SoundBoard Venture Fund

SoundBoard Venture Fund is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Montclair, New Jersey, founded in 2011. It specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing on scalable, tech-enabled companies across various sectors. The firm is relatively industry agnostic but emphasizes agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, transportation, real estate, construction, food and beverage, education, and health care services, while excluding pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Within the food and beverage sector, it targets specialty food retailers and wholesalers, and in education, it focuses on vocational and career training. SoundBoard Venture Fund primarily seeks investment opportunities within 150 miles of metropolitan New York City but may consider other regions. The firm prefers to act as a lead investor, bringing a collaborative approach to its investment process by engaging its investors in evaluating potential portfolio companies.

Jonathan Hakakian

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

39 past transactions

Upright

Series B in 2021
Upright operates an online investment platform that focuses on financing residential real estate redevelopment projects. Founded in 2014 and based in New York, with additional offices in Cleveland, it connects accredited investors with real estate developers seeking short-term loans for property acquisition and renovation. The platform facilitates the screening and due diligence of developers, ensuring a transparent investment process for individuals and institutions. By raising capital for the residential rehabilitation loan market, Upright not only supports the financial needs of real estate redevelopers but also contributes to community restoration across the United States. Its innovative approach has garnered recognition, including a ranking on the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies in 2019.

Upright

Series B in 2020
Upright operates an online investment platform that focuses on financing residential real estate redevelopment projects. Founded in 2014 and based in New York, with additional offices in Cleveland, it connects accredited investors with real estate developers seeking short-term loans for property acquisition and renovation. The platform facilitates the screening and due diligence of developers, ensuring a transparent investment process for individuals and institutions. By raising capital for the residential rehabilitation loan market, Upright not only supports the financial needs of real estate redevelopers but also contributes to community restoration across the United States. Its innovative approach has garnered recognition, including a ranking on the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies in 2019.

Otonomi

Pre Seed Round in 2020
OTONOMI is a B2B SaaS for insurance carriers. Our platform drives efficiencies in operations by automating claims, saving insurance 90% in admin costs. As a result, we create a "no-claim" experience for policyholders and project to return more than $30B in unclaimed money to the consumers every year. This month, we are launching our beta program with a first travel partner to monetize more than 5,000 policies per year.

Bixby

Funding Round in 2019
Bixby is a real estate technology company established in 2016 that aims to enhance the quality of life in both residential and commercial properties. By offering a building amenity platform, Bixby helps property owners and managers deliver superior service to tenants and residents. Its technology consolidates various operational aspects, such as communication, maintenance, payments, and services, into a single digital interface. This streamlined approach enables management teams to operate more efficiently, reducing the time and costs associated with overseeing property operations. Bixby's mission is to improve comfort and convenience in urban environments through innovative technology, and its platform is currently utilized in over 2,000 properties across the United States and Canada.

Enertiv

Seed Round in 2019
Enertiv, Inc. is a digital energy company based in New York that specializes in energy efficiency solutions for the real estate sector and related markets. Founded in 2011, the company focuses on optimizing building operations by transforming data into actionable insights. Enertiv's platform collects and analyzes data from various sources, supplemented by IoT devices, to monitor critical equipment, tenant spaces, and indoor environmental conditions. This comprehensive approach allows property owners and operators to identify inefficiencies and reduce waste in their operating expenses. By streamlining operations and enhancing performance, Enertiv empowers its clients to make informed, data-driven decisions that enhance asset value and improve tenant health.

Proteus Motion

Seed Round in 2019
The Proteus system by Proteus Motion Inc. (formerly Boston Biomotion) is a new category of intelligent exercise and rehab equipment designed to strengthen, optimize, and restore movements using patented 3D resistance and 3D measurement. One system is used to train and measure any movement during post-op through peak performance, and enhance movement efficiency through a unique neuromuscular stimulation that can only be achieved by moving in water or mud. Compared to traditional tools like free weights and cable machines, 3D resistance produces up to 3x more muscle stimulation, lower strain on the joints, and greater neuromuscular stimulation to accelerate "muscle memory" and more efficient movement patterns. Subscription software profiles strength for users using a new and comprehensive way to measure muscle performance, offers personalized insights and recommendations, and tracks progress across a suite of 6 proprietary metrics. The company was founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, United States.

Lingrove

Funding Round in 2018
Lingrove, LLC, founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in manufacturing bio-composite materials aimed at addressing the diminishing supply of traditional wood. The company produces Ekoa, a high-performance natural fiber composite made from flax linen fibers and resin derived from industrial waste. Ekoa is utilized in various applications, including the production of guitars and other musical instruments, as well as in commercial interiors, transportation, and construction. Lingrove's innovative products are designed to mimic the appearance of wood while being plant-based and non-wood, thereby contributing to the reduction of deforestation and minimizing embodied carbon in buildings. By offering sustainable, carbon-negative solutions, Lingrove supports industries such as furniture, transportation, music, and sports in creating products that meet performance standards while promoting environmental responsibility.

Bixby

Funding Round in 2018
Bixby is a real estate technology company established in 2016 that aims to enhance the quality of life in both residential and commercial properties. By offering a building amenity platform, Bixby helps property owners and managers deliver superior service to tenants and residents. Its technology consolidates various operational aspects, such as communication, maintenance, payments, and services, into a single digital interface. This streamlined approach enables management teams to operate more efficiently, reducing the time and costs associated with overseeing property operations. Bixby's mission is to improve comfort and convenience in urban environments through innovative technology, and its platform is currently utilized in over 2,000 properties across the United States and Canada.

RoadBotics

Funding Round in 2018
RoadBotics empowers governments and communities to make objective, data-driven decisions about their public infrastructure assets. We automate image mapping and road assessments, generating interactive maps, unbiased ratings, and practical tools to save time and taxpayer dollars for hundreds of communities across the country and around the world.

ChargeItSpot

Funding Round in 2018
ChargeItSpot, LLC offers cell phone charging stations and kiosks across the United States and Canada, designed to enhance customer experience in various settings such as retail stores, malls, casinos, hospitals, and arenas. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company provides customizable charging solutions that include touchscreen interfaces, secure locking mechanisms, and promotional features. ChargeItSpot's stations not only allow consumers to charge their devices securely but also encourage longer shopping durations and increased spending, thereby benefiting retailers. The integration of data tracking and reporting further enables business owners to understand customer behavior and optimize their services.

Smallhold

Seed Round in 2018
Smallhold, Inc. is a farming technology company based in Brooklyn, New York, specializing in the cultivation of mushrooms through innovative, climate-controlled mini farms. Established in 2017, the company employs automated and modular growing systems that are remotely managed and available on a subscription basis. This technology allows food industry professionals, such as restaurants and grocery stores, to produce a consistent and reliable supply of local mushrooms tailored to their specific needs, regardless of external climatic conditions or market fluctuations. By leveraging advanced data analytics, Smallhold develops precise climate recipes to optimize mushroom growth, ultimately shortening the supply chain and enhancing the accessibility of fresh produce.

DocFlight

Seed Round in 2018
DocFlight operates a telemedicine platform to connect doctors with the patients. Its platform allows users to speak to a doctor or get opinion on their medical records. The company offers video consultation, translation of medical records, and triage service by physician case manager, as well as written medical reports with patient summary, confirmed diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and action items. DocFlight was founded in 2016 and is based in New York, New York.

Bespoke Post

Venture Round in 2018
Bespoke Post is a subscription service that curates themed boxes of lifestyle products for men, focusing on enhancing their everyday experiences. Each month, subscribers receive an email showcasing a selection tailored to their preferences, allowing them to customize their order by adjusting colors, sizes, or opting to skip a month without any charge. The offerings include limited edition items across various categories such as grooming, style, food, drink, and gear. In addition to the monthly boxes, Bespoke Post also features a shop with unique standalone products. The company emphasizes a hassle-free experience with free shipping and easy returns, creating an accessible way for men to discover and enjoy high-quality goods.

Proteus Motion

Seed Round in 2018
The Proteus system by Proteus Motion Inc. (formerly Boston Biomotion) is a new category of intelligent exercise and rehab equipment designed to strengthen, optimize, and restore movements using patented 3D resistance and 3D measurement. One system is used to train and measure any movement during post-op through peak performance, and enhance movement efficiency through a unique neuromuscular stimulation that can only be achieved by moving in water or mud. Compared to traditional tools like free weights and cable machines, 3D resistance produces up to 3x more muscle stimulation, lower strain on the joints, and greater neuromuscular stimulation to accelerate "muscle memory" and more efficient movement patterns. Subscription software profiles strength for users using a new and comprehensive way to measure muscle performance, offers personalized insights and recommendations, and tracks progress across a suite of 6 proprietary metrics. The company was founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, United States.

Routier

Seed Round in 2018
Routier Ltd. operates a web-based platform designed to enhance customer engagement and drive revenue through Wi-Fi networks. Founded in 2013 and based in Tel Aviv, Israel, the company provides a suite of services that includes real-time guest feedback collection, targeted promotions, and comprehensive client data analytics. Routier's platform allows businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, to gather immediate insights into guest satisfaction during their stay, enabling timely responses to issues and enhancing the overall guest experience. Their Unified Performance Index (UPI) serves as a benchmark for hotel performance, allowing brands to monitor and optimize operations effectively. By automating guest engagement processes and providing analytics for staff, Routier aims to streamline operations, improve marketing effectiveness, and ensure compliance with brand standards, ultimately driving higher guest satisfaction and loyalty.

SportAD

Seed Round in 2018
SportAD is a developer of innovative gaming solutions tailored for the global betting and fantasy sports markets. Founded by experts from the iGaming and digital media industries, the company specializes in creating engaging player-versus-player matchups featuring star athletes across various sports. Their platform offers a range of daily fantasy sports games that appeal to both casual and experienced players. SportAD's games enable users to select athletes and wager on their performance, enhancing the excitement of pre-match and in-game betting. The platform is designed to provide a higher win ratio and ensures greater integrity and protections compared to traditional fantasy sports operators, catering to the risk management and market-making needs inherent in sports analytics.

Bixby

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Bixby is a real estate technology company established in 2016 that aims to enhance the quality of life in both residential and commercial properties. By offering a building amenity platform, Bixby helps property owners and managers deliver superior service to tenants and residents. Its technology consolidates various operational aspects, such as communication, maintenance, payments, and services, into a single digital interface. This streamlined approach enables management teams to operate more efficiently, reducing the time and costs associated with overseeing property operations. Bixby's mission is to improve comfort and convenience in urban environments through innovative technology, and its platform is currently utilized in over 2,000 properties across the United States and Canada.

Social Bicycles

Series A in 2017
Social Bicycles Inc., doing business as JUMP Bikes, develops an online platform and software that enables members to find bikes at hub locations and reserve from the Web, mobile applications, or directly from the bike itself. It serves residential properties, municipalities, universities, and corporate campuses in the United States and internationally. Social Bicycles Inc. was incorporated in 2011 and is based in Brooklyn, New York with locations worldwide. As of April 9, 2018, Social Bicycles Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Uber Technologies, Inc.

Tassl

Series A in 2017
Tassl is revolutionizing network engagement with easy-to-use cloud based engagement analytics software for universities, alumni, students, volunteers and other network contributors. Our complete solution is the simply way to manage events, activities, and mobile communications while recording engagement metrics that provide valuable insights & integrate into the network's current system of record. Built to meet the complex structures of Higher-Ed, non-profits, & other professional networks, Tassl provides a centralized management tool to support the entire ecosystem. Additionally, Tassl's support tools for local volunteers provides local insights, and our mobile app bring the network right to the constituents fingertips.

Wellinks

Seed Round in 2016
Wellinks, Inc. offers wearable devices for orthotics and prosthetics. It develops a smart strap that allows doctors, parents, and children to check how long and how tight the brace is being worn for preventing scoliosis surgeries. Wellinks, Inc. was formerly known as 109 Design LLC. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in New Haven, Connecticut. As per the transaction announced on January 15, 2020, Wellinks, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Convexity Scientific Inc.

ChargeItSpot

Series A in 2016
ChargeItSpot, LLC offers cell phone charging stations and kiosks across the United States and Canada, designed to enhance customer experience in various settings such as retail stores, malls, casinos, hospitals, and arenas. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company provides customizable charging solutions that include touchscreen interfaces, secure locking mechanisms, and promotional features. ChargeItSpot's stations not only allow consumers to charge their devices securely but also encourage longer shopping durations and increased spending, thereby benefiting retailers. The integration of data tracking and reporting further enables business owners to understand customer behavior and optimize their services.

ThermoAura

Seed Round in 2016
ThermoAura, Inc. is a nanotechnology and energy start-up founded in 2011, located in Rensselaer, New York. The company specializes in designing, producing, and marketing nanocrystalline thermoelectric wafers for device manufacturers. With a focus on leveraging nanotechnology and thermoelectrics, ThermoAura aims to tackle global environmental issues and contribute to solutions for energy challenges.

Fischer Block

Seed Round in 2016
Fischer Block, Inc. provides a technology to the electrical power industry with a solution to embed advanced high-speed sensors throughout the electrical grid internationally. It offers ASAP Grid Sensor Analytics System, a solution to simplify the installation, operation, and maintenance of large and distributed sensor network; fault anticipation and detection, substation monitoring, synchro phasor streaming, power quality, troubleshooting, distributed energy resources monitoring, and cyber threat reduction solutions; intelligent recording devices; and ASAP Pro Software Analytics System, which analyzes three-phase RMS and high-speed data. The company serves wind integration, inverting solar, transportation, manufacturing, oil and gas, chemical processing, mining, and hydro power industries. Fischer Block, Inc. was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Royersford, Pennsylvania with sales and support offices in the United States and internationally.

Upright

Seed Round in 2016
Upright operates an online investment platform that focuses on financing residential real estate redevelopment projects. Founded in 2014 and based in New York, with additional offices in Cleveland, it connects accredited investors with real estate developers seeking short-term loans for property acquisition and renovation. The platform facilitates the screening and due diligence of developers, ensuring a transparent investment process for individuals and institutions. By raising capital for the residential rehabilitation loan market, Upright not only supports the financial needs of real estate redevelopers but also contributes to community restoration across the United States. Its innovative approach has garnered recognition, including a ranking on the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies in 2019.

ChargeItSpot

Series A in 2015
ChargeItSpot, LLC offers cell phone charging stations and kiosks across the United States and Canada, designed to enhance customer experience in various settings such as retail stores, malls, casinos, hospitals, and arenas. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the company provides customizable charging solutions that include touchscreen interfaces, secure locking mechanisms, and promotional features. ChargeItSpot's stations not only allow consumers to charge their devices securely but also encourage longer shopping durations and increased spending, thereby benefiting retailers. The integration of data tracking and reporting further enables business owners to understand customer behavior and optimize their services.

Lingo Live

Seed Round in 2015
Lingo Live owns and operates an online platform for learning English and other languages. It offers live one-on-one personalized language coaching through videoconference by pairing learners with professional teachers and accredited tutors, followed by an online assessment tool that enables teachers to evaluate the leaner’s progress with the language and the areas that they need to develop. The company caters to employees of technology companies. Lingo Live is headquartered in the New York, New York.

Standard Analytics

Seed Round in 2015
Standard Analytics IO, Inc. is a New York-based company founded in 2014 that focuses on enhancing scientific publishing through a collaborative, data-rich, web-first platform. The company develops an API designed to make scientific data, analytics, and results easily discoverable, reusable, and verifiably reproducible. By integrating concepts from software development such as dependency management and continuous integration, Standard Analytics aims to reinvent how science is published, consumed, and shared. Its content management system supports academic publishing by incorporating raw data and code in their native formats, thereby streamlining the peer review process and improving search capabilities, ultimately reducing costs for publishers.

Kinetic

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Kinetic, Inc. specializes in the development and manufacturing of wearable devices aimed at reducing workplace injuries for industrial workers. Founded in 2014 and based in New York, the company offers Reflex, a device that attaches to a worker's belt to monitor activities that may lead to injury, such as unsafe postures, jumping from vehicles, and slips and falls. Reflex utilizes analytics to deliver reminders and notifications to employees when high-risk motions are detected, thereby promoting safer practices in environments like construction sites, warehouses, and factories. Additionally, the device can serve as a sensor for detecting COVID-19 exposure, further enhancing workplace safety.

Kinetic

Seed Round in 2015
Kinetic, Inc. specializes in the development and manufacturing of wearable devices aimed at reducing workplace injuries for industrial workers. Founded in 2014 and based in New York, the company offers Reflex, a device that attaches to a worker's belt to monitor activities that may lead to injury, such as unsafe postures, jumping from vehicles, and slips and falls. Reflex utilizes analytics to deliver reminders and notifications to employees when high-risk motions are detected, thereby promoting safer practices in environments like construction sites, warehouses, and factories. Additionally, the device can serve as a sensor for detecting COVID-19 exposure, further enhancing workplace safety.

Veramarx Inc.

Seed Round in 2015
Veramarx Inc. specializes in the development of diagnostic tests for Lyme disease, focusing on early-stage detection, which is crucial for effective treatment. Founded in 2012 and located in Aurora, Colorado, the company offers the VMX-LD test, a molecular diagnostic that analyzes multiple biomarkers associated with Lyme disease infection. This test stands out as the only accurate diagnostic available for early-stage Lyme disease, achieving a sensitivity of 92% during this critical period when 75% of patients seek medical attention. In addition, it boasts a 99% negative predictive value, making it a reliable tool for ruling out the disease. Veramarx aims to address the inadequacies of current diagnostic methods, which often miss over 60% of early-stage cases, thereby contributing significantly to public health efforts against one of the fastest-growing infectious diseases in the United States and Western Europe.

Pcb:Ng

Seed Round in 2015
PCB:NG specializes in software-optimized electronics manufacturing services, catering to clients who need custom-assembled electronic devices. Founded in 2014 and located in Brooklyn, New York, the company allows customers to upload their electronic device designs, facilitating the production of tailored hardware solutions. Its services are aimed at a wide range of clients, from hardware startups to established companies, enabling them to achieve efficient and timely production of their unique electronic products.

Bluum

Seed Round in 2014
Bluum, based in New York City and founded in 2011, offers a subscription-based platform designed to assist parents in purchasing products for their babies. The service provides monthly boxes filled with curated items for mothers and children, catering to the needs from pregnancy through preschool. By delivering a range of essential products, Bluum aims to simplify the early parenting experience, making it more convenient and enjoyable for families.

Empire Robotics

Convertible Note in 2014
Empire Robotics, Inc., founded in 2012 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, specializes in advanced robotic technology, particularly flexible end-effectors that utilize the jamming phase transition of granular materials. The company's team comprises experts in soft robotics, materials science, and automation engineering, allowing them to serve a variety of sectors, including agile manufacturing, collaborative robotics, prosthetics, and mobile military applications. Empire Robotics develops products that facilitate secure grasping and manipulation of diverse objects, utilizing simple and cost-effective tools, thus enhancing efficiency across multiple technological fields.

LUXTECH

Venture Round in 2014
LUXTECH is an innovative led company focusing on specification-grade led modules for architectural lighting manufacturers. It designs, develops and engineers LED modules that enable light fixture manufacturers to enter or expand their offerings in the lighting industry’s fastest-growing segment. LUXTECH, a privately held company based in Philadelphia, specializes in helping OEMs bring reliable, energy-efficient LED fixtures to market quickly and cost-effectively. Whether they're adding LED capabilities to existing incandescent or fluorescent stock or creating an entirely new fixture, our standard LED modules, custom designs, and expert consultation services can give you a decided advantage over the competition. LUXTECH: Innovation. Agility. Reliability. The lighting industry’s shift toward LED is happening fast; what was a $4.1 billion global market in 2010 will be $77 billion by 2020. Fixture manufacturers need a proven, mistake-free way to embrace the technology – offering attractive LED products to customers as efficiently as possible. That’s where LUXTECH comes in. LUXTECH serves as a true partner for OEMs, offering electrical, thermal, mechanical, and optical engineering counsel, and guiding them through the process of retrofitting existing fixtures to utilize LED technology or creating fixtures from scratch. Our LED modules are used in a wide variety of lighting applications, including Troffers, Linear lighting systems, Downlights, Outdoor area lighting, Industrial lighting, and Speciality luminaires. LUXTECH’s unique blend of experience, expertise and supply chain relationships allows us to rapidly create cutting-edge products – including both DC LED modules and integrated AC LED modules – that meet even the most demanding specifications. They offer a wide range of standard LED modules and can create custom prototypes or retrofit existing fixtures in 3-4 weeks, for just $800, through its LightSpeed custom LED programs. LUXTECH is committed to providing their partners with the most reliable, longest-lasting LED modules on the market today. Their products feature LM-80 tested components (including LEDs from manufacturers like Samsung, Seoul Semiconductor, Nichia, Philips, Cree, Osram., and LG) and are backed by an industry-leading five-year warranty.

Jump Bikes

Venture Round in 2013
JUMP is bike share electrified. They create the hardware and software to take you farther, get there faster, and make every ride fun. JUMP bikes are designed in New York City by people who love bikes and care about the future of their cities. JUMP Bikes has been shaping the future of bike share since 2010. They brought freedom to bike share systems with Social Bicycles, the first ever smart-bikes with integrated GPS, payment systems, and locks that kicked off the dockless revolution. We’ve dropped 15,000 bikes into 40 different markets and clocked over 5 million rides since 2013.

Thinkster Math

Seed Round in 2013
Thinkster is a tablet-based math learning program that combines world-class curriculum with personalization from real, experienced teachers and groundbreaking artificial intelligence.

HigherNext

Series A in 2012
HigherNext is a testing platform that specializes in academic assessments and professional certifications. Acquired by ProctorU in 2014, it offers innovative solutions for test administration, online proctoring, and certification. The company's flagship product is a standardized business skills exam, designed to help entry-level job applicants demonstrate their competencies in essential business areas. This assessment allows employers to evaluate candidates in a consistent and measurable manner, enhancing their hiring processes. Additionally, HigherNext's certified business laureate program provides college students and recent graduates with a means to validate their business skills, helping them stand out in a competitive job market. By focusing on skill assessment rather than mere educational pedigree, HigherNext aims to broaden the candidate pool for employers and recruiters.

TableSafe

Series A in 2011
TableSafe provides solutions for secure payment transactions. It develops RAIL, the patented 'pay at the table' solution. It is a Kirkland, Washington-based technology company that designs, builds, and sells hardware and software products designed to eliminate credit and debit card information theft. In addition, their solutions increase waiter efficiency and provide restaurants with new marketing and communication applications.

CooCoo

Series A in 2011
CooCoo SMS, Inc. is a technology company based in Huntington, New York, founded in 2010. It offers real-time transit information and e-ticketing services to commuters in the United States. Users can send a text message with their station-to-station travel requests to receive accurate schedules quickly, covering transit systems such as the Long Island Rail Road, Metro North, NJ Transit, PATH, and Boston's MBTA. In addition to its text messaging service, CooCoo provides mobile applications for both iPhone and Android, enhancing accessibility for users seeking up-to-date transit information. The company continues to expand its services to include additional cities.
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