Upslope Ventures

Upslope Ventures, founded in 2014 and based in Denver, Colorado, is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in startups across the United States. Originally known as Galvanize Ventures, the firm focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including software as a service, hardware and internet of things, mobile, artificial intelligence, consumer products, e-commerce, content, fintech, aerospace, marketplaces, ad-tech, robotics, medical devices, virtual reality, and data science. Upslope Ventures emphasizes the importance of exceptional teams, believing that talent can emerge from any location. Beyond providing capital, the firm leverages its extensive network to empower entrepreneurs with valuable resources and support, enhancing their chances of success even in cases where direct investment is not made.

Katherine Beardsley

Managing Partner

James Deters

General Partner

Lawrence Mandes

General Partner

Past deals in Colorado

Cloud Elements

Series C in 2019
Cloud Elements provides a cloud-to-cloud API integration platform that helps developers connect and manage data across multiple cloud applications and services. The platform includes hubs for data domains such as customers, documents, messaging, help desk, marketing, and finance; reusable elements that connect specific cloud endpoints; and an API integration layer for building, integrating, monitoring, and maintaining third-party cloud services and applications. It supports end-to-end functions such as data transformations, API provisioning, usage monitoring, events, and notifications to track and troubleshoot integrations, enabling connections between apps in CRM and marketing automation ecosystems. The company also offers consulting services, including design assessments, design workshops, application development, and API development. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Cloud Elements serves startups, SaaS vendors, and enterprise departments worldwide.

Rachio

Series B in 2018
Rachio is a Denver-based company that develops intelligent sprinkler controllers and related hardware and software to improve home water efficiency. Its offerings include WiFi-enabled controllers and the Iro device for remote watering and automated scheduling based on weather data, soil characteristics, sun exposure, and water budgets. The company provides cloud-based software and a mobile app that enable users to manage sprinkler systems from anywhere, helping conserve water and reduce irrigation costs.

Stream

Venture Round in 2017
Stream.io, Inc. specializes in developing an open-source platform that enables the creation of customizable newsfeeds and messaging applications. The company provides a range of application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow product teams to implement chat features and activity feeds tailored to their specific needs. Its offerings include flat feeds for displaying followed content, aggregated feeds for grouping similar content, notification feeds for site alerts, and profile pages for user activity storage. Stream's solutions cater to various sectors, including finance, healthcare, dating, education, and social networking, facilitating community engagement. Established in 2014, the company is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with an additional office located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Stream’s products are recognized for their scalability and security, serving over a billion end-users globally.

Brandzooka

Seed Round in 2016
Brandzooka is a self-serve programmatic video advertising platform founded in 2015 and based in Boulder, Colorado. The company enables organizations of all sizes, including small businesses, agencies, content creators, non-profits, and mobile applications, to create and launch hyper-targeted advertising campaigns across web, mobile, digital audio, and Connected TV in a matter of minutes. Its innovative SaaS platform democratizes access to the programmatic advertising landscape by removing barriers related to cost, expertise, and technology, thus allowing over 60,000 advertisers across 110 countries to effectively reach their target audiences. By providing a user-friendly interface and scalable solutions, Brandzooka disrupts traditional digital and programmatic media ecosystems, empowering clients to enhance their visibility and drive sales.

Parkifi

Series A in 2016
ParkiFi, Inc. is a technology company based in Denver, Colorado, that specializes in IoT-enabled parking solutions. Founded in 2014, the company offers a platform that provides real-time information on parking occupancy and payment options, aiming to alleviate the challenges associated with finding parking. ParkiFi's services cater to a variety of clients, including private parking operators, property managers, municipal parking services, and urban planners. The company’s mobile app allows users to find available parking spots in garages and lots, as well as pay for parking directly through the app. By streamlining the parking process, ParkiFi not only enhances user convenience but also seeks to reduce the environmental impact of driving by minimizing the time spent searching for parking. The app was launched in downtown Denver in 2016, with plans for expansion to other neighborhoods and locations. ParkiFi was previously known as Krumly LLC and operates as a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation.

Notion

Seed Round in 2015
Notion is a company that specializes in home monitoring systems, providing property owners with tools to safeguard their spaces and belongings. Founded in 2013 by Brett Jurgens and Ryan Margoles and based in Denver, Colorado, Notion offers a multi-function, compact sensor that delivers real-time alerts for various issues, including motion detection, temperature changes, water leaks, and alarms. The system is designed to enhance home awareness through an intuitive user experience and comprehensive data analytics, allowing customers to proactively address potential problems in their homes.

Rachio

Series A in 2015
Rachio is a Denver-based company that develops intelligent sprinkler controllers and related hardware and software to improve home water efficiency. Its offerings include WiFi-enabled controllers and the Iro device for remote watering and automated scheduling based on weather data, soil characteristics, sun exposure, and water budgets. The company provides cloud-based software and a mobile app that enable users to manage sprinkler systems from anywhere, helping conserve water and reduce irrigation costs.

Cloud Elements

Venture Round in 2015
Cloud Elements provides a cloud-to-cloud API integration platform that helps developers connect and manage data across multiple cloud applications and services. The platform includes hubs for data domains such as customers, documents, messaging, help desk, marketing, and finance; reusable elements that connect specific cloud endpoints; and an API integration layer for building, integrating, monitoring, and maintaining third-party cloud services and applications. It supports end-to-end functions such as data transformations, API provisioning, usage monitoring, events, and notifications to track and troubleshoot integrations, enabling connections between apps in CRM and marketing automation ecosystems. The company also offers consulting services, including design assessments, design workshops, application development, and API development. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Cloud Elements serves startups, SaaS vendors, and enterprise departments worldwide.

Pana

Seed Round in 2015
Pana Industries, Inc. is a software company based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in on-demand travel applications for corporate travel planning and booking. Founded in 2014, Pana's platform functions as a virtual travel agent, allowing users to easily plan, book, and manage their travel needs, including flights, hotels, and car rentals. The application provides personalized notifications and alerts regarding flight delays and gate changes, aiming to simplify the travel experience for users. Pana's mission is to make travel straightforward and enjoyable, akin to the ease of texting a friend, while also offering travel perks and rewards. The company was previously known as Native before rebranding to Pana Industries, Inc.

Stream

Seed Round in 2015
Stream.io, Inc. specializes in developing an open-source platform that enables the creation of customizable newsfeeds and messaging applications. The company provides a range of application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow product teams to implement chat features and activity feeds tailored to their specific needs. Its offerings include flat feeds for displaying followed content, aggregated feeds for grouping similar content, notification feeds for site alerts, and profile pages for user activity storage. Stream's solutions cater to various sectors, including finance, healthcare, dating, education, and social networking, facilitating community engagement. Established in 2014, the company is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, with an additional office located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Stream’s products are recognized for their scalability and security, serving over a billion end-users globally.

Parkifi

Convertible Note in 2015
ParkiFi, Inc. is a technology company based in Denver, Colorado, that specializes in IoT-enabled parking solutions. Founded in 2014, the company offers a platform that provides real-time information on parking occupancy and payment options, aiming to alleviate the challenges associated with finding parking. ParkiFi's services cater to a variety of clients, including private parking operators, property managers, municipal parking services, and urban planners. The company’s mobile app allows users to find available parking spots in garages and lots, as well as pay for parking directly through the app. By streamlining the parking process, ParkiFi not only enhances user convenience but also seeks to reduce the environmental impact of driving by minimizing the time spent searching for parking. The app was launched in downtown Denver in 2016, with plans for expansion to other neighborhoods and locations. ParkiFi was previously known as Krumly LLC and operates as a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation.

Notion

Seed Round in 2015
Notion is a company that specializes in home monitoring systems, providing property owners with tools to safeguard their spaces and belongings. Founded in 2013 by Brett Jurgens and Ryan Margoles and based in Denver, Colorado, Notion offers a multi-function, compact sensor that delivers real-time alerts for various issues, including motion detection, temperature changes, water leaks, and alarms. The system is designed to enhance home awareness through an intuitive user experience and comprehensive data analytics, allowing customers to proactively address potential problems in their homes.

JumpCloud

Series B in 2015
JumpCloud operates a Directory-as-a-Service platform that securely manages and connects users to their systems, applications, files, and networks. Its cloud-based solution automates server management tasks such as user accounts, permissions, patches, security, and compliance. JumpCloud also provides identity management services for IT teams and businesses, enabling secure access to resources regardless of provider or location.

Parkifi

Seed Round in 2015
ParkiFi, Inc. is a technology company based in Denver, Colorado, that specializes in IoT-enabled parking solutions. Founded in 2014, the company offers a platform that provides real-time information on parking occupancy and payment options, aiming to alleviate the challenges associated with finding parking. ParkiFi's services cater to a variety of clients, including private parking operators, property managers, municipal parking services, and urban planners. The company’s mobile app allows users to find available parking spots in garages and lots, as well as pay for parking directly through the app. By streamlining the parking process, ParkiFi not only enhances user convenience but also seeks to reduce the environmental impact of driving by minimizing the time spent searching for parking. The app was launched in downtown Denver in 2016, with plans for expansion to other neighborhoods and locations. ParkiFi was previously known as Krumly LLC and operates as a subsidiary of DISH Network Corporation.

GridCraft

Seed Round in 2014
GridCraft, Inc. is a data analysis tool developer that focuses on empowering businesses with collaborative analysis capabilities. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the company offers a technology known as GridEngine, which seamlessly integrates structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data from various internal and external sources. GridCraft's tools allow users to create dynamic working data sets by combining live streaming data and scheduled updates, all within a familiar spreadsheet-like interface. This functionality enables organizations to make informed business decisions by effectively managing and analyzing their data.

Cloud Elements

Series A in 2014
Cloud Elements provides a cloud-to-cloud API integration platform that helps developers connect and manage data across multiple cloud applications and services. The platform includes hubs for data domains such as customers, documents, messaging, help desk, marketing, and finance; reusable elements that connect specific cloud endpoints; and an API integration layer for building, integrating, monitoring, and maintaining third-party cloud services and applications. It supports end-to-end functions such as data transformations, API provisioning, usage monitoring, events, and notifications to track and troubleshoot integrations, enabling connections between apps in CRM and marketing automation ecosystems. The company also offers consulting services, including design assessments, design workshops, application development, and API development. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Cloud Elements serves startups, SaaS vendors, and enterprise departments worldwide.

Rachio

Convertible Note in 2014
Rachio is a Denver-based company that develops intelligent sprinkler controllers and related hardware and software to improve home water efficiency. Its offerings include WiFi-enabled controllers and the Iro device for remote watering and automated scheduling based on weather data, soil characteristics, sun exposure, and water budgets. The company provides cloud-based software and a mobile app that enable users to manage sprinkler systems from anywhere, helping conserve water and reduce irrigation costs.

SupportLocal

Seed Round in 2014
SupportLocal is a platform that enhances the discovery of local businesses through personalized recommendations from trusted connections. Based in Denver, Colorado, within the Galvanize campus, the company was founded by industry veterans, including CEO Justin Sanger, who is recognized for his expertise in local search. By leveraging the power of word of mouth, SupportLocal allows users to share and receive insights about local establishments, fostering a sense of community and trust. The platform prioritizes principles such as privacy and sharing, aiming to create a supportive environment for everyday decisions related to local businesses.

Rachio

Convertible Note in 2013
Rachio is a Denver-based company that develops intelligent sprinkler controllers and related hardware and software to improve home water efficiency. Its offerings include WiFi-enabled controllers and the Iro device for remote watering and automated scheduling based on weather data, soil characteristics, sun exposure, and water budgets. The company provides cloud-based software and a mobile app that enable users to manage sprinkler systems from anywhere, helping conserve water and reduce irrigation costs.
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