Venture for America

Bonfire Analytics provides an analytics platform aimed at enhancing decision-making for sales teams in the healthcare sector. The company specializes in assisting health tech organizations, including those in digital health, medical devices, and biotechnology. Through its services, Bonfire Analytics leverages artificial intelligence to deliver insights that identify which providers and plans are most likely to engage in purchasing before initial contact. This approach helps healthcare companies optimize their customer acquisition strategies and improve sales efficiency by utilizing claims-based targeting and AI-driven analytics.

Umami Bioworks is a company focused on the discovery and development of a scalable platform for producing cultivated seafood, aiming to protect endangered marine species while providing consumers with sustainable seafood options. The company utilizes systems engineering to enhance the discovery and industrialization processes, facilitating local production that is both price competitive and environmentally responsible. Its innovative approach involves creating cell-based food products derived from fish cells and tissue, which are designed to be free from harmful substances such as mercury, antibiotics, microplastics, and ocean pollutants. By offering affordable, cell-cultured seafood and meat alternatives, Umami Bioworks addresses the growing demand for healthy and sustainable food choices.

Sendspark Inc. is an online platform founded in 2019 and based in San Antonio, Texas, that enables businesses to create and send personalized videos. The platform provides tools for users to record videos directly from their browser, customize landing pages, and share content via email or public URLs. Additionally, it offers analytics tracking, allowing businesses to monitor engagement and effectiveness. By facilitating personalized video outreach, Sendspark aims to strengthen customer relationships throughout various stages of the sales funnel.

Balto Software Inc. is a developer of sales software that leverages artificial intelligence and real-time conversation analytics to enhance the performance of sales representatives during phone calls. Founded in 2017 and based in Saint Louis, Missouri, Balto's platform offers agents live guidance by alerting them to mistakes and providing suggestions tailored to specific products, phrases, and industry terminology. The software monitors conversations for compliance and quality, allowing representatives to self-correct in real time, while also equipping managers with tools to oversee key behaviors. Balto's solutions support various functions, including sales leadership, customer service, and compliance, and have guided over 150 million calls, resulting in substantial revenue increases and high customer ratings. The company is trusted by numerous contact centers, helping to prevent missed sales opportunities and improve customer experiences.

PathSpot is a company focused on developing contaminant detection devices that identify food-borne pathogens. Its technology employs advanced algorithms to filter, process, and analyze surfaces, cooking utensils, and employees' hands for harmful bacteria. By providing instant detection of invisible pathogens, PathSpot's devices help clients safeguard against foodborne illnesses, ensuring a safer environment in food preparation and handling.

Healthy Roots is a toy company that creates dolls and storybooks aimed to teach natural hair care to young girls of color. It aims to empower girls through education, diversity, and positive representation by utilizing a doll, book, and app to teach natural hair care to young girls. The dolls come in different skin tones, facial features, and hair textures to represent the diversity of the African diaspora. Its first Black doll, Zoe, was launched in 2019, which combines educational play experience with curly hair care. The doll's hair can be styled in a variety of ways with the guidance of the Big Book of Hair. The Big Book of Hair is an illustrated manual for natural hair care. Healthy Roots Dolls' app allows users to track their hair health and get curated content for their specific hair needs to be based on the data they input. Yelitsa Jean-Charles founded the Detroit, Michigan-based company in 2015.

TernPro, Inc. is a company based in Detroit, Michigan, that specializes in video production for organizations by utilizing the perspectives of their participants. The company assists clients in capturing video footage during various activities, events, or expeditions by providing camera equipment and facilitating participant engagement. TernPro not only captures this footage but also edits it into a cohesive video that can be shared widely. Additionally, TernPro offers a software solution called Slope, designed to streamline the planning, tracking, and collaboration of marketing and creative projects. As of January 2019, TernPro operates as a subsidiary of Smartsheet Inc.

Zest Tea, founded in 2014 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, specializes in high-caffeine tea products aimed at enhancing mental clarity and energy. The company offers a diverse range of caffeinated teas that incorporate amino acids such as L-Theanine, which work synergistically to extend energy levels and promote steady alertness. Zest Tea's formulations focus on delivering low to no sugar options made from natural ingredients, ensuring customers feel energized and refreshed.