Upstage Ventures

Fantasy Life The App, Inc. is a company that develops a community-oriented fantasy sports application designed to enhance user engagement and interaction within the sports community. Founded in 2015 and based in New York, the application allows users to post updates, participate in polls, receive alerts, and engage in chat discussions about various sports, e-sports, and entertainment topics. It provides on-demand fantasy advice, immediate feedback through player polls, and a daily injury tracker, ensuring users stay informed and make strategic decisions. By fostering a robust community focused on fantasy sports and sports betting, Fantasy Life aims to empower everyday players with free tools and resources that enhance their experience and level the playing field in the competitive world of fantasy sports and betting.

LiveKick, Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in personal fitness applications for individuals and corporate clients. Established in 2014, LiveKick offers live virtual fitness classes, including yoga and personal training sessions, enabling users to receive guidance from personal trainers or participate in group classes. The platform emphasizes flexibility and accessibility, providing users with a diverse range of instructors and 24/7 availability to accommodate various time zones. Additionally, LiveKick allows users to access recordings of group classes, supporting the development of personalized fitness habits that fit into busy lifestyles.

IVY is a global platform aiming to revolutionize the education market by creating a decentralized community of passionate individuals focused on entrepreneurship, arts, social impact, policy, and wellness. With over 20,000 members in 7 US cities, IVY organizes gatherings with thought-leaders, cultural institutions, and brands to inspire the next generation. Founded by Harvard Business School classmates, IVY targets influential, high-income millennials, with plans to expand internationally. Their vision is to provide lifelong membership opportunities for individuals from adolescence to late adulthood, establishing a network that spans 50 hub cities worldwide.

Vengo is a software and hardware company that designs and manufactures interactive digital vending machines and an accompanying touchscreen software platform that blends digital media with point-of-purchase experiences. The slim-profile kiosks engage consumers at the point of sale, gamify the shopping experience, and collect consumer behavior data for brands to optimize outreach and manage networks remotely. Founded in 2012 and based in New York, Vengo has partnered with major brands such as Mondelez, Snapple, Verizon, and others to drive brand engagement and faster unit economics through compact, data-driven vending solutions.

Transfr is a developer of an apprenticeship platform that utilizes virtual reality to create immersive training simulations. The company's technology features a dialogue system that facilitates interaction between trainees and a virtual coach, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. This innovative approach combines learning sciences with data from simulations to provide tailored coaching experiences that enhance skill retention and accelerate mastery. By focusing on in-demand industry skills, Transfr enables students to gain the confidence needed for job interviews and prepares them for long-term success in the workforce.

Clothes Horse is an online platform designed to assist consumers in finding clothing that fits properly when shopping online. By utilizing a data-driven recommendations tool, the platform analyzes individual body sizes and past purchasing preferences to suggest the most suitable clothing options. This service is integrated at the point of sale on various third-party e-commerce websites, guiding shoppers in selecting the right size and thereby enhancing their shopping experience. Additionally, Clothes Horse features a destination website, ClothesHor.se, where users can explore new brands aligned with their body type and preferred styles. The platform not only aims to improve customer satisfaction but also helps online apparel retailers boost conversion rates and reduce product return rates.

Braavo Capital, Inc. is a financial solutions company established in 2015 and headquartered in New York, specializing in providing capital-as-a-service financing solutions to mobile app and game developers. The company offers non-dilutive funding options, allowing developers to obtain the necessary capital for marketing and user acquisition without relinquishing ownership stakes. In addition to funding, Braavo provides analytics tools that assist app businesses in tracking performance and making informed, data-driven decisions. This combination of financial support and performance insights empowers founders to build scalable and sustainable businesses in the competitive mobile app market.

PROPS is a new cryptocurrency that grants access to features, content and status across media apps that share a currency and identity layer, and whose users benefit from the PROPS rewards pool.

WinWin, now acquired and repurposed, was a provider of a financial platform aimed at helping users save money for unexpected events. The platform offered FDIC-insured savings accounts held at Wells Fargo, which could be managed through a mobile application. Users could automate their savings by transferring a fixed amount at regular intervals from their designated bank accounts. In addition to facilitating savings, WinWin allowed users the chance to win a grand prize after a specified period, combining the benefits of saving with an element of excitement.

Braavo Capital, Inc. is a financial solutions company established in 2015 and headquartered in New York, specializing in providing capital-as-a-service financing solutions to mobile app and game developers. The company offers non-dilutive funding options, allowing developers to obtain the necessary capital for marketing and user acquisition without relinquishing ownership stakes. In addition to funding, Braavo provides analytics tools that assist app businesses in tracking performance and making informed, data-driven decisions. This combination of financial support and performance insights empowers founders to build scalable and sustainable businesses in the competitive mobile app market.

Bedly is a company that redefines the rental experience by offering month-to-month room rentals in shared apartments, making housing more accessible and affordable. By providing a flexible alternative to traditional long-term leases, Bedly simplifies the apartment search process and enhances the living experience for renters. The company's technology-enabled platform connects renters with a network of housing options, allowing for a seamless rental process that saves time and effort. Bedly aims to create a housing environment where finding a place to live is as straightforward as booking a hotel room, thereby empowering individuals to live on their own terms.

Veritonic offers a comprehensive audio analytics platform that enables businesses to measure, compare, and optimize the impact of their audio content such as music, videos, voiceovers, jingles, and audio logos. By providing AI-driven metrics and marketing response data, Veritonic helps clients make informed decisions about their audio investments, mitigate risks through optimization, and enhance consumer engagement.

Rally Bus Corp., established in 2010 and headquartered in New York, operates a social mobility network specializing in group travel services to sporting events, concerts, and other large-scale venues. The company offers motor coach transportation with professional drivers, trip sharing options, and ride booking through its platform. With millions of rides completed, Rally aims to disrupt traditional bus travel by utilizing AI for route optimization and crowdfunding for surge demand management, thereby converting private car users to shared bus riders and providing digital tools for traditional charter customers.

Switch is an innovative jewelry rental membership service that offers members access to luxury designer brands. It allows users to borrow jewelry for varying durations, enabling frequent exchanges of pieces to suit their preferences. Members can easily return items using a resealable envelope and prepaid shipping label, and they earn credits towards purchasing jewelry at discounted prices as part of their membership. The collection features renowned fashion houses such as Hermes and Chanel, alongside in-house brands and emerging designers. By blending convenience with luxury, Switch provides a unique service that caters to fashion enthusiasts seeking to enhance their style without the commitment of ownership.

Founded in 2014, TVision is a New York-based company with offices in Boston and Tokyo. It specializes in audience measurement for television and cable viewing, providing second-by-second, person-level data on viewer engagement, including who watches what and how much attention they pay to both linear and streaming content. This data empowers advertisers, agencies, networks, and other stakeholders to make informed media decisions.

FullGlass is a mobile application that enhances the nightlife experience for users in New York City by connecting them with over 75 bars, clubs, and restaurants. The platform allows users to enjoy a special offer where every drink purchased earns them a complimentary drink, encouraging exploration of local venues. By facilitating easy access to these establishments, FullGlass aims to create enjoyable outings for friends and families, making it simpler for users to discover and enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene in the city.

Servy is a company that offers a next-generation mystery shopping platform designed to enhance the restaurant industry through private evaluations. It enables a community of frequent diners to participate in confidential assessments of restaurants in exchange for rewards and charitable contributions. By leveraging the insights gathered from these evaluations, Servy assists numerous leading restaurants in measuring their performance, improving guest satisfaction, and driving sales growth. Through its innovative approach, Servy aims to empower both food enthusiasts and hospitality professionals to contribute positively to the dining experience.

Veritonic offers a comprehensive audio analytics platform that enables businesses to measure, compare, and optimize the impact of their audio content such as music, videos, voiceovers, jingles, and audio logos. By providing AI-driven metrics and marketing response data, Veritonic helps clients make informed decisions about their audio investments, mitigate risks through optimization, and enhance consumer engagement.

Bring Me That is a technology platform that facilitates online food ordering from a wide range of delivery restaurants throughout the United States, including those without their own online ordering systems. This innovative service addresses a significant gap in the market, as over 100,000 delivery restaurants do not offer online ordering. Currently, Bring Me That enables customers to order from more than 40,000 restaurants across all 50 states, with plans to expand access to nearly 100,000 restaurants. The platform allows users to select from local dining options and provides a seamless delivery experience, complete with secure payment methods, thereby enhancing convenience and efficiency in food ordering.

Librify, Inc. is a company based in New York that specializes in social-subscription services for e-books. It offers an online platform where users can read, buy, share, and discuss their favorite books, fostering a community among readers. In addition to its website, Librify provides a mobile application designed for reading e-books on iPads, enhancing accessibility and convenience for users. The platform encourages interaction and collaboration among readers, allowing them to connect over shared literary interests. As of 2015, Librify operates as a subsidiary of Scribd, Inc.

Thumb is a platform designed to facilitate self-expression and foster connections among users. Through its mobile application available on iOS and Android, as well as its website, Thumb allows individuals to share their opinions and preferences by 'thumbing' various topics. This feature encourages engagement and generates instant feedback from friends, family, and a broader community, enabling users to discover like-minded individuals and build meaningful relationships based on shared interests. Thumb's focus on creating a purpose-driven community makes it a unique tool for personal expression and social interaction.

Klooff is a sharing platform designed for pet lovers, enabling users to capture and share their pets' best moments through photos and videos. The application allows pet owners to submit content featuring their pets, such as unique behaviors or amusing activities, and provides a community-curated voting system that showcases the most engaging submissions in a Daily Top 10 List. This global social platform fosters a community among pet enthusiasts, allowing them to interact and celebrate their pets in a creative and entertaining manner.

PuzzleSocial, Inc. is a social gaming company based in New York that specializes in the development of digital crossword puzzles. Established in 2011, it is best known for its flagship product, the Daily Celebrity Crossword, which is available for various platforms, including iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle devices, and Facebook. The application provides users with a new crossword puzzle every day, enhancing their gaming experience with engaging and entertaining content. Through its innovative approach, PuzzleSocial caters to a diverse audience of puzzle enthusiasts, offering a modern twist on traditional crossword challenges.

Vengo is a software and hardware company that designs and manufactures interactive digital vending machines and an accompanying touchscreen software platform that blends digital media with point-of-purchase experiences. The slim-profile kiosks engage consumers at the point of sale, gamify the shopping experience, and collect consumer behavior data for brands to optimize outreach and manage networks remotely. Founded in 2012 and based in New York, Vengo has partnered with major brands such as Mondelez, Snapple, Verizon, and others to drive brand engagement and faster unit economics through compact, data-driven vending solutions.

RJMetrics is a provider of business intelligence software that addresses the analytical challenges faced by high-growth online businesses. By consolidating data from various sources such as backend databases, marketing platforms, CRM systems, and e-commerce systems, RJMetrics creates a unified cloud-based data warehouse. This platform offers users an intuitive interface for exploring their data, enabling them to gain actionable insights into customer life-cycles and optimize their operations. The company's service is designed to facilitate data-driven decision-making by providing a comprehensive view of business metrics, ultimately helping organizations manage and analyze their scattered data more effectively.

YouNow, Inc. is a New York-based company established in 2011 that operates a live social networking platform allowing users to broadcast themselves in real-time to a global audience. Its application enables users to discover talented broadcasters, watch live streams, and engage in video chats. Accessible on iOS, Android, and web platforms, YouNow fosters a community where users can create and interact with diverse content. The company also operates PROPS, a blockchain-based platform that supports a decentralized economy for video applications, allowing users to buy virtual currency while content creators earn revenue through audience engagement. Additional offerings include Rize, which connects broadcasters with engaged viewers, and the WTF game show application, where contestants participate in live game shows through video chat. By blending broadcasting, gaming, and social networking, YouNow empowers individuals to express their creativity and forge meaningful connections.

ConveyIQ, Inc. is a New York-based company that offers a cloud-based candidate engagement platform designed to enhance the recruitment process. Established in 2010, ConveyIQ enables recruiters and employers to effectively screen and communicate with candidates through innovative video technology. The platform provides a comprehensive communication framework that supports the entire candidate journey, ensuring personalized interactions that contribute to a positive applicant experience. As of August 2019, ConveyIQ operates as a subsidiary of Entelo, Inc.

GameChanger Media, Inc. is a software developer that provides a platform for amateur sports teams to collect, manage, and share real-time information. The company offers a mobile application and website that enable scorekeeping, statistics tracking, and team management, catering to coaches, players, and parents. The platform also features live game updates and recap stories, enhancing the experience for families, fans, and scouts. GameChanger focuses primarily on youth, high school, and college baseball and softball teams, allowing coaches and scorekeepers to utilize its tools free of charge, while monetizing through premium content purchased by parents and fans. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in New York, GameChanger Media was originally known as Fungo Media, Inc. before rebranding in 2009. The company operates as a subsidiary of Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc.

Medallia Agent Connect is a company specializing in customer feedback solutions tailored for customer service environments. It offers two primary products: Stella Connect and Stella Pulse. Stella Connect is designed to gather feedback directly from customers regarding their interactions with service agents, enabling organizations to enhance agent engagement and improve service performance. Stella Pulse, previously known as Stella Metrics, functions as a "mystery shopping" service that evaluates customer service performance across various companies and licenses the resulting data to online merchants and aggregators. Through these offerings, Medallia Agent Connect aims to help businesses improve their customer service quality and drive better customer experiences.

Optify is a digital marketing software provider that offers a comprehensive cloud-based suite designed specifically for agencies. Founded in 2008, the platform allows marketers to efficiently create and manage multiple lead generation programs, nurture prospects, and streamline client reporting through a single login. The software integrates various functionalities, including search engine optimization, email marketing, landing page creation, lead intelligence, social media marketing, and contact management, accommodating any website or content management system. For larger clients or advanced implementations, Optify offers an API that facilitates custom reporting and integration with customer relationship management systems. The company is supported by Madrona Venture Group and Triangle Peak Partners and shares insights on digital marketing through its dedicated blog.

Ordergroove, Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in subscription enablement technology and analytics platforms for brands and retailers. Founded in 2008, Ordergroove offers its Relationship Commerce Cloud, which facilitates a seamless ordering experience through email and text messaging, as well as in-store and online transactions. The platform supports brands in launching recurring revenue programs, including subscriptions and memberships, and is designed to be fully omnichannel, integrating with existing systems. By leveraging artificial intelligence and analytics, Ordergroove enhances consumer interactions and helps brands optimize subscriber experiences. The platform is operational in over 5,000 stores and 100 eCommerce sites, consistently delivering a significant increase in consumer spending and lifetime value within months of enrollment.

Founded in 2009, SeatGeek operates a mobile ticketing marketplace and search engine for live sports, concerts, and theater events. It aggregates ticket listings from various sources, offering users a 'Deal Score' metric to assess ticket value. The platform also provides event discovery tools based on user preferences. SeatGeek is headquartered in New York with additional offices globally.