Network Perception
Seed Round in 2020
Network Perception, Inc. specializes in network device configuration analysis software designed to help organizations visualize and manage their network effectively. Established in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers solutions that simplify firewall auditing and provide continuous monitoring capabilities. Its platform conducts automated, comprehensive analyses of network device configuration files, enabling organizations to assess firewalls and identify cyber vulnerabilities. By doing so, Network Perception assists corporate compliance and cybersecurity managers in ensuring that network configurations align with best practices and regulatory standards. The company initially launched in 2014 at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Research Park.
Joshin, LLC is a company based in Shoreview, Minnesota, that specializes in developing software applications focused on disability care. Its primary product is the Joshin application, which connects families with caregivers who are experienced, qualified, and screened to support individuals with disabilities and neurodivergence. The platform allows users to create personalized care plans that detail the needs, goals, preferences, and dietary requirements of their loved ones, facilitating a tailored approach to care. In addition to connecting families with caregivers, Joshin provides virtual coaching and education on disability issues, guiding families in navigating the complexities of care for individuals with special needs.
Canopy operates an online platform designed for frontline sales managers, providing tools to enhance sales performance and decision-making. The platform offers real-time data insights that help managers identify wins and losses at the individual seller level, enabling proactive coaching and support for sales representatives. By monitoring pipeline and rep data, Canopy alerts leaders to potential issues before they affect deals, thereby improving forecast accuracy and driving strategic change. The platform also highlights performance trends, allowing managers to track team dynamics and diagnose issues effectively. Originally known as Loupe Software, Inc., Canopy was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
QuillBot
Seed Round in 2020
QuillBot, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing an AI writing collaborator aimed at enhancing content quality by rewriting full paragraphs and refining text. Founded in 2017 and based in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Jaipur, India, QuillBot utilizes advanced AI paraphrasing technology that leverages natural language understanding to improve clarity and introduce varied vocabulary in user-generated content. The application is designed to seamlessly integrate into users' writing workflows through extensions and add-ins, making the process of crafting compelling messages more efficient. With a user base exceeding one million globally, QuillBot aims to alleviate the challenges associated with writing, allowing individuals to communicate more effectively.
Winston Privacy
Venture Round in 2020
Winston Privacy, Inc. is a technology company focused on providing online privacy and data protection for consumers. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Winston offers a hardware device that protects all connected devices, including computers, tablets, phones, and smart devices. This device provides comprehensive protection against hackers, corporate spying, and unwarranted government surveillance. It features a simple plug-and-play design, making it accessible for users without technical expertise. Additionally, Winston's solution blocks ads and offers faster performance than traditional VPNs, ensuring a safe and efficient browsing experience for its users.
Clinician Nexus
Seed Round in 2019
Clinician Nexus Inc. is a Minneapolis-based company that has developed an online platform for managing clinical rotations, connecting hospitals, clinics, and students. Founded in 2016, Clinician Nexus provides a transparent and user-friendly system that allows clinical sites to manage their capacities and assign students to clinical experiences. The platform also enables students to easily find and secure clinical rotations, enhancing the overall efficiency of the process. By focusing on the needs of health systems, educational institutions, and students, Clinician Nexus aims to facilitate better management of clinical experiences, ultimately supporting the development of a skilled healthcare workforce.
Bellwethr
Seed Round in 2019
Bellwethr Inc. is a company that specializes in developing a customer decision optimization platform aimed at enhancing business processes through artificial intelligence and machine learning. Founded in 2017 and based in Wamego, Kansas, Bellwethr's platform automates personalized, next-best actions during critical events in the customer journey, thereby improving customer retention and lifetime value. The company focuses on making machine learning and AI accessible to users regardless of their technical expertise, enabling subscription-based businesses to optimize their customer lifecycle processes effectively. By leveraging data and advanced algorithms, Bellwethr assists clients in attracting new leads while retaining existing customers.
Deep Lens
Series A in 2019
Deep Lens, Inc. is a technology company based in Columbus, Ohio, that specializes in digital pathology and healthcare data platforms. Founded in 2005, it develops the VIPER platform, which utilizes artificial intelligence for image detection and workflow support. The platform facilitates collaboration among pathology groups, enhancing cancer research and enabling healthcare providers to match patients with appropriate clinical trials and precision therapies. By integrating cloud storage and APIs for third-party AI models, Deep Lens streamlines processes for pathologists and physicians, ultimately improving patient treatment options. The company's focus on compliance and efficient data handling positions it as a valuable player in the healthcare technology sector.
Livly, Inc. is a technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2017, that specializes in providing a residential management platform tailored for commercial and multi-family real estate owners and operators. The company's application facilitates property management by enabling streamlined communication between property managers and tenants, overseeing community events, handling maintenance requests, managing package deliveries, processing rent payments, and reserving amenities. Livly's platform also incorporates advanced features such as AI-powered maintenance assistance and analytics tools that predict renewal scores and assess overall resident sentiment. By delivering user-friendly solutions, Livly aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve resident satisfaction within the multi-family rental sector.
Packback, Inc. is an education technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, that operates an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to enhance critical thinking skills among college students. Founded in 2014, Packback offers two primary products: PB Books, which provides online textbooks on a rental basis, and PB Questions, a digital discussion platform that facilitates online interactions between students and professors. The platform aims to foster a deeper engagement with subject matter, promote personalized learning experiences, and enable educators to assess and improve students' critical thinking abilities effectively. By leveraging its proprietary AI, Packback supports mastery-based learning and sound pedagogical practices in higher education.
DAtAnchor
Seed Round in 2018
Traditional IT controls focus on locking down networks, devices, and people. All of this is done in the name of protecting data. But, once files are moved, shared, or stolen, the data is no longer protected. Even worse, these controls get in the way and frustrate business users to the point they intentionally work around them. Anchor inverts the equation by baking protection into the data, invisible to the business users (like antivirus), so that files are free to travel and security is out of the way. Simply put, wherever the data goes, it is protected. Anchor is a SaaS platform, with an endpoint component, that bakes protection into your files with a unique transparent combination of encryption, continuous multi-factor access controls, and a digital chain of custody. And when you do share or collaborate, Anchor protection stays with your data, even when it leaves your organization. Anchor empowers you to maintain control of your files while collaborating on premise or in the cloud, including forensic logging and revoking access. In under 90 minutes, Anchor is fully deployed and empowers your business users to securely work and collaborate without complicated security products or rules in the way. All without requiring you to change existing IT controls or how your users and applications work today. DAtAnchor is a result of a multi-year research activity, developed at Ohio State University. The development team currently has 6 members, 4 of which are full-time. We have seed level funding for >1M and an advisory board with members at the senior vice president level in Fortune 500 companies.
AVVAY, Inc. is a location scouting company that operates a marketplace for short-term rentals of commercial spaces across several major cities, including Nashville, Dallas, Portland, Chicago, and Houston. Founded in 2015 and based in Franklin, Tennessee, AVVAY provides a web-based platform that allows users to find and book various venues such as recording studios, photography locations, and event spaces. The platform is designed to facilitate the needs of creative professionals by offering direct booking options and support from location scouting teams, ensuring access to affordable and suitable locations for a range of projects and events.
Epharmix
Venture Round in 2018
Epharmix, Inc. is a digital healthcare company that specializes in developing clinically validated, condition-specific communication tools for the healthcare industry. Founded in 2015 and based in Saint Louis, Missouri, Epharmix provides digital interventions designed to enhance patient-physician engagement, automate the collection of clinical data, and alert healthcare providers for effective chronic care management. Its products aim to improve care for underserved patients while also reducing the workload of care teams, ultimately enhancing patient engagement and health outcomes.
The Mom Project
Seed Round in 2018
The Mom Project, Inc. is a digital marketplace that connects women, particularly mothers, with employment opportunities across various sectors, including marketing, finance, technology, and project management. Founded in 2015 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company serves a community of over 500,000 individuals, including moms, dads, and allies, facilitating access to flexible work arrangements at both large corporations and small businesses. In addition to matching job seekers with employers, The Mom Project also provides insights and recommendations to companies on improving workplace conditions for women, aiming to foster a more supportive environment for mothers while redefining traditional career structures.
MentorcliQ
Funding Round in 2018
MentorcliQ, Inc. is a provider of cloud-based employee mentoring software that helps organizations establish, support, and enhance mentoring programs. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company offers a platform designed to improve employee engagement, development, and retention through customized mentoring solutions. MentorcliQ's software facilitates the recruitment, enrollment, matching, and management of mentoring participants, creating structured relationships that foster professional growth. The platform features real-time dashboards and printable reports, allowing organizations to measure the effectiveness of their mentoring initiatives. Additionally, MentorcliQ provides training, support, security, and integration services to enhance user experience and optimize program outcomes. The company serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies and regional non-profits, both in the United States and internationally.
SteadyMD
Seed Round in 2018
SteadyMD, Inc. is a provider of online primary care services based in St. Louis, Missouri, with an additional office in Westlake Village, California. Founded in 2016, the company connects patients with board-certified clinicians through a digital platform that facilitates telehealth services for various medical conditions, dietary preferences, and lifestyle choices. Patients can communicate with their doctors via text, call, or video chat, allowing for personalized and comprehensive care. SteadyMD also serves as a telehealth infrastructure provider, enabling healthcare leaders to scale their telehealth offerings across all 50 states by providing a licensed clinician workforce and support in clinical operations, legal, and regulatory matters. The company's innovative approach aims to improve access to high-quality care by addressing the complexities of chronic illnesses and ensuring that patients receive adequate time and attention from their healthcare providers.
Losant is a developer platform focused on enabling the creation of complex connected solutions through its enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) application enablement platform. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Losant offers robust features for data collection, aggregation, and visualization, allowing clients to effectively manage and interpret large volumes of sensor data. The platform employs open communication standards to facilitate secure connectivity among numerous devices, promoting seamless integration of both connected and non-connected systems. By providing these capabilities, Losant empowers teams to build and deploy real-time data solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Packback, Inc. is an education technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, that operates an artificial intelligence-driven platform designed to enhance critical thinking skills among college students. Founded in 2014, Packback offers two primary products: PB Books, which provides online textbooks on a rental basis, and PB Questions, a digital discussion platform that facilitates online interactions between students and professors. The platform aims to foster a deeper engagement with subject matter, promote personalized learning experiences, and enable educators to assess and improve students' critical thinking abilities effectively. By leveraging its proprietary AI, Packback supports mastery-based learning and sound pedagogical practices in higher education.
Heretik
Seed Round in 2017
Heretik Inc. is a technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 2016. It specializes in developing a software application that utilizes machine learning to enhance the contract review process. By empowering organizations to analyze contract data, Heretik aims to facilitate smarter decision-making and more favorable deals. The application assists attorneys in identifying risks, obligations, and opportunities within contracts, transforming extensive and varied contract data into valuable insights. Through its innovative approach, Heretik seeks to streamline contract management and improve overall efficiency for legal professionals.
Level Ex, Inc. is a Chicago-based company that develops virtual surgery mobile applications aimed at enhancing the skills of physicians through immersive training experiences. The company offers a platform called Virtual Technique Guides, which leverages cloud gaming technology to facilitate interactive surgical training. This platform allows surgeons to perform virtual procedures alongside medical device sales representatives in a web conferencing environment. Additionally, Level Ex has developed Airway EX, an app tailored for mastering critical endoscopic and interventional airway procedures. This application addresses various medical scenarios, including managing obstructing tumors, vocal cord injuries, and complex intubations in both adult and pediatric patients. Founded in 2015, Level Ex combines video game technology and cognitive neuroscience to provide physicians with tools to navigate rare medical cases, new medical devices, and evolving drug therapies.
Reconstruct
Seed Round in 2017
Reconstruct, Inc. specializes in predictive computer vision data analytics software tailored for construction projects. Its visual production management platform facilitates data collection through drones, fixed cameras, or mobile devices, enabling effective progress analysis and documentation. By visualizing images and 3D points aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM), the platform enhances coordination and transparency among project stakeholders. It identifies locations at risk of delays, allowing for proactive weekly work planning, and integrates schedules with BIM animations to illustrate any changes in plans. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Champaign, Illinois, Reconstruct aims to improve construction management by fostering better communication and visibility, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring project returns on investment.
Noonlight
Seed Round in 2017
Noonlight, Inc. is a company that specializes in personal safety through its mobile application, which connects various Internet of Things (IoT) devices to enhance user protection. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, Noonlight's platform provides 24/7 professional monitoring and data-driven emergency response capabilities. The application enables users to create accounts and connect multiple devices, allowing for precise location detection in emergencies. In critical situations, it can alert authorities without necessitating a 911 call or verbal communication. Noonlight's technology is operational across the United States, making it a versatile tool for enhancing personal safety and comfort.
Truss Holdings, Inc. operates an online marketplace that simplifies the leasing process for small and medium-sized businesses seeking office, co-working, industrial, and retail spaces. Founded in 2016 and based in Deerfield, Illinois, its platform employs machine learning to match businesses with suitable properties, allowing users to virtually tour listings, compare prices, and manage lease documents seamlessly. The company offers dedicated brokers to support clients throughout the process, ensuring a smooth experience. Truss is noted for its commitment to price transparency, enabling business owners to compare costs of traditional office and co-working spaces effectively. Through its technology-driven approach, Truss provides a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to find the right space quickly and confidently.
Kin Insurance
Seed Round in 2017
Kin Insurance, Inc. is a digital insurance agency specializing in homeowners insurance and related products, including mobile home, condo, flood, manufactured home, landlord, umbrella, hurricane, wildfire, and second home insurance. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in St. Petersburg, Florida, Kin Insurance operates payment processing offices in Palatine and Chicago. By eliminating external agents, Kin Insurance offers a direct-to-consumer model that enhances the convenience and affordability of homeowners insurance. The company's technology platform provides a seamless user experience, personalized coverage options, and efficient claims processing. Kin leverages extensive property data to deliver precise pricing and improve underwriting outcomes.
Inprentus
Series A in 2017
Inprentus, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Champaign, Illinois, that specializes in the design and manufacture of ultra-high precision diffraction gratings. Founded in 2012, the company produces X-ray and extreme ultraviolet diffraction gratings used primarily at synchrotron radiation facilities for applications in chemical analysis, imaging, and material characterization across various fields such as photovoltaics, catalysis, and environmental science. Inprentus has developed innovative manufacturing methods for mechanically ruled blazed diffraction gratings, which provide high resolving power with minimal blaze angles. Their products are integral to electron lasers, optical data communication, laser manufacturing, and semiconductor processes, enhancing capabilities in both industrial and research settings.
Groundspeed
Series A in 2017
Groundspeed Analytics, Inc. is a provider of insurance data automation and analytics software tailored for commercial insurance brokers and carriers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company has developed a platform that utilizes machine learning and artificial intelligence to streamline the handling of insurance data. This platform automatically requests, processes, and analyzes loss run data and other essential documents, enabling users to access critical claim metrics without manual data entry. Groundspeed's technology empowers brokers and carriers to identify profitable risk pools and trends, enhance underwriting processes, and improve overall financial performance. By transforming complex insurance documents into actionable insights, Groundspeed facilitates better decision-making and drives growth in the commercial insurance sector.
Kidizen, Inc. operates a peer-to-peer resale marketplace that enables parents in the United States to buy and sell pre-loved clothing, gear, toys, and accessories for children. Founded in 2010 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the platform allows parents, particularly mothers, to create storefronts, earn money, and connect with one another through shared experiences and styles. Kidizen offers a mobile application for iOS and Android that facilitates communication, purchasing, and selling of children's items. The marketplace is designed to be trustworthy and environmentally friendly, allowing users to easily list items without incurring listing fees, thus promoting sustainability while helping parents find the latest trends for their children. The company was previously known as Itizen, LLC before rebranding to Kidizen, Inc. in May 2014.
Aclaimant
Seed Round in 2017
Aclaimant, Inc. develops a comprehensive incident management system aimed at efficiently handling workplace-related incidents. The Aclaimant platform allows employees, employers, and insurance carriers to utilize a personalized dashboard for tracking incidents and reports, facilitating the incident resolution process. This system promotes collaboration among all parties involved, encouraging a shared responsibility for workplace safety. Aclaimant serves a diverse range of clients, including staffing firms, elder care facilities, small to medium-sized businesses, municipalities, insurance brokers, and carriers. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aclaimant is dedicated to reducing the time, effort, and costs associated with managing workplace incidents and related insurance claims.
Built In, Inc. operates a global network of online communities that serves as a recruitment solution for technology companies and startups. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company connects tech professionals with employers through its platform, which includes 29 dedicated websites in major tech hubs across the United States, Canada, India, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore, and Australia. Built In offers a range of services, including employer branding, recruitment, community events, and industry insights, catering to sectors such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and healthcare technology. By enabling companies to tell their stories and promote their cultures, Built In helps organizations attract talent and fosters a community centered around a shared passion for technology.
ShotTracker
Seed Round in 2016
ShotTracker Inc. is a technology company based in Merriam, Kansas, specializing in wearable technology for basketball players. Founded in 2013, ShotTracker develops sensor-based systems that automatically track vital basketball statistics such as shot attempts, makes, and misses in real-time during practices and games. Their solution includes a wrist sensor, a net sensor, and a mobile application compatible with various Bluetooth-enabled iOS and select Android devices. The company's latest offering, ShotTracker TEAM, captures comprehensive statistics for entire basketball teams, allowing coaches to make informed decisions and adjustments based on data analytics. This innovation aims to enhance the performance of athletes at all levels of play by providing access to elite-level analytics in an affordable manner.
Tovala is a Chicago-based company that offers a unique combination of a smart oven and a fresh meal delivery service, aiming to simplify dinner preparation for busy individuals. Founded in 2015 and launched in 2017, Tovala's system features an internet-connected countertop steam oven designed for multi-step cooking, paired with gourmet chef-prepared meals. This innovative approach allows users to enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals with minimal effort, requiring only the scanning of a barcode to initiate the cooking process. Tovala's service addresses the growing demand for convenient and nutritious meal solutions in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Rentable is an internet company founded in 2011 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, that focuses on enhancing the apartment rental search experience. Its web-based platform offers users a variety of tools, including localized flat listings, map-based searches, and shortlisting features, allowing for easy navigation through available properties. Additionally, Rentable provides an affordability calculator to assist users in determining suitable rental options based on their budget. By leveraging modern technology and an intuitive user interface, Rentable aims to streamline the process of finding apartments, making it more efficient and user-friendly for individuals seeking rental accommodations.
Luxury Garage Sale
Series A in 2016
Luxury Garage Sale, Inc. operates a consignment boutique and an online e-commerce platform specializing in the sale of luxury designer clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. Founded in 2010 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a diverse range of products, including dresses, jackets, pants, and various types of footwear, as well as a selection of jewelry and fashion accessories. With physical locations in Chicago, Highland Park, and Dallas, Luxury Garage Sale provides consumers with access to high-end fashion items at lower prices through a curated consignment model. The company emphasizes exceptional customer experience while making luxury fashion more accessible.
Cribspot
Seed Round in 2016
Cribspot, Inc. operates an online platform that facilitates the leasing and rental of student apartments and houses primarily in Ann Arbor, Columbus, and East Lansing. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the platform enables college students to efficiently search for off-campus housing through features like virtual tours and detailed floor plans. In addition to connecting students with rental options, Cribspot provides property management services, including marketing, tenant screening, maintenance, and accounting for property owners. The company also offers a mobile application compatible with iOS and Android devices, enhancing accessibility for users.
ShipBob Inc. is a technology company that specializes in providing online shipping and fulfillment services tailored for small e-commerce businesses. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, ShipBob offers an end-to-end fulfillment solution that includes warehousing, order management, and package delivery, enabling direct-to-consumer brands to ship products within 1-2 business days. Its platform integrates with various e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, allowing merchants to manage orders, track inventory, and communicate with customers effectively. ShipBob's services encompass pickup, packaging, batch fulfillment, and returns, supported by a network of fulfillment centers across the United States, including a key facility in Dallas, Texas. The company also provides a smartphone application for scheduling pickups and tracking shipments.
Nutshell, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing a customer relationship management (CRM) platform aimed primarily at small businesses. Founded in 2009 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Nutshell's application features integration with Google apps, mobile media logging, and robust reporting capabilities. The platform offers tools for sales automation, email marketing, performance tracking, and pipeline management, designed to help businesses enhance their sales processes and improve customer experiences. With native applications for both iPhone and Android, Nutshell combines functionality with an elegant design to support businesses in managing their customer relationships effectively.