Ulu Ventures

Novel Capital is a fintech funding platform that provides non-dilutive, revenue-based financing to B2B software companies. It centers on future recurring revenue, enabling entrepreneurs to access capital immediately without giving up equity. The platform pairs capital with data-driven insights and learning resources to help growth-stage businesses accelerate scale. Using key company data points and financial metrics, it delivers capital, resources, and strategic support tailored to recurring-revenue models, helping ventures grow faster while preserving ownership. The company aims to support entrepreneurs and growing businesses with flexible funding solutions aligned to revenue streams and momentum, contributing to a thriving startup ecosystem.

NewRetirement is a company that offers a retirement planning and management platform. It serves both individual consumers directly and enterprises through white-label solutions or API integrations. The platform assists users in managing various aspects of retirement, including income, healthcare, taxes, and fees. Through content, software, coaching, classes, and advisors, NewRetirement helps users optimize their retirement strategies across multiple factors such as Social Security, Medicare, home equity, asset drawdown, relocation, work, and estate planning. Additionally, the platform provides on-demand fee-only advice to support collaborative decision-making for a better financial future.

Wisetack operates a technology platform that enables in-person businesses to offer consumer-friendly financing options at the point of sale. Its platform integrates seamlessly with existing software platforms, allowing businesses to provide real-time lending solutions and enhance sales.

Novel Capital is a fintech funding platform that provides non-dilutive, revenue-based financing to B2B software companies. It centers on future recurring revenue, enabling entrepreneurs to access capital immediately without giving up equity. The platform pairs capital with data-driven insights and learning resources to help growth-stage businesses accelerate scale. Using key company data points and financial metrics, it delivers capital, resources, and strategic support tailored to recurring-revenue models, helping ventures grow faster while preserving ownership. The company aims to support entrepreneurs and growing businesses with flexible funding solutions aligned to revenue streams and momentum, contributing to a thriving startup ecosystem.

SUMA, LLC is a financial wellness company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2019. The company focuses on promoting financial inclusion within the Latino community by providing a comprehensive platform that combines digital media, financial technology, and virtual experiences. SUMA aims to educate and empower individuals by offering culturally relevant content and tools that simplify complex topics such as investment and debt management. Its mission is to help Latinos navigate financial challenges, enhance their economic knowledge, and build sustainable wealth, ultimately positioning itself as a trusted resource for fostering financial well-being and prosperity.

Pando has developed a financial platform aimed at individuals in high-volatility careers, such as professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and MBA graduates. The platform enables users to connect with others who have similar expected earnings, allowing them to pool a fraction of their future income. This innovative approach not only helps mitigate financial risks associated with unpredictable income but also allows participants to benefit from potential upside. By providing these tools, Pando empowers its clients to better manage their financial futures and protect their earnings.

Chantico Global, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Los Angeles, specializes in providing institutional asset allocation consulting services. They offer strategic studies, tactical monitoring, and process reviews tailored for clients primarily within the fintech industry.

Pontoro is a fintech company that develops a digital securitization and liquidity platform for private market assets. Its technology integrates technical, legal, and regulatory protocols to convert traditionally illiquid private fund interests into liquid investments, increasing investor access and participation while improving efficiency for fund administration. With a focus on infrastructure debt finance, the platform seeks to address the large financing shortfall by enabling liquidity, transparency, and customization for investors and limited partners and by broadening capital flows into private markets.

Cenoa is a financial technology company that offers a borderless superwallet application aimed at enhancing access to dollar-based products in emerging markets. The platform allows users to buy dollars at real exchange rates and convert their assets into digital assets seamlessly. Cenoa's service is designed to be secure and user-friendly, with no associated fees, enabling customers to earn fair yields on their investments. Users can withdraw their funds at any time, providing flexibility and convenience in managing their financial assets.

Snowball Wealth, Inc. is a financial management company based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2018. It specializes in providing personalized guidance for student loans and broader financial planning, focusing on debt management, retirement, and investment strategies. The company has developed a mobile platform that combines community engagement, social challenges, and AI-driven planning to assist users in addressing financial challenges. By fostering an open dialogue around debt, income, and investing, Snowball Wealth aims to alleviate the stigma associated with these topics. Its innovative approach empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions, manage their student debt effectively, and build generational wealth through tailored advice and resources.

Bridge Money, Inc. is a financial technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing a mobile banking platform designed to enhance users' financial experience. The platform offers a range of services, including account activation, mobile check deposits, and free access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), along with zero overdraft fees. Additionally, Bridge Money provides a secure debit card without associated fees, aiming to simplify banking for its users and facilitate daily financial transactions.

Pastel is a company focused on supporting African businesses by providing financial applications that enhance operational efficiency. It offers various tools, including quick receipt management, bookkeeping solutions, and financing options tailored for small businesses in developing countries. By leveraging artificial intelligence and data science, Pastel develops digital tools that empower clients to improve their financial accountability and streamline their business processes. The company's mission is to unlock the potential of these businesses, enabling them to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Novel Capital is a fintech funding platform that provides non-dilutive, revenue-based financing to B2B software companies. It centers on future recurring revenue, enabling entrepreneurs to access capital immediately without giving up equity. The platform pairs capital with data-driven insights and learning resources to help growth-stage businesses accelerate scale. Using key company data points and financial metrics, it delivers capital, resources, and strategic support tailored to recurring-revenue models, helping ventures grow faster while preserving ownership. The company aims to support entrepreneurs and growing businesses with flexible funding solutions aligned to revenue streams and momentum, contributing to a thriving startup ecosystem.

Syndicate is a decentralized asset management platform and social network that aims to democratize the investment process. By facilitating the creation of investing syndicates, it enables users to raise and invest capital with significantly reduced time and cost. The platform supports the establishment of decentralized autonomous organizations, empowering communities to collaborate effectively in value creation. Through its innovative approach, Syndicate transforms traditional investing practices, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

CoreChain Technologies specializes in B2B payments using blockchain technology. Its platform securely automates the exchange of transaction data and funds, reducing reconciliation errors and unlocking tied-up working capital.

Ugami is a developer of a financial mobile application that offers financial rewards services specifically tailored for gamers. The platform allows users to earn points through virtual card purchases made with debit and credit cards, which can be redeemed in its store for a variety of gaming-related items, such as merchandise, digital goods, hardware, and software. Additionally, users can gain preferred access to exclusive game sessions and esports events. Ugami aims to enhance the gaming experience by enabling players to earn rewards while also providing tools for personal finance education and safe fund management.

UPTIQ is a fintech company that connects wealth advisors with a wide range of financial services products. Its platform leverages data analytics and AI to match clients' financing needs, helping advisors safeguard their assets under management (AUM), enhance clients' wealth, and generate additional income.

NewRetirement is a company that offers a retirement planning and management platform. It serves both individual consumers directly and enterprises through white-label solutions or API integrations. The platform assists users in managing various aspects of retirement, including income, healthcare, taxes, and fees. Through content, software, coaching, classes, and advisors, NewRetirement helps users optimize their retirement strategies across multiple factors such as Social Security, Medicare, home equity, asset drawdown, relocation, work, and estate planning. Additionally, the platform provides on-demand fee-only advice to support collaborative decision-making for a better financial future.

Pontoro is a fintech company that develops a digital securitization and liquidity platform for private market assets. Its technology integrates technical, legal, and regulatory protocols to convert traditionally illiquid private fund interests into liquid investments, increasing investor access and participation while improving efficiency for fund administration. With a focus on infrastructure debt finance, the platform seeks to address the large financing shortfall by enabling liquidity, transparency, and customization for investors and limited partners and by broadening capital flows into private markets.

CoreChain Technologies specializes in B2B payments using blockchain technology. Its platform securely automates the exchange of transaction data and funds, reducing reconciliation errors and unlocking tied-up working capital.

Savvy is a company focused on enhancing the rental experience for both landlords and tenants. It offers a platform that enables landlords to provide cash back rewards to residents for timely rent payments, lease renewals, and participation in community events. This initiative aims to foster tenant satisfaction and retention while simultaneously increasing leasing efficiency for property owners. Additionally, Savvy connects renters with local and online merchants, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem that drives traffic to neighborhood businesses and offers exposure to brands targeting high-spending individuals. The company envisions a more equitable housing model that benefits over 100 million renters, landlords, and local enterprises.

Cheres is a New York-based company that offers a digital platform designed to enhance investment transparency among users by allowing them to view their friends' investment activities. The platform seamlessly integrates with users' existing accounts on various investing platforms. Additionally, Cheres operates a cross-functional collaboration tool that aims to eliminate silos between departments within organizations. By consolidating data from various operational sources, the platform provides an assistant that helps clients analyze crucial business metrics related to revenue, customers, expenses, products, marketing, and financial performance.

CapConnect+ is a FinTech company that simplifies and enhances fixed income market operations. It offers an intuitive platform designed to optimize offerings for investors, streamline dealer operations, and facilitate corporate bond issuance.

Figure Technologies, Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing innovative consumer financial solutions. Founded in 2018, the company leverages blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to offer a range of financial products, including home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back offerings. Figure aims to address consumer needs related to home improvement, debt consolidation, and retirement planning, allowing customers to access capital in as few as five days. Additionally, the company features Provenance, its blockchain platform designed for business applications, further enhancing its service offerings in the financial sector.

Backer is a prominent fintech company specializing in 529 college savings plans, aimed at simplifying the process of saving for education. The company offers an investment platform that enables families to establish college savings plans efficiently, facilitating contributions from family and friends. Its user-friendly gifting platform and innovative mobile application enhance the experience by allowing for seamless tax-free investments. Backer's strategic partnerships with various 529 programs further bolster its high enrollment conversion rates, distinguishing it in the education savings market. The company's focus on making education savings accessible and straightforward supports families in planning for their children's educational futures.

Plentina is a financial technology company founded in 2019 that specializes in creating alternative credit scores and applications to facilitate access to store credit financing for essential purchases, such as food and medicine, in emerging markets. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, Plentina aims to unlock financial services for underserved populations, enabling them to secure microloans and improve their purchasing power. The company's innovative approach addresses the challenges faced by individuals in these markets, helping them to access vital goods and financial resources more easily. Headquartered in its founding location, Plentina is committed to enhancing financial inclusion in regions where traditional credit systems may be inadequate.

Nowsta, Inc. is a technology company that offers an all-in-one software solution designed to optimize the management of hourly and event-based workforces. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, the platform provides essential tools for scheduling, time tracking, and financial management, enabling employers to effectively oversee their hourly staff. By integrating advancements in machine learning and payment technologies, Nowsta aims to enhance communication and streamline payment processes for hourly wage employees. The company's innovative approach seeks to transform workforce management, making it easier for businesses to operate efficiently and support their employees.

Founded in 2018, TomoCredit is a fintech company based in San Francisco. It offers an AI-powered platform designed for millennials and small business owners to build credit history and qualify for loans using alternative data sources. The company provides a smart credit card and a mobile application for account management.

Savvy is a company focused on enhancing the rental experience for both landlords and tenants. It offers a platform that enables landlords to provide cash back rewards to residents for timely rent payments, lease renewals, and participation in community events. This initiative aims to foster tenant satisfaction and retention while simultaneously increasing leasing efficiency for property owners. Additionally, Savvy connects renters with local and online merchants, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem that drives traffic to neighborhood businesses and offers exposure to brands targeting high-spending individuals. The company envisions a more equitable housing model that benefits over 100 million renters, landlords, and local enterprises.

Oyster Financial, established in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Mexico City and Kathmandu, specializes in providing financial management solutions for freelancers, startups, and small to medium-sized enterprises. The company's online application streamlines financial tasks, offering features such as a Mastercard debit card, fee-free fund transfers, bill payment services, invoice management, and real-time transaction updates. By simplifying financial management, Oyster empowers businesses to make informed decisions and focus on growth.

RealBlocks is a financial technology platform designed to facilitate the online distribution of alternative investment funds by investment managers. By connecting these managers with financial advisors and institutions, RealBlocks enhances the capital-raising process across global markets. The platform offers essential tools, including built-in secondary trading, a customizable white-label onboarding experience, and an API dashboard for comprehensive management. It aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall investor experience, particularly within the realms of real estate and other alternative investments. By integrating various service providers, RealBlocks enables seamless transitions to tokenized product structures, promoting enhanced liquidity and fractionalization for its users.

Pando has developed a financial platform aimed at individuals in high-volatility careers, such as professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and MBA graduates. The platform enables users to connect with others who have similar expected earnings, allowing them to pool a fraction of their future income. This innovative approach not only helps mitigate financial risks associated with unpredictable income but also allows participants to benefit from potential upside. By providing these tools, Pando empowers its clients to better manage their financial futures and protect their earnings.

Cerebro Capital, Inc. is a technology company based in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 2017. It specializes in developing a web-based portal tailored for middle-market companies seeking to utilize credit facilities for operational needs, growth, or acquisitions. The platform integrates data from over 80 lenders and employs analytics to effectively match financing types with suitable lenders, enhancing transparency in the borrowing process. By providing a comprehensive online loan management system, Cerebro Capital aims to improve the efficiency of lending for corporate borrowers and financial intermediaries. The company equips users with access to critical market expertise, detailed term sheets, and continuous monitoring of credit standing and debt capacity, ultimately transforming how financial teams evaluate and source corporate credit.

Bridge Money, Inc. is a financial technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing a mobile banking platform designed to enhance users' financial experience. The platform offers a range of services, including account activation, mobile check deposits, and free access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), along with zero overdraft fees. Additionally, Bridge Money provides a secure debit card without associated fees, aiming to simplify banking for its users and facilitate daily financial transactions.

Founded in 2018, TomoCredit is a fintech company based in San Francisco. It offers an AI-powered platform designed for millennials and small business owners to build credit history and qualify for loans using alternative data sources. The company provides a smart credit card and a mobile application for account management.

Snowball Wealth, Inc. is a financial management company based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2018. It specializes in providing personalized guidance for student loans and broader financial planning, focusing on debt management, retirement, and investment strategies. The company has developed a mobile platform that combines community engagement, social challenges, and AI-driven planning to assist users in addressing financial challenges. By fostering an open dialogue around debt, income, and investing, Snowball Wealth aims to alleviate the stigma associated with these topics. Its innovative approach empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions, manage their student debt effectively, and build generational wealth through tailored advice and resources.

Backer is a prominent fintech company specializing in 529 college savings plans, aimed at simplifying the process of saving for education. The company offers an investment platform that enables families to establish college savings plans efficiently, facilitating contributions from family and friends. Its user-friendly gifting platform and innovative mobile application enhance the experience by allowing for seamless tax-free investments. Backer's strategic partnerships with various 529 programs further bolster its high enrollment conversion rates, distinguishing it in the education savings market. The company's focus on making education savings accessible and straightforward supports families in planning for their children's educational futures.

Wisetack operates a technology platform that enables in-person businesses to offer consumer-friendly financing options at the point of sale. Its platform integrates seamlessly with existing software platforms, allowing businesses to provide real-time lending solutions and enhance sales.

Nowsta, Inc. is a technology company that offers an all-in-one software solution designed to optimize the management of hourly and event-based workforces. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, the platform provides essential tools for scheduling, time tracking, and financial management, enabling employers to effectively oversee their hourly staff. By integrating advancements in machine learning and payment technologies, Nowsta aims to enhance communication and streamline payment processes for hourly wage employees. The company's innovative approach seeks to transform workforce management, making it easier for businesses to operate efficiently and support their employees.

Founded in 2014, Ellevest is an employee-owned investment firm dedicated to empowering women financially. It offers a user-friendly digital platform that provides personalized investment plans tailored to women's unique financial needs and goals.

Figure Technologies, Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing innovative consumer financial solutions. Founded in 2018, the company leverages blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to offer a range of financial products, including home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back offerings. Figure aims to address consumer needs related to home improvement, debt consolidation, and retirement planning, allowing customers to access capital in as few as five days. Additionally, the company features Provenance, its blockchain platform designed for business applications, further enhancing its service offerings in the financial sector.

Wisetack operates a technology platform that enables in-person businesses to offer consumer-friendly financing options at the point of sale. Its platform integrates seamlessly with existing software platforms, allowing businesses to provide real-time lending solutions and enhance sales.

RealBlocks is a financial technology platform designed to facilitate the online distribution of alternative investment funds by investment managers. By connecting these managers with financial advisors and institutions, RealBlocks enhances the capital-raising process across global markets. The platform offers essential tools, including built-in secondary trading, a customizable white-label onboarding experience, and an API dashboard for comprehensive management. It aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall investor experience, particularly within the realms of real estate and other alternative investments. By integrating various service providers, RealBlocks enables seamless transitions to tokenized product structures, promoting enhanced liquidity and fractionalization for its users.

Apostrophe, Inc. is a fintech company based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in healthcare savings solutions for self-insured employers. Founded in 2016, Apostrophe provides an intelligent health benefits platform that negotiates competitive rates for healthcare services and pays providers directly, ensuring that savings are passed on to its customers. The company's offerings include a streamlined, plug-and-play health plan that allows self-insured employers to efficiently implement best practices in managing healthcare costs. Apostrophe primarily serves self-insured employers in rural Colorado and other regions, delivering both financial savings and member support to enhance the overall healthcare experience.

Figure Technologies, Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in providing innovative consumer financial solutions. Founded in 2018, the company leverages blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to offer a range of financial products, including home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, and home buy-lease back offerings. Figure aims to address consumer needs related to home improvement, debt consolidation, and retirement planning, allowing customers to access capital in as few as five days. Additionally, the company features Provenance, its blockchain platform designed for business applications, further enhancing its service offerings in the financial sector.

SnapCheck is a San Francisco-based company that has developed a mobile application offering digital check deposit services primarily for credit unions and banks. The company's platform provides a high-speed, secure, and universally accepted solution aimed at eliminating the use of paper checks, which number around 18 billion annually in the United States. By replacing traditional checks with a digital alternative, SnapCheck enables businesses, consumers, and financial institutions to significantly cut costs and reduce fraud losses. This innovative approach not only streamlines check payments but also has the potential to save the economy over $50 billion each year while also contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing paper usage.

Pando has developed a financial platform aimed at individuals in high-volatility careers, such as professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and MBA graduates. The platform enables users to connect with others who have similar expected earnings, allowing them to pool a fraction of their future income. This innovative approach not only helps mitigate financial risks associated with unpredictable income but also allows participants to benefit from potential upside. By providing these tools, Pando empowers its clients to better manage their financial futures and protect their earnings.

EarnUp Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on automating loan payments for consumers. Established in 2013, EarnUp's platform is designed to assist over 200 million Americans with debt by intelligently managing their financial obligations, including home mortgages, student loans, auto loans, and personal loans. The service allows users to set aside small amounts of money when financially feasible, which are then used to make loan payments on their behalf. By synchronizing micro-payments with users' income and lifestyle, EarnUp aims to streamline the debt repayment process and help individuals regain control over their finances, ultimately enabling them to pay off their debts more efficiently.

Founded in 2014, Ellevest is an employee-owned investment firm dedicated to empowering women financially. It offers a user-friendly digital platform that provides personalized investment plans tailored to women's unique financial needs and goals.

Zebit, Inc. is an e-commerce company based in San Diego, California, founded in 2001. It focuses on providing credit-challenged consumers in the United States with access to a wide range of products through its website, Zebit.com. The company differentiates itself by offering a proprietary financing solution that allows customers to purchase items and pay for them in installments over six months. By leveraging consumer income data and advanced risk analytics, Zebit enables users to shop for name-brand products in a closed marketplace, thereby merging the advantages of online shopping with flexible payment options. Its revenue is generated from a diverse array of products, including electronics and e-certificates, aimed at improving financial accessibility for working Americans.

Founded in 2014, Ellevest is an employee-owned investment firm dedicated to empowering women financially. It offers a user-friendly digital platform that provides personalized investment plans tailored to women's unique financial needs and goals.

Juntos Finanzas, Inc. was founded in 2010 out of the Stanford d.school with a mission to build digital mobile tools that create financial stability for low-income consumers. Our products empower individuals to take control of their financial lives and achieve their dreams. Today, we serve low-income consumers in emerging markets who are entering financial institutions for the first time: banking, insurance, loans, etc. By partnering with banks, we distribute our products to this new market, increasing account activity, boosting deposits, and creating the foundation of financial security.

SoFi is a San Francisco–based financial services company offering lending, banking, and wealth management products designed to help individuals borrow, save, spend, and invest. Its offerings include personal loans, MBA and student loan refinancing, mortgages, checking and savings accounts, and credit cards, as well as investment and retirement planning services. The company also provides small business financing as part of its product suite. By combining digital tools with traditional financial services, SoFi targets early-stage professionals seeking to manage debt, build savings, and pursue long-term financial goals.

Founded in 2009, Taulia develops AI-driven supply chain management software. It offers dynamic discounting, cash forecasting, invoice automation, supplier management solutions for buyers, and early payment, e-invoicing services for suppliers. With strategic alliances like KPMG, Taulia operates globally with offices across North America, Europe, and Australia.