RIT Venture Creations Incubator

RIT Venture Fund I, LLC is an investment entity that focuses on providing capital to entrepreneurial ventures closely linked to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) community. Established in 2003, the fund is associated with the Venture Creations Incubator, which is also based in Rochester, New York. The fund aims to support innovative startups by leveraging the resources and talent within the RIT ecosystem, fostering growth and development in various sectors. Through its investments, RIT Venture Fund seeks to enhance entrepreneurial initiatives that align with its mission of promoting economic development and technological advancement in the region.

Ryne Raffaelle Ph.D

Vice President

11 past transactions

CytoTronics

Seed Round in 2024
CytoTronics is focused on designing and developing advanced cell culture plates that incorporate embedded high-density electronic systems. This innovative technology enables researchers to visualize live cell functions on a large scale and obtain real-time data on cell behavior. By facilitating detailed studies of complex biological processes, CytoTronics aims to support significant advancements in fields such as drug discovery and personalized medicine. The company's semiconductor-based systems provide a valuable tool for researchers, enhancing their ability to investigate cellular dynamics and improve the understanding of cellular interactions.

Casana

Seed Round in 2020
Casana, officially known as Heart Health Intelligence Inc., is a healthcare technology company based in Rochester, New York, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing innovative solutions for heart health monitoring, primarily through its flagship product, the Heart Seat. This smart toilet seat is designed to facilitate effortless and continuous in-home health monitoring by capturing essential clinical measurements such as heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, ECG, and blood oxygenation. The Heart Seat integrates advanced sensors, including a single-lead ECG, embedded photoplethysmogram LEDs, and sensitive weight sensors, to monitor cardiac activity. By offering a cloud-connected platform, Casana enables healthcare practitioners to track patients' cardiac health beyond traditional clinical settings, thereby enhancing the management of chronic conditions and improving patient outcomes through reliable and consistent vital signs analysis.

BDEX

Venture Round in 2020
BDEX LLC, established in 2014 and headquartered in Coral Springs, Florida, specializes in developing a real-time data exchange platform. The company aggregates billions of data signals from numerous premium partners, employing artificial intelligence for precise targeting. BDEX's platform facilitates the collection and delivery of actionable, structured data to enable businesses to reach their intended audience effectively.

CalvIO

Venture Round in 2020
CalvIO Inc. specializes in enhancing the interaction between humans and machines in industrial environments. The company has developed an innovative industrial robotics platform that streamlines the robotic assembly cycle by offering modular robotic work cells. These work cells are managed through an integrated software system that utilizes a proprietary tablet-based programming approach, incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning. This technology allows businesses to simplify robot configuration, point-to-point programming, and fault recovery, ultimately improving the quality of automation designs. By reducing the complexity of implementation, support, and maintenance, CalvIO aims to help robot users maximize their return on investment in automation.

Merkuri Digital Development Group

Venture Round in 2020
Merkuri is a company comprised of former military and security professionals that specializes in developing advanced security systems. It offers innovative technologies and technical assistance aimed at protecting clients from various threats and breaches. The company's systems are designed to provide customized support by utilizing both wired and wireless network protocols. Additionally, they facilitate the expedited geographic location of mobile devices and access unprotected data. Merkuri's solutions are tailored for a diverse clientele, including educational institutions, corporate entities, and government agencies, enabling them to monitor individual movements and enhance the security of data and personal safety.

Million Studio

Venture Round in 2020
Million Studio is a technology company that specializes in content and marketing automation solutions tailored for professional athletes. The firm provides a platform that streamlines the management, marketing, and monetization of athletes' content and data. By automating social media posts, websites, and email newsletters, Million Studio assists athletes in enhancing their branding strategies and efforts. Additionally, the platform serves as a resource for sports agents, leagues, teams, and brands, helping them navigate the complexities of the sports ecosystem. Through its innovative technology, Million Studio empowers athletes, brands, and businesses to grow their influence and effectively monetize their audience.

Susteau

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Susteau is a New York-based cosmetic company that specializes in sustainable hair care products. Founded in 2017 and rebranded in 2021, Susteau focuses on offering clean, concentrated hair care solutions that are waterless and presented in powdered form. Their innovative products, including powdered shampoos and conditioners, activate with water and are formulated with naturally derived, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients. Susteau emphasizes environmental responsibility by utilizing recycled materials and providing custom packaging options, making their products both eco-friendly and affordable for consumers seeking healthier hair care alternatives.

Token

Venture Round in 2017
We have developed the next generation of MFA that stops phishing and unauthorized logins for organizations where ransomware must be stopped

Viggi Kids

Venture Round in 2017
Viggi Kids, Corp. is a Fairport, New York-based company that specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative seating solutions for children. Its flagship product, the Vidget chair, is a versatile three-in-one model that can easily transform from a chair to a desk or stool, catering to various learning and play environments. Additionally, the company offers the Digit Widgit, an educational tool that aids children in learning mathematical concepts. The Vidget chair features a flexible seating system that allows for side-to-side and front-to-back rocking motion, which helps children manage energy and enhances focus and attention. Suitable for classrooms, daycare centers, and home settings, Viggi Kids emphasizes the importance of an adaptable and engaging environment for children's development. Founded in 2015, the company also sells its products online, targeting both educational institutions and individual consumers.

Sensor Films

Venture Round in 2017
Sensor Films Inc. is at the forefront of advancing digital manufacturing processes with significant applications across various industries. The company has developed the Starlight Digital Manufacturing Platform, which utilizes inkjet deposition technology to facilitate rapid and cost-effective prototyping and high-volume production. This platform serves the specialty graphics and printable electronics sectors, enabling manufacturers to streamline their workflows and enhance efficiency. By providing additive manufacturing solutions, Sensor Films offers integrated systems that allow for the printing of functional and decorative inks on both flexible and rigid substrates. This capability supports the production of electronic product assemblies for a diverse range of consumer and industrial applications, ultimately reducing time to market and enabling economical short-run production.

Dan & Gary Games

Venture Round in 2015
Dan & Gary Games is a Rochester Institute of Technology alumni-led venture, founded by Dan Plate and Gary Porter. The duo operates a game development studio focused on creating story-driven games, with a current emphasis on 2D Action or Comedy genres. Their debut title, Super Daryl Deluxe, stands out for its innovative combat system customization and engaging narrative, earning accolades for its visuals and gameplay fluidity.
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