Wakestream Ventures

Wakestream Ventures, formerly known as Start Garden, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in seed and early-stage businesses, particularly in the technology sector, including hardware-software convergence and e-commerce. The firm operates primarily in Michigan but is open to investments across the United States. It typically invests between $100,000 and $300,000 in initial funding, with the potential for cumulative follow-on investments up to $1.5 million. To receive funding, companies must register as Michigan LLCs, provide updates on their progress, and engage with the firm's resources in Grand Rapids. Wakestream Ventures does not invest in non-profit organizations and requires that investee companies have tangible projects rather than just ideas. The firm aims to maintain a first right of refusal for future outside investments, converting this into equity if securities are issued. Established in April 2012, Wakestream Ventures leverages its region's rich history in innovation and industrial design to support founders working on physical products integrated with the Internet of Things.

Mike DeVries

CIO

Joe Lampen

Finance Director

Past deals in Michigan

Orbion Space Technology

Series B in 2021
Orbion Space Technology, Inc. develops and manufactures plasma propulsion systems for small satellites. It offers electric propulsion technology and space systems. Orbion Space Technology, Inc. was founded in 2016 and is based in Houghton, Michigan.

ADHD Online

Series A in 2021
ADHD Online provides a platform that enables patients to receive a formal evaluation for ADHD from its licensed psychologist's network. It is currently providing diagnoses and some treatment options in all 50 states. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

ATLAS Space Operations

Convertible Note in 2021
ATLAS Space Operations, Inc. develops a software platform for users to gather information from space for use on the ground. The company offers ATLAS Freedom Software Platform, a cloud-based, software-only space management and control system that allows users to gather information from space for use on the ground. It offers features, such as software centric, cloud processing, flex scheduling, data movers, co-opt antennas, AWS services, and operates a cloud data center. It also provides communications services for space. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan.

MaxOne

Venture Round in 2021
MaxOne is a digital coaching platform aimed at enhancing the development of youth athletes through personalized training and performance tracking. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, MaxOne provides tailored coaching tools that utilize computer vision, sensor data, wearables, and performance statistics. This comprehensive approach allows athletes to receive elite-level training at the appropriate moments in their development. The platform also offers parents a centralized view of their child's progress, enabling them to compare performance with peers in the same age group. Additionally, MaxOne facilitates efficient management for head coaches by helping to organize team training schedules, create off-season workout plans, and communicate with parents, ultimately streamlining the operation of athletic programs.

Shoulder Innovations

Venture Round in 2020
Shoulder Innovations, Inc. is a medical device company based in Holland, Michigan, established in 2009. It specializes in designing and manufacturing orthopedic solutions specifically for shoulder replacement surgeries. The company's flagship product, the Total Shoulder Replacement System, features an innovative inset glenoid fixation technology, which enhances the stability and reliability of the glenoid implant—a critical factor in shoulder arthroplasty. This system aims to address the major challenge of implant fixation, which can lead to complications and the need for revision surgeries. Additionally, Shoulder Innovations provides the necessary surgical instrumentation that simplifies the implantation process, ultimately reducing operative time and costs. The company markets its products through distribution partners across the United States, focusing on improving patient outcomes and lowering overall healthcare expenses.

AdAdapted

Venture Round in 2020
AdAdapted, Inc. is a mobile advertising platform designed for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands and agencies. Founded in 2012 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company provides a solution that allows CPG brands to directly engage with their target consumers through native, non-disruptive ads in shopping and planning apps. This approach enables brands to reach consumers at critical decision-making moments, helping to integrate products into digital shopping lists. The AdAdapted platform also tracks consumer behavior, revealing preferences, shopping tendencies, and planning habits, thus offering valuable insights to CPG brands and retailers.

ATLAS Space Operations

Convertible Note in 2020
ATLAS Space Operations, Inc. develops a software platform for users to gather information from space for use on the ground. The company offers ATLAS Freedom Software Platform, a cloud-based, software-only space management and control system that allows users to gather information from space for use on the ground. It offers features, such as software centric, cloud processing, flex scheduling, data movers, co-opt antennas, AWS services, and operates a cloud data center. It also provides communications services for space. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan.

Facility Health

Seed Round in 2020
FHI specializes in asset life cycle care. Its combined software and engineering services solution provides a real-time analysis of assets, the ability to monitor maintenance and repair performance based on the CMMS data, tracking of engineering assessments, and forecasting of asset useful life.

Orbion Space Technology

Series A in 2019
Orbion Space Technology, Inc. develops and manufactures plasma propulsion systems for small satellites. It offers electric propulsion technology and space systems. Orbion Space Technology, Inc. was founded in 2016 and is based in Houghton, Michigan.

HealthBridge

Series B in 2019
HealthBridge Financial, Inc. is an Insurtech company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that specializes in health insurance brokerage services. Founded in 2017, HealthBridge focuses on transforming the healthcare payment landscape by connecting various stakeholders to address the financial challenges associated with patient deductibles and coinsurance. The company's offerings include the design, underwriting, and servicing of credit solutions tailored to the employer-sponsored insurance sector. Through its innovative approach, HealthBridge aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by patients while enhancing the overall efficiency of healthcare transactions.

Workit Health

Series A in 2019
Workit Health, Inc. is a healthcare technology company that specializes in digital treatment for substance use disorders. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Workit Health offers an online platform that combines interactive therapeutic content with professional counseling services. The platform provides evidence-based treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders, including medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine. Users can access therapeutic recovery curriculums, video consultations with clinicians, online recovery groups, and virtual drug testing from the privacy of their homes. Workit Health serves a diverse range of clients, including employers, schools, hospitals, clinics, and recovery support communities, with additional locations in California, New Jersey, Alaska, and Washington.

Shoulder Innovations

Series A in 2018
Shoulder Innovations, Inc. is a medical device company based in Holland, Michigan, established in 2009. It specializes in designing and manufacturing orthopedic solutions specifically for shoulder replacement surgeries. The company's flagship product, the Total Shoulder Replacement System, features an innovative inset glenoid fixation technology, which enhances the stability and reliability of the glenoid implant—a critical factor in shoulder arthroplasty. This system aims to address the major challenge of implant fixation, which can lead to complications and the need for revision surgeries. Additionally, Shoulder Innovations provides the necessary surgical instrumentation that simplifies the implantation process, ultimately reducing operative time and costs. The company markets its products through distribution partners across the United States, focusing on improving patient outcomes and lowering overall healthcare expenses.

Urbaneer

Seed Round in 2018
Urbaneer, LLC, founded in 2012 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializes in the sale of pre-fabricated components designed for space optimization. The company offers a diverse array of products, including flexible furnishings, movable wall systems, and adaptable storage solutions. Urbaneer aims to transform living and working environments through its configurable and compact interior components, which include murphy beds, built-in cabinetry, kitchens, and dual-purpose furniture. By providing innovative solutions, Urbaneer enables homeowners and developers to maximize their interior spaces effectively.

AdAdapted

Convertible Note in 2018
AdAdapted, Inc. is a mobile advertising platform designed for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands and agencies. Founded in 2012 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company provides a solution that allows CPG brands to directly engage with their target consumers through native, non-disruptive ads in shopping and planning apps. This approach enables brands to reach consumers at critical decision-making moments, helping to integrate products into digital shopping lists. The AdAdapted platform also tracks consumer behavior, revealing preferences, shopping tendencies, and planning habits, thus offering valuable insights to CPG brands and retailers.

Inductive Intelligence

Seed Round in 2018
Inductive Intelligence specializes in smart inductive heating and cooking technology that offers a convenient, controlled, safe, and sustainable experience for users. The company's innovative system utilizes NFC tags, temperature sensors, and inductive power to create a highly controlled cooking process while significantly reducing energy consumption—up to 75% less than traditional microwaves. In addition to enhancing cooking efficiency, the platform collects valuable data on user interactions, benefiting consumers, retailers, and consumer packaged goods companies. Positioned within the rapidly expanding markets of single-serve packaging and wireless power, Inductive Intelligence aims to transform the way food and beverages are heated and cooked, making it a significant player in the future of sustainable cooking solutions.

MaxOne

Seed Round in 2018
MaxOne is a digital coaching platform aimed at enhancing the development of youth athletes through personalized training and performance tracking. By leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, MaxOne provides tailored coaching tools that utilize computer vision, sensor data, wearables, and performance statistics. This comprehensive approach allows athletes to receive elite-level training at the appropriate moments in their development. The platform also offers parents a centralized view of their child's progress, enabling them to compare performance with peers in the same age group. Additionally, MaxOne facilitates efficient management for head coaches by helping to organize team training schedules, create off-season workout plans, and communicate with parents, ultimately streamlining the operation of athletic programs.

CertifID

Seed Round in 2018
CertifID LLC is a company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that specializes in providing real-time identity verification and money transfer protection for professionals in the real estate, mortgage, and title industries. Founded in 2017 by experienced attorneys Lawrence Duthler and Tom Cronkright, CertifID offers a platform that enables users to authenticate parties involved in transactions and securely transfer bank account information. The company's solution includes measures such as digital verification, Knowledge Based Authentication (KBA), Two Factor Authentication (2FA), and bank account certification, ensuring that each wire transfer is protected against fraud and guaranteed up to $1 million. This service was developed in response to a significant fraud incident experienced by Sun Title, one of Michigan's largest title agencies, highlighting the need for enhanced security in financial transactions.

Blue Medora

Series B in 2017
Blue Medora is pioneering total IT system insight without plugins. Its software easily connects system health and performance data--no matter its source--with the world’s leading monitoring and analytics platforms, breaking barriers to today’s IT challenges. Based in Grand Rapids, Mich, Blue Medora helps more than 350 customers to unlock Dimensional Data across their IT stack.

Kumanu

Seed Round in 2017
Kumanu helps people and organizations build authentic connections to deeper purpose through advanced science and technology. It is formerly known as JOOL Health, builds stronger organizations and bigger lives by creating better alignment with purpose. We fuse advanced machine learning, leading behavior change science, elegant digital experience design, and real-time predictive decision support to create positive change that’s both scalable and enduring. It’s all integrated into their PurposeCloud, the first purpose activation platform. The platform offers a beautiful, simple, and purposeful app for employees, a real-time analytics dashboard for organizations designed to integrate your corporate, people and wellbeing strategies, and a powerful insights engine that connects, predicts and contextualizes the data.

Work Truck Solutions

Series B in 2017
Work Truck Solutions, Inc. develops marketing and lead generation tools to help commercial vehicle buyers in finding their work truck. The company offers dealer software solutions, and upfitter marketing and display tools. It serves original equipment manufacturers, body and equipment manufacturers, distributors and installers, and commercial vehicle dealers from various brands across the United States. The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Chico, California with additional locations in Michigan and Texas.

Urbaneer

Seed Round in 2017
Urbaneer, LLC, founded in 2012 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializes in the sale of pre-fabricated components designed for space optimization. The company offers a diverse array of products, including flexible furnishings, movable wall systems, and adaptable storage solutions. Urbaneer aims to transform living and working environments through its configurable and compact interior components, which include murphy beds, built-in cabinetry, kitchens, and dual-purpose furniture. By providing innovative solutions, Urbaneer enables homeowners and developers to maximize their interior spaces effectively.

Shoulder Innovations

Series A in 2017
Shoulder Innovations, Inc. is a medical device company based in Holland, Michigan, established in 2009. It specializes in designing and manufacturing orthopedic solutions specifically for shoulder replacement surgeries. The company's flagship product, the Total Shoulder Replacement System, features an innovative inset glenoid fixation technology, which enhances the stability and reliability of the glenoid implant—a critical factor in shoulder arthroplasty. This system aims to address the major challenge of implant fixation, which can lead to complications and the need for revision surgeries. Additionally, Shoulder Innovations provides the necessary surgical instrumentation that simplifies the implantation process, ultimately reducing operative time and costs. The company markets its products through distribution partners across the United States, focusing on improving patient outcomes and lowering overall healthcare expenses.

Blue Medora

Series B in 2016
Blue Medora is pioneering total IT system insight without plugins. Its software easily connects system health and performance data--no matter its source--with the world’s leading monitoring and analytics platforms, breaking barriers to today’s IT challenges. Based in Grand Rapids, Mich, Blue Medora helps more than 350 customers to unlock Dimensional Data across their IT stack.

Workit Health

Seed Round in 2016
Workit Health, Inc. is a healthcare technology company that specializes in digital treatment for substance use disorders. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Workit Health offers an online platform that combines interactive therapeutic content with professional counseling services. The platform provides evidence-based treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders, including medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine. Users can access therapeutic recovery curriculums, video consultations with clinicians, online recovery groups, and virtual drug testing from the privacy of their homes. Workit Health serves a diverse range of clients, including employers, schools, hospitals, clinics, and recovery support communities, with additional locations in California, New Jersey, Alaska, and Washington.

Sportsman Tracker

Series A in 2016
Sportsman Tracker is a cross-platform digital toolset designed to increase success opportunities for hunters and fishermen and allow them to quickly share their experiences. Powered by W.I.T. (Wild Life Intelligence Technology), the tracker calculates the variables that directly affect wildlife behavior. The platform lets track species and gets adaptive features that are specific only the species. Founded in 2012 by Jon Schwander and Jeffrey James Courter, Sportsman Tracker is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Magnesium Development

Seed Round in 2016
Magnesium Development Company, LLC is a medical device developer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializing in sports medicine orthopedics. Founded in 2014, the company focuses on innovative applications of its BioMg 250 magnesium alloy technology, which merges the strength and handling characteristics of traditional metals with the ability to fully absorb in the body. This technology addresses several challenges in surgical repairs, such as delayed resorption, mechanical failures, and complications related to existing materials. By providing solutions for soft tissue injuries in areas like the knee, shoulder, and lower extremities, Magnesium Development aims to enhance recovery outcomes and support patients' return to active lifestyles. As the demand for effective treatments in sports-related injuries continues to rise, the company’s breakthroughs in resorbable metal alloys position it as a key player in advancing orthopedic care.

Alsentis

Seed Round in 2015
Alsentis, LLC specializes in the development of touch sensing technology products that utilize touch signatures for surface touch detection. Founded in 2008 and based in Holland, Michigan, the company offers a range of products, including discrete touch button sensor chipsets and development kits. With a technical team boasting over 25 years of experience in thin-film sensing technologies, Alsentis has cultivated a robust intellectual property portfolio that reflects more than 15 years of innovation. The company's expertise encompasses various foundational touch technologies, including HSS™, Electrode Design, Touch System Integration, FieldEffect™ Touch Technology, and Capacitive Touch Technologies, positioning it to deliver innovative solutions in the touch technology sector.

VNN

Venture Round in 2015
VNN, Inc. operates a high school sports marketing and networking platform that enables athletes to share videos, pictures, stories, and scores while allowing coaches to report game results to media outlets. Founded in 2010 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company serves schools across numerous states, including Alabama, California, and Texas. VNN is recognized as the largest and fastest-growing platform of its kind in the United States, catering to a community of over 7 million fans and adding approximately 8,000 fans daily. The platform aggregates the fragmented high school sports market, enhancing the consumer experience by providing digital and Internet advertising and promotional services.

Blue Medora

Series A in 2015
Blue Medora is pioneering total IT system insight without plugins. Its software easily connects system health and performance data--no matter its source--with the world’s leading monitoring and analytics platforms, breaking barriers to today’s IT challenges. Based in Grand Rapids, Mich, Blue Medora helps more than 350 customers to unlock Dimensional Data across their IT stack.

Benefit Mobile

Venture Round in 2015
Benefit is a mobile fundraising solution that lets schools and non-profits raise money without ever asking for a dime. Individuals are invited to download the mobile app and simply shop at any of Benefit's participating national and local retailers. When they use the app at checkout a percentage of the transaction goes to the supported cause of the user's choice. It also enables charitable organizations to raise funds fast with minimal effort and enables users to support the causes they care most about with every purchase, without spending an extra penny.

Sportsman Tracker

Series A in 2015
Sportsman Tracker is a cross-platform digital toolset designed to increase success opportunities for hunters and fishermen and allow them to quickly share their experiences. Powered by W.I.T. (Wild Life Intelligence Technology), the tracker calculates the variables that directly affect wildlife behavior. The platform lets track species and gets adaptive features that are specific only the species. Founded in 2012 by Jon Schwander and Jeffrey James Courter, Sportsman Tracker is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Fluency Mobile

Seed Round in 2015
The world gets smaller every day, but language barriers remain. Fluency provides live, on-demand interpreters who speak 200+ languages starting at $5 per minute. We help you connect with anybody, anywhere on your terms. They help you focus on what you do best--opening up new opportunities to grow your business across multiple time zones and cultures.

AdAdapted

Seed Round in 2014
AdAdapted, Inc. is a mobile advertising platform designed for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands and agencies. Founded in 2012 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company provides a solution that allows CPG brands to directly engage with their target consumers through native, non-disruptive ads in shopping and planning apps. This approach enables brands to reach consumers at critical decision-making moments, helping to integrate products into digital shopping lists. The AdAdapted platform also tracks consumer behavior, revealing preferences, shopping tendencies, and planning habits, thus offering valuable insights to CPG brands and retailers.

Birdhouse

Angel Round in 2014
Birdhouse is a social enterprise that provides web and smartphone apps to the developmental disabilities community to make caregiving easier and more successful, and to help families thrive.

VNN

Series A in 2014
VNN, Inc. operates a high school sports marketing and networking platform that enables athletes to share videos, pictures, stories, and scores while allowing coaches to report game results to media outlets. Founded in 2010 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company serves schools across numerous states, including Alabama, California, and Texas. VNN is recognized as the largest and fastest-growing platform of its kind in the United States, catering to a community of over 7 million fans and adding approximately 8,000 fans daily. The platform aggregates the fragmented high school sports market, enhancing the consumer experience by providing digital and Internet advertising and promotional services.

Silikids

Seed Round in 2014
Silikids is the first silicone feeding brand focusing on tableware products made entirely out of SILICONE. The company combines need-based innovation with the superior advantages of SILICONE, offering an alternative to plastic wares found in the kitchen. It was founded in 2006 and headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan.

CorkCRM

Seed Round in 2013
CorkCRM provides contractors the tools they need to manage their business: sales tracking, appointment setting, electronic proposals and contracts, job scheduling, automatic emails, and payroll.

Respondwell

Seed Round in 2013
RespondWell, LLC, a digital health company, provides a telerehabilitation platform for patients, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, hospital systems, and senior care facilities. It offers prevention modules, rehabilitation modules, clinical content modules, and clinician tools; and assess, assign, engage, and report solutions. The company was formerly known as Respondesign, Inc. RespondWell, LLC was founded in 2003 and is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As of October 27, 2016, RespondWell, LLC operates as a subsidiary of Zimmer Biomet Signature Solutions.

SurgeryEdu

Seed Round in 2013
SurgeryEdu aims to help healthcare professionals educate patients about medical procedures using 3D interactive animations through our tablet based mobile applications. We hope to improve patient satisfaction by facilitating more effective, interactive, and engaging doctor-patient communication. www.surgeryedu.com

GreenLancer

Series A in 2013
GreenLancer is a cloud-based engineering firm that uses proprietary technology and a network of highly qualified engineers to help clients design and sell clean energy systems anywhere in the world. GreenLancer is a platform that brings engineering resources and experience to clients on all sides of the renewable energy industry. GreenLancer provides project development and engineering deliverables and support to clients who are making, selling, buying, or installing clean technology.

GINKGOTREE

Series A in 2013
Ginkgotree is a course content platform for teachers and trainers to build online curriculums. Ginkgotree’s beta launched in October 2012, and their MVP was pushed out at the end of December. They currently have over 250 individual faculty signups, and their first paid pilot is underway with several more institutions jumping on for Summer and Fall 2013.

Chalkfly

Series A in 2013
Chalkfly is reinventing the experience of buying office and school supplies online. With over 50,000 products, 24/7 customer service, a 365 return policy and a mission to change the world - Chalkfly is bringing excitement and purpose to the office supply world. Chalkfly customers can choose a teacher to receive five percent of their purchase. We believe that doing good is good business and we're committed to supporting the communities in which we serve. Founded in late 2012, Chalkfly is ranked as one of the fastest growing e-commerce companies in country (we’re the youngest member of the Internet Retailer’s Second 500 for 2013). Chalkfly is also proud to be ranked as one of Turnstone’s 2013 Best Young Companies To Work For. We’re proudly based in Detroit and through our amazing team and commitment to education, we hope to change the way supplies are bought online. Chalkfly is currently fundraising. We'd welcome the chance to explore partnership opportunities. Please reach out to smile@chalkfly.com if interested. Thank you!

Alsentis

Convertible Note in 2013
Alsentis, LLC specializes in the development of touch sensing technology products that utilize touch signatures for surface touch detection. Founded in 2008 and based in Holland, Michigan, the company offers a range of products, including discrete touch button sensor chipsets and development kits. With a technical team boasting over 25 years of experience in thin-film sensing technologies, Alsentis has cultivated a robust intellectual property portfolio that reflects more than 15 years of innovation. The company's expertise encompasses various foundational touch technologies, including HSS™, Electrode Design, Touch System Integration, FieldEffect™ Touch Technology, and Capacitive Touch Technologies, positioning it to deliver innovative solutions in the touch technology sector.

Blue Medora

Seed Round in 2013
Blue Medora is pioneering total IT system insight without plugins. Its software easily connects system health and performance data--no matter its source--with the world’s leading monitoring and analytics platforms, breaking barriers to today’s IT challenges. Based in Grand Rapids, Mich, Blue Medora helps more than 350 customers to unlock Dimensional Data across their IT stack.

Local Orbit

Seed Round in 2012
Local Orbit has evolved through two years of conversations with farmers, food producers, chefs, eaters and people working to solve food distribution challenges. They’ve heard countless stories about disconnected markets and inefficient communications. They serve every link in this food chain beautifully, by providing an elegant platform for multi-channel sales, streamlined purchasing and efficient business management.