180 Degree Capital

180 Degree Capital is an investment firm located in Montclair, New Jersey, specializing in a range of sectors including technology, nanotechnology, energy, clean technology, healthcare, and electronics. Established in 1981, the firm is recognized as a proactive investor in small technology companies, focusing on those that develop innovative nanoscale-enabled solutions across various applications such as solid state lighting, memory devices, and life sciences. 180 Degree Capital often collaborates with other venture capital firms and strategic investors, positioning itself as a lead investor in many cases. The firm adheres to a traditional early-stage venture capital model, seeking to support technology-based startups through its extensive network, technical expertise, and financial resources. It prioritizes investments in companies that demonstrate strong scientific, technological, and business capabilities, particularly those with proprietary technologies and market-centric strategies aimed at dominating significant product categories. Though primarily focused on the United States, the firm has occasionally explored international investments.

Alexei Andreev

Executive Vice President and Managing Director

Charles E. Harris

Chairman and CEO

Blake Stevens

Associate

Past deals in Nanotechnology

Enumeral Biomedical Holdings

Post in 2014
Enumeral Biomedical focuses on advancing immunology by developing novel antibody immunotherapies that enhance the immune system's ability to target diseased cells. Utilizing a microengraving process enabled by nanotechnology, the company extensively explores the human immune microenvironment. This approach allows for the identification and characterization of new drugs that address cancer, infectious, and inflammatory diseases. Enumeral Biomedical aims to provide solutions for patients who are often underserved in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, thereby contributing to the field of personalized medicine and therapeutic discovery.

HZO

Series B in 2014
HZO specializes in protective nano and conformal coatings designed to safeguard electronic components in challenging environments. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, the company offers innovative water protection solutions tailored for electronics manufacturers. By utilizing advanced thin-film protective technology, including Parylene coatings, HZO enables manufacturers to create durable products capable of withstanding corrosive and liquid exposure. Its focus on nanotechnology and waterproofing allows for effective protection of electronic circuits and components, ensuring reliability in wet and harsh conditions.

Nantero

Series D in 2012
Nantero, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, that specializes in the development of semiconductor products utilizing carbon nanotubes. Founded in 2001, Nantero focuses on creating nonvolatile random access memory (NRAM) chips, which provide high-density, high-speed storage solutions for a variety of applications, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and industrial systems. The company's NRAM technology offers advantages over traditional memory types, such as zero power consumption in standby mode, making it suitable for both standalone and embedded memory applications. In addition to NRAM, Nantero produces nanoelectromechanical switches and other semiconductor products, and collaborates with licensees to expand the use of its nanotube-based technology across various sectors.

Contour Energy

Series C in 2011
Contour Energy is a company of portable power that commercializes customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications. It designs its next-generation battery systems to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs. Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, It combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power. With its headquarters in Azusa in California, a team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo and Valence Technologies manages it. Private entrepreneurs hold it.

HZO

Series B in 2011
HZO specializes in protective nano and conformal coatings designed to safeguard electronic components in challenging environments. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, the company offers innovative water protection solutions tailored for electronics manufacturers. By utilizing advanced thin-film protective technology, including Parylene coatings, HZO enables manufacturers to create durable products capable of withstanding corrosive and liquid exposure. Its focus on nanotechnology and waterproofing allows for effective protection of electronic circuits and components, ensuring reliability in wet and harsh conditions.

Nano Terra

Debt Financing in 2011
Nano Terra, Inc. is a surface engineering and nanotechnology co-development company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 2005, it specializes in the development and commercialization of advanced materials, coatings, polymer formulations, and high-resolution printing technologies. The company focuses on creating innovative solutions, including ultra-thin electronic displays, fuel cells, sensors, and solar power devices. It serves a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and electronics, by leveraging its expertise in surface science and advanced materials to help clients bring transformative products to market. Nano Terra also addresses critical challenges in national defense and human health through its work in diagnostics and counterfeit detection.

Contour Energy

Series B in 2010
Contour Energy is a company of portable power that commercializes customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications. It designs its next-generation battery systems to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs. Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, It combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power. With its headquarters in Azusa in California, a team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo and Valence Technologies manages it. Private entrepreneurs hold it.

Contour Energy

Series A in 2008
Contour Energy is a company of portable power that commercializes customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications. It designs its next-generation battery systems to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs. Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, It combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power. With its headquarters in Azusa in California, a team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, General Electric, Hewlett-Packard, Sanyo and Valence Technologies manages it. Private entrepreneurs hold it.

Xradia

Series D in 2007
Xradia develops technology to help advance innovation in science and industry by providing unique insight through superior X-ray imaging solutions. Our products utilize advanced X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging methodology and optics to nondestructively produce 3D images of objects with exceptional spatial resolution and contrast. Xradia's technology is based on proprietary X-ray optics and detectors. Xradia produces state-of-the-art far-field ambient environment imaging systems capable of 3D imaging with resolution below 50 nm. Xradia's commercial products have 3D resolution from the nanometer level up to several hundred microns.

NeoPhotonics

Series C in 2006
NeoPhotonics is a technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of optical components and subsystems used in high-speed digital communications networks. The company offers a comprehensive range of active and passive optical products tailored for various market segments, including fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), data communications, storage area networks, and both metro and long-haul networks. Its product lineup includes transceivers, integrated splitters, multiplexers, and advanced optical modules, all designed to support a wide array of data rates and applications. Notably, NeoPhotonics is recognized for its innovative silica Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) technology, which plays a crucial role in modern optical networks. Additionally, the company produces MEMS-based Variable Optical Attenuators and Dynamic Channel Equalizers, enhancing the performance and efficiency of communication systems.

NanoOpto

Series D in 2006
NanoOpto specializes in the design and manufacturing of integrated modular nano-optic components for optical systems and networks. Utilizing proprietary nano-optics and nano-manufacturing technology, the company offers a range of products, including IR cut filters, nano-optic isolators, deep ultraviolet polarizers, polarizing beam splitters, optical isolators, microlens arrays, and WDM filters, along with waveplates and trim retarders. With a focus on rapid prototyping and high performance, NanoOpto's innovative techniques enable the production of superior conventional optical components and the development of new integrated components. The company also provides services such as conformal optical coatings, precision coatings, precision dicing, and optical design and engineering. Operating from its facility in Somerset, New Jersey, NanoOpto aims to lower overall system costs while enhancing optical capabilities through its advanced manufacturing processes.

NanoGram

Venture Round in 2006
NanoGram Corporation is a nanotechnology company focused on developing and manufacturing advanced products for photovoltaics, electronics, and displays. It offers a customized application-specific nanotechnology platform that produces nanoscale compositions for various sectors, including optical, electronic, imaging, biomedical, and energy applications. The company has successfully incubated and spun out two firms, NeoPhotonics and NanoGram Devices. With a presence in Japan through its Tokyo office and a strategic partnership with Nagase & Co., Ltd / Nagase ChemteX Corporation, NanoGram is expanding its footprint in the region. Additionally, its office in Seoul, South Korea, supports its growth in the Korean market.

Molecular Imprints

Series C in 2005
Molecular Imprints Inc., founded in 2001 and based in Austin, Texas, specializes in manufacturing imprint and lithography systems designed for creating nanometer-scale surface relief structures. The company is recognized for its Jet and Flash imprint lithography technology, which offers advanced nanopatterning capabilities for various high-tech industries, including displays, life sciences, and light-emitting diodes. With a robust intellectual property portfolio, Molecular Imprints has applied for over 700 patents, resulting in more than 100 issued patents that encompass imprint tools, materials, and process technology. The core of its technology, the Jet and Flash Imprint Lithography, employs the IntelliJet Drop Pattern Generator to achieve precise placement of photoresist on substrates in extremely small volumes, facilitating the uniform imprinting of features down to 10 nanometers and below. Through a combination of specialized competencies and strategic partnerships, Molecular Imprints delivers innovative solutions that meet the demanding needs of its customers.

NeoPhotonics

Venture Round in 2005
NeoPhotonics is a technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of optical components and subsystems used in high-speed digital communications networks. The company offers a comprehensive range of active and passive optical products tailored for various market segments, including fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), data communications, storage area networks, and both metro and long-haul networks. Its product lineup includes transceivers, integrated splitters, multiplexers, and advanced optical modules, all designed to support a wide array of data rates and applications. Notably, NeoPhotonics is recognized for its innovative silica Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) technology, which plays a crucial role in modern optical networks. Additionally, the company produces MEMS-based Variable Optical Attenuators and Dynamic Channel Equalizers, enhancing the performance and efficiency of communication systems.

NanoOpto

Series C in 2005
NanoOpto specializes in the design and manufacturing of integrated modular nano-optic components for optical systems and networks. Utilizing proprietary nano-optics and nano-manufacturing technology, the company offers a range of products, including IR cut filters, nano-optic isolators, deep ultraviolet polarizers, polarizing beam splitters, optical isolators, microlens arrays, and WDM filters, along with waveplates and trim retarders. With a focus on rapid prototyping and high performance, NanoOpto's innovative techniques enable the production of superior conventional optical components and the development of new integrated components. The company also provides services such as conformal optical coatings, precision coatings, precision dicing, and optical design and engineering. Operating from its facility in Somerset, New Jersey, NanoOpto aims to lower overall system costs while enhancing optical capabilities through its advanced manufacturing processes.

Nanomix

Series C in 2005
Nanomix, Inc. develops automated point-of-care diagnostic systems designed to deliver rapid and actionable diagnostic information. The company's flagship product, the Nanōmix eLab® System, features a handheld reader and an integrated assay cartridge with a proprietary biosensor, enabling assays to provide results in 10 minutes or less. This system is particularly useful for critical care settings, allowing for timely diagnosis of conditions such as sepsis and cardiac issues within crucial clinical windows. The eLab platform supports multiple in-vitro diagnostic and enzymatic assays from a single whole-blood sample, enhancing its utility in various healthcare environments. Founded in 2000 and based in Emeryville, California, Nanomix aims to reduce healthcare system costs while improving patient outcomes through its innovative mobile diagnostics solutions.

Nantero

Series C in 2005
Nantero, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, that specializes in the development of semiconductor products utilizing carbon nanotubes. Founded in 2001, Nantero focuses on creating nonvolatile random access memory (NRAM) chips, which provide high-density, high-speed storage solutions for a variety of applications, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and industrial systems. The company's NRAM technology offers advantages over traditional memory types, such as zero power consumption in standby mode, making it suitable for both standalone and embedded memory applications. In addition to NRAM, Nantero produces nanoelectromechanical switches and other semiconductor products, and collaborates with licensees to expand the use of its nanotube-based technology across various sectors.

Cambrios Technologies

Series B in 2005
Cambrios Technologies Corporation specializes in developing and manufacturing advanced electronic materials, particularly electrodes made from silver nanowires. These materials simplify the manufacturing processes for electronic devices while enhancing their performance. The company's flagship product, ClearOhm, consists of silver nanowire coating materials that create transparent conducting layers on various substrates. This technology is applicable to a wide range of products, including touch screens, liquid crystal displays, e-paper, organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), and thin film photovoltaics. Founded in 2002 as Semzyme, Inc., the company rebranded to Cambrios Technologies Corporation in 2004 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with additional offices in Japan and Taiwan. Cambrios aims to leverage its nanostructured materials to improve the efficiency and capabilities of next-generation consumer devices.

NanoGram

Series B in 2004
NanoGram Corporation is a nanotechnology company focused on developing and manufacturing advanced products for photovoltaics, electronics, and displays. It offers a customized application-specific nanotechnology platform that produces nanoscale compositions for various sectors, including optical, electronic, imaging, biomedical, and energy applications. The company has successfully incubated and spun out two firms, NeoPhotonics and NanoGram Devices. With a presence in Japan through its Tokyo office and a strategic partnership with Nagase & Co., Ltd / Nagase ChemteX Corporation, NanoGram is expanding its footprint in the region. Additionally, its office in Seoul, South Korea, supports its growth in the Korean market.

Molecular Imprints

Series B in 2004
Molecular Imprints Inc., founded in 2001 and based in Austin, Texas, specializes in manufacturing imprint and lithography systems designed for creating nanometer-scale surface relief structures. The company is recognized for its Jet and Flash imprint lithography technology, which offers advanced nanopatterning capabilities for various high-tech industries, including displays, life sciences, and light-emitting diodes. With a robust intellectual property portfolio, Molecular Imprints has applied for over 700 patents, resulting in more than 100 issued patents that encompass imprint tools, materials, and process technology. The core of its technology, the Jet and Flash Imprint Lithography, employs the IntelliJet Drop Pattern Generator to achieve precise placement of photoresist on substrates in extremely small volumes, facilitating the uniform imprinting of features down to 10 nanometers and below. Through a combination of specialized competencies and strategic partnerships, Molecular Imprints delivers innovative solutions that meet the demanding needs of its customers.

NeoPhotonics

Series B in 2004
NeoPhotonics is a technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of optical components and subsystems used in high-speed digital communications networks. The company offers a comprehensive range of active and passive optical products tailored for various market segments, including fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), data communications, storage area networks, and both metro and long-haul networks. Its product lineup includes transceivers, integrated splitters, multiplexers, and advanced optical modules, all designed to support a wide array of data rates and applications. Notably, NeoPhotonics is recognized for its innovative silica Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) technology, which plays a crucial role in modern optical networks. Additionally, the company produces MEMS-based Variable Optical Attenuators and Dynamic Channel Equalizers, enhancing the performance and efficiency of communication systems.

NanoOpto

Series B in 2003
NanoOpto specializes in the design and manufacturing of integrated modular nano-optic components for optical systems and networks. Utilizing proprietary nano-optics and nano-manufacturing technology, the company offers a range of products, including IR cut filters, nano-optic isolators, deep ultraviolet polarizers, polarizing beam splitters, optical isolators, microlens arrays, and WDM filters, along with waveplates and trim retarders. With a focus on rapid prototyping and high performance, NanoOpto's innovative techniques enable the production of superior conventional optical components and the development of new integrated components. The company also provides services such as conformal optical coatings, precision coatings, precision dicing, and optical design and engineering. Operating from its facility in Somerset, New Jersey, NanoOpto aims to lower overall system costs while enhancing optical capabilities through its advanced manufacturing processes.

Nantero

Series B in 2003
Nantero, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, that specializes in the development of semiconductor products utilizing carbon nanotubes. Founded in 2001, Nantero focuses on creating nonvolatile random access memory (NRAM) chips, which provide high-density, high-speed storage solutions for a variety of applications, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and industrial systems. The company's NRAM technology offers advantages over traditional memory types, such as zero power consumption in standby mode, making it suitable for both standalone and embedded memory applications. In addition to NRAM, Nantero produces nanoelectromechanical switches and other semiconductor products, and collaborates with licensees to expand the use of its nanotube-based technology across various sectors.

Nanogram Devices

Venture Round in 2003
NanoGram Devices Corporation is a nanotechnology company located in Milpitas, California, founded in 2002 by Jason Lemkin. The company specializes in the development of products utilizing nanomaterials to create power sources specifically for medical device applications.

Optiva

Series C in 2003
Optiva develops and manufactures nanomaterials for use in optical, electro-optical, and semiconductor applications.

Nantero

Series A in 2001
Nantero, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Woburn, Massachusetts, that specializes in the development of semiconductor products utilizing carbon nanotubes. Founded in 2001, Nantero focuses on creating nonvolatile random access memory (NRAM) chips, which provide high-density, high-speed storage solutions for a variety of applications, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and industrial systems. The company's NRAM technology offers advantages over traditional memory types, such as zero power consumption in standby mode, making it suitable for both standalone and embedded memory applications. In addition to NRAM, Nantero produces nanoelectromechanical switches and other semiconductor products, and collaborates with licensees to expand the use of its nanotube-based technology across various sectors.

Nanophase Technologies

Series D in 1994
Nanophase Technologies Corporation, established in 1989 and headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois, specializes in the production of engineered nanomaterials for diverse applications. The company offers surface-engineered zinc oxide and titanium dioxide primarily for sunscreens and personal care products, along with fully formulated cosmetics under the Solésence brand. Its advanced materials include architectural and industrial coatings, abrasion-resistant additives, and medical diagnostics. Additionally, Nanophase Technologies provides coated nanoparticles and dispersions utilized across various markets, including energy and surface finishing technologies. By leveraging integrated nanomaterial technologies, the company aims to deliver tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of its customers in multiple industries.
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