Dropslab
Seed Round in 2022
Dropslab develops assistance software that provides real-time guidance to frontline workers directly in their field of vision through smart devices such as smart glasses and smartphones. Its solution offers context-specific information on changing processes and situations in industrial environments, enabling employees to complete tasks faster with fewer errors.
Sustain-A-Grain
Pre Seed Round in 2022
Sustain-A-Grain is a business focused on producing and distributing a perennial grain crop, aiming to promote sustainable agriculture and climate-smart food production. They offer grain and flour products derived from this crop, which supports soil and water quality improvement, providing a regenerative farming alternative to traditional wheat. Their primary customers are brewers, bakers, and distillers, who can use these products to create climate-smart food.
Mycocycle
Seed Round in 2022
Mycocycle is an environmental remediation company that specializes in decarbonizing waste streams through the innovative use of fungi in a process known as mycoremediation. By employing engineered ecosystems, Mycocycle treats waste materials to produce a non-toxic biomass that can be repurposed for the manufacture of new products. The company's services are particularly beneficial to waste management companies, landfill operators, material recycling facilities, and manufacturers seeking to implement closed-loop processes. Mycocycle's technology diverts toxic materials from landfills and enables businesses to reuse feedstock in manufacturing or recycle it for various applications, thereby promoting sustainable waste management practices.
House of 5th
Pre Seed Round in 2021
House of 5th is a Black-owned, woman-led brand based in Atlanta that specializes in supplying blank garments. The company is dedicated to amplifying the work of marginalized communities by producing and retailing premium basics tailored to individual preferences. House of 5th enables customers to order garments in customized sizes, ensuring a diverse range of options that cater to various community needs.
Without a Trace Foods
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Without a Trace Foods is a family-focused manufacturer and distributor of allergen-friendly, gluten-free snacks, dedicated to making all children and families feel included, regardless of dietary restrictions. The company produces snacks that are free from nine common allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat/gluten, fish, shellfish, and sesame. These products are crafted in a dedicated allergen-friendly facility using non-GMO and organic ingredients, ensuring that food lovers can enjoy safe and delicious options. Without a Trace Foods ships their products directly to homes, emphasizing accessibility for families seeking allergen-free alternatives.
Lincode
Seed Round in 2020
Lincode is an AI-driven technology company specializing in advanced machine vision and defect detection for manufacturing. Its platform uses pre-trained models and a no-code interface to deliver real-time quality inspections and defect identification across materials such as plastics, fabric, semiconductors, and metals, supporting applications from visual inspection to reporting and analytics. The system can be deployed on premises with edge AI for low latency processing and integrates with existing machine vision setups to serve automotive, aerospace, electronics, packaging, and related industries. By enabling configurable defect tolerances per defect or camera, it supports both automated and manual inspection workflows, helping manufacturers reduce waste, improve productivity, and lower costs. Lincode was established in 2018 and is based in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Bengaluru, India.
FLX Solutions
Venture Round in 2020
FLX Solutions develops snake-like robots for inspection and repair to enhance worker safety and efficiency in hard-to-reach spaces. Founded in 2019 and based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the company designs low-cost, three-dimensional printed robots that extend, rotate, and can lock out and brace for high-load activities on live equipment. These capabilities allow technicians to access confined areas for inspection and repair without exposing workers to dangerous conditions, improving safety and throughput in industrial environments.
Cultured Decadence
Convertible Note in 2020
Cultured Decadence is a cellular aquaculture startup based in Madison, Wisconsin, founded in 2020. The company specializes in innovative methods to produce crustacean products, specifically focusing on lobster and crab meat. Utilizing cell culture and tissue engineering techniques, Cultured Decadence creates seafood directly from the cells of these animals, eliminating the need for shells, organs, and waste. This approach aims to address the increasing global demand for nutritious and sustainable seafood, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fishing practices.
danger!awesome
Convertible Note in 2020
Danger!Awesome LLC, incorporated in 2014 and located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in laser-cutting and engraving services for a diverse range of materials, including wood, plastic, paper, and leather. The company caters to a wide array of clients, such as architects, artists, engineers, students, and small business owners. In addition to its core services, Danger!Awesome is developing an innovative super-powered professional solid-state laser cutter designed to deliver high performance at a consumer-friendly price point. This new device aims to replace traditional CO2-based laser systems, which are often prohibitively expensive, making laser technology more accessible to libraries, schools, and community spaces. The company also offers a membership-based community makerspace, allowing customers to collaborate with designers and technicians to create customized products tailored to their specific needs.
Ilixer
Pre Seed Round in 2019
Ilixer is a Cincinnati-based company that specializes in producing nutritionally-complete powdered meals. These meals are crafted from real food ingredients, ensuring they contain all essential vitamins and minerals, along with an optimal balance of macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. Ilixer's offerings are designed to provide consumers with healthy and convenient meal options. The company operates through direct-to-consumer sales as well as wholesale distribution to select retailers.
Lincode
Pre Seed Round in 2019
Lincode is an AI-driven technology company specializing in advanced machine vision and defect detection for manufacturing. Its platform uses pre-trained models and a no-code interface to deliver real-time quality inspections and defect identification across materials such as plastics, fabric, semiconductors, and metals, supporting applications from visual inspection to reporting and analytics. The system can be deployed on premises with edge AI for low latency processing and integrates with existing machine vision setups to serve automotive, aerospace, electronics, packaging, and related industries. By enabling configurable defect tolerances per defect or camera, it supports both automated and manual inspection workflows, helping manufacturers reduce waste, improve productivity, and lower costs. Lincode was established in 2018 and is based in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Bengaluru, India.
Wherefour
Venture Round in 2019
Wherefour, Inc. is a software development company based in Petaluma, California, established in 2015. It specializes in developing enterprise resource planning (ERP) and traceability software tailored for various industries, including food, beverage, machinery, bakery, cannabis, textile, cosmetic/personal care, and nutraceuticals. The platform supports both process and discrete manufacturing techniques, offering a cloud-based, multi-user, and role-based system. Key features include inventory control, forecasting, lot tracking, and product batch management, enabling businesses to enhance production efficiency while maintaining quality and safety standards. Through its solutions, Wherefour aims to help companies optimize inventory usage, minimize waste, and streamline operations.
Standard Cyborg
Convertible Note in 2019
Standard Cyborg, Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in the development of cloud-based solutions for the design and fabrication of custom prosthetics and orthotics. Its primary product, Design Studio, allows users to create and customize items such as test sockets, definitive prosthetics for various limb differences, and bracing devices like AFOs and TLSOs. The Design Studio solution features iPad-based scanning, sculpting capabilities, and a streamlined ordering process for 3D printed check sockets. Additionally, it includes tools for carving and fabrication, along with support services via web chat, phone, and screen sharing. Founded in 2014, Standard Cyborg aims to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of prosthetic and orthotic design through innovative digital applications.
Nollapelli
Pre Seed Round in 2018
Founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 2016, Nollapelli is a manufacturer of bedding products. It specializes in bed sheets and pillowcases designed with wellness-focused textiles to balance moisture, temperature, and friction for a healthier sleep experience.
Cowboy Cricket Farms
Seed Round in 2018
Cowboy Cricket Farms Inc., based in Belgrade, Montana, specializes in processing crickets to create a variety of nutritious food products. Founded in 2018, the company produces items such as chocolate chirp cookies, smokey jumpers, and cricket powder, all derived from organically raised crickets. Additionally, Cowboy Cricket Farms sells merchandise related to its brand, including water bottles, stickers, and apparel. The company has established a network of partner farmers across the United States, who are trained to raise crickets using proprietary methods and feed. This ensures a consistent supply of high-quality crickets, which are processed at the company's facility. Cowboy Cricket Farms aims to provide sustainable snack options, offering a viable alternative to traditional animal products. Their products are available for purchase online, promoting the benefits of insect consumption.
Datch
Convertible Note in 2018
Datch develops an AI-driven voice interface platform for industrial environments. Its solution enables frontline workers to capture and manage data efficiently using natural language processing, facilitating real-time maintenance and reporting. The platform integrates with existing enterprise asset management systems, serving sectors such as mining, energy, and manufacturing.
Bridgr
Pre Seed Round in 2018
Bridgr is a software company specializing in project management solutions for manufacturing and industrial businesses undergoing digital transformation. Its platform automates workforce onboarding, tracks projects, facilitates payments, analyzes workforce data, and enables collaboration with technology experts and vendors.
Last Bottle Clothing
Seed Round in 2018
Last Bottle Clothing is dedicated to addressing plastic pollution and transforming the apparel industry through sustainable practices. The company manufactures clothing exclusively from recycled plastic bottles, utilizing a closed-loop process that ensures the garments can also be recycled. Their products, which include super soft and durable t-shirts, require significantly less freshwater than traditional organic cotton and avoid the use of harmful pesticides and defoliants. By producing all garments in the southeastern United States, Last Bottle Clothing significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, contrasting sharply with the typical apparel supply chain. The company's mission emphasizes creating comfortable, lightweight clothing while promoting environmental responsibility for future generations.
Inklocker
Convertible Note in 2017
Inklocker is a cloud-based platform that revolutionizes the printing industry by connecting apparel designers with small and medium-sized print shops. The platform enables print shops to streamline their production processes, outsource jobs, and integrate with various e-commerce channels, including popular shopping carts. Designed specifically for the custom product manufacturing industry, Inklocker allows businesses to efficiently manage their direct-to-garment (DTG) printing needs, facilitating local printing and customization of merchandise. By leveraging its network capabilities, Inklocker enhances the flexibility and scalability of printing operations, making it easier for designers to fulfill orders close to their customers.
Sourcify
Convertible Note in 2017
Sourcify, Inc. is an automated sourcing platform founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Diego, California. The company facilitates the manufacturing process by connecting businesses with overseas factories that have validated credentials. Through its platform, users can submit projects detailing product requirements and designs, approve samples, initiate production, and manage the status of their orders. Sourcify aims to simplify manufacturing, enhance security by reducing the risk of fraud, and provide project management tools that allow clients to track their production efficiently. The platform has gained recognition as a rapidly growing solution in the sourcing industry, supporting numerous companies in their manufacturing endeavors worldwide.
Planetarians
Convertible Note in 2017
Planetarians is a US-based Climate/FoodTech company developing affordable, healthy plant-based proteins through ingredient innovation. It focuses on an ingredient technology system that upcycles food by-products and solid waste into high-protein fiber ingredients, enabling the creation of alternative meat products and carbon-negative meat substitutes. Its processes repurpose spent soybeans from oil extraction and spent yeast from beer fermentation to produce natural protein and fiber that can fortify a range of foods. The company positions its technology to advance sustainable protein production and reduce waste while expanding plant-based options.
Vartega
Pre Seed Round in 2017
Vartega Inc. is a technology development firm based in Golden, Colorado, that specializes in the recycling of carbon fiber, a strong and lightweight material used across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, wind energy, and sporting goods. Founded in 2014, Vartega employs a patented recycling process to transform carbon fiber scrap and waste into low-cost, high-quality products suitable for mass-market applications. The company’s offerings include semi-continuous, chopped, and milled carbon fiber, which can be utilized in thermoplastics, nonwoven fabrics, and molding compounds. By diverting carbon fiber waste from landfills, Vartega aims to enhance the sustainability of these industries, contributing to improved fuel economy and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Ampogee
Seed Round in 2017
Ampogee is a company that specializes in cloud-based performance management software aimed at manufacturers. Founded in 2016 and based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Ampogee's platform is designed to track and report on manufacturing processes in real-time, enhancing operational efficiency. The software engages employees by providing interactive tools that promote transparency and encourage productivity. By implementing these systems, organizations can achieve significant improvements in productivity while fostering a culture that supports sustainable change. Ampogee was previously known as Catalant Inc before rebranding in December 2016.
Module
Pre Seed Round in 2017
Module is a company focused on developing modular residential housing projects that emphasize intelligent architectural design. By employing a modular approach, the company aims to make homeownership more accessible and flexible for a broader audience. Its offerings enable buyers to secure the right amount of living space tailored to their needs, while also providing customized housing services. This innovative model positions Module as a provider of affordable housing solutions suitable for the urban environment, catering to the demands of contemporary living.
Inklocker
Convertible Note in 2017
Inklocker is a cloud-based platform that revolutionizes the printing industry by connecting apparel designers with small and medium-sized print shops. The platform enables print shops to streamline their production processes, outsource jobs, and integrate with various e-commerce channels, including popular shopping carts. Designed specifically for the custom product manufacturing industry, Inklocker allows businesses to efficiently manage their direct-to-garment (DTG) printing needs, facilitating local printing and customization of merchandise. By leveraging its network capabilities, Inklocker enhances the flexibility and scalability of printing operations, making it easier for designers to fulfill orders close to their customers.
Freight Farms
Venture Round in 2017
Freight Farms manufactures crop production units housed in upcycled shipping containers, notably the Leafy Green Machine, a hydroponic farming system capable of delivering commercial-scale yields in any climate or season. The platform is an assembled hydroponic setup inside a container and supports growing a range of crops, including lettuces, herbs such as mint and basil, and brassica greens. It serves business owners, schools, municipalities, and other organizations across the United States, Canada, and Europe, enabling on-site, year-round production to support local food economies and sustainable supply chains. The company is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
Vitae Industries
Convertible Note in 2017
Vitae Industries, Inc. is a company that specializes in pharmacy compounding automation products. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, it focuses on developing innovative solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. One of its key products is the AutoCompounder, which automates the manufacturing of tablets and gummies, ensuring accurate dosing and efficient cleanup. Additionally, Vitae Industries offers custom pharmaceutical services tailored to meet the needs of patients. Through its advanced technology and dedication to quality, the company aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of pharmaceutical compounding.
Halion Displays
Convertible Note in 2017
Halion Displays Inc. is a Canadian company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Waterloo. The company specializes in developing low-color full displays designed for portable devices, including smartwatches and e-readers. Halion's innovative display technology is daylight-visible and operates with low power consumption, positioning it as a potential global standard in display solutions. Their unique approach mimics the concept of ink on paper, utilizing advanced cyan, magenta, and yellow materials that can rapidly change colors, thus providing an exceptional refresh rate. This technology aims to enhance the user experience in various portable electronic devices.
Fomo
Convertible Note in 2016
Fomo Products, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Norton, Ohio, specializing in low pressure polyurethane foam insulation, sealants, adhesives, and spray foam systems. The company's product offerings include various types of foam sealants and adhesives, spray foam systems, and specialized products for applications such as mine ventilation. In addition to its core products, Fomo provides a range of accessories and services, including technical consultation, quality assurance, and product development in the polyurethane sector. The company also supports its distributors with marketing resources such as catalog assistance and lead generation. Founded in 1975, Fomo serves diverse markets, including residential, commercial, industrial, and original equipment manufacturing, and distributes its products both domestically and internationally. Fomo operates as a subsidiary of ICP Adhesives and Sealants, Inc.
Urban3D
Convertible Note in 2016
Urban 3D is a company focused on developing digital manufacturing technologies tailored for the construction sector, with a mission to address homelessness within the next 15 years. The company creates software that tracks inventory and concrete throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure projects by incorporating RFID tags into the precast concrete production process. This innovative approach enhances traceability and provides valuable analytics related to labor, productivity, and resource management. By facilitating real-time location-based oversight, Urban 3D aims to help manufacturers reduce costs while improving inventory management and the overall efficiency of concrete tracking during projects.
NaCa Fermentation
Convertible Note in 2016
NaCa Fermentation, Inc. is a company located in Beaverton, Oregon, that specializes in manufacturing fermentation tanks and yeast encapsulation technology for the beverage industry, specifically targeting distilleries, breweries, and wineries. By transforming the biological process of fermentation into a mechanical one, NaCa Fermentation aims to address issues such as stuck, slow, and unpredictable fermentations. Their innovative fermenters and patent-pending technology enable consistent fermentations that can be completed in 24 hours without compromising product quality. Additionally, the company offers its technology for licensing, allowing producers to enhance their production capacity while optimizing the use of their existing facilities.
MakerBloks
Seed Round in 2016
MakerBloks Inc. is a company based in Montréal, Canada, that specializes in designing and manufacturing electronic building blocks that foster creativity and learning in children. Founded in 2014, MakerBloks offers a range of color-coded, magnetically-connected blocks, along with starter kits and expansion sets focused on themes like spy technology and music. These innovative blocks enable users to build real electric circuits and engage in interactive play, complemented by a tablet game that challenges them to solve puzzles. MakerBloks aims to empower children to become creators by encouraging them to think critically, design, experiment, and create their own projects, such as lie detector tests and burglar alarms. The company's products are available for purchase online.
Acerta Analytics
Pre Seed Round in 2016
Acerta Analytics Inc. specializes in machine intelligence solutions that analyze raw machine data to facilitate informed decision-making, particularly in the automotive sector. The company's flagship product, Acerta CHECK, employs statistical methods, data mining algorithms, and machine learning techniques to identify critical issues and anomalies in machine behavior. By assisting automotive manufacturers, including original equipment manufacturers and parts suppliers, Acerta helps improve quality control, reduce defects, and accelerate the market readiness of complex products. Additionally, the company's technology is applicable in aerospace for aircraft health management. Acerta's analytics platform empowers manufacturers to detect early signs of potential product failures, enhance root cause analysis, minimize scrap and rework, and continuously refine their processes. Founded in 2014 and based in Waterloo, Canada, Acerta is committed to transforming quality control through advanced artificial intelligence.
Grubbly Farms
Seed Round in 2016
Grubbly Farms Inc. is a company based in Atlanta, Georgia, that specializes in producing and selling fresh feed and snacks for chickens, primarily through its product known as Grubblies, which are made from dried black soldier fly larvae. Founded in 2015, the company aims to address the rising costs of livestock feed by offering a sustainable protein source derived from farm-grown black soldier fly grubs. These larvae are cultivated on a diet of pre-consumer food waste and are rich in essential nutrients such as calcium and lysine, vital for egg and feather production in poultry. By providing eco-friendly alternatives, Grubbly Farms supports poultry owners in accessing high-protein feed that not only benefits their livestock but also promotes environmental sustainability.
danger!awesome
Convertible Note in 2016
Danger!Awesome LLC, incorporated in 2014 and located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializes in laser-cutting and engraving services for a diverse range of materials, including wood, plastic, paper, and leather. The company caters to a wide array of clients, such as architects, artists, engineers, students, and small business owners. In addition to its core services, Danger!Awesome is developing an innovative super-powered professional solid-state laser cutter designed to deliver high performance at a consumer-friendly price point. This new device aims to replace traditional CO2-based laser systems, which are often prohibitively expensive, making laser technology more accessible to libraries, schools, and community spaces. The company also offers a membership-based community makerspace, allowing customers to collaborate with designers and technicians to create customized products tailored to their specific needs.
PopUp Play
Convertible Note in 2016
PopUp Play offers a digital-to-physical platform enabling consumer brands to deliver customized product experiences on-demand. Through its touch-based design app, users can create and order personalized products, which are then manufactured and delivered.
Elegus Technologies
Convertible Note in 2015
Elegus Technologies, Inc. is a company based in Detroit, Michigan, that specializes in the development and commercialization of separator membranes composed of nanoscale fibers. Founded in 2014, Elegus focuses on enhancing the performance of various energy storage technologies, including lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur, and lithium-air batteries. The company’s innovative separator technology, derived from extensive research at the University of Michigan, addresses critical challenges in battery performance, such as dendrite growth and thickness constraints. By enabling battery manufacturers to increase energy density without compromising safety, Elegus aims to support the evolving demands of the battery industry. The company's commitment to innovation positions it to provide high-performance solutions for contemporary and future energy storage applications.
Kwambio
Angel Round in 2015
Kwambio partners with designers to produce customizable homeware and accessories using proprietary software for ceramic and metal manufacturing. Headquartered in New York, it was founded in 2014 by Vlad Usov and Dmitriy Krivoshey.
Unmade
Convertible Note in 2014
Unmade is a London-based company established in 2013, specializing in on-demand knitwear production. It designs and sells men's and women's knitwear, scarves, and jumpers through its London store and online platforms, both domestically and internationally. Unmade's innovative business model involves controlling industrial knitting machines to create unique garments each time, akin to 3D printing for clothing using high-quality, natural fibers. This technology allows customers to customize designs, remix artwork from prominent artists, and preview their creations on virtual models before production. Unmade's patent-pending technologies enable cost-effective, one-off production, challenging traditional mass production methods. The company aims to create a platform and marketplace for brands and designers to offer custom clothing, taking mass custom production of knitwear to an industrial scale.
Fairwaves
Convertible Note in 2014
Fairwaves, Inc. is a manufacturer of open-source telecommunications equipment tailored for mobile operators. The company specializes in a range of products, including indoor, tower-mounted, and rack-mounted base stations, as well as two-channel SDR transceivers. Additionally, Fairwaves provides cloud core-based networks and offers support and consulting services related to its hardware. The company also engages in the online sale of ready-to-use products, accessories, and DIY kits. Established in 2011 and headquartered in Brookline, Massachusetts, Fairwaves has expanded its presence with offices in Moscow, Russia; Riga, Latvia; and Paris, France. Its equipment is deployed in various locations, including Mexico, the Netherlands, and the Island of Mayotte, aimed at enhancing connectivity services, particularly in rural and low-income regions.
CoolChip Technologies
Convertible Note in 2014
CoolChip Technologies Inc. is a specialized provider of thermal management solutions, focusing on Kinetic Cooling technology to enhance the cooling of electronic devices. Founded by MIT engineers in 2010 and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, the company develops high-performance and low-profile coolers tailored for high-performance computing servers, medical devices, data centers, and consumer electronics. CoolChip's innovative cooling systems enable devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops to efficiently dissipate heat with minimal power consumption, improving thermal performance while maintaining compact form factors and low noise levels. The company holds a significant portfolio of intellectual property, positioning it as a leader in transforming the electronics cooling industry and allowing manufacturers to create next-generation products.
Matter.io
Pre Seed Round in 2014
Matter.io specializes in the small-batch production of metal parts through advanced 3D printing and rapid molding techniques. The company offers a diverse selection of base and precious metals, including yellow and white brass, bronze, and sterling silver, which can be polished and plated in various finishes. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional location in New York, Matter.io primarily serves independent designers and businesses. The company aims to streamline the manufacturing process for product designers, facilitating efficient production and logistics comparable to the ease with which developers deploy servers.
Waygum
Pre Seed Round in 2014
Waygum Inc. is a technology company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Dublin, California. It specializes in designing and developing a mobile development platform tailored for the industrial Internet of Things (IoT). The platform empowers users to build and deploy integrated mobile applications that facilitate intelligent manufacturing workflows and enable mobile remote monitoring of industrial assets. By leveraging a robust cloud backend, Waygum's solution allows administrators and operators to connect various industrial components, including assets, products, and enterprise data, effectively enhancing operational efficiency and maximizing the benefits of IoT through a streamlined mobile experience.
BriteHub
Convertible Note in 2013
BriteHub is a provider of a manufacturing management platform that facilitates collaboration between designers and manufacturers. Its software integrates legacy systems into a modern cloud-based interface, enhancing supply chain management through streamlined processes from request for quotation (RFQ) to purchase order tracking. This platform enables organized communication among internal and external stakeholders, allowing users to upload and share files, which can be viewed in a browser-based 3D viewer. Additionally, BriteHub's system automates the matchmaking process, connecting designers with manufacturers based on project requirements, thereby enabling designers to benefit financially from their work. The platform also incorporates features for tracking engineering change orders and maintaining version control, ensuring that all relevant information is connected to the corresponding purchase orders. With these capabilities, BriteHub continues to evolve and lead advancements in supply chain management and collaboration.
LinkCycle
Seed Round in 2013
LinkCycle is a start-up that leverages data science to assist large manufacturing companies in significantly reducing their production costs. By employing advanced algorithms, LinkCycle identifies cost-saving opportunities using only readily available data, eliminating the need for onsite submeters or facility audits. The company's innovative approach has proven effective, as evidenced by its success with several Fortune 500 clients, one of whom saved $1 million on an annual electricity bill of $5 million. LinkCycle's applications focus on enhancing cost efficiency across various areas, including scheduling, machine utilization, process control, and equipment upgrades, thereby enabling manufacturers to optimize their operations without extensive investment in new technologies.
Freight Farms
Pre Seed Round in 2013
Freight Farms manufactures crop production units housed in upcycled shipping containers, notably the Leafy Green Machine, a hydroponic farming system capable of delivering commercial-scale yields in any climate or season. The platform is an assembled hydroponic setup inside a container and supports growing a range of crops, including lettuces, herbs such as mint and basil, and brassica greens. It serves business owners, schools, municipalities, and other organizations across the United States, Canada, and Europe, enabling on-site, year-round production to support local food economies and sustainable supply chains. The company is based in Boston, Massachusetts.
NBD Nanotechnologies
Seed Round in 2012
NBD Nanotechnologies, Inc. is a manufacturer of surface wettability coatings and additives designed to enhance the performance of various materials. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, the company offers a diverse product portfolio that includes RepelShell, RepelFlex Antimicrobial, RepelFlex Soft-Touch, NanoGlue, RepelFlex Hard-Coat, Invisiprint, and RepelFlex Leather. These products are engineered to modify surface properties, improving functionalities such as heat transfer, condensation control, fog capture, de-misting, and anti-scaling performance. NBD Nanotechnologies focuses on providing innovative solutions that create ultra-durable and functional surface characteristics for glass and plastic materials, catering to a range of commercial partners.
Rise Robotics
Seed Round in 2012
Rise Robotics, based in Somerville, Massachusetts, specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative robotic components inspired by biological systems. Founded in 2011, the company aims to revolutionize the robotics industry by creating powerful wearable ExoSUITS. Their flagship product, the Cyclone Muscle, is a lightweight electric linear actuator that effectively transforms rotary motor motion into linear muscle-like actuation, addressing the critical balance between force, speed, and control. Additionally, Rise Robotics has developed the Bacon Robotic Air Compressor, which enhances traditional handheld air compressors through its unique Cyclone Linear Drive technology. This breakthrough innovation positions Rise Robotics at the forefront of advancing mobile robotic applications.
Lotus Leaf Coatings
Venture Round in 2012
Lotus Leaf Coatings, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, specializing in superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic coatings for diverse applications across commercial, industrial, and manufacturing sectors. Founded in 2009, the company’s innovative coatings provide effective solutions for corrosion prevention, surface protection, and anti-microbial properties. These coatings are utilized in various contexts, including packaging materials, automotive glass, and high-rise buildings, as well as for drag reduction in marine environments and protection of historical sites and microelectronics from moisture. Lotus Leaf Coatings also seeks sub-licensing and product supply partnerships with established companies to enhance market reach and application of its proprietary technologies.
OptiFab Technologies specializes in AI-driven software solutions for the 3D printing industry. Their platform monitors manufacturing processes in real-time, using AI to prevent defects and optimize heat distribution. This results in improved productivity, scalability, and profitability, as well as reduced costs and elimination of post-processing steps.
Ketchel Axle Systems specializes in manufacturing electric axles for commercial vehicles, aiming to decrease emissions and promote sustainability in the transportation sector.
Spokbee operates a three-dimensional product configuration platform that automates customization processes. It streamlines sales and manufacturing efficiency, offering personalized products ranging from gifts to industrial supplies.
Blocmount is a technology company specializing in real-time AI analytics and cybersecurity for the manufacturing sector. Its platform employs advanced algorithms to analyze control system data, identifying anomalies and deviations from standard operational patterns that could signify faults, failures, or cyber threats. By offering continuous monitoring and real-time alerts for unusual or suspicious activities, Blocmount enables manufacturers to minimize defects, protect vital machinery, and optimize their processes. The company's solutions aim to enhance the security, efficiency, and reliability of industrial operations, ensuring that organizations can safeguard critical assets and adhere to regulatory compliance in a rapidly evolving digital environment.
BERKM develops a clay-based additive to reduce plastic usage in packaging. The additive enhances polyethylene terephthalate plastics by improving gas barrier properties, strength, and ultraviolet resistance, enabling manufacturers to lower plastic consumption while extending product shelf life. By addressing plastic pollution, CO2 emissions, and beverage and food waste, BERKM aims to reduce the environmental impact of packaging and support more sustainable product lifecycles.
Torev Motors designs and manufactures axial flux electric motors for automotive and aerospace applications, focusing on low weight, high power output and reduced reliance on rare earth metals. Founded in 2022 and based in Arlington, Virginia, the company emphasizes a patented motor architecture that supports cost-effective modular designs, improved vehicle control and extended range. This approach aims to make advanced electric motors more affordable for automakers and aerospace customers while reducing energy consumption related to charging.