Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK is a non-profit organization established in 1982 to support businesses in the Ann Arbor region. It offers programs, resources, and proactive support including business accelerator programs, market research, strategic planning, intellectual property validation, marketing initiatives, workforce development, financial analysis, funding attraction strategies, product plan reviews, space/equipment assistance, educational opportunities, site searches, workforce solutions, incentives, export assistance, financing, and university connections. It serves businesses in life sciences, automotive R&D, engineering, alternative energies, information technologies, homeland security, print and online media, imaging/vision sectors.

Mike Flanagan

Vice President, Capital Programs

Donna Shirilla

Director, Research and Information

Past deals in Michigan

Asalyxa Bio

Seed Round in 2021
Asalyxa Bio, Inc. is a drug development and platform technology company based in Southfield, Michigan, focusing on innovative therapeutics to address significant unmet medical needs linked to immune signaling dysregulation. The company specializes in developing neutrophil-targeting drugs aimed at combating severe neutrophil-mediated diseases, including conditions like Covid-19. Asalyxa Bio's platform technology facilitates the targeted delivery of both existing and novel drugs directly into over-reactive immune cells, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy. This approach allows for applications across a diverse range of diseases and conditions, positioning Asalyxa Bio as a key player in the field of immunotherapy.

Orbion Space Technology

Series A in 2019
Orbion Space Technology develops and manufactures plasma propulsion systems for small satellites, focusing on electric propulsion technology and space systems. Founded in 2016 and based in Houghton, Michigan, the company produces plasma thrusters designed for high-rate manufacturing to support the rapid deployment of small satellites. Its propulsion systems enable precise maneuvering, on-orbit life extension, collision avoidance, and end-of-life deorbit, as well as last-mile deployment from the launch vehicle to the destination orbit, with telemetry interfaces that monitor spacecraft status. By delivering efficient propulsion solutions, Orbion aims to reduce operating costs and enhance the value of satellite data for defense and commercial customers.

Banza

Seed Round in 2015
Banza LLC is a food manufacturer based in Detroit, Michigan, specializing in chickpea-based pasta products. Founded in 2014, the company offers a variety of pasta shapes, including penne, rotini, shells, and elbows, all designed to provide nutritious alternatives to traditional pasta. Banza's mission is to make healthy food more accessible, and its products are enriched with protein and fiber, catering to consumers seeking delicious comfort food without compromising on health. The brand has gained significant recognition, being available in approximately 8,000 retail locations across the United States, including major stores like Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods. Banza has received endorsements from prominent media outlets, highlighting its innovation and contribution to the food industry.

SkySpecs

Seed Round in 2014
SkySpecs develops unmanned aerial vehicles and integrated software solutions for the wind energy sector, focusing on operations and maintenance. Its offerings include analytics, blade inspection services, engineering projects, and collaborative tools that aggregate and digitize data from multiple sources. The Horizon reporting platform and a central data repository streamline communication with third parties and enable full‑scale repair campaigns. Founded in 2012, the company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with an additional office in Amsterdam, Netherlands. SkySpecs aims to enhance productivity, efficiency, and returns for renewable energy assets by providing purpose‑built technologies that help customers make informed decisions.

CureLauncher

Series B in 2014
CureLauncher, LLC is a healthcare company based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, established in 2012. It specializes in providing clinical trial matching services that connect patients with new treatment options tailored to their specific health conditions and personal goals. In addition to supporting patients, CureLauncher also assists caregivers and healthcare professionals by offering a platform that identifies relevant clinical trials, facilitating access to innovative therapies. Through its services, CureLauncher aims to enhance the healthcare experience by helping individuals navigate their treatment options more effectively.

Algal Scientific

Series A in 2014
Algal Scientific Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in Plymouth, Michigan, specializes in the development and commercialization of algae-based products and technologies for various industries, including animal health, human nutrition, and water treatment. The company offers Algamune, a beta glucan derived from algae that enhances immune health in livestock and aquatic species, and AlgaGLUCAN, a similar product aimed at human nutraceuticals and functional foods. Additionally, Algal Scientific provides the Hypertrophic water treatment technology, which is designed to treat dissolved organics, nitrogen, and phosphorus in wastewater while generating a natural fertilizer byproduct. This technology serves customers in the food and beverage sector, including breweries, dairies, and meat producers, contributing to sustainable practices and resource conservation. The company also maintains an office in Beijing, China, to support its international operations.

Seelio

Seed Round in 2013
Seelio is an online platform designed to help college students create and showcase their portfolios, enabling them to present their work and experiences to potential employers. Founded in 2011 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Seelio focuses on building custom portfolio networks and galleries specifically for engineering, design, and business programs. The platform empowers students to document their learning journeys and exhibit their projects in a professional manner. Seelio has collaborated with prominent educational institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, and the University of Texas at Austin. By providing this service, Seelio aims to enhance students' visibility to employment recruiters and facilitate their career readiness.

Quikly

Series A in 2013
Quikly Inc., based in Detroit, Michigan, operates a digital marketing platform designed for consumer brands to execute frequent and highly-targeted marketing campaigns. Founded in 2012, Quikly focuses on helping marketers acquire, activate, and retain customers through solutions that include email, social media, mobile, loyalty, and local marketing. By leveraging consumer psychology, Quikly's platform effectively captures attention and motivates key consumer behaviors such as purchases, loyalty signups, and social engagement. Its technology aims to enhance digital activation and engagement within existing marketing channels, delivering measurable results and improved return on investment for brands in sectors like retail, dining, and consumer-packaged goods.

AlertWatch

Venture Round in 2013
AlertWatch LLC, established in 2011 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in producing clinical decision support systems for hospitals. The company's software products, AlertWatch:OR and AlertWatch:ICU, simplify patient monitoring by aggregating data from physiological monitors, anesthesia records, lab results, and medical history to provide real-time displays of a patient's condition. These intuitive tools help healthcare providers determine the normality or abnormality of a patient's status, with color-coded icons indicating green for normal, yellow for marginal, and red for abnormal conditions. AlertWatch:ICU serves as a secondary patient monitor and support system in intensive care units, offering additional functionalities such as data trends over time, SOFA and SIRS scores, nursing reminders, and alerts tailored to the ICU environment. The company's products are currently in use at the University of Michigan and other training hospitals across the United States.

Advanced Battery Concepts

Debt Financing in 2013
Advanced Battery Concepts, LLC is a battery technology development company based in Clare, Michigan, founded in 2008. The company specializes in the design and development of bi-polar lead-acid batteries, catering to a diverse range of markets including military, industrial, stationary, renewable, automotive, and motive sectors. Advanced Battery Concepts focuses on creating innovative battery electrode technologies that enhance performance by improving current density, active material utilization, energy density, and power density. These advancements enable clients to achieve better performance at lower production costs compared to traditional lead-acid batteries. The company was previously known as Advanced Battery Concepts Michigan, LLC until its name change in March 2011.

3D Biomatrix

Venture Round in 2013
3D Biomatrix Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of three-dimensional cell culture plates and scaffolds, specifically tailored for cellular assays used in drug discovery. Established in 2010 and located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company offers these innovative products in both 96- and 384-well plate formats. Its scaffolds are utilized by researchers and professionals in the pharmaceutical field, particularly for applications involving bone marrow, hepatocytes, and thymus. By facilitating 3D spheroid culture, 3D Biomatrix enables advancements in cancer and tumor research, supporting the development of more effective therapies.

Fusion Coolant Systems

Venture Round in 2012
Fusion Coolant Systems develops and markets advanced coolant and lubrication systems for metalworking and manufacturing, using supercritical carbon dioxide as a cutting fluid to improve production rates and tool life while reducing health, safety, and environmental risks. Its Pure-Cut 1000 system delivers dry-lubricated supercritical CO2, and LUBE-CUT 1600 combines CO2 with controlled lubrication for various cutting applications; the CHiP Lube system is highlighted as a significant advance in metalworking fluids. The company also provides infrastructure solutions, including carbon dioxide storage tanks, pumps, and related equipment. Its products are used in medical implants and instruments, automotive and heavy equipment, aerospace, defense, and power generation sectors. Fusion Coolant Systems has a strategic partnership with Air Liquide. The business was formerly known as Lean Fluid Systems and was renamed in 2009, and it operates from Canton, Michigan with an additional office in Saint-Priest, France.

Larky

Seed Round in 2012
Larky develops a marketing and engagement platform that enables organizations to connect with their audiences via targeted geo-notifications. Serving clients across various industries in the US and Canada, Larky's solutions include mobile platforms for merchant-funded loyalty programs, driving customer engagement, and boosting non-interest income.

Algal Scientific

Venture Round in 2012
Algal Scientific Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in Plymouth, Michigan, specializes in the development and commercialization of algae-based products and technologies for various industries, including animal health, human nutrition, and water treatment. The company offers Algamune, a beta glucan derived from algae that enhances immune health in livestock and aquatic species, and AlgaGLUCAN, a similar product aimed at human nutraceuticals and functional foods. Additionally, Algal Scientific provides the Hypertrophic water treatment technology, which is designed to treat dissolved organics, nitrogen, and phosphorus in wastewater while generating a natural fertilizer byproduct. This technology serves customers in the food and beverage sector, including breweries, dairies, and meat producers, contributing to sustainable practices and resource conservation. The company also maintains an office in Beijing, China, to support its international operations.

Seelio

Seed Round in 2012
Seelio is an online platform designed to help college students create and showcase their portfolios, enabling them to present their work and experiences to potential employers. Founded in 2011 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Seelio focuses on building custom portfolio networks and galleries specifically for engineering, design, and business programs. The platform empowers students to document their learning journeys and exhibit their projects in a professional manner. Seelio has collaborated with prominent educational institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, and the University of Texas at Austin. By providing this service, Seelio aims to enhance students' visibility to employment recruiters and facilitate their career readiness.

Blaze Medical Devices

Seed Round in 2012
Blaze Medical Devices, LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializes in developing biomedical equipment aimed at assessing the properties of stored blood, particularly focusing on red blood cells (RBC). The company's principal product lines include the RBC Mechanical Fragilimeter™ systems, designed to test the mechanical fragility of red blood cells, and the RBC Hemolysis Tester systems, which incorporate the Fragilimeter™ functionality. These technologies facilitate integrated and standardized evaluations of blood damage, catering to a variety of industrial R&D and research applications. Blaze Medical Devices aims to support product developers and clinical researchers in understanding blood quality loss during storage, with future product lines targeting specific medical applications.

Ventech

Venture Round in 2012
Ventech, LLC is a manufacturer of mobile heating solutions based in Wixom, Michigan, founded in 2003. The company specializes in the development of the Liquid Heat Generator (LHG), an innovative auxiliary heating system designed for vehicle applications, including school buses, mass transit, and commercial vehicles. The LHG utilizes proprietary technology to generate heat quickly and efficiently, making it suitable for portable or mobile applications where an existing engine or motor is available. In addition to the LHG, Ventech offers a range of related products, including vehicle harnesses, control modules, mounting brackets, dashboard switches, and various other components. The company distributes its products through a network of dealers across the United States and Canada, targeting markets in transportation and consumer products while focusing on reducing fuel use, emissions, and enhancing overall vehicle comfort and engine longevity.

Empirical Bioscience

Venture Round in 2012
Empirical Bioscience, LLC is a developer and manufacturer of high-grade molecular biology reagents tailored for the life sciences industry in the United States. The company specializes in providing a comprehensive range of products, including PCR reagents optimized for standard, quantitative, and real-time PCR applications involving human, animal, and plant DNA. Their offerings also encompass next-generation sequencing, translational research, agricultural applications, and clinical diagnostics. Notable products include the rEVAlution qPCR Master Mix and the Taq 2x MeanGreen Master Mix. Empirical Bioscience emphasizes customization, allowing clients to configure products to specific requirements, and provides technical support for the development and launch of assays and products. Founded in 2009 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company was formerly known as Syzygy Biotech Inc. and adopted its current name in February 2014.

VNN

Series A in 2012
VNN, Inc. operates a prominent high school sports marketing and networking platform that serves as a digital hub for athletes, coaches, and fans. The platform enables athletes to upload videos, photos, stories, and scores, while allowing coaches to report game results to various media outlets. VNN is dedicated to enhancing the experience of high school sports by aggregating the fragmented market and providing advertising and promotional services. The company has established a significant presence, serving schools across multiple states, including Alabama, California, and Texas, and has gained a rapidly growing user base, with over 7 million fans engaging with the platform daily. Founded in 2010 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VNN aims to transform the consumer experience in high school sports by leveraging technology and connectivity.

Coliant

Seed Round in 2012
Coliant Corporation, founded in 2001 and based in Warren, Michigan, specializes in manufacturing and distributing rugged electrical devices and cables tailored for the powersport environment, which includes motorcycles, scooters, snowmobiles, and personal watercraft. The company offers an extensive range of products, including powersport connectors, tire inflaters, battery charging solutions, and heated clothing items such as heated jacket liners and gloves. Additionally, Coliant provides various mounting systems, power distribution products, and direct power cables for devices like GPS units and radar detectors. Its products are available through dealers, distribution outlets, and online in markets spanning the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company also engages in developing wearable technologies aimed at enhancing smart apparel, enabling businesses to capitalize on the growing wearable technology market while safeguarding their brands.

Clean Emission Fluids

Seed Round in 2011
Clean Emission Fluids, Inc. manufactures fueling and fluid dispensing solutions for the transportation industry. It also resells biofuels, clean diesel, and emission related fluids. The company’s product enables fleet operators, truck stops, gas stations, and municipal fleets to store and dispense fluids and fuels. Clean Emission Fluids, Inc. was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

Arbor Plastic Technologies

Seed Round in 2011
Arbor Plastic Technologies, LLC is a manufacturer based in Sterling Heights, Michigan, specializing in the production and marketing of specialty additives and delivery systems for the plastic resin industry. Established in 2007, the company focuses on developing innovative solutions that enhance industrial processes. Its product offerings include process enhancer additives, multi-functional pellets, and foaming agents designed to improve production efficiency. Arbor Plastic Technologies' advanced additive delivery systems allow for the incorporation of various additives, such as UV stabilizers, fire retardants, and colorants, into a single pellet. This high-concentration approach provides clients with significant value by streamlining their production processes and enhancing the performance of their end products.

RetroSense Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2011
RetroSense Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing life-enhancing gene therapies designed to restore vision in patients suffering from blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (advanced dry-AMD). There are currently no FDA approved drugs to improve or restore vision in patients with these retinal degenerative conditions. The company's approach to using optogenetics in vision restoration is based on pioneering, proprietary research conducted at Wayne State University and Massachusetts General Hospital. Founded in 2009, RetroSense Therapeutics is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Empirical Bioscience

Venture Round in 2011
Empirical Bioscience, LLC is a developer and manufacturer of high-grade molecular biology reagents tailored for the life sciences industry in the United States. The company specializes in providing a comprehensive range of products, including PCR reagents optimized for standard, quantitative, and real-time PCR applications involving human, animal, and plant DNA. Their offerings also encompass next-generation sequencing, translational research, agricultural applications, and clinical diagnostics. Notable products include the rEVAlution qPCR Master Mix and the Taq 2x MeanGreen Master Mix. Empirical Bioscience emphasizes customization, allowing clients to configure products to specific requirements, and provides technical support for the development and launch of assays and products. Founded in 2009 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company was formerly known as Syzygy Biotech Inc. and adopted its current name in February 2014.

ArborWind

Seed Round in 2011
ArborWind LLC is a green energy company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in the manufacture and installation of vertical axis wind turbines. Founded in 2010 by Frank Fike, James Vincke, and Dilip Nigam, ArborWind focuses on providing economical and efficient energy solutions for rural areas. Its turbines are designed to generate electricity for diverse applications, including agriculture, industrial and commercial sectors, housing projects, and both urban and rural communities. By utilizing wind energy, ArborWind enables its customers to meet their energy needs while minimizing costs, transmission losses, and logistical challenges commonly associated with traditional energy sources.

RetroSense Therapeutics

Venture Round in 2011
RetroSense Therapeutics is a biotechnology company developing life-enhancing gene therapies designed to restore vision in patients suffering from blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (advanced dry-AMD). There are currently no FDA approved drugs to improve or restore vision in patients with these retinal degenerative conditions. The company's approach to using optogenetics in vision restoration is based on pioneering, proprietary research conducted at Wayne State University and Massachusetts General Hospital. Founded in 2009, RetroSense Therapeutics is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

NextCAT

Seed Round in 2011
NextCAT is a company focused on commercializing innovative catalysts for biodiesel production. Developed at the National Biofuels Energy Lab at Wayne State University, these catalysts are designed to reduce production costs for biodiesel producers by optimizing the use of feedstock and streamlining the production process. With a team of experts in catalysis and a seasoned management team, NextCAT aims to transform the biodiesel industry, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly. The company's approach not only enhances production efficiency but also contributes to reducing dependence on foreign oil, positioning NextCAT as a key player in the advancement of sustainable biodiesel solutions.

Tangent Medical Technologies

Seed Round in 2011
Tangent Medical Technologies, a development stage medical device company, was founded in Ann Arbor in 2009 based on technology exclusively licensed from the University of Michigan's Medical Innovation Center. The Company's mission is to improve infusion therapy for patients and healthcare workers with its proprietary, intravenous catheters and associated products. Tangent is led by an experienced, successful management team and the original inventors of the technology. The Company expects to begin generating commercial revenues from its lead product, the NovaCath™ Closed IV Catheter System, in 2012.

Fulcrum Composites

Grant in 2011
Fulcrum Composites Inc is a Michigan based company dedicated to developing new products and bringing them to market. Although their product portfolio is diverse, they are linked by common themes of structural efficiency obtained by synergistic and often unconventional combinations of materials and manufacturing processes.

Armune BioScience

Debt Financing in 2010
Armune BioScience, Inc. is a medical diagnostics company based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, that specializes in the development and commercialization of blood tests designed to detect cancer through indicators from the body’s immune response. Founded in 2007, the company focuses on creating diagnostic and prognostic tests for prostate, lung, and breast cancers, enabling personalized treatment decisions for both physicians and patients. One of its key offerings is APIFINY, a non-PSA blood test that assesses the risk of prostate cancer by measuring specific biological markers linked to the immune system. Armune markets its products directly to healthcare providers, including primary-care physicians, urologists, and oncologists. The company’s technological foundation is rooted in research conducted at the University of Michigan, which has been recognized in prominent scientific publications. Armune BioScience operates as a subsidiary of Exact Sciences Corporation, allowing it to leverage additional resources for its innovative healthcare solutions.

Inventure Enterprises

Seed Round in 2010
Inventure Enterprises Inc. is a management consulting and technology services firm based in East Lansing, Michigan. Founded in 2002, the company specializes in providing performance solutions and information technology application services to businesses and government entities. Its offerings include secure background checks, homeland security and defense consulting, human capital and talent management, strategy and change management, as well as customer relationship management. In addition, Inventure Enterprises provides application development and modernization, business intelligence services, and mobile application solutions to enhance operational efficiency. The firm's idView suite manages the background check process from initial requests to final results. Inventure Enterprises serves a diverse range of clients across various sectors, including federal and state government, defense, security, manufacturing, financial services, energy, transportation, and healthcare, both domestically and internationally.

Current Motor

Non Equity Assistance in 2010
Current Motor Company is an Ann Arbor, Michigan-based manufacturer specializing in electric motor scooters designed for urban commuters. The company develops and produces all-electric maxi-scooters that are zero-emission and environmentally friendly, catering to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions. Current Motor's scooters can reach speeds of up to 70 MPH and offer a range of approximately 50 miles on a single charge, utilizing standard household outlets for recharging. The company has established a strategic partnership with Dakkota Integrated Systems and sells its products through a network of dealers. In addition to scooters, Current Motor also manufactures electric hub motors and solar charging stations, further enhancing its commitment to energy-independent transportation options.

NextCAT

Venture Round in 2010
NextCAT is a company focused on commercializing innovative catalysts for biodiesel production. Developed at the National Biofuels Energy Lab at Wayne State University, these catalysts are designed to reduce production costs for biodiesel producers by optimizing the use of feedstock and streamlining the production process. With a team of experts in catalysis and a seasoned management team, NextCAT aims to transform the biodiesel industry, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly. The company's approach not only enhances production efficiency but also contributes to reducing dependence on foreign oil, positioning NextCAT as a key player in the advancement of sustainable biodiesel solutions.

InfoReady

Venture Round in 2010
InfoReady Corporation is a software development company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, specializing in web-based solutions for higher education institutions. Founded in 2010, InfoReady offers tools designed to streamline workflow and enhance the grant application process. Its primary products include InfoReady Review, which connects researchers with relevant research grants, and InfoReady Thrive, a marketplace for scholarships, fellowships, and internships. The platform integrates various functions such as form building, document collection, and reporting into a single user-friendly interface, improving productivity and communication among academic teams. With a client base of over 200 institutions worldwide and a client retention rate exceeding 90%, InfoReady is recognized for its commitment to operational efficiency and effective process management, ultimately enhancing transparency and engagement within academic environments.

RealBio Technology

Convertible Note in 2009
RealBio Technology, Inc. is a life science product development company based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, founded in 2009. The company specializes in innovative cell and tissue culture technologies designed to support the growth, expansion, differentiation, and collection of both human and non-human cells. RealBio Technology has developed the Nth Degree System, a single-use disposable 3D perfusion bioreactor that enhances in vitro cell cultures by mimicking the natural conditions of in vivo environments. This proprietary technology allows for the creation of nutrient and gas gradients within the culture chamber, facilitating advanced applications in regenerative medicine, in-vitro modeling, and bio-production. The company serves researchers and healthcare professionals, contributing to advancements in life sciences research.

Algal Scientific

Venture Round in 2009
Algal Scientific Corporation, founded in 2009 and based in Plymouth, Michigan, specializes in the development and commercialization of algae-based products and technologies for various industries, including animal health, human nutrition, and water treatment. The company offers Algamune, a beta glucan derived from algae that enhances immune health in livestock and aquatic species, and AlgaGLUCAN, a similar product aimed at human nutraceuticals and functional foods. Additionally, Algal Scientific provides the Hypertrophic water treatment technology, which is designed to treat dissolved organics, nitrogen, and phosphorus in wastewater while generating a natural fertilizer byproduct. This technology serves customers in the food and beverage sector, including breweries, dairies, and meat producers, contributing to sustainable practices and resource conservation. The company also maintains an office in Beijing, China, to support its international operations.

Axenic Dental

Seed Round in 2009
Azenic is a dental device company focusing on unmet market needs in the dental profession with emphasis on novel disposable instruments. Axenic Dental was founded in 2008 and is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Michelle's Miracle

Series A in 2009
Michelle's Miracle, Inc., operating under the brand name Cherry Works, specializes in producing and selling dietary supplements derived from Montmorency tart cherry concentrate. Based in Traverse City, Michigan, the company offers a range of products including concentrates and tablets designed to support daily wellness, exercise recovery, muscle and joint relief, sleep quality, and overall health for both adults and children. Founded in 2001, Michelle's Miracle serves customers through online sales and retail partnerships with health food stores and grocery stores across North America. The company also provides private labeling services and seeks partnerships for custom-formulated supplements.

Epsilon Imaging

Venture Round in 2009
Epsilon Imaging specializes in developing algorithms and software for cardiac ultrasound medical imaging. Its flagship product, EchoInsight Pro, facilitates efficient workflow across networks, while EchoInsight Stand-alone caters to smaller clinical echocardiography programs. The company also offers EchoInsight Applications for managing indications and robust solutions for research projects. Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Epsilon Imaging focuses on enhancing visualization and analysis technologies to improve efficiency and standardization within echocardiography programs.

Arbor Photonics

Seed Round in 2009
Arbor Photonics, LLC is a company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that specializes in the development of advanced optical-fiber technology. The firm focuses on creating fiber laser systems that combine high beam quality with significant optical power. Its innovative power laser technology is designed for various applications, particularly in laser materials processing and defense sectors.

Creative Byline

Debt Financing in 2009
Creative Byline, Inc. provides an online service that enables writers and editors to connect according to their interests and qualifications. Its Website brings together editors from various publishers and enables them to indicate their interests, as well as make a direct connection between the writer and interested editors. The company was founded in 2007 and is based in Holland, Michigan.

Armune BioScience

Venture Round in 2008
Armune BioScience, Inc. is a medical diagnostics company based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, that specializes in the development and commercialization of blood tests designed to detect cancer through indicators from the body’s immune response. Founded in 2007, the company focuses on creating diagnostic and prognostic tests for prostate, lung, and breast cancers, enabling personalized treatment decisions for both physicians and patients. One of its key offerings is APIFINY, a non-PSA blood test that assesses the risk of prostate cancer by measuring specific biological markers linked to the immune system. Armune markets its products directly to healthcare providers, including primary-care physicians, urologists, and oncologists. The company’s technological foundation is rooted in research conducted at the University of Michigan, which has been recognized in prominent scientific publications. Armune BioScience operates as a subsidiary of Exact Sciences Corporation, allowing it to leverage additional resources for its innovative healthcare solutions.

Fulcrum Composites

Venture Round in 2008
Fulcrum Composites Inc is a Michigan based company dedicated to developing new products and bringing them to market. Although their product portfolio is diverse, they are linked by common themes of structural efficiency obtained by synergistic and often unconventional combinations of materials and manufacturing processes.

AURSOS

Venture Round in 2008
Aursos, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative treatments for bone loss. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with an additional office in Houghton, Michigan, Aursos is known for its black bear PTH (BB-PTH) 1-34, aimed at preventing and treating osteoporosis, including cases related to chronic immobilization. In addition to its pharmaceutical developments, the company has also created implantable orthobiological technology designed for bone grafting procedures, effectively addressing conditions such as bone voids, non-union fractures, and spinal fusions.

AFID Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2008
Afid Therapeutics, Inc. is engaged in the development of chemical and biochemical technologies aimed at the design, discovery, delivery, and development of new pharmaceuticals. The company's product offerings encompass a wide array of chemical entities, including lactones, esters, hydroxy cyclopentane carboxylic acids, amino acids, and advanced diamines, among others. Afid Therapeutics is also focused on creating a platform of chiral chemical entities that mimic the structural and reactive properties of biomolecules, facilitating various life processes. The company provides numerous ring systems for screening collections, which include a diverse range of compounds such as piperazines, oxazolines, morpholines, and quinolines. Additionally, it explores functionalities involving sulfonamides, phosphonates, and carbohydrate derivatives. The technological foundation of Afid Therapeutics leverages the structural diversity of carbohydrates to enable therapeutic interventions across multiple disease spectra, including infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s. The company targets a variety of biological molecules, including kinases, glycosidases, and nucleic acids. Founded in 2003, Afid Therapeutics is headquartered in Lansing, Michigan.

Vestaron Corporation

Venture Round in 2008
Vestaron develops and manufactures peptide-based biologic crop protection products. Its offerings include Spear-T for thrips control in greenhouses, Spear-Lep for fruits and vegetables, and Leprotec for field use. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina with a research center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron aims to provide growers with effective, safe, and sustainable biopesticides.

iTrack

Seed Round in 2008
iTrack LLC is a developer of advanced autonomous navigation and tracking software designed to accurately monitor personnel and vehicles. The company's innovative technology addresses the limitations of GPS by enabling precise tracking in environments where GPS may be unavailable. Its software features user-friendly graphical interfaces for operating and maintaining the system, as well as controls for autonomous vehicles and local position tracking. In collaboration with Royal Oak Industries, a Michigan-based engineering and manufacturing company, iTrack aims to commercialize its Department of Defense-funded technology, which has received significant financial backing. The company plans to transition its operations from the Oakland University Business Incubator to the Royal Oak Industries headquarters in Lake Orion, Michigan, to leverage additional resources and support for its commercialization efforts.

RazorThreat

Seed Round in 2007
RazorThreat, Inc. is a cybersecurity software company based in Pontiac, Michigan, founded in 2005. It specializes in developing threat information and risk management solutions that safeguard intellectual capital and personally identifiable information from cyber attacks. RazorThreat's flagship product, the Threat Analysis Console (TAC), offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including an Inter-domain Communication Engine that normalizes data from various security systems, a Threat Intelligence Engine that transforms disparate data into actionable insights, and a Risk Intelligence Engine that maps vulnerabilities against threat intelligence. This approach allows organizations to identify and remediate network threats effectively. The company emphasizes a personalized defense strategy tailored to individual client environments, leveraging existing security investments to combat targeted and persistent attacks. Additionally, RazorThreat provides integration and training services to enhance the implementation of its solutions, ensuring businesses and governments remain vigilant against unauthorized network activity.

Vestaron Corporation

Series A in 2007
Vestaron develops and manufactures peptide-based biologic crop protection products. Its offerings include Spear-T for thrips control in greenhouses, Spear-Lep for fruits and vegetables, and Leprotec for field use. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina with a research center in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Vestaron aims to provide growers with effective, safe, and sustainable biopesticides.

NRG Dynamix

Seed Round in 2007
NRG Dynamix, Inc. is a Michigan-based company specializing in advanced hydraulic solutions, including hydraulic hybrid power trains, piston accumulators, pressure vessels, and variable displacement gear pumps. Founded in 2004 and formerly known as Hybra-Drive Systems, LLC, the company targets various markets such as off-highway vehicles, marine applications, alternative fuels, and energy storage. NRG Dynamix also serves the U.S. Department of Defense and has developed patented technologies that enhance fuel efficiency and energy storage in on-highway vehicles. With a focus on innovation, NRG Dynamix is poised to expand its offerings to traditional industries utilizing hydraulic systems.

Phrixus Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2007
Phrixus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapies for heart failure. Incorporated in 2006 and based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company is known for its key product, Carmeseal, which is designed to treat heart failure, particularly in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Carmeseal works by repairing muscle damage, offering a novel approach to managing acute heart failure. Phrixus Pharmaceuticals aims to provide cost-effective and efficient treatment options that enable quicker recovery for patients suffering from this serious condition.

Pixel Velocity

Venture Round in 2007
Pixel Velocity Incorporated is a technology company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, established in 2001. It specializes in developing intelligent remote monitoring solutions, hydrocarbon leak detection systems, and video automation software tailored for industrial automation and event management. The company offers a range of products, including Event Velocity, an event management platform that facilitates real-time data sharing and collaboration, and a Leak Detection System that provides continuous monitoring for hydrocarbon leaks. Additionally, its Video Automation software enhances the processing and analysis of video imagery. Pixel Velocity's solutions are designed to create safer and more efficient operating environments for various sectors, including energy, communications, transportation, and national security. The company's origins trace back to the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan, where advancements in image processing technology were initially developed.
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