SciFi VC

Neon empowers game developers to own their direct-to-consumer channel and create commerce tools to help game developers build enduring brand

Black Ore Technologies is an AI-driven financial services company. It develops and creates an AI product called Tax Autopilot, that offers end-to-end 1040 tax prep automation for CPAs and tax firms. Black Ore Technologies was founded in 2022 and is based in Texas, USA.

Helping people with chronic conditions mitigate their symptoms.

CoPilot, LLC, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in providing advisory services for car purchases. The company offers an online platform that enables users to find the best cars and deals available in their area. By leveraging AI-assisted commerce, CoPilot aims to simplify the car-buying process for average consumers who may not be car enthusiasts or experts. The service acts as a knowledgeable partner, guiding users through selecting the right vehicle, identifying suitable dealers, and negotiating favorable prices. CoPilot is dedicated to empowering car shoppers, ensuring they make informed decisions with confidence and ease.

Dumme, founded in 2022 and based in London, United Kingdom, specializes in developing a content automation platform that facilitates information retrieval through video. The platform utilizes artificial intelligence to transform lengthy podcasts into concise clips, linking them based on content relevance and user preferences. This innovative approach enables users to easily discover and navigate podcasts by searching through their specific content, enhancing the overall listening experience.

Kudos offers an AI-powered smart wallet service designed to optimize consumer rewards and benefits during purchases. The service tracks credit card rewards and analyzes data across various cards and online merchants. When consumers are ready to check out, the smart assistant identifies the most advantageous card to use, highlighting potential rewards and benefits for that specific transaction. This functionality enables users to efficiently manage their credit cards and make informed decisions about which card to utilize for maximum benefit.

Pomelo is a fintech-as-a-service platform focused on providing innovative payment solutions in Latin America. The company has developed a digital processing platform designed to enhance payment services by allowing businesses to create virtual accounts and issue prepaid and credit cards. This is achieved through compliant onboarding processes, which facilitate the customization required by fintech companies and embedded finance players for their specific programs. By redefining the possibilities in payment services, Pomelo aims to support the growth and efficiency of financial technology in the region.

Traba operates a human resource marketplace designed to connect industrial businesses with reliable workers for open shifts. The platform facilitates the matching of workers with opportunities in warehouses, distribution centers, and event venues, allowing both parties to maximize productivity and earning potential. By streamlining the process of filling shifts, Traba enables businesses to maintain operational efficiency while providing workers with accessible employment opportunities.

Highlight is a platform focused on enhancing fan engagement for artists and celebrities through the creation and trading of digital artifacts. It enables the development of custom-branded, members-only clubs that connect and reward token-holders. The platform provides tools for creators to design personalized spaces, integrating features that offer ongoing utility and access to exclusive content. By utilizing low-carbon non-fungible tokens, Highlight allows creators to fully own their audience and effectively monetize their transactions, fostering deeper relationships between artists and their fans.

Capchase Inc. is a fintech company that specializes in providing financing solutions for Software as a Service (SaaS) businesses by unlocking cash tied up in future monthly payments. Founded in 2020 and based in New York, Capchase utilizes proprietary underwriting algorithms to evaluate the quality of contracts and extend lines of debt to its clients. Its platform allows SaaS companies to receive upfront payments for their services while offering flexible repayment options, such as monthly or quarterly payments. This approach enables clients to accelerate their growth without incurring dilution or relying on costly financing methods.

Ownit is a technology company founded in 2021 by eCommerce experts Payman Nejati, Evan Shiue, and Joel Tan, who collectively have over 60 years of experience in creating innovative checkout experiences. The company focuses on enhancing commerce at the point of discovery for brands, creators, and shoppers by providing a platform that facilitates one-tap purchases across various channels, including paid advertisements, emails, texts, and influencer marketing. By leveraging generative AI, Ownit publishes an extensive range of shoppable articles designed to optimize search results and answer shoppers' inquiries effectively. This approach not only streamlines the purchasing process but also aids brands and retailers in increasing conversion rates by presenting pricing and purchase options in a clear, accessible manner. Ownit is backed by prominent venture capital firms and industry leaders from notable companies, emphasizing its commitment to solving complex challenges in the eCommerce landscape.

Boxo, officially known as Appboxo Pte. Ltd., is a Singapore-based platform founded in 2018 that specializes in super app infrastructure. It provides a suite of developer tools enabling businesses to launch full-screen mini-apps within their existing applications. By utilizing a single SDK, companies can transform their apps into super apps, offering a variety of services quickly and efficiently. This platform also allows service providers to create embeddable mini-apps, facilitating new partnerships and enhancing user engagement through affiliate traffic. Boxo aims to streamline the app integration process while expanding monetization opportunities for both developers and service providers.

Clipboard Health is a healthcare talent marketplace founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California. The platform connects nursing staff with medical facilities, allowing nurses to search for job opportunities that match their qualifications and preferences. Users can apply for positions with a single click, streamlining the job search process. Clipboard Health's comprehensive database features nursing and allied health jobs across the country, facilitating tailored job placements. This service aims to ensure that patients receive appropriate care by matching them with the right nursing professionals at the right time.

Compound is a wealth management platform that provides users with a comprehensive financial picture of their liquid and illiquid assets, such as cash, securities, cryptocurrencies, real estate, and venture investments. In addition, for exchanges that are not already partner platforms, the company uses off-the-shelf integrations, and it manually tracks users' assets if they are held in particularly complex structures. For its tax filing service, Compound partners with platforms and provides the service in-house through a tax firm the company owns.

Empora Title is a technology-driven title company that aims to transform the title industry by emphasizing visibility, transparency, speed, and accuracy in real estate transactions. The company offers a comprehensive portal that consolidates all relevant title information, documents, and real estate deal details into a single platform. This streamlined approach enables clients to facilitate seamless transactions for all parties involved, setting a new standard in the title sector. With a commitment to innovation, Empora Title positions itself as a leader in delivering reliable and efficient services to real estate investors.

Pomelo is a fintech-as-a-service platform focused on providing innovative payment solutions in Latin America. The company has developed a digital processing platform designed to enhance payment services by allowing businesses to create virtual accounts and issue prepaid and credit cards. This is achieved through compliant onboarding processes, which facilitate the customization required by fintech companies and embedded finance players for their specific programs. By redefining the possibilities in payment services, Pomelo aims to support the growth and efficiency of financial technology in the region.

Peach Finance, Inc. is a technology company based in Oakland, California, that specializes in developing a loan management platform tailored for finance, legal, and operations teams. Founded in 2018, Peach offers a software as a service (SaaS) solution that utilizes machine-learning algorithms to enhance repayment rates while ensuring compliance. Its API-first, fully configurable platform enables lenders to efficiently launch and scale lending products across various asset classes. The comprehensive service includes a loan management system, borrower and agent portals, customer relationship management (CRM), omnichannel communications, payment processing, reporting, and the unique Self-Service Portfolio Migration capability. Peach Finance aims to empower lenders with innovative tools to improve their operations and the lives of their customers.

Coast is a developer of a card payment platform designed to make fleet and gasoline payments easier for truck drivers. The company's platform provides payment integration solutions to fleets, making fleet administration easier than traditional financial services.

Pathpoint Inc., operating as Pathpoint Insurance Service, specializes in providing excess and surplus (E&S) insurance services, including general liability and cyber liability coverage. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company leverages technology to enhance the efficiency of insurance brokerage. It offers a digital platform that streamlines the procurement process for independent agents, allowing them to obtain bindable quotes from multiple carriers within minutes. Pathpoint's software solutions encompass various aspects of the insurance industry, including quoting, binding, policy document management, distribution, underwriting, and accounting. By facilitating faster access to insurance options, Pathpoint aids carriers in reaching a broader market while reducing operational costs and enhancing market insights.

Capchase Inc. is a fintech company that specializes in providing financing solutions for Software as a Service (SaaS) businesses by unlocking cash tied up in future monthly payments. Founded in 2020 and based in New York, Capchase utilizes proprietary underwriting algorithms to evaluate the quality of contracts and extend lines of debt to its clients. Its platform allows SaaS companies to receive upfront payments for their services while offering flexible repayment options, such as monthly or quarterly payments. This approach enables clients to accelerate their growth without incurring dilution or relying on costly financing methods.

Synctera Inc. provides digital banking solutions that connect traditional banking operations with innovative financial technology. Incorporated in 2020 and based in San Carlos, California, the company offers a platform that facilitates the launch of FinTech and embedded banking products for businesses of all sizes. Synctera's technology infrastructure includes robust APIs, which enable companies to efficiently introduce and expand services such as debit cards, bank accounts, charge cards, lines of credit, and money movement. Additionally, the platform supports regional and community banks in navigating regulatory compliance and managing partnerships with FinTech firms. Synctera's comprehensive offerings include PII encryption, secure login, authentication, endpoint protection, and penetration testing, ensuring that businesses can implement banking services effectively and securely.

Synctera Inc. provides digital banking solutions that connect traditional banking operations with innovative financial technology. Incorporated in 2020 and based in San Carlos, California, the company offers a platform that facilitates the launch of FinTech and embedded banking products for businesses of all sizes. Synctera's technology infrastructure includes robust APIs, which enable companies to efficiently introduce and expand services such as debit cards, bank accounts, charge cards, lines of credit, and money movement. Additionally, the platform supports regional and community banks in navigating regulatory compliance and managing partnerships with FinTech firms. Synctera's comprehensive offerings include PII encryption, secure login, authentication, endpoint protection, and penetration testing, ensuring that businesses can implement banking services effectively and securely.

Pomelo is a fintech-as-a-service platform focused on providing innovative payment solutions in Latin America. The company has developed a digital processing platform designed to enhance payment services by allowing businesses to create virtual accounts and issue prepaid and credit cards. This is achieved through compliant onboarding processes, which facilitate the customization required by fintech companies and embedded finance players for their specific programs. By redefining the possibilities in payment services, Pomelo aims to support the growth and efficiency of financial technology in the region.

TryNow is an innovative e-commerce platform that offers a try-before-you-buy solution for shoppers and Shopify brands. By transforming customers' living rooms into fitting rooms, TryNow allows users to receive and test apparel before making a purchase. The platform facilitates the authorization of credit cards and tracks the items customers try, ensuring that payments are only processed for the items they choose to keep. This approach not only enhances the shopping experience but also helps businesses increase their sales and productivity by reducing returns and improving customer satisfaction.

Clipboard Health is a healthcare talent marketplace founded in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California. The platform connects nursing staff with medical facilities, allowing nurses to search for job opportunities that match their qualifications and preferences. Users can apply for positions with a single click, streamlining the job search process. Clipboard Health's comprehensive database features nursing and allied health jobs across the country, facilitating tailored job placements. This service aims to ensure that patients receive appropriate care by matching them with the right nursing professionals at the right time.

Balance is a digital payments platform that enhances the B2B online purchasing experience for both buyers and vendors. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, the company offers a sophisticated checkout platform that leverages a machine learning engine for real-time authentication and financial risk assessment. This technology provides businesses with the flexibility to manage payments according to their needs, streamlining the transaction process and improving overall efficiency. Balance aims to create a more enjoyable and secure purchasing environment in the B2B sector.

Shipped is the first fully branded universal order center - a one-stop 360 customer experience enabling instant resolution of any order issue, all in one place.

CloudTrucks is a company that provides a virtual trucking carrier application aimed at lowering operating costs for truck drivers. Founded in 2019 and based in San Francisco, California, the platform facilitates the management and booking of loads from brokers and shippers. It offers features such as instant payments upon delivery and access to affordable insurance options. These tools empower truck owners and operators to optimize their schedules and create strategies that enhance their revenue potential.

Empora Title is a technology-driven title company that aims to transform the title industry by emphasizing visibility, transparency, speed, and accuracy in real estate transactions. The company offers a comprehensive portal that consolidates all relevant title information, documents, and real estate deal details into a single platform. This streamlined approach enables clients to facilitate seamless transactions for all parties involved, setting a new standard in the title sector. With a commitment to innovation, Empora Title positions itself as a leader in delivering reliable and efficient services to real estate investors.

Settle is a cash-flow management platform that assists businesses and individuals in managing their financial transactions, tracking expenses, and optimizing cash flow. Founded by Alek Koenig in November 2019 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company provides tools and insights to help users gain a clearer understanding of their financial situation and make informed decisions. Its software automates business-to-business payments and offers features such as payment management, payable date management, paperless invoices, and auto payments, all aimed at expediting billing cycles and enhancing working capital.

ShoppingGives is a philanthropy platform focused on creating social impact through consumer purchases. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company connects retailers and nonprofits, allowing customers to select a nonprofit to receive a percentage of their purchase at checkout. This model fosters a community of giving, enhancing customer loyalty and trust by integrating charitable donations seamlessly into the shopping experience. By utilizing its unique technology, Change Commerce, ShoppingGives facilitates a frictionless giving process, enabling retailers to align their business with the values of their customers and support the causes that matter to them.

PrizePool is a mobile-based application software that enables its users to invest their money through smartphones. PrizePool believes the team's experience combined with the commitments to both guarantee monthly prizes and create a social, referral model sets PrizePool apart from others in the market.

CoPilot, LLC, founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in providing advisory services for car purchases. The company offers an online platform that enables users to find the best cars and deals available in their area. By leveraging AI-assisted commerce, CoPilot aims to simplify the car-buying process for average consumers who may not be car enthusiasts or experts. The service acts as a knowledgeable partner, guiding users through selecting the right vehicle, identifying suitable dealers, and negotiating favorable prices. CoPilot is dedicated to empowering car shoppers, ensuring they make informed decisions with confidence and ease.

AgentSync, Inc. is a company based in Denver, Colorado, that specializes in developing applications for the insurance industry. Founded in 2018, it provides solutions aimed at automating licensing and compliance for insurance carriers, agencies, and producers. The company offers a range of services that include real-time data integration, producer onboarding, automated license verification, and compliance monitoring. By focusing on customer-centric design and seamless integration through APIs, AgentSync enhances operational efficiency and reduces friction in processes like broker onboarding, contracting, and licensing. Its modern tools facilitate the connection between carriers, agencies, and managing general agents while ensuring compliance and supporting growth in the insurance sector.

Ethyca Inc. specializes in software that automates customer data compliance processes for businesses. Founded in 2018 and based in New York, the company offers solutions for data privacy and risk management, including its cloud-based product, Ethyca Pro. This self-service platform automates essential tasks such as data mapping, data subject request management, and consent management in accordance with the California Consumer Privacy Act. Ethyca's privacy engineering platform is designed to assist developers and privacy teams in integrating compliance features into their systems, thereby reducing operational risks and costs associated with data privacy. By providing a comprehensive data map that tracks the flow of information within an organization, Ethyca helps businesses meet various global privacy regulations effectively.

PsiQuantum is focused on developing the first utility-scale quantum computer to address significant global challenges. The company utilizes photonic qubits, which offer substantial advantages for creating a fault-tolerant, general-purpose quantum computer. By leveraging advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, PsiQuantum aims to deliver quantum technology that can foster advancements across various sectors, including climate, healthcare, finance, energy, agriculture, transportation, and communications. This innovative approach positions PsiQuantum to contribute meaningfully to solving real-world problems through enhanced computational capabilities.

Capchase Inc. is a fintech company that specializes in providing financing solutions for Software as a Service (SaaS) businesses by unlocking cash tied up in future monthly payments. Founded in 2020 and based in New York, Capchase utilizes proprietary underwriting algorithms to evaluate the quality of contracts and extend lines of debt to its clients. Its platform allows SaaS companies to receive upfront payments for their services while offering flexible repayment options, such as monthly or quarterly payments. This approach enables clients to accelerate their growth without incurring dilution or relying on costly financing methods.

Q Bio, founded in 2015 by Jeffrey Kaditz, Dr. Michael Snyder, and Dr. Garry Choy, operates a clinical digital twin platform aimed at assessing patients' medical histories to identify immediate and future health risks. Based in San Carlos, California, the company utilizes whole-body scans to create a digital twin of each patient's physical body, quantifying and digitizing health data. By leveraging simulated human physiology and machine learning, Q Bio's platform can predict potential health risks, enabling healthcare professionals to provide proactive treatment. The interdisciplinary team at Q Bio comprises experts in applied mathematics, computational physics, electrical engineering, genetics, and radiology, supported by prominent venture capital firms.

Teller, Inc. is a London-based company that specializes in providing a banking API designed for seamless integration with users' existing bank accounts. Founded in 2019, Teller enables developers to create applications that facilitate online banking and payments by connecting consumers with their financial institutions. The company's suite of technical infrastructure APIs allows users to access their bank account details, view historical transactions, verify identities, and perform money transfers and payments. This functionality aims to simplify the online financial transaction process, making it more reliable and efficient for users regardless of their banking provider.

Virta Health Corp. is an online specialty medical clinic dedicated to reversing type 2 diabetes without the use of medications or surgery. Founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, California, the company utilizes a combination of nutritional biochemistry, clinical expertise, data science, and digital solutions to deliver its innovative treatment. Through its continuous remote care platform, Virta provides extensive medical and behavioral support, which has shown significant results in clinical trials; 60% of enrolled patients achieved diabetes reversal after one year, while 94% of insulin users reduced or eliminated their insulin intake. The benefits of Virta's approach extend beyond diabetes, leading to improvements in blood pressure, inflammation, liver function, and body mass index (BMI), thereby transforming the lives of individuals affected by type 2 diabetes.

Aven is a financial services company that specializes in offering a unique product called the Aven HELOC Card. This innovative card merges the features of a credit card with the advantages of a home equity line of credit (HELOC), enabling users to access funds based on their home equity. The Aven HELOC Card is designed to provide lower interest rates compared to standard credit cards, making it an appealing choice for individuals seeking to manage their finances more effectively. Users can make purchases using the card and pay off their balances over time, thus leveraging their home equity to potentially save on interest costs while enjoying flexible repayment options.

Red Planet Labs Inc., founded in 2013 and based in Poway, California, specializes in developing innovative programming tools aimed at transforming software development. The company offers a comprehensive software tool that encompasses not only the initial development of applications but also their deployment, monitoring, and maintenance. This tool introduces a cohesive model for building software applications, allowing clients to create scalable solutions at significantly reduced engineering costs. By streamlining the development process and encapsulating various stages of application management, Red Planet Labs enables organizations to build any application efficiently and economically.

Bunkerhill Health is a collective of academic institutions focused on the development, testing, and implementation of artificial intelligence algorithms tailored for the healthcare sector. The organization provides a robust technology platform that includes a training data consortium and a clinical trials network, facilitating the management of healthcare databases through AI. Its infrastructure enables researchers from hospitals, university laboratories, and the healthcare industry to efficiently train, test, and deploy their AI models within clinical environments. By streamlining these processes, Bunkerhill Health aims to enhance the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare practices.

Human API is a digital health data network that allows consumers to easily access and share their health information from various sources, including hospitals, electronic medical records, pharmacies, labs, and wearable devices. Founded in 2013 and based in San Mateo, California, the company connects to data from 90% of US hospitals and over 300 wellness applications. The platform employs a machine learning-powered data pipeline to standardize health data, making it more accessible and actionable for medical researchers and scientists. Importantly, it empowers consumers to maintain control over their personal health data, determining which companies can access their information. This streamlined approach addresses the challenges of fragmented health data sources, facilitating efficient data sharing and utilization in the healthcare ecosystem.

Anchorage Digital is a regulated cryptocurrency platform that offers integrated financial services and infrastructure solutions tailored for institutions. Established in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company operates as the only federally chartered crypto bank in the United States, with an additional office in Singapore that maintains similar security and service standards. Anchorage Digital specializes in secure custody, regulatory compliance, and a variety of cryptocurrency-related services, including trading, staking, and governance. The platform emphasizes modern security engineering to ensure the safety of digital assets while facilitating streamlined participation in blockchain technology for businesses and institutions. With a valuation exceeding $3 billion, Anchorage Digital has attracted investments from prominent firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, Goldman Sachs, and Visa, among others. The company also supports a remote-friendly work environment, with additional offices located in New York, Porto, and Sioux Falls.

Spring Discovery, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Palo Alto, California, focused on advancing the discovery of therapies aimed at aging and related diseases. By utilizing a machine learning-based platform, the company targets the biological processes of aging to identify potential treatments for various age-related conditions, including cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. The innovative approach of leveraging machine learning enhances the efficiency of experimentation, facilitating the rapid development of new therapies designed to increase healthy lifespans.

Peach Finance, Inc. is a technology company based in Oakland, California, that specializes in developing a loan management platform tailored for finance, legal, and operations teams. Founded in 2018, Peach offers a software as a service (SaaS) solution that utilizes machine-learning algorithms to enhance repayment rates while ensuring compliance. Its API-first, fully configurable platform enables lenders to efficiently launch and scale lending products across various asset classes. The comprehensive service includes a loan management system, borrower and agent portals, customer relationship management (CRM), omnichannel communications, payment processing, reporting, and the unique Self-Service Portfolio Migration capability. Peach Finance aims to empower lenders with innovative tools to improve their operations and the lives of their customers.

Divvy Homes, founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, is a technology-driven real estate platform that aims to make homeownership more accessible. The company operates in key markets, including San Francisco, Atlanta, Cleveland, and Seattle, offering a rent-to-own model that allows customers to select any home on the market. Divvy Homes purchases the property on behalf of the renter, who then makes monthly rent payments while building savings toward a future purchase. This approach not only assists individuals in overcoming barriers to homeownership but also provides them with the flexibility to buy their home when they are ready or to walk away and cash out their savings. Through its services, Divvy Homes seeks to address the housing affordability gap and provide a transparent path to homeownership for families.

Socotra, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in providing a cloud-based platform tailored for the insurance industry. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Socotra offers a comprehensive software solution for policy administration, underwriting, claims management, billing, and reporting. The platform is designed to support both property and casualty as well as life insurance businesses globally. By utilizing modern technologies, Socotra aims to deliver a reliable and flexible core system that enhances the speed and efficiency of insurance operations. Its platform features standardized public APIs, allowing insurers to easily adapt to changing regulations and streamline product development. This innovative approach not only reduces maintenance costs but also improves the overall customer experience, making it a valuable resource for insurers looking to modernize their operations.

SmithRx is a San Francisco-based company that designs and manages customized pharmacy benefit plans for employers, aiming to enhance employee guidance and satisfaction. Founded in 2016, SmithRx operates on a modern technology platform that emphasizes transparency, efficiency, and data analytics. The company provides a cost-competitive pharmacy benefit management (PBM) model, featuring a pass-through pricing structure, a unified technology system, and high-quality service assurances. Its in-house team combines expertise from various healthcare and technology sectors, including experience from notable companies, to deliver exceptional support and clinical programs. SmithRx focuses on empowering its clients with maximum flexibility and control over their pharmacy benefits, ultimately helping to reduce drug spending and improve the management of prescription benefits. The company's name reflects its commitment to precision and craftsmanship in the pharmacy benefits industry.

Emulate, Inc. specializes in organ-on-chip technology that simulates human biology to enhance the understanding of how diseases, medications, chemicals, and food impact human health. The company develops organ-chips for various organs, including the lung, intestine, liver, and skin, which replicate normal functions and disease conditions. Emulate's innovative technology offers researchers a more accurate alternative to traditional experimental methods, such as cell cultures and animal testing, by providing detailed insights into human biological responses. Additionally, the company supplies drug development and instrumentation software to facilitate research and development workflows for its clients. Emulate serves a diverse range of sectors, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, consumer health, cosmetics, chemicals, food, agrochemicals, government agencies, and academic institutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Emulate was previously known as Emulate Living MicroDevices, Inc. until its name change in 2014.

Virta Health Corp. is an online specialty medical clinic dedicated to reversing type 2 diabetes without the use of medications or surgery. Founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, California, the company utilizes a combination of nutritional biochemistry, clinical expertise, data science, and digital solutions to deliver its innovative treatment. Through its continuous remote care platform, Virta provides extensive medical and behavioral support, which has shown significant results in clinical trials; 60% of enrolled patients achieved diabetes reversal after one year, while 94% of insulin users reduced or eliminated their insulin intake. The benefits of Virta's approach extend beyond diabetes, leading to improvements in blood pressure, inflammation, liver function, and body mass index (BMI), thereby transforming the lives of individuals affected by type 2 diabetes.

O1Labs, founded in 2017, is a blockchain technology company specializing in zero-knowledge cryptography and innovative cryptographic solutions. The company is recognized for its development of the Mina Protocol, which is the first lightweight, scalable, and decentralized blockchain utilizing zero-knowledge proofs. Additionally, O1Labs created o1js, an intuitive framework aimed at simplifying the development of applications using zero-knowledge technology. By enhancing blockchain accessibility, O1Labs provides developers with the tools needed to create user-friendly cryptocurrency applications that operate seamlessly in web browsers. The company's mission is to foster a new generation of applications driven by zero-knowledge cryptography.

SmithRx is a San Francisco-based company that designs and manages customized pharmacy benefit plans for employers, aiming to enhance employee guidance and satisfaction. Founded in 2016, SmithRx operates on a modern technology platform that emphasizes transparency, efficiency, and data analytics. The company provides a cost-competitive pharmacy benefit management (PBM) model, featuring a pass-through pricing structure, a unified technology system, and high-quality service assurances. Its in-house team combines expertise from various healthcare and technology sectors, including experience from notable companies, to deliver exceptional support and clinical programs. SmithRx focuses on empowering its clients with maximum flexibility and control over their pharmacy benefits, ultimately helping to reduce drug spending and improve the management of prescription benefits. The company's name reflects its commitment to precision and craftsmanship in the pharmacy benefits industry.

Propel, Inc. is a technology company based in Brooklyn, New York, founded in 2014. It specializes in developing mobile software applications aimed at improving the financial health of low-income Americans. The company's primary product, Providers, is a free app designed for EBT cardholders, enabling them to manage their government benefits, such as SNAP and rental assistance. The app also helps users save on essential expenses and earn cash, while offering features that allow them to check their balance and organize budgets around local deals. Propel's focus is on empowering its users to better navigate financial challenges and enhance their economic well-being.

Kalo, established in 2015, provides a platform that simplifies the onboarding, management, communication, and payment processes for companies utilizing external workers. The service targets a diverse range of industries, allowing clients such as Google, Asos, IDEO, and Airbnb to streamline their operations. By replacing cumbersome spreadsheets and invoice emails, Kalo offers a user-friendly experience for organizations to collaborate effectively with their freelancers and vendors.

Synthego Corporation is a genome engineering company focused on advancing life science research and therapeutic development to improve human health. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, Synthego offers a comprehensive platform that integrates proprietary hardware, software, bioinformatics, chemistries, and molecular biology. The company's product portfolio includes engineered cells, CRISPR kits, and bioinformatics tools designed for various applications such as pathway analysis, target validation, disease modeling, and diagnostics. By leveraging machine learning and automation, Synthego enables researchers in biotechnology and academia to conduct efficient and precise gene editing, facilitating rapid advancements in drug discovery and development. The company serves a global customer base, distributing its products through various channels, including online sales and partnerships in multiple countries.

Suiteness, Inc. is an online platform based in Oakland, California, that specializes in booking luxury hotel suites worldwide. Founded in 2012, the company offers a diverse inventory that includes suites, penthouses, and villas, as well as connecting rooms at competitive rates for larger groups. Suiteness provides access to exclusive suites that often feature high-end amenities such as private entrances, personal butlers, and private pools, catering to luxury travelers, families, and groups seeking spacious accommodations. The platform not only focuses on enhancing the guest experience but also supports hotel partners by offering brand protection, visibility, and data transparency. Currently operational in key markets like Las Vegas, New York, Miami, Orlando, Los Angeles, and London, Suiteness aims to expand its reach and continue showcasing its partners' premium offerings. The company has attracted investment from notable venture capital firms and participated in Y Combinator's Summer 2016 program.

Q Bio, founded in 2015 by Jeffrey Kaditz, Dr. Michael Snyder, and Dr. Garry Choy, operates a clinical digital twin platform aimed at assessing patients' medical histories to identify immediate and future health risks. Based in San Carlos, California, the company utilizes whole-body scans to create a digital twin of each patient's physical body, quantifying and digitizing health data. By leveraging simulated human physiology and machine learning, Q Bio's platform can predict potential health risks, enabling healthcare professionals to provide proactive treatment. The interdisciplinary team at Q Bio comprises experts in applied mathematics, computational physics, electrical engineering, genetics, and radiology, supported by prominent venture capital firms.

Zymergen, Inc. is a biotechnology company that focuses on researching, developing, and manufacturing microbes for various industries, including agriculture, chemicals, materials, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and personal care. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, Zymergen employs a platform that integrates automation, machine learning, and genomics to enhance the efficiency of microbial strain optimization and production processes. This technology enables the company to improve existing manufacturing strains and facilitates the development of new products by engineering novel molecules from microbes. With additional offices in Boise, Idaho; Medford, Massachusetts; Seattle, Washington; and Tokyo, Japan, Zymergen aims to partner with nature to create innovative materials and products that deliver significant value across multiple sectors.

Metabiota, Inc. focuses on assessing and investigating infectious disease threats through pathogen discovery, disease detection, and threat characterization. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company provides data, analytics, and training aimed at preparing for global health threats and minimizing their impacts. Metabiota's services include surveillance, recognition, and diagnosis of microbial threats, which assist in reducing and preventing outbreaks. The company employs a strategic global presence and fosters partnerships to help local authorities develop effective mitigation strategies, thereby enabling governments and organizations to better manage and respond to infectious disease risks.

Socotra, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in providing a cloud-based platform tailored for the insurance industry. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Socotra offers a comprehensive software solution for policy administration, underwriting, claims management, billing, and reporting. The platform is designed to support both property and casualty as well as life insurance businesses globally. By utilizing modern technologies, Socotra aims to deliver a reliable and flexible core system that enhances the speed and efficiency of insurance operations. Its platform features standardized public APIs, allowing insurers to easily adapt to changing regulations and streamline product development. This innovative approach not only reduces maintenance costs but also improves the overall customer experience, making it a valuable resource for insurers looking to modernize their operations.

Metabiota, Inc. focuses on assessing and investigating infectious disease threats through pathogen discovery, disease detection, and threat characterization. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company provides data, analytics, and training aimed at preparing for global health threats and minimizing their impacts. Metabiota's services include surveillance, recognition, and diagnosis of microbial threats, which assist in reducing and preventing outbreaks. The company employs a strategic global presence and fosters partnerships to help local authorities develop effective mitigation strategies, thereby enabling governments and organizations to better manage and respond to infectious disease risks.

Blend is a digital lending platform based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012 by Erin Collard, Eugene Marinelli, Nima Ghamsari, and Rosco Hill. The company provides a cloud-based software solution that simplifies the application process for mortgages, consumer loans, and deposit accounts. By optimizing the customer journey, Blend enables financial institutions to enhance their services from application to closing. Its platform is utilized by over 285 leading banks, including Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank, facilitating the processing of more than $4 billion in loans daily. The company's offerings include a suite of products that streamline the entire origination process and a Title segment designed to improve the title, settlement, and closing procedures for various mortgage-related products. Blend's focus is on helping lenders acquire more customers, increase productivity, and strengthen customer relationships.

Somite.ai is a venture-backed company aiming to become the OpenAI of stem cell biology, developing AI foundation models to produce human tissue for cell therapies at scale for diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and muscular dystrophies. Somite's AI platform, AlphaStem, fuels a virtuous cycle: It enables new cell therapies, generating massive data that further improve the platform, empowering even faster therapy creation with broader applications. The company's pipeline includes the promising SMT-M01 program for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and the SMT-B01 program for metabolic disorders. Incorporated in Oct. 2023, Somite.ai has raised over $10m to date.