry. Founded in 2014, SAFI-Tech develops no-heat solders that utilize supercooled liquid metal particles to solder electronic components without thermal damage. Their flagship product, Liquital® 62, features microparticles of liquid metal that remain in a metastable supercooled state until triggered to release the liquid metal, which then rapidly solidifies. This technology allows for the creation of interconnects and conductive traces in flexible electronics, enabling manufacturers to overcome challenges associated with high-temperature processes. SAFI-Tech's advancements support the miniaturization and high-density integration of electronic designs, facilitating the use of lighter and thinner materials. The company was recognized with the Technical Development Materials Award at the 2016 IDTechEx Show for its contributions to the field.

Tendo Technologies

Seed Round in 2019
Tendo Technologies is an industrial technology company that specializes in the development of flow sensors and dispensing systems for commercial and industrial applications. Utilizing its innovative elastic filament velocimetry technology, Tendo produces miniature sensors capable of accurately detecting low flow rates and measuring temperature. These sensors are designed to meet the needs of various sectors, including medical, agriculture, food, and manufacturing, by providing precise flow rate and pressure measurements. Tendo's approach aims to enhance the fidelity of flow sensing while maintaining a cost-effective pricing model, thus enabling more effective monitoring solutions across different industries.

HyperDamping

Convertible Note in 2018
HyperDamping Inc. is a company based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in the design, manufacture, and delivery of advanced elastic material damping products. Founded in 2018 and backed by Rev1 Ventures, the company aims to revolutionize sound and vibration damping through its proprietary technology. HyperDamping’s innovative approach combines material science with structural engineering, resulting in a damping system that effectively reduces harmful vibrations, shock, and noise across a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics, automotive, aviation, industrial equipment, and construction. Unlike traditional solutions that often compromise on weight and cost, HyperDamping's products provide superior damping capabilities while remaining lightweight and cost-effective. This technology addresses the need for quieter and more comfortable environments in various settings, meeting the specific demands of different industries.

Fluid Efficiency

Seed Round in 2018
Fluid Efficiency is a technology company that specializes in enhancing the safety and efficiency of lubricants, fuels, and oils. Originating as a Caltech spin-out, the company develops self-assembling MegaSupraMolecules (MSMs), a range of innovative polymers designed to make fuels less explosive and improve the viscosity index of lubricants. These MSMs facilitate the easier movement of oils through pipelines, thereby enabling clients to reduce energy costs associated with their operations. By focusing on improving the functionality of fuel and lubricant products, Fluid Efficiency aims to provide safer and more efficient solutions for various industries.

Chinova Bioworks

Seed Round in 2018
Chinova Bioworks Inc. specializes in developing natural antimicrobials for the beverage industry, focusing on enhancing the shelf life of fresh juices. Founded in 2016 and based in Fredericton, Canada, the company utilizes a chitosan polymer derived from fungal-sourced technology, specifically natural fibers from mushrooms. This broad-spectrum preservative effectively protects products from spoilage while remaining a healthy, natural ingredient suitable for use in foods, beverages, cosmetics, and personal care items. By providing manufacturers with a solution to improve product quality and freshness, Chinova Bioworks aims to increase consumer satisfaction and reduce food waste.

GPR

Venture Round in 2018
GPR specializes in ground-penetrating radar technology designed for autonomous vehicles. The company develops advanced systems that enable these vehicles to navigate effectively on any road, regardless of environmental conditions. By utilizing ground-penetrating radar, GPR creates high-definition maps and improves vehicle localization, ensuring reliable positioning even in areas with weak GPS signals or absent lane markings. This technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of autonomous vehicles, allowing them to operate safely and efficiently in diverse and challenging environments.

Hazel Technologies

Series A in 2018
Hazel Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on reducing waste in the agricultural supply chain through innovative packaging solutions. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional location in Salinas, California, the company designs packaging inserts, known as sachets, that are placed in produce boxes at harvest. These sachets slow down the aging process of fruits and vegetables by controlling the storage atmosphere and inhibiting ethylene, which helps to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage. Hazel Technologies also offers horticultural consulting services to growers and shippers, working to improve the efficiency of the fresh produce supply chain. Their product development is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture, with performance validated by third-party research institutions. By providing effective shelf-life extension technologies and services, Hazel Technologies aims to combat global food waste and enhance profitability for its customers.

GPR

Seed Round in 2018
GPR specializes in ground-penetrating radar technology designed for autonomous vehicles. The company develops advanced systems that enable these vehicles to navigate effectively on any road, regardless of environmental conditions. By utilizing ground-penetrating radar, GPR creates high-definition maps and improves vehicle localization, ensuring reliable positioning even in areas with weak GPS signals or absent lane markings. This technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of autonomous vehicles, allowing them to operate safely and efficiently in diverse and challenging environments.

Fluid Efficiency

Seed Round in 2017
Fluid Efficiency is a technology company that specializes in enhancing the safety and efficiency of lubricants, fuels, and oils. Originating as a Caltech spin-out, the company develops self-assembling MegaSupraMolecules (MSMs), a range of innovative polymers designed to make fuels less explosive and improve the viscosity index of lubricants. These MSMs facilitate the easier movement of oils through pipelines, thereby enabling clients to reduce energy costs associated with their operations. By focusing on improving the functionality of fuel and lubricant products, Fluid Efficiency aims to provide safer and more efficient solutions for various industries.

Hazel Technologies

Seed Round in 2017
Hazel Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on reducing waste in the agricultural supply chain through innovative packaging solutions. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional location in Salinas, California, the company designs packaging inserts, known as sachets, that are placed in produce boxes at harvest. These sachets slow down the aging process of fruits and vegetables by controlling the storage atmosphere and inhibiting ethylene, which helps to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage. Hazel Technologies also offers horticultural consulting services to growers and shippers, working to improve the efficiency of the fresh produce supply chain. Their product development is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture, with performance validated by third-party research institutions. By providing effective shelf-life extension technologies and services, Hazel Technologies aims to combat global food waste and enhance profitability for its customers.

Magnolia Medical Technologies

Series A in 2015
Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc. is a medical device company based in Seattle, Washington, focused on enhancing the accuracy of diagnostic blood culture tests. Established in 2011, the company has developed SteriPath, a vacuum-assisted blood collection system designed to prevent contamination of blood samples, which can lead to misdiagnosis of sepsis. This innovative system operates by actively diverting and sequestering contaminated blood, allowing for the collection of uncontaminated samples through a separate flow path. This closed vein-to-bottle collection method aims to improve diagnostic specimen quality, thereby increasing diagnostic accuracy and improving patient outcomes. Magnolia Medical Technologies holds a robust intellectual property portfolio, including over 70 issued patents and more than 50 pending applications, reflecting its commitment to advancing medical technology and addressing challenges such as antibiotic resistance. The company's products are distributed throughout the United States.

Kinalco

Seed Round in 2015
Kinalco, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in the development of shape memory alloys (SMAs) primarily composed of copper. Founded in 2013, the company produces innovative and patented alloys that exhibit properties similar to single-crystal-copper SMAs but at a significantly lower cost. These alloys are designed to take on a predetermined shape when activated by heat or electricity, functioning similarly to rubber bands. Kinalco's products are versatile and find applications across various industries, including orthodontics, orthotics, cables, connectors, and sports equipment. The company's offerings enable businesses to explore new possibilities in shape metal alloy applications, providing effective solutions for actuation and easy joining.

LiquiGlide

Seed Round in 2014
LiquiGlide Inc., founded in 2012 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in developing custom-designed liquid-impregnated coatings that create permanently wet slippery surfaces. This innovative technology enables viscous liquids to slide effortlessly, providing a unique and durable solution not available from other companies. LiquiGlide's products cater to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, processing, aviation, utilities, power generation, water treatment, chemicals, and medical sectors, as well as food and beverage, health and beauty, and household products. The company aims to improve efficiency and reduce waste across various applications by enhancing the flow of liquids.

Apeel Sciences

Seed Round in 2013
Apeel Sciences produces products including avocados, apples, mangos, cucumbers, and citrus protected by plants. They support the plant’s natural ability to protect against environmental stress by maintaining moisture and reducing oxidation.

Manus Bio

Seed Round in 2013
Manus Bio Inc. is a biotechnology company that specializes in recreating plant processes in microorganisms to produce natural ingredients through advanced fermentation technology. Founded in 2011 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the company utilizes a combination of metabolic engineering, protein engineering, and systems biology to develop microbes capable of generating a variety of plant-based ingredients. These ingredients have diverse applications, including flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, cosmetics, vitamins, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals. Manus Bio operates manufacturing facilities in Cambridge and Augusta, Georgia, and has established a strategic partnership with BBGI Public Company Limited. The company was previously known as Manus Biosynthesis, Inc. before changing its name in June 2018.
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