UpTech

UpTech, LLC is a venture capital firm and accelerator based in Covington, Kentucky, specializing in pre-seed, seed/startup, and early-stage investments, primarily in the informatics industry. The firm focuses on data-driven companies developing tech-enabled solutions and seeks to invest in startups located in the United States, particularly in Northern Kentucky. UpTech operates a six-month accelerator program that accepts up to ten startups each year, providing funding between $10,000 and $50,000 in the form of convertible notes. In addition to financial support, the program offers startup education, weekly one-on-one mentoring, six months of free co-working space, and access to dedicated legal and accounting counsel. Founded in January 2012, UpTech aims to foster entrepreneurship and encourage the growth of startups in its local community.

Casey Barach

Investment Coordinator

Richard Herman Tapke

Member of Board of Directors and Current Fund Manager

Jonathan B. Woodruff

MD and Program Director

Past deals in Southeastern US

Monetizr

Seed Round in 2021
Monetizr is a technology company that provides a software development kit designed to help game developers monetize their brands through customized merchandise. Founded in 2016 and based in Covington, Kentucky, the company offers a mobile application that allows developers to create and sell personalized gaming gear, including items like phone cases, T-shirts, mugs, and jigsaw puzzles. Monetizr also features a blockchain-based universal game reward engine that enhances player experiences by enabling them to earn points and coupons while playing games. These rewards can be exchanged for various items, including gift cards and branded merchandise. The platform supports multiple languages and currencies, and it manages product procurement, fulfillment, and customer support. Currently, Monetizr collaborates with over 30 game publishers and has a user base of 17 million monthly active users, focusing primarily on the mobile gaming sector, which represents a significant portion of the gaming industry.

CrownMob

Convertible Note in 2017
CrownMob Inc. operates an online marketplace specializing in beard care, hair care, and skin care products, with a particular focus on the ethnic hair industry. Founded in 2017 and based in Covington, Kentucky, the platform connects consumers with hair creatives, manufacturers, and various hair products. CrownMob's features facilitate informed hair care decisions through customer reviews, streamlined booking of stylists or barbers, and access to galleries showcasing the talents of service providers. This approach allows hair creatives to expand their reach to a broader audience while offering users a convenient and efficient way to manage appointments and payments. CrownMob aims to enhance the overall experience in the hair care market by promoting creativity and expertise among its subscribers.

Monetizr

Convertible Note in 2016
Monetizr is a technology company that provides a software development kit designed to help game developers monetize their brands through customized merchandise. Founded in 2016 and based in Covington, Kentucky, the company offers a mobile application that allows developers to create and sell personalized gaming gear, including items like phone cases, T-shirts, mugs, and jigsaw puzzles. Monetizr also features a blockchain-based universal game reward engine that enhances player experiences by enabling them to earn points and coupons while playing games. These rewards can be exchanged for various items, including gift cards and branded merchandise. The platform supports multiple languages and currencies, and it manages product procurement, fulfillment, and customer support. Currently, Monetizr collaborates with over 30 game publishers and has a user base of 17 million monthly active users, focusing primarily on the mobile gaming sector, which represents a significant portion of the gaming industry.

Blinkit

Non Equity Assistance in 2015
Blinkit is a virtual catalog / trade show / visual social network with elements of a dating site for B2B commerce. The system matches preferences, needs, and locations based upon automated criteria user motivators. At its core, BlinkIt is a virtual catalog, trade show and collaboration system using a proprietary algorithm that intuitively matches products to retailers, therefore getting products to the corporate and local buyers much more effectively. Blinkit currently works with a network of 5,000+ vendors and buyers. You can think of us as the PInterest of b2b commerce. We are Alibaba on steroids. No longer do you need to wade through thousands of pages and sites to find what you are looking to sell, now you can get targeted results that allows you to streamline and simplify your daily work.

gamejoule

Seed Round in 2015
Gamejoule is all about bringing back game night for friends and families by offering the top designer hobby games via a monthly subscription service. By curating and offering the top board and card games, gamejoule aims to disrupt the board gaming industry by: 1) solving the consumer frustration of "I can't easily try before I buy", 2) tackling an industry distribution problem, 3) taking advantage of the emerging trend of board gaming, and 4) becoming another catalyst for the Sharing Economy movement.

gamejoule

Seed Round in 2015
Gamejoule is all about bringing back game night for friends and families by offering the top designer hobby games via a monthly subscription service. By curating and offering the top board and card games, gamejoule aims to disrupt the board gaming industry by: 1) solving the consumer frustration of "I can't easily try before I buy", 2) tackling an industry distribution problem, 3) taking advantage of the emerging trend of board gaming, and 4) becoming another catalyst for the Sharing Economy movement.

Hive

Seed Round in 2015
Hive is a mobile application that connects musicians with their future fans. It also helps music lovers discover new songs. The application provides its users with 30-second audio clips based on their popularity range selection and chosen key word. Users are able to decide if they want to discard or add audio clips to a playlist so that they can listen to the full songs later. It also allows its users to share their favorite artists with others and help them grow. Hive was launched in 2015 and is based in Covington, Kentucky.

Travel Notes

Seed Round in 2015
Travel Notes helps banks provide a seamless customer experience with automatic notification of their cardholder's travel plans, so their card is not declined when they travel outside of their geographic area. Travel Notes also helps banks capture the top of wallet position by putting money back in the pockets of their cardholders who have been impacted by a delayed or canceled airline flight.

Waygr

Seed Round in 2015
Waygr Bet your friends on any sports game.

Travel Notes

Seed Round in 2015
Travel Notes helps banks provide a seamless customer experience with automatic notification of their cardholder's travel plans, so their card is not declined when they travel outside of their geographic area. Travel Notes also helps banks capture the top of wallet position by putting money back in the pockets of their cardholders who have been impacted by a delayed or canceled airline flight.

Tixers

Seed Round in 2015
Tixers is changing the way tickets are exchanged. With Tixers, you can exchange tickets you're unable to use now for tickets you can use in the future. Ticket holders receive instant credit for their tickets and can use those credits for other sporting events or concerts. Those who do not have credits on the site can name the game they want to go to and purchase tickets as well. Millions of tickets go unused each year and Tixers is trying to eliminate this problem. Tixers is different than competitors like Stubhub because Tixers guarantees some value immediately and is aiming to create a network that allows ticket holders, primarily season ticket holders, to "share" tickets among one another. Tixers primary customer are corporations and small businesses that purchase season tickets that they often let go unused. Revenue is generated through processing fees when sellers redeem tickets (similar to frequent flyer mile redemption fees) and on a spread based upon demand.

Waygr

Seed Round in 2015
Waygr Bet your friends on any sports game.

Waygr

Seed Round in 2014
Waygr Bet your friends on any sports game.

CitiLogics

Seed Round in 2014
CitiLogics, LLC specializes in developing models and analytics for the water and wastewater industry, focusing on urban water infrastructure management. Founded in 2009 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company provides a range of services including real-time model and SCADA integration, hydraulic and water quality model development, and distribution system water quality management. CitiLogics also offers online water quality monitoring, GIS and statistical data analysis, and custom software solutions. One of its notable products is Polaris, which combines a SCADA HMI emulator with real-time network model forecasts and scenario management tools for optimizing operational strategies. As a subsidiary of Xylem Inc., CitiLogics leverages research-level engineering expertise to address practical challenges faced by its clients in managing urban water resources.

Travel Notes

Seed Round in 2014
Travel Notes helps banks provide a seamless customer experience with automatic notification of their cardholder's travel plans, so their card is not declined when they travel outside of their geographic area. Travel Notes also helps banks capture the top of wallet position by putting money back in the pockets of their cardholders who have been impacted by a delayed or canceled airline flight.

Dr. Scribbles

Seed Round in 2014
Dr. Scribbles LLC, founded in 2012 and based in Covington, Kentucky, specializes in innovative medical exam table paper. The company's product range includes Classic Fun Design, Interactive Design, Medical Specialty Design, and Patient Education Design. By transforming traditional exam room paper into an interactive experience, Dr. Scribbles enhances patient engagement and education in medical settings. Their offerings not only cover exam tables but also extend to mobile devices and online platforms, creating a comprehensive approach to patient interaction in healthcare environments.

Bearhug Technologies

Seed Round in 2014
Bearhug Technologies is a secure, SaaS website that gives psychological healthcare professionals an easy and safe way to locate, communicate, and exchange clinical documents with one another, with other healthcare providers, and with patients. Ultimately, Bearhug equips these healthcare professionals with the tools they need to coordinate their patients’ psychological health across multiple settings.

Tixers

Seed Round in 2014
Tixers is changing the way tickets are exchanged. With Tixers, you can exchange tickets you're unable to use now for tickets you can use in the future. Ticket holders receive instant credit for their tickets and can use those credits for other sporting events or concerts. Those who do not have credits on the site can name the game they want to go to and purchase tickets as well. Millions of tickets go unused each year and Tixers is trying to eliminate this problem. Tixers is different than competitors like Stubhub because Tixers guarantees some value immediately and is aiming to create a network that allows ticket holders, primarily season ticket holders, to "share" tickets among one another. Tixers primary customer are corporations and small businesses that purchase season tickets that they often let go unused. Revenue is generated through processing fees when sellers redeem tickets (similar to frequent flyer mile redemption fees) and on a spread based upon demand.

3DLT

Convertible Note in 2014
3DLT is a platform for 3D Printing As-a-Service. We work with retailers, helping them offer 3D printable products online and in-store. We create value by unlocking innovation, creating new selling opportunities for retailers and their suppliers. We have announced partnerships with Amazon, Rakuten, and Sears among others. We're also working with many other large retailers and will announce those relationships soon. 3DLT supplies content, technology and production outsourcing. We source content from many sources, including big brands as well as inpdependent designers. We also design content in-house. Our technology powers the transaction and manages payment. We work with very large service bureaus to produce and fulfill our products.

3DLT

Seed Round in 2014
3DLT is a platform for 3D Printing As-a-Service. We work with retailers, helping them offer 3D printable products online and in-store. We create value by unlocking innovation, creating new selling opportunities for retailers and their suppliers. We have announced partnerships with Amazon, Rakuten, and Sears among others. We're also working with many other large retailers and will announce those relationships soon. 3DLT supplies content, technology and production outsourcing. We source content from many sources, including big brands as well as inpdependent designers. We also design content in-house. Our technology powers the transaction and manages payment. We work with very large service bureaus to produce and fulfill our products.

Text and the City

Seed Round in 2014
Text and the City provided users with access to local information, including events, news, mobile coupons, and more. Operating through a mobile app, the company combined their technology with a text message platform, keeping users up-to-date on relevant information. The goal of Text and the City was to reinvent the way people receive information and interact with their local community through mobile communication.

Bearhug Technologies

Seed Round in 2014
Bearhug Technologies is a secure, SaaS website that gives psychological healthcare professionals an easy and safe way to locate, communicate, and exchange clinical documents with one another, with other healthcare providers, and with patients. Ultimately, Bearhug equips these healthcare professionals with the tools they need to coordinate their patients’ psychological health across multiple settings.

New Home Marketing Services

Seed Round in 2014
NHMS delivers applications and consulting services that translate resale data and transform MLS systems into drivers of new home sales. NHMS solutions increase revenue and reduce costs by helping builders: Evaluate the resale market and its potential impact on their product mix and its pricing Determine the best plan, price, placement, and promotion for their spec home inventory. Evaluate lot acquisition strategies Connect with the Realtors that can have the most impact on their sales Get more leads and sales from their MLS listings

3DLT

Seed Round in 2014
3DLT is a platform for 3D Printing As-a-Service. We work with retailers, helping them offer 3D printable products online and in-store. We create value by unlocking innovation, creating new selling opportunities for retailers and their suppliers. We have announced partnerships with Amazon, Rakuten, and Sears among others. We're also working with many other large retailers and will announce those relationships soon. 3DLT supplies content, technology and production outsourcing. We source content from many sources, including big brands as well as inpdependent designers. We also design content in-house. Our technology powers the transaction and manages payment. We work with very large service bureaus to produce and fulfill our products.

3DLT

Seed Round in 2013
3DLT is a platform for 3D Printing As-a-Service. We work with retailers, helping them offer 3D printable products online and in-store. We create value by unlocking innovation, creating new selling opportunities for retailers and their suppliers. We have announced partnerships with Amazon, Rakuten, and Sears among others. We're also working with many other large retailers and will announce those relationships soon. 3DLT supplies content, technology and production outsourcing. We source content from many sources, including big brands as well as inpdependent designers. We also design content in-house. Our technology powers the transaction and manages payment. We work with very large service bureaus to produce and fulfill our products.

Tixers

Seed Round in 2013
Tixers is changing the way tickets are exchanged. With Tixers, you can exchange tickets you're unable to use now for tickets you can use in the future. Ticket holders receive instant credit for their tickets and can use those credits for other sporting events or concerts. Those who do not have credits on the site can name the game they want to go to and purchase tickets as well. Millions of tickets go unused each year and Tixers is trying to eliminate this problem. Tixers is different than competitors like Stubhub because Tixers guarantees some value immediately and is aiming to create a network that allows ticket holders, primarily season ticket holders, to "share" tickets among one another. Tixers primary customer are corporations and small businesses that purchase season tickets that they often let go unused. Revenue is generated through processing fees when sellers redeem tickets (similar to frequent flyer mile redemption fees) and on a spread based upon demand.

New Home Marketing Services

Seed Round in 2013
NHMS delivers applications and consulting services that translate resale data and transform MLS systems into drivers of new home sales. NHMS solutions increase revenue and reduce costs by helping builders: Evaluate the resale market and its potential impact on their product mix and its pricing Determine the best plan, price, placement, and promotion for their spec home inventory. Evaluate lot acquisition strategies Connect with the Realtors that can have the most impact on their sales Get more leads and sales from their MLS listings

Bearhug Technologies

Seed Round in 2013
Bearhug Technologies is a secure, SaaS website that gives psychological healthcare professionals an easy and safe way to locate, communicate, and exchange clinical documents with one another, with other healthcare providers, and with patients. Ultimately, Bearhug equips these healthcare professionals with the tools they need to coordinate their patients’ psychological health across multiple settings.

Text and the City

Seed Round in 2013
Text and the City provided users with access to local information, including events, news, mobile coupons, and more. Operating through a mobile app, the company combined their technology with a text message platform, keeping users up-to-date on relevant information. The goal of Text and the City was to reinvent the way people receive information and interact with their local community through mobile communication.

Text and the City

Seed Round in 2012
Text and the City provided users with access to local information, including events, news, mobile coupons, and more. Operating through a mobile app, the company combined their technology with a text message platform, keeping users up-to-date on relevant information. The goal of Text and the City was to reinvent the way people receive information and interact with their local community through mobile communication.

Gamigen

Seed Round in 2012
GamiGen’s existence began as a small Indie game development studio named 7Moose Games, and by working as an Indie company, 7Moose Games provided a pivotal influence on GamiGen’s ultimate strategy towards development. As an Indie game studio, money and time were in short supply. 7Moose had to do everything faster for less money, and the quality had to rise well above customer expectations. By June of 2012, 7Moose had been accepted into the newly formed business super-accelerator, UpTech. Under UpTech’s guidance, they reformed their company as GamiGen and rededicated theirselves to developing software that pushes all boundaries and limits. Their first products focused on fire safety and situational awareness training. However, it became increasingly evident that their energy was best spent on developing tools that allowed their clients to effectively use game-design principles within their own specific settings. After this realization, a new era of product development began at GamiGen.

CitiLogics

Seed Round in 2012
CitiLogics, LLC specializes in developing models and analytics for the water and wastewater industry, focusing on urban water infrastructure management. Founded in 2009 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company provides a range of services including real-time model and SCADA integration, hydraulic and water quality model development, and distribution system water quality management. CitiLogics also offers online water quality monitoring, GIS and statistical data analysis, and custom software solutions. One of its notable products is Polaris, which combines a SCADA HMI emulator with real-time network model forecasts and scenario management tools for optimizing operational strategies. As a subsidiary of Xylem Inc., CitiLogics leverages research-level engineering expertise to address practical challenges faced by its clients in managing urban water resources.

InstrumentLife

Seed Round in 2012
InstrumentLife, LLC operates as a Website and mobile service to protect musical instrument data. The company offers InstrumentVault, an online virtual vault that allows musicians to upload purchase information, receipts, warranty information, photos, and performances and service work; and VaultCard that enables users to tag their instruments. It serves musicians, retailers, repair shops, manufacturers, organizations, professionals, and schools. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is based in Erlanger, Kentucky.

Gamigen

Seed Round in 2012
GamiGen’s existence began as a small Indie game development studio named 7Moose Games, and by working as an Indie company, 7Moose Games provided a pivotal influence on GamiGen’s ultimate strategy towards development. As an Indie game studio, money and time were in short supply. 7Moose had to do everything faster for less money, and the quality had to rise well above customer expectations. By June of 2012, 7Moose had been accepted into the newly formed business super-accelerator, UpTech. Under UpTech’s guidance, they reformed their company as GamiGen and rededicated theirselves to developing software that pushes all boundaries and limits. Their first products focused on fire safety and situational awareness training. However, it became increasingly evident that their energy was best spent on developing tools that allowed their clients to effectively use game-design principles within their own specific settings. After this realization, a new era of product development began at GamiGen.

CitiLogics

Seed Round in 2012
CitiLogics, LLC specializes in developing models and analytics for the water and wastewater industry, focusing on urban water infrastructure management. Founded in 2009 and based in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company provides a range of services including real-time model and SCADA integration, hydraulic and water quality model development, and distribution system water quality management. CitiLogics also offers online water quality monitoring, GIS and statistical data analysis, and custom software solutions. One of its notable products is Polaris, which combines a SCADA HMI emulator with real-time network model forecasts and scenario management tools for optimizing operational strategies. As a subsidiary of Xylem Inc., CitiLogics leverages research-level engineering expertise to address practical challenges faced by its clients in managing urban water resources.

Text and the City

Seed Round in 2012
Text and the City provided users with access to local information, including events, news, mobile coupons, and more. Operating through a mobile app, the company combined their technology with a text message platform, keeping users up-to-date on relevant information. The goal of Text and the City was to reinvent the way people receive information and interact with their local community through mobile communication.