Sofia Fund

Sofia Fund is a venture capital firm founded in 1998 and based in St. Paul, Minnesota, with an additional office in Kansas City, Missouri. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on women-led companies across various sectors, including information technology, business products and services, health and wellness, and clean technology. In information technology, Sofia Fund invests in areas such as business intelligence, cloud services, and e-commerce. In health and wellness, it targets companies involved in materials, diagnostics, and analytics. The clean technology investments include energy efficiency and green products. The fund typically invests between $0.1 million and $0.5 million per company across one or two funding rounds, with a goal of exiting investments within three to five years. Through rigorous due diligence, Sofia Fund aims to identify and support high-potential entrepreneurial ventures that prioritize gender diversity in their leadership teams.

Lisa Crump

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

18 past transactions

ExplORer Surgical

Venture Round in 2021
ExplORer Surgical Corp. is a company that has developed an interactive surgical playbook aimed at enhancing teamwork and communication in the operating room. Founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a software solution that allows healthcare providers to track real-time case progression, manage tools and supplies, and customize workflows based on patient factors and surgeon preferences. This system reduces disruptions, minimizes waste, and promotes efficiency by providing tailored checklists that help surgical teams coordinate their activities effectively. Additionally, ExplORer Surgical supports OR administrators with performance and scheduling data, improving overall care quality and operational efficiency. The platform also facilitates the introduction of new medical devices, aiding medical education and streamlining processes for medical device companies.

Knowledge to Practice

Venture Round in 2020
Knowledge to Practice catalyzes and accelerates progress in postgraduate medical education. It offers self-directed learning solutions, self-assessment tools reveal knowledge gaps, content modules can be reviewed repeatedly, and more. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Bethesda, United States.

Clinician Nexus

Seed Round in 2019
Clinician Nexus provides health systems, schools, and students with a transparent, people-centered platform that facilitates better clinical rotation management, from start to finish.

Abilitech Medical

Venture Round in 2019
Abilitech Medical, Inc. is a medical device company that specializes in developing assistive technologies for individuals with neuromuscular conditions. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the company manufactures the AbiliTech Assist, a device designed to provide functional support for the elbow and shoulders. This innovative product aids the flexion and extension of these joints, helping patients with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Cord Injury, and Stroke regain independence in daily activities. Abilitech Medical utilizes a combination of springs, motors, and a proprietary algorithm in its orthotic devices to enhance the movement and functionality of patients' limbs. The company serves clinical partners, patients, and clinicians, focusing on improving the quality of life for those with mobility challenges.

Kenzen

Convertible Note in 2018
Kenzen, Inc. specializes in developing personal health wearables, notably the Kenzen ECHO, a wireless smart patch designed for health and performance monitoring. This innovative patch offers personalized health insights and notifications that aid in improving performance, recovery, and injury prevention. The ECHO system includes components such as disposable patch sensors, a USB charging cable, and a mobile application that provides real-time data on users' performance and health. Kenzen's technology serves various sectors, including industrial environments, where it helps monitor vital signs to prevent heat-related injuries and over-exertion. The company, founded in 2014 by Sonia Sousa and Steve Pecko, operates from San Francisco, California, and distributes its products through various channels, including resellers and retail locations.

Joylux

Series A in 2017
Joylux, Inc. is a health and wellness company based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on women's health and wellness. Founded in 2013, the company develops LED-focused medical devices designed to address pelvic-floor issues. Its primary product is an at-home device that provides pelvic-floor toning and vaginal rejuvenation. Joylux is dedicated to delivering noninvasive, effective, and affordable solutions to enhance women's intimate health and overall quality of life.

Rebiotix

Convertible Note in 2017
Rebiotix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Roseville, Minnesota, focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies for debilitating gastrointestinal diseases. The company specializes in human microbiota restoration therapy, targeting conditions such as Clostridium difficile infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatic encephalopathy. Rebiotix aims to revolutionize treatment by leveraging the human microbiome to address these challenging medical issues. Founded in 2011, the company was previously known as MikrobEX Inc. and underwent a name change in October 2011. As of April 2018, Rebiotix operates as a subsidiary of Ferring International Center, S.A.

Kidizen

Series A in 2017
Kidizen, Inc. operates a resale marketplace that allows parents to buy and sell pre-loved clothing, gear, toys, accessories, and more for kids in the United States. Its community marketplace provides a storefront for moms to create run, earn money, and find the styles for their kids; connects moms with other moms through shared experiences and a shared sense of style; and allows moms to express themselves and go through motherhood together. The company also offers an iOS and Android application that enables users to connect, converse, buy, and sell kids' brands, as well as share brand passion and love of style. It offers products for girls, boys, toddlers, and babies. The company was formerly known as Itizen, LLC and changed its name to Kidizen, Inc. in May 2014. Kidizen, Inc. was founded in 2010 and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Cognition Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2016
Cognition Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage neuroscience company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focused on developing small molecule therapeutics aimed at addressing neurodegenerative and neuro-ophthalmic disorders. Founded in 2007, the company is notable for its drug candidate CT1812, an oral brain-penetrant molecule designed to restore cellular processes disrupted by diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dry age-related macular degeneration. Cognition Therapeutics targets the toxic proteins that contribute to cognitive decline, a key factor in various degenerative diseases of the brain. The company employs proprietary assays and medicinal chemistry to create novel, high-quality drug candidates, addressing an unmet need in the treatment of these complex conditions.

Cognition Therapeutics

Convertible Note in 2016
Cognition Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage neuroscience company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focused on developing small molecule therapeutics aimed at addressing neurodegenerative and neuro-ophthalmic disorders. Founded in 2007, the company is notable for its drug candidate CT1812, an oral brain-penetrant molecule designed to restore cellular processes disrupted by diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dry age-related macular degeneration. Cognition Therapeutics targets the toxic proteins that contribute to cognitive decline, a key factor in various degenerative diseases of the brain. The company employs proprietary assays and medicinal chemistry to create novel, high-quality drug candidates, addressing an unmet need in the treatment of these complex conditions.

Oculogica

Seed Round in 2016
Oculogica is a medical device manufacturing company that specializes in the fields of neuro-diagnostics, brain injury, TBI, concussion, and eye-tracking. The company's EyeBOX device is the only baseline-free test authorized by the FDA as an aid in the diagnosis of concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It requires no baseline data nor individual calibration, and therefore results cannot be influenced by patient will. Oculogica was established in 2013 and is based in New York, NY, United States.

Kidizen

Debt Financing in 2015
Kidizen, Inc. operates a resale marketplace that allows parents to buy and sell pre-loved clothing, gear, toys, accessories, and more for kids in the United States. Its community marketplace provides a storefront for moms to create run, earn money, and find the styles for their kids; connects moms with other moms through shared experiences and a shared sense of style; and allows moms to express themselves and go through motherhood together. The company also offers an iOS and Android application that enables users to connect, converse, buy, and sell kids' brands, as well as share brand passion and love of style. It offers products for girls, boys, toddlers, and babies. The company was formerly known as Itizen, LLC and changed its name to Kidizen, Inc. in May 2014. Kidizen, Inc. was founded in 2010 and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Vixar

Venture Round in 2014
Vixar Inc. manufactures short wavelength vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and LED based optical components and subassemblies for sensor and device applications. It serves biomedical, industrial, office product, military, automotive, and consumer industries. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Plymouth, Minnesota. As of July 2, 2018, Vixar Inc. operates as a subsidiary of OSRAM Licht AG.

Vixar

Series B in 2012
Vixar Inc. manufactures short wavelength vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) and LED based optical components and subassemblies for sensor and device applications. It serves biomedical, industrial, office product, military, automotive, and consumer industries. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Plymouth, Minnesota. As of July 2, 2018, Vixar Inc. operates as a subsidiary of OSRAM Licht AG.

Rebiotix

Series A in 2011
Rebiotix, Inc. is a clinical stage biotechnology company based in Roseville, Minnesota, focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies for debilitating gastrointestinal diseases. The company specializes in human microbiota restoration therapy, targeting conditions such as Clostridium difficile infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatic encephalopathy. Rebiotix aims to revolutionize treatment by leveraging the human microbiome to address these challenging medical issues. Founded in 2011, the company was previously known as MikrobEX Inc. and underwent a name change in October 2011. As of April 2018, Rebiotix operates as a subsidiary of Ferring International Center, S.A.

New Moon

Series A in 2008
New Moon is an online media company that sells women's magazines.

Coolibar

Series D in 2008
Coolibar designs, manufactures, and markets sun protection products for men, women, and children. The company’s portfolio of products includes sun protective clothes, SPF clothing, sun hats, sun protection swimwear, sunglasses, umbrellas, and sunscreens. Coolibar was founded in 2001 by [John Barrow](https://www.crunchbase.com/person/john-barrow) and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Tactile Medical

Series A in 2007
Tactile Medical is a medical technology company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, focused on developing and providing innovative devices for the treatment of chronic diseases, particularly lymphedema and venous disorders. The company offers several key products, including the Flexitouch Plus system, a pneumatic compression device designed for at-home treatment of lymphedema, and the Entré System, which provides portable compression therapy for conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers. Additionally, Tactile Medical markets the ACTitouch system for managing chronic venous insufficiency and the Airwear Gradient Compression Wrap, known as Aero-Wrap, to assist in the treatment of venous hypertension and lymphedema. Founded in 1995, Tactile Medical aims to improve the standard of care for patients managing these chronic conditions in a home setting.