Upstate Carolina Angel Network

The Upstate Carolina Angel Network (UCAN) is a consortium of accredited investors based in Greenville, South Carolina, dedicated to investing in and supporting start-up and early-stage high-growth businesses in the Southeastern United States. Established in 2008, UCAN aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing financial resources and mentorship to emerging companies. The network focuses on identifying promising ventures and facilitating their growth, contributing to the economic development of the region.

Matt Dunbar

Managing Director

J.B. Holeman

Co-Founder

29 past transactions

Seurat Technologies

Series A in 2018
Seurat Technologies, based in Mountain View, California, specializes in innovative 3D printing services focused on metal manufacturing. Founded in 2015, the company has developed Area Printing, a next-generation technology designed for high-volume, decarbonized industrial production. This approach effectively decouples resolution from speed, allowing for a scalable process that can rival traditional manufacturing methods. Seurat's technology, originally developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, is backed by over 130 patents granted and pending. The company aims to provide metal parts for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) through long-term contracts, utilizing techniques such as direct metal writing and selective laser melting to enable cost-effective production at scale.

MapAnything

Series C in 2017
MapAnything, Inc. is a geo-productivity software company that develops solutions designed to enhance productivity and planning for businesses using Salesforce and ServiceNow. Founded in 2006 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with additional offices in Atlanta, Sydney, and London, MapAnything offers a suite of applications that include mapping, route planning, and territory management. Its flagship product, MapAnything, provides tools for field productivity, prospecting, and business process automation. The company also offers specialized solutions like MapAnything Live for IoT workflows and vehicle telematics, and MapAnything for ServiceNow, which focuses on IT service and asset management. With a diverse customer base exceeding 1,400 clients across various sectors—including financial services, healthcare, technology, and government—MapAnything is recognized as a Gold Salesforce App Innovation Partner and has received accolades for its innovative location analytics. The company, formerly known as Cloudbilt, Inc., rebranded in 2015 and operates as a subsidiary of Salesforce.

Proterra

Series F in 2017
Proterra Inc. is a manufacturer of zero-emission electric buses, primarily focused on providing sustainable transportation solutions for public and commercial transit. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, with additional offices in Greenville, South Carolina, and City of Industry, California, Proterra designs its products, including 35-foot and 40-foot electric buses, to meet the diverse needs of urban and regional transit routes. The company's Catalyst platform is noted for its modularity, allowing it to adapt to various operational demands while delivering high energy efficiency. Proterra also offers a broad range of services, including vehicle electrification solutions, fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance programs. By facilitating the transition away from fossil fuels, Proterra aims to enhance environmental quality and reduce operational costs for fleet operators, contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

KWIPPED

Seed Round in 2017
KWIPPED, Inc. operates an online marketplace that specializes in B2B equipment rental and leasing. Founded in 2011 and based in Wilmington, North Carolina, the platform connects businesses with a global network of equipment suppliers, making it easier to locate and rent specialized equipment for various commercial applications. KWIPPED's technology not only streamlines the sourcing process but also aims to reduce risk and ensure quality, fostering trusted relationships between renters and suppliers. By offering a comprehensive selection of rental equipment, KWIPPED enhances accessibility for businesses seeking reliable solutions for their equipment needs.

Proterra

Series E in 2017
Proterra Inc. is a manufacturer of zero-emission electric buses, primarily focused on providing sustainable transportation solutions for public and commercial transit. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, with additional offices in Greenville, South Carolina, and City of Industry, California, Proterra designs its products, including 35-foot and 40-foot electric buses, to meet the diverse needs of urban and regional transit routes. The company's Catalyst platform is noted for its modularity, allowing it to adapt to various operational demands while delivering high energy efficiency. Proterra also offers a broad range of services, including vehicle electrification solutions, fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance programs. By facilitating the transition away from fossil fuels, Proterra aims to enhance environmental quality and reduce operational costs for fleet operators, contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Atlas Organics

Seed Round in 2015
Atlas Organics Inc. is a company that specializes in organics recycling, focusing on the collection and recycling of food and yard waste. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Atlas Organics operates in regions including San Antonio, Texas, and various areas in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The company partners with municipalities to collect food waste from various sources such as grocery stores, hospitals, and schools, thereby advancing sustainability initiatives. Atlas Organics transforms this waste into organic compost products suitable for agricultural, landscaping, and home gardening applications. By promoting the "table to farm" movement, Atlas Organics helps its clients achieve their sustainability goals while diverting compostable materials from landfills. The company's composting facilities produce valuable nutrients that enhance soil health, supporting both environmental and agricultural practices.

Baebies

Series A in 2015
Baebies, Inc. is a company based in Durham, North Carolina, that specializes in manufacturing screening and pediatric testing equipment for newborns. Founded in 2014 by Richard West and Vamsee Pamula, Baebies developed its newborn screening platform, SEEKER, which is FDA authorized and CE marked. SEEKER enables the simultaneous performance of multiple assays to quantitatively measure the activity of lysosomal enzymes from a single dried blood spot specimen. Additionally, the company produces the FINDER near-patient testing equipment, which also holds CE marking, and the FINDER 1.5 platform, which includes a SARS-CoV-2 test with emergency use notification from the FDA. Baebies utilizes digital microfluidics technology, allowing for efficient diagnostics from low-volume samples, and aims to enhance early disease detection for both children and adults. The company serves hospitals and public health labs, focusing on improving newborn health outcomes and providing innovative diagnostic solutions.

ActivEd

Seed Round in 2015
ActivEd, Inc. is an ed-tech company based in Greenville, South Carolina, that specializes in providing interactive online lessons designed to enhance educational standards in the United States. The company offers Walkabouts, which are engaging, movement-rich activities that transform fundamental concepts in math, language, and literacy into short lessons for Pre-K through Second Grade students. These research-based online tools enable teachers and parents to create dynamic lessons that incorporate physical activity, making learning both fun and effective. Additionally, Walkabouts align with state standards, facilitating seamless integration into existing lesson planning for educators. Founded in 2011, ActivEd aims to enrich the educational experience by making foundational learning more interactive and accessible.

AuditFile

Venture Round in 2014
AuditFile, Inc. is a technology company that provides a cloud-based auditing platform designed for CPA firms and internal audit teams. Founded in 2011 and based in Walnut Creek, California, the company's solution automates essential aspects of the audit process, including the uploading of trial balances and the generation of financial statements. AuditFile's platform also features proprietary algorithms that assist auditors in detecting potential fraud, thereby helping to minimize accounting errors and enhance operational efficiency. This comprehensive approach allows organizations to manage their audit processes more effectively across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

OBMedical

Venture Round in 2014
OBMedical Company specializes in the development, manufacture, and sale of external maternal-fetal monitoring systems designed for laboring women. The company's flagship product, the LaborView sensor system, is a wireless electrode-based device that measures labor contractions and monitors the heart rates of both mothers and infants. This innovative system allows for greater mobility during labor by providing signal capture and digital signal processing. By enhancing the accuracy and comfort of monitoring, OBMedical aims to improve health outcomes and safety for mothers and their babies during pregnancy and labor. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Newberry, Florida, with an additional office in Norcross, Georgia, OBMedical was sold to Philips Healthcare in late 2018. The technology behind the LaborView system was developed in collaboration with the University of Florida and Convergent Engineering, making it a significant advancement in obstetric care.

The Iron Yard

Series A in 2014
The Iron Yard LLC is an accelerator based in Greenville, South Carolina, with an additional office in Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in seed and startup investments in technology sectors, focusing on software and software/hardware combinations. Its investment areas include healthcare, medical devices, biotech, energy, environment, wellness apps, mobile technology, and enterprise software. The Iron Yard operates three distinct programs: edu tech, open tech, and green tech. Each program lasts three months and accommodates up to ten companies. The firm provides an initial investment of $20,000 during the program and typically selects at least two companies for further funding up to $1 million, taking a six percent equity stake. While the firm prefers teams of two or more founders, it may occasionally consider solo founders. The Iron Yard is dedicated to nurturing talented developers and startups, equipping them with essential skills for long-term success in the technology industry.

Iron Yard Ventures

Series A in 2014
Iron Yard Ventures was a mentorship-driven startup accelerator focused on providing education and early-stage funding for Digital Health and EdTech startups. Founded in 2011 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, the organization aimed to create exceptional value for entrepreneurs by offering mentorship and capital through its accelerator programs. It also operated The Iron Yard Academy, which provided full-time coding education. Iron Yard Ventures cultivated a vibrant community of instructors, mentors, programmers, designers, and entrepreneurs, fostering an environment where collaboration and innovation thrived. The organization recognized the pressing need for skilled developers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and committed itself to training high-quality professionals and nurturing startups. Its mission centered on supporting the success of its students, teams, and investors, while addressing the challenges posed by a broken education system and the growing demand for talent in the technology sector.

Proterra

Series C in 2014
Proterra Inc. is a manufacturer of zero-emission electric buses, primarily focused on providing sustainable transportation solutions for public and commercial transit. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, with additional offices in Greenville, South Carolina, and City of Industry, California, Proterra designs its products, including 35-foot and 40-foot electric buses, to meet the diverse needs of urban and regional transit routes. The company's Catalyst platform is noted for its modularity, allowing it to adapt to various operational demands while delivering high energy efficiency. Proterra also offers a broad range of services, including vehicle electrification solutions, fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance programs. By facilitating the transition away from fossil fuels, Proterra aims to enhance environmental quality and reduce operational costs for fleet operators, contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

AuditFile

Venture Round in 2013
AuditFile, Inc. is a technology company that provides a cloud-based auditing platform designed for CPA firms and internal audit teams. Founded in 2011 and based in Walnut Creek, California, the company's solution automates essential aspects of the audit process, including the uploading of trial balances and the generation of financial statements. AuditFile's platform also features proprietary algorithms that assist auditors in detecting potential fraud, thereby helping to minimize accounting errors and enhance operational efficiency. This comprehensive approach allows organizations to manage their audit processes more effectively across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

Physcient

Series A in 2013
Physcient, Inc. is a manufacturer of surgical instruments, specializing in the Differential Dissector, which is designed for blunt dissection. This device is utilized in various surgical fields, including plastic surgery and general surgery procedures such as thoracic, gastrointestinal, gynecological, urological, peripheral vascular, and orthopedic surgeries. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Physcient focuses on developing modern technology for hand-held surgical instruments that facilitate quicker recovery without altering existing surgical techniques. The company's founders bring over 75 years of combined experience in advancing technologies within the life and health sciences.

Selah Genomics

Seed Round in 2013
Selah Genomics Inc. is a clinical diagnostic specialist based in Greenville, South Carolina, that provides advanced molecular and genomic diagnostic services to healthcare providers and the pharmaceutical industry in the United States. The company focuses on enhancing diagnostic testing services, particularly in women's health, and offers specialized tests for managing chronic conditions and personalized treatment plans for cancer based on individual tumor information. Selah Genomics provides a range of services, including next-generation sequencing, RNA sequencing, targeted and exome sequencing, companion diagnostics, and bioinformatics. Founded in 2006 and formerly known as Lab21 Inc., the company aims to improve patient outcomes through its comprehensive diagnostic solutions, which support early-stage drug development, clinical trials, and regulatory processes.

Pandoodle

Venture Round in 2013
Pandoodle is a company that focuses on enhancing brand messaging and media through innovative technology. It offers a machine learning-based software as a service (SaaS) platform that automates the analysis and dynamic insertion of branded content in videos and images. This technology allows advertisers and publishers to achieve personalized branding while maximizing the value of their media. The platform, known as DOLO, is designed for premium media and content publishers, providing them with turn-key solutions for animation-based products. Pandoodle operates corporate offices in key locations such as Silicon Valley, Columbia, SC, Hollywood, and New York, alongside development and production facilities worldwide.

CharlestonPharma

Seed Round in 2013
CharlestonPharma, LLC is dedicated to developing innovative therapeutic products aimed at cancer patients and healthcare providers. The company specializes in creating fully human monoclonal antibodies that target nucleolin, a cell surface receptor associated with various cancers. With an exclusive worldwide license from the Medical University of South Carolina for eight specific antibodies and the technology to produce additional antibodies, CharlestonPharma focuses on demonstrating the preclinical efficacy and safety of its anti-nucleolin antibodies. Laboratory studies indicate that these antibodies can selectively kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells, minimizing toxicity. Additionally, the company is working on diagnostic tests that utilize cell surface nucleolin to aid in the prognosis and diagnosis of malignant diseases. CharlestonPharma operates from the Charleston Innovation Center, where its research aims to identify the most promising antibodies for future in vivo studies. The company was incorporated in 2010 and is based in Charleston, South Carolina.

Cirtemo

Series A in 2012
Cirtemo specializes in the development of advanced optical filter technology aimed at enhancing chemical detection capabilities. The company's innovative multivariate optical elements utilize microscopic sensors to provide increased sensitivity and specificity in analyte detection, surpassing the limitations of traditional narrow band pass filters. By partnering with Optical Filter Manufacturers and Optical Component and System Manufacturers, Cirtemo enables these partners to offer differentiated products while maintaining a strong intellectual property position. This collaboration empowers clients to address new applications in chemical measurement that were previously unattainable, ultimately improving detection limits and minimizing crosstalk in their analytical processes.

Kiyatec

Series A in 2012
Kiyatec, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in the development of advanced 3D cell-based assays for preclinical drug discovery and clinical therapy applications. The company utilizes patients' own living tumor cells to create functional 3D models that facilitate testing of various cancer therapies, enhancing the predictive accuracy of drug responses. Its innovative 3DKUBE technology platform supports in situ imaging and accommodates different scaffold materials, allowing for the modeling of complex human biology through segregated cell co-culture. Kiyatec's services include drug response profiling, toxicity evaluation, and the development of cell-based models for testing small molecules, biologic drugs, and immunotherapies. The company also engages in contract research projects and collaborates with the National Cancer Institute to advance research on cancer types such as breast cancer, glioblastoma, and lung cancer. Founded in 2005, Kiyatec aims to assist medical practitioners in identifying effective treatments for cancer patients by providing insights prior to clinical trials.

Zipit Wireless

Convertible Note in 2012
Zipit Wireless, Inc. is a technology company based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in critical messaging and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Founded in 2007, the company provides instant communication services designed for critical situations, catering to various sectors such as healthcare, education, government, and hospitality. Its Enterprise Critical Messaging Solution enables two-way communication for organizations, enhancing operational efficiency during emergencies. Additionally, Zipit offers cloud-based software and cellular services that support the management of connected devices, including wireless trail cameras and medication adherence devices. The company's subscription platform facilitates cellular activation and provides comprehensive business reports, allowing enterprises to streamline their operations and manage mobile workers effectively. Zipit Wireless markets its innovative software and services on a global scale, helping clients navigate the complexities of IoT connectivity.

Verdeeco

Series A in 2011
Verdeeco is a software provider specializing in data analytics for electric, gas, and water utilities. The company offers a cloud-based platform that enables utilities to efficiently analyze and interpret smart grid data, allowing them to make informed decisions that enhance operational and energy efficiency. By facilitating access to both existing and new granular data from smart meters and SCADA systems, Verdeeco helps utilities move beyond traditional data management systems. The platform also includes tools for data storage and analysis, enabling utilities to predict consumption, demand, and load by assessing various factors such as upcoming events and weather conditions.

Proterra

Series A in 2011
Proterra Inc. is a manufacturer of zero-emission electric buses, primarily focused on providing sustainable transportation solutions for public and commercial transit. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, with additional offices in Greenville, South Carolina, and City of Industry, California, Proterra designs its products, including 35-foot and 40-foot electric buses, to meet the diverse needs of urban and regional transit routes. The company's Catalyst platform is noted for its modularity, allowing it to adapt to various operational demands while delivering high energy efficiency. Proterra also offers a broad range of services, including vehicle electrification solutions, fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance programs. By facilitating the transition away from fossil fuels, Proterra aims to enhance environmental quality and reduce operational costs for fleet operators, contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Spectra Analysis Instruments

Venture Round in 2011
Spectra Analysis, Inc. is a prominent manufacturer of molecular spectroscopy systems, specializing in applications for chromatography. The company focuses on infrared spectroscopy, enabling real-time connections to both gas and liquid chromatography. Its advanced systems facilitate the collection of comprehensive infrared spectra for each component in a separation process, either independently or in conjunction with mass spectroscopy. By providing high-performance and reliable tools, Spectra Analysis supports chemists in the efficient analysis of complex mixtures, catering to diverse sectors including academia, research, and various industries. Their offerings emphasize sensitivity and speed, making them vital for the analysis of controlled substances, polymers, and copolymers.

Sabal Medical

Debt Financing in 2010
Sabal Medical is a healthcare platform focused on enhancing the safety and efficiency of medication administration in hospitals and long-term care facilities. By connecting nurses and pharmacists, the company provides innovative technology that includes mobile medication tracking services utilizing bar code verification. This approach ensures that patients receive the correct medications and proper dosages at the appropriate times, thereby improving overall healthcare delivery and patient safety.

Zipit Wireless

Series C in 2010
Zipit Wireless, Inc. is a technology company based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in critical messaging and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Founded in 2007, the company provides instant communication services designed for critical situations, catering to various sectors such as healthcare, education, government, and hospitality. Its Enterprise Critical Messaging Solution enables two-way communication for organizations, enhancing operational efficiency during emergencies. Additionally, Zipit offers cloud-based software and cellular services that support the management of connected devices, including wireless trail cameras and medication adherence devices. The company's subscription platform facilitates cellular activation and provides comprehensive business reports, allowing enterprises to streamline their operations and manage mobile workers effectively. Zipit Wireless markets its innovative software and services on a global scale, helping clients navigate the complexities of IoT connectivity.

Zipit Wireless

Series C in 2010
Zipit Wireless, Inc. is a technology company based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in critical messaging and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Founded in 2007, the company provides instant communication services designed for critical situations, catering to various sectors such as healthcare, education, government, and hospitality. Its Enterprise Critical Messaging Solution enables two-way communication for organizations, enhancing operational efficiency during emergencies. Additionally, Zipit offers cloud-based software and cellular services that support the management of connected devices, including wireless trail cameras and medication adherence devices. The company's subscription platform facilitates cellular activation and provides comprehensive business reports, allowing enterprises to streamline their operations and manage mobile workers effectively. Zipit Wireless markets its innovative software and services on a global scale, helping clients navigate the complexities of IoT connectivity.

Sensory Analytics

Convertible Note in 2008
Sensory Analytics, LLC specializes in developing advanced sensory solutions for measuring coating thickness and color in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, coatings, electronics, packaging, medical, and pharmaceuticals. The company offers a range of SpecMetrix systems that provide real-time, non-contact measurement capabilities for both in-process and laboratory applications. These systems deliver precise data on coating thickness, achieving accuracy down to sub-micron levels, which enhances process control and product quality while reducing costs. Sensory Analytics' technology is designed for easy setup and can be used on various substrates, making it suitable for both production environments and quality assurance settings. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, Sensory Analytics continues to innovate in the field of measurement solutions.

Selah Technologies

Series A in 2008
Selah Technologies, LLC is an advanced materials manufacturing company developing and commercializing two proprietary nanotechnologies. Selah Dotsâ„¢ are patent-pending photoluminescent carbon-based nanoparticles. Selah Tubesâ„¢ are enriched single-walled nanotubes with precisely engineered electronic properties protected under US Patent No. 7,374,685. Our mission is to consistently deliver high quality nanomaterials and nano-enabled products to the global marketplace. Our growth strategy is to leverage relationships with market leading companies to establish mutually beneficial joint research and development agreements. Our strategy is founded in the conviction that early successes in our target markets will occur via exploitation of nanomaterials in established applications in which their incorporation is both useful and compelling, and addresses needs that nanotechnology can fulfill either immediately or in the very short term.
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