Alumni Ventures

Ocient Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in analytical software solutions for database management. Founded in 2018, Ocient has developed a data analytics platform capable of rapidly analyzing massive datasets, ranging from tens of terabytes to exabytes, which can contain trillions or quadrillions of rows. The platform is designed to efficiently ingest billions of rows per second while filtering and computing aggregate results at speeds of up to trillions of rows per second. This capability allows organizations to effectively leverage large datasets, enabling them to gain insights at scale and with high velocity.

Hallow is a Catholic prayer and meditation app that hopes to help folks grow closer to God. It helps in finding peace, deepen the relationship with God, and sleeping soundly every night. It was founded in 2018 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Dentologie, founded by Dr. Hany Kurdi in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, aims to transform the dental experience by creating safe and inclusive environments for patients. The company specializes in urban dental solutions, providing a range of tech-enabled services that include general dentistry, Invisalign treatment, oral surgery, and cosmetic dentistry. Dentologie is committed to exceptional customer service and thoughtful design, ensuring that each patient receives personalized care and convenient access to dental solutions. By prioritizing compassion and competence, Dentologie seeks to change the perception of dental visits and enhance overall oral health.

Bridge Money, Inc. is a financial technology company founded in 2018 and based in Chicago, Illinois. It has developed a mobile banking platform that offers a variety of services including account activation, mobile check deposits, and free access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). The platform also features a secure debit card with no associated fees, and users benefit from the absence of overdraft charges. Bridge Money focuses on empowering users to enhance their financial well-being on a daily basis.

Dimension Inx Corp. focuses on designing and developing three-dimensional (3D) printable materials and painted objects for research and commercial applications. The company specializes in creating regenerative microenvironments that aid the body in self-healing. Its biomaterials platform incorporates a complex interplay of material composition, microstructure, and microarchitecture to enhance biofunctionality. Dimension Inx offers a range of products, including Hyperelastic Bone for bone regeneration, 3D printable elastomers, bioactive ceramics, and solutions for soft tissue regeneration. Founded in 2016 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company aims to provide innovative therapeutic products that restore tissue and organ function, potentially reducing the need for organ transplantation through advanced bio-fabrication processes.

Kalderos, Inc. is a company that specializes in drug discount management solutions for various stakeholders in the U.S. healthcare system, including providers, manufacturers, and payers. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional location in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Kalderos offers a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to analyze and streamline the complex coordination of drug discount programs. The platform employs advanced models and machine learning to identify and resolve non-compliance issues, detecting inconsistencies that traditional methods often miss. By providing data management capabilities and customizable insights, Kalderos enables clients to enhance their processes for claims verification, dispute resolution, and discount monitoring, ultimately reducing waste and improving operational efficiency.

Here Holdings, LLC is a food and beverage company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in producing cold press juices, dips, and spreads. The product lineup features a variety of juices made from ingredients such as pineapple, celery, apple, turmeric, and kale, among others. Additionally, the company offers a selection of dips, including black bean tomato, edamame pea sesame, and curry lentil. Here Holdings is committed to utilizing Midwest produce and emphasizes values such as trust, transparency, and community in its operations.

Bridge Money, Inc. is a financial technology company founded in 2018 and based in Chicago, Illinois. It has developed a mobile banking platform that offers a variety of services including account activation, mobile check deposits, and free access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). The platform also features a secure debit card with no associated fees, and users benefit from the absence of overdraft charges. Bridge Money focuses on empowering users to enhance their financial well-being on a daily basis.

Civis Analytics, Inc. is a data science software company that empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions. Founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Civis offers a range of tools designed to enhance data analysis and audience engagement. Its Civis platform provides predictive analytics capabilities, facilitating end-to-end data science workflows. Key offerings include the Community Outreach and Engagement Hub, which assists government and nonprofit teams in effectively reaching and influencing their target audiences, and the Census Intelligence Center, a resource for supporting census efforts. Additionally, the company features tools such as the Audience Center for customer targeting, Creative Focus for message testing, and Civis Media Optimizer for optimizing TV advertising strategies. Civis Analytics also delivers consumer insights, market research, and data science consulting services, helping clients leverage data to gain a competitive edge in their operations.

Newtrul is a shipment aggregation platform founded in 2018 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The company connects shippers, brokers, and freight carriers through a centralized portal aimed at simplifying the process of truckload freight matching. By digitizing and aggregating shipment information into a spot marketplace, Newtrul enables trucking companies to easily search for and digitally book their next loads, enhancing efficiency in the freight industry.

Paro is a platform that connects businesses with freelance finance professionals, including bookkeepers, accountants, and analysts, offering remote, on-demand support. Founded in 2015 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Paro utilizes artificial intelligence to match companies with experts who can address various financial needs. Their services encompass month-end accounting, tax preparation, financial modeling, cash flow management, and strategic advisory, among others. By leveraging a community of highly vetted finance specialists, Paro aims to provide tailored solutions that help businesses navigate immediate challenges and drive growth. This approach combines industry expertise with advanced technology, allowing companies to efficiently access the finance and accounting support they require to manage and expand their operations.

Loadsmart, Inc. operates an online platform that facilitates the booking of trucks for freight transportation. Founded in 2014 by Felipe Capella and Ricardo Salgado, the company provides shippers with instant access to real-time bookable rates, enabling them to obtain quotes, book trucks, and track their shipments from pickup to delivery. Loadsmart's platform streamlines interactions between shippers and carriers, helping shippers move their freight efficiently while ensuring carriers keep their trucks full. The company is headquartered in New York, New York, with an additional office in Chicago, Illinois.

Civis Analytics, Inc. is a data science software company that empowers organizations to make data-driven decisions. Founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, Civis offers a range of tools designed to enhance data analysis and audience engagement. Its Civis platform provides predictive analytics capabilities, facilitating end-to-end data science workflows. Key offerings include the Community Outreach and Engagement Hub, which assists government and nonprofit teams in effectively reaching and influencing their target audiences, and the Census Intelligence Center, a resource for supporting census efforts. Additionally, the company features tools such as the Audience Center for customer targeting, Creative Focus for message testing, and Civis Media Optimizer for optimizing TV advertising strategies. Civis Analytics also delivers consumer insights, market research, and data science consulting services, helping clients leverage data to gain a competitive edge in their operations.

Rise Gardens LLC specializes in creating and marketing indoor hydroponic gardening systems that enable consumers to grow their own food year-round. The company offers a modular system that can accommodate various types of plants, including herbs, greens, vegetables, and flowers. Each system includes a physical appliance and The Rise Gardens application, which assists users in tracking plant growth and provides guidance on fertilization. By making home gardening more accessible and enjoyable, Rise Gardens aims to strengthen the connection between individuals and the food they consume. Founded in 2017 and based in Skokie, Illinois, the company previously operated under the name Harvest2O, LLC, and primarily sells its products online.

Forager is a venture-backed innovator in the cross-border logistics industry. With a combination of cutting-edge technology and decades of industry experience, the company tackles the problems cross-border shippers are facing with technology-focused solutions and years of logistics experience. It also delivers seamless and modern transportation solutions for its customers. The company also features an easy-to-use web-based transportation management platform to bring a higher level of service to the industry. Forager was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

NuCurrent, Inc. is a developer based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in high-efficiency antennas and inductive components for wireless power applications. Founded in 2009, the company designs, fabricates, and integrates wireless power antennas and surface-mount inductors for various applications, including power electronics, RF devices, and frequency synthesizers. NuCurrent's products comply with industry standards such as the Alliance for Wireless Power and the Wireless Power Consortium, ensuring broad compatibility. The company collaborates closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators to provide custom-designed, rapid-prototype solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce size, and lower costs. By employing patented designs and advanced manufacturing techniques, NuCurrent aims to improve the durability and performance of wireless power systems, facilitating the evolution of electronic devices.

Xaptum, Inc. is a Chicago-based company founded in 2013 that focuses on enhancing the security and management of Internet of Things (IoT) deployments. The company offers a messaging platform that facilitates the authentication, authorization, and auto-configuration of IoT devices over a single TCP connection. By providing a multi-tenant, network-as-a-service solution, Xaptum enables enterprises to connect their IoT devices to a secure, logical middle-mile network, effectively keeping them and their data shielded from the public Internet. This approach addresses key challenges in provisioning and managing IoT devices by implementing zero-touch identity and key management, thus allowing enterprises to scale their deployments securely. Xaptum's architecture is designed to simplify the complexities of IoT security, providing visibility, control, and flexibility for organizations looking to adopt and expand IoT technologies.

Zerocater, Inc. operates a subscription-based and on-demand food ordering platform designed for companies and their employees. Established in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company specializes in delivering personalized and diet-specific meals from independent restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and private chefs. Zerocater caters to various occasions, including meetings, events, and celebrations, offering a diverse range of menus that include breakfast, lunch, desserts, and beverages from craft breweries. The company serves clients in key cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Austin, Texas, aiming to foster a collaborative office culture by providing convenient and varied food options to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Ocient Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in analytical software solutions for database management. Founded in 2018, Ocient has developed a data analytics platform capable of rapidly analyzing massive datasets, ranging from tens of terabytes to exabytes, which can contain trillions or quadrillions of rows. The platform is designed to efficiently ingest billions of rows per second while filtering and computing aggregate results at speeds of up to trillions of rows per second. This capability allows organizations to effectively leverage large datasets, enabling them to gain insights at scale and with high velocity.