Venture for America

Bonfire Analytics is a company that specializes in providing AI-driven decision-making services to the healthcare sector. It develops an analytics platform tailored for sales teams in health tech, including digital health, medical devices, and biotechnology. The platform assists these companies by identifying which healthcare providers and insurance plans are most likely to engage in purchasing before any initial contact is made. By leveraging artificial intelligence, Bonfire Analytics enhances sales efficiency through insights and targeted strategies based on claims data, enabling healthcare organizations to optimize their customer acquisition efforts effectively.

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., established in 2019 and headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, specializes in an online platform that facilitates the creation and distribution of personalized videos for businesses. This service enables companies to strengthen customer relationships throughout various stages of the sales funnel by offering tools such as browser-based video recording, customizable landing pages, email sharing options, and detailed analytics tracking.

Balto Software Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing sales software powered by artificial intelligence and real-time conversation analytics. Founded in 2017 and based in Saint Louis, Missouri, Balto's platform is designed to enhance the performance of contact center agents by providing live guidance during phone calls. The software alerts agents to potential mistakes, offers industry-specific suggestions, and monitors conversation milestones to ensure representatives remain on track. Additionally, it helps agents handle objections, recognize customer signals, and balance communication effectively. Balto's solutions are utilized by various sectors, including sales, customer service, and compliance, and have been instrumental in guiding over 150 million calls and delivering more than 185 million real-time recommendations. This proactive approach not only improves agent performance but also enhances customer satisfaction and drives increased revenue for businesses. Balto is recognized for its effectiveness, holding a high rating on customer review platforms.

PathSpot Technologies, Inc., established in 2017 and headquartered in New York City, specializes in food safety solutions. The company develops and manufactures a unique system that uses a proprietary algorithm to analyze fluorescent light, enabling it to scan employees' hands and detect pathogens that cause food-borne illnesses. This technology helps restaurants and their customers mitigate the risk of food-borne illnesses by providing instant, invisible signs of harmful bacteria and viruses.

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 Detroit-based technology and services company that specializes in video production for organizations. The company focuses on capturing and creating videos from the perspective of participants involved in various activities, events, or expeditions. TernPro provides clients with camera equipment, assists in capturing footage, and engages participants to create compelling content. The company also handles the editing process to produce polished videos suitable for sharing. Additionally, TernPro offers Slope, a software as a service platform designed to facilitate the planning, tracking, and collaboration on marketing and creative projects, enhancing the overall content production experience.

Zest Tea, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, specializes in high-caffeine teas aimed at enhancing mental clarity and energy levels. The company offers a diverse range of caffeinated tea products that combine caffeine with amino acids such as L-Theanine, which work together to prolong energy and promote steady alertness. Zest Tea focuses on providing beverages that are low to no sugar and made from natural ingredients, catering to customers seeking refreshing and energizing options.