Sierra Angels

Sierra Angels is an angel investment group based in Incline Village, Nevada, established in 1997. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on technology companies in sectors such as clean energy, health tech, social media, and software. With a preference for investing between $0.25 million and $2 million, Sierra Angels aims for investments that can achieve a return of 5-10 times within three to five years. The firm is known for its active involvement in the entrepreneurial community, providing not only capital but also mentoring and valuable connections to the startups it supports. Sierra Angels collaborates with other angel groups and earlier-stage venture capitalists, particularly when investing in companies located outside of its primary regions of Nevada and California. The group comprises experienced former startup founders and executives who have collectively supported over sixty companies across various industries, contributing to the economic growth of technology-driven enterprises in the Northern Sierra region.

Bob Goff

Founder

33 past transactions

Simplesense

Convertible Note in 2023
Simplesense is a developer of an emergency response platform aimed at enhancing coordination between public and private first responders. The platform is designed to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks by streamlining access to previously siloed information. It enables real-time monitoring, diagnosis, and response to events, effectively covering the cyber-physical infrastructure from the cloud to the communications closet. By facilitating faster response times, Simplesense aims to minimize loss of life and serious injury during emergencies. Additionally, the company focuses on authorizing and deploying proven cybersecurity solutions specifically tailored for Industrial Control Systems and Operational Technology.

Parallel Health

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Powered by genomics, skin microbiome science, and machine learning, Parallel is an end-to-end next-generation skin health company providing derm telehealth, cutting-edge skin microbiome diagnostics, precision microbiome skincare, and personalized Rx

TransformativeMed

Angel Round in 2020
TransformativeMed, Inc. is a healthcare technology company based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2007. The company specializes in developing software solutions that enhance hospital operations and improve patient care. Its primary offerings include Smart Health Apps, which integrate with electronic medical record (EMR) data and clinician workflows. Key products are CORES Smart Handoffs, allowing seamless patient sign-outs between providers; GlycemiCare Smart Glucose, which supports inpatient teams in managing glycemic control to enhance patient safety; and ACR Select Smart Imaging, providing imaging decision support directly within the EMR at the point of order entry. TransformativeMed's platform translates critical patient data into actionable insights, enabling healthcare professionals to focus more on patient outcomes and streamline their processes.

ShieldIO

Angel Round in 2020
ShieldIO, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in developing an encryption and data availability platform designed to enhance data security across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, and insurance. Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, ShieldIO employs a proprietary artificial intelligence engine and keystore-less encryption to safeguard data at rest, in transit, and in use. The company's innovative solutions allow for encrypted data search without the need for decryption, effectively mitigating risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized access. Its product offerings include the Secure Data Platform, Developer Shield, and Document Shield, all aimed at protecting organizations from potential regulatory, reputational, and operational losses while enabling secure data utilization throughout the enterprise.

The Detection Group

Angel Round in 2020
The Detection Group, Inc. is a technology company specializing in advanced monitoring and alarm solutions designed to protect commercial and residential properties from water leaks. Founded in 2006, the company developed its innovative leak detection system, which provides continuous monitoring of potential water leak sources and responds to incidents by sounding alarms, notifying designated individuals, and shutting off water supply when necessary. This system not only reduces the risk of water damage and associated costs but also helps track response times, serving as a valuable tool for insurance purposes. The Detection Group's solutions cater to commercial property managers, multi-story residential property managers, and insurance providers. The company operates through a network of dealers across several states, including Maryland, New Jersey, New York, California, and Massachusetts, and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with an additional office in San Diego.

MessageDesk

Pre Seed Round in 2020
MessageDesk is a provider of a shared team inbox specifically designed for business text messaging. The company focuses on enhancing communication for service-based businesses and organizations by facilitating customer interactions through text messaging. Its application offers tools that enable scheduling of service appointments, sending reminders, collecting payments, and automating follow-ups on feedback and reviews. By streamlining communication processes, MessageDesk helps clients effectively manage customer conversations and maintain connectivity among team members, ultimately improving overall operational efficiency.

Tivic Health

Seed Round in 2019
Tivic Health is a bioelectronic therapeutics company that specializes in developing non-invasive medical devices aimed at enhancing healthcare through neuroscience. The company's flagship product, ClearUP Sinus Pain Relief, is a handheld device designed to provide temporary relief from sinus pain and congestion associated with conditions such as nasal allergies and chronic sinusitis. This clinically proven device utilizes ultra-low current electrical waves to activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, offering an alternative to conventional pharmaceutical treatments. Tivic Health received FDA clearance for ClearUP on January 2, 2019, and began shipping the product in September 2019, marking a significant advancement in the field of bioelectronic medicine.

Your Fare

Seed Round in 2018
Your Fare, Inc., established in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California, specializes in developing an application that enables restaurants to manage all their online orders through a single platform. The company's ordering management system allows restaurateurs to consolidate orders from various sources, replace traditional online ordering tablets, and monitor daily sales via one dashboard. Additionally, Your Fare helps manage third-party delivery services, integrating them into a unified interface. This streamlined approach aims to enhance operational efficiencies and profit margins for restaurants by automating the handling of online meal orders and reducing order delivery time.

Membrion

Seed Round in 2018
Membrion, Inc. is a technology company based in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in the manufacture and commercialization of advanced membranes designed to filter various molecules, including ions, under a wide range of conditions such as temperature extremes, acidity, and biological sensitivity. Founded in 2016 as a spin-out from the University of Washington, Membrion focuses on applications in flow batteries, water purification, fuel cells, and pharmaceuticals. The company’s ion exchange membrane technology, which utilizes silica gel, offers clients membranes characterized by extended lifespans and reduced costs. Membrion has received significant funding from multiple sources, including academic institutions, charitable trusts, and private investors, facilitating the transition from research to commercial production.

Kleiner Device Labs

Seed Round in 2018
Kleiner Device Labs specializes in developing innovative surgical instruments and implants designed to enhance minimally invasive spinal surgery processes and outcomes. The company's portfolio includes patented devices such as the Bi-Directional Graft Funnel (KG™ 1) for efficient bone graft delivery, and the Solid State Fusion Cage (KG™ 2), currently under FDA review, which integrates cage implantation and bone graft delivery to simplify fusion surgery. Additionally, Kleiner Device Labs is developing the Endplate Preparation System (DragonTail™), nearing FDA submission, offering a unique single-pass instrument for endplate preparation in minimally invasive spine surgeries.

Simplesense

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Simplesense is a developer of an emergency response platform aimed at enhancing coordination between public and private first responders. The platform is designed to protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks by streamlining access to previously siloed information. It enables real-time monitoring, diagnosis, and response to events, effectively covering the cyber-physical infrastructure from the cloud to the communications closet. By facilitating faster response times, Simplesense aims to minimize loss of life and serious injury during emergencies. Additionally, the company focuses on authorizing and deploying proven cybersecurity solutions specifically tailored for Industrial Control Systems and Operational Technology.

Factal

Seed Round in 2018
Factal, Inc. is a Seattle-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in providing a platform for real-time, factually verified news regarding critical incidents that could threaten organizations. The company focuses on incidents such as wildfires, shootings, explosions, and floods, which can impact the safety of employees, customers, and assets. By converting unverified information into trusted data, Factal enables institutions to swiftly identify high-risk situations and respond effectively, thereby enhancing corporate security operations, business continuity, and crisis communications. Additionally, Factal's services support organizations in automating responses to unexpected events, ensuring a prompt and informed reaction to global incidents.

Breadware

Seed Round in 2018
Breadware, Inc. is a company that provides an online platform aimed at facilitating product development, particularly in the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Established in 2017 and headquartered in Reno, Nevada, Breadware serves various sectors including sports, smart buildings, smart homes, transportation, medical, and industrial applications. The platform allows businesses to explore existing IoT products for inspiration, compare service providers based on various criteria, and receive support throughout the development process. By offering tools that unify hardware and firmware development, Breadware simplifies the creation of smart and connected products, helping organizations reduce costs and expedite their journey from concept to market. The company operates as a subsidiary of StoneAge Inc. as of March 2020.

NCLab

Seed Round in 2017
NCLab Inc. is an educational technology company that operates a public cloud computing platform designed to foster skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Reno, Nevada, with an additional office in San Nicolás de los Garza, Mexico, NCLab offers a range of self-paced courses, including 3D modeling, Karel coding, and Python programming. The platform emphasizes practice-based training in computational, data, and spatial literacy, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for high-demand job markets. NCLab serves a diverse audience, including schools, libraries, individuals, parents, and businesses, both in the United States and internationally. Through its open-source computing and simulation tools, NCLab aims to empower future coders, engineers, and scientists.

Tivic Health

Angel Round in 2017
Tivic Health is a bioelectronic therapeutics company that specializes in developing non-invasive medical devices aimed at enhancing healthcare through neuroscience. The company's flagship product, ClearUP Sinus Pain Relief, is a handheld device designed to provide temporary relief from sinus pain and congestion associated with conditions such as nasal allergies and chronic sinusitis. This clinically proven device utilizes ultra-low current electrical waves to activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, offering an alternative to conventional pharmaceutical treatments. Tivic Health received FDA clearance for ClearUP on January 2, 2019, and began shipping the product in September 2019, marking a significant advancement in the field of bioelectronic medicine.

AudPop

Seed Round in 2017
AudPop is a social impact video submissions platform that connects diverse storytellers with brands and agencies to create video content. The platform enables filmmakers to submit films, pitches, and series tailored to various business needs, facilitating the production of video at scale in a simple and affordable manner. AudPop's technology supports a community-driven ecosystem, allowing for engagement through video contests, filmmaking challenges, and online film festivals. The company operates a diversified business model that includes video and content submissions software, a video library, subscription services, and original content. With a robust community of 250,000 registered members and 75,000 global filmmakers, AudPop has awarded $10 million to creators and hosts approximately 3,500 hours of films on its platform.

DynaOptics

Venture Round in 2016
DynaOptics Inc. is a California-based company that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of advanced optical zoom systems specifically designed for mobile phones. Founded in 2012, DynaOptics leverages patented freeform lens technology to create miniature optics that deliver superior resolution, wide-angle capabilities, and exceptional low-light performance. The company's innovative designs provide cost-effective solutions that meet the demands of increasing sensor sizes and higher pixel counts while accommodating thinner and smaller camera form factors. DynaOptics' technology is applicable not only in mobile handset cameras but also in various sectors, including self-driving and driver assistance systems, IoT and machine vision, body cameras, military applications, and security systems. The company holds exclusive worldwide licenses for its technology across all fields of use, supported by a robust portfolio of provisional and non-provisional patents.

Axiom Exergy

Venture Round in 2016
Axiom Exergy Inc. is an energy storage company that specializes in developing refrigeration batteries designed for supermarkets, cold-storage facilities, and food processors. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Richmond, California, Axiom Exergy creates solutions that enable these businesses to store and deploy refrigeration effectively. The company's products include an optional integrated backup cooling feature that safeguards food from spoilage during power outages. Additionally, Axiom Exergy provides energy management services, thermal energy systems engineering, and software solutions for monitoring and managing energy use in refrigeration systems. By utilizing existing thermal systems, Axiom Exergy aims to optimize electricity load profiles, helping clients reduce operational costs and mitigate business risks associated with energy management.

ZippyApp

Angel Round in 2015
Managing a restaurant is challenging, but staffing it with quality hires doesn’t have to be. The days of high turnover, a seeming lack of experienced applicants, and expensive recruitment advertising are over. Restaurant hiring is a local practice in search of a local workforce. Centralized regional or national career sites, corporate recruitment portals and long application processes deter qualified applicants from applying for your jobs and simply ignore the unique aspects of your industry. ZippyApp (Apply in a zippy!) addresses restaurant staffing challenges head on. To facilitate and expedite application submissions, ZippyApp requires job seekers to complete only one common employment application. They then have the option of attaching a resume and cover letter to enhance their profile. They simply use this common application and profile to apply for any job on ZippyApp - from anywhere and on any device with just a few clicks. To meet local hiring needs, ZippyApp provides unique hiring web pages for each business location – whether you have one location or 10,000. These hiring portals are accessible via a custom URL or a custom QR code to facilitate discovery. ZippyApp hiring portals provide a description and list of available jobs for a given location. The jobs can be posted and closed with just one click by even the busiest local manager. Job Seekers visit the hiring portals by simply typing in the appropriate URL or scanning the QR code posted at the restaurant on their mobile device. They select the job and hit “Apply.” It’s that simple!

Phyllom Bio Products

Seed Round in 2013
Phyllom BioProducts Corporation is a plant biotechnology company based in Phoenix, Arizona, focused on developing and marketing biological insecticide products. Its offerings include boreGONE!, designed to combat the emerald ash borer in hardwood forests; beetleGONE!, which targets pests like the Japanese beetle on various plants; and grubGONE!, a surface-applied granule insecticide for turf and ornamental applications. The company addresses market needs for effective, environmentally friendly solutions against invasive pests affecting agriculture, forestry, and animal health. Phyllom's clientele includes government agencies, municipalities, private foresters, and Canadian forest services. Established in 2012, Phyllom BioProducts emphasizes sustainable pest control while minimizing environmental impact through its innovative product line.

Aperia Technologies

Venture Round in 2013
Aperia Technologies, Inc. is a company that specializes in automatic tire inflation devices aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicles. Its flagship product, the Halo Tire Inflator, is a self-powered, bolt-on device that utilizes the rotational motion of a wheel to maintain optimal tire pressure by compensating for minor leaks and pressure changes due to temperature fluctuations. This technology is particularly beneficial for a variety of fleet vehicles, including buses, box trucks, tractors, trailers, and refuse vehicles. By ensuring proper tire inflation, Aperia Technologies helps fleet operators reduce fuel costs, decrease environmental pollution, and improve overall road safety. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Burlingame, California, and distributes its products through a network of dealers across the United States.

TranscribeMe

Angel Round in 2012
TranscribeMe Inc. specializes in mobile audio transcription solutions, offering a platform that converts audio and video into searchable and shareable text. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company utilizes proprietary micro-tasking technology to deliver accurate transcriptions, even from complex audio with multiple speakers and overlapping conversations. Its services cater to a diverse clientele, including medical professionals, corporations, conference organizers, writers, podcasters, and academics, enabling them to analyze and monetize their audio content effectively. The platform provides features such as speech-to-text conversion, speaker identification, time coding, and keyword analysis, making it a valuable tool across industries like healthcare, market research, and education.

Audioscribe

Venture Round in 2012
Audioscribe offers real-time speech recognition software for court reporters and medical transcription activities.

Vokle

Seed Round in 2011
Vokle is a company that specializes in providing a live town hall platform. This platform enables speakers to broadcast live video and audio to a virtual auditorium of viewers, facilitating real-time interaction through live video calls and text questions from the audience. Hosts have the capability to assign various roles to attendees, such as co-hosts, screeners who manage callers privately, or editors who handle live video stream transitions. The platform is designed as a microsite, allowing it to be embedded seamlessly into any website, similar to embedding a YouTube video, thereby providing multiple access points without redirecting the audience from their current site.

Glue Networks

Series A in 2011
Glue Networks specializes in providing an enterprise-grade cloud networking service. Glue Virtual Office is available to enterprise customers through partnerships between Glue Networks and top service providers and value-added resellers. It was founded in 2007 and headquartered in Sacramento, California.

Reframe It

Angel Round in 2010
Reframe It, Inc. is a technology company based in Stanford, California, that specializes in digital annotation services for online content. Founded in 2007, the company has developed a platform that enables users to comment on web pages directly, facilitating discussions alongside the content. This virtual margin allows users to share insights and reactions in real time, enhancing the context of online information. Reframe It also provides publishers with a branded community feature that integrates web annotation into their websites, promoting user engagement and interaction. The company's mission focuses on accountability in information sharing, empowering individuals, organizations, and governments to challenge misleading or inaccurate content effectively. By creating a space for collaborative commentary, Reframe It aims to foster informed discussions and improve decision-making both domestically and internationally.

Windspire Energy (fka Mariah Power)

Series B in 2008
Founded in 2005 in Reno, Nevada, Windspire Energy (formerly Mariah Power) was established to develop innovative and proprietary new technology that introduces a new standard for style and function to the small wind industry. Founded on the passion and commitment of two inventors, Chris Gabrys and Tim Rodgers, and Mike Hess, a successful entrepreneur and former CEO, Windspire Energy set to work on a new kind of wind turbine. Today, the company is continuing to evolve its product line, focusing on low-cost energy alternative solutions that are smart, noise-free and renewable. The company's first wind power appliance, Windspire® wind turbine, was launched on June 2, 2008. Mariah Power currently has 17 employees and is growing rapidly.

Windspire Energy (fka Mariah Power)

Series A in 2008
Founded in 2005 in Reno, Nevada, Windspire Energy (formerly Mariah Power) was established to develop innovative and proprietary new technology that introduces a new standard for style and function to the small wind industry. Founded on the passion and commitment of two inventors, Chris Gabrys and Tim Rodgers, and Mike Hess, a successful entrepreneur and former CEO, Windspire Energy set to work on a new kind of wind turbine. Today, the company is continuing to evolve its product line, focusing on low-cost energy alternative solutions that are smart, noise-free and renewable. The company's first wind power appliance, Windspire® wind turbine, was launched on June 2, 2008. Mariah Power currently has 17 employees and is growing rapidly.

Windspire Energy (fka Mariah Power)

Angel Round in 2008
Founded in 2005 in Reno, Nevada, Windspire Energy (formerly Mariah Power) was established to develop innovative and proprietary new technology that introduces a new standard for style and function to the small wind industry. Founded on the passion and commitment of two inventors, Chris Gabrys and Tim Rodgers, and Mike Hess, a successful entrepreneur and former CEO, Windspire Energy set to work on a new kind of wind turbine. Today, the company is continuing to evolve its product line, focusing on low-cost energy alternative solutions that are smart, noise-free and renewable. The company's first wind power appliance, Windspire® wind turbine, was launched on June 2, 2008. Mariah Power currently has 17 employees and is growing rapidly.

Freepath

Series A in 2008
Freepath, Inc. is a technology company based in Folsom, California, founded in 2007. It specializes in enabling users to access, share, and download a wide range of educational content and digital media. The platform facilitates the integration of various media assets, including videos, photos, music, and traditional desktop files such as PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. By allowing seamless interaction between new media and conventional documents, Freepath enhances presentations and educational experiences, enabling users to incorporate multimedia elements effortlessly.

Animated Speech

Series C in 2007
Animated Speech Corporation produces software-based conversational language learning systems. Its products offer animated talking tutors for language-challenged children and customizable tools and curricula for speech-language pathologists, specialists, teachers, and parents. The company's products include Team Up With Timo Stories, which develops language and cognitive concepts for children with autism and other language delays; Team Up With Timo Vocabulary, which allows pre-teaching school vocabulary for children with special needs; and Timo's Lesson Creator, a vocabulary lesson software tool that enables teachers, speech pathologists, and parents to create custom lessons for children with special needs.

YY Technologies

Venture Round in 2000
YY is the world leader in Natural Language Processing technology, offering software that enables computers to really understand language as people naturally speak or write it. This means that YY software understands: - Full sentences, not just keywords and menu choices - Multiple sentences and multiple topics in the same message - Sentences with incorrect grammar, structure, spelling or punctuation - Either text or voice input YY software translates natural language sentences and paragraphs to detailed XML instructions, thus enabling written or spoken natural language to be the interface to a variety of database and other applications. With YY, automatic machine-generated responses are 99% accurate the first time, are generated within 60 seconds of the input, and include order processing information, embedded links to relevant documents, and other data relevant to responding to the user's need.
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