Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, established in 1982 and based in Philadelphia, is a prominent capital provider dedicated to the technology sectors within Pennsylvania. The organization specializes in both early-stage and established companies, with a focus on enhancing the region's innovation ecosystem across information technology, health, and physical sciences. Over its 30-year history, Ben Franklin has invested in more than 2,000 technology companies and has contributed over $170 million to drive regional growth. In addition to its investment activities, Ben Franklin fosters university and industry partnerships to facilitate the commercialization of scientific discoveries, while also supporting initiatives that bolster the local entrepreneurial community.
Investment Director, Information Technology Investment Group
Anthony George
Venture Capital Associate, Tech Investment Group
Jennifer Hartt
Director of Investments
Omar Mencin
Senior Director of Investments, Investment Group
Kathie Jordan Ph.D
Managing Director, Healthcare Investment Group
Past deals in Medical Devices
AmorSui
Seed Round in 2022
AmorSui is a modern protective apparel company that specializes in the design and innovation of medical gowns and lab jackets for healthcare professionals. Founded in 2020 by Beau Wangtrakuldee, PhD, the company emerged from a personal experience that highlighted the need for better protective gear. AmorSui's products are characterized by their antimicrobial and static-resistant properties, offering protection against bodily fluids while being reusable and recyclable. The company focuses on delivering high-quality, comfortable, and eco-friendly personal protective equipment that is entirely made and sourced in the USA. Additionally, AmorSui provides a platform for managing and procuring reusable kits, utilizing data analytics to monitor product life cycles, thereby helping hospitals and companies reduce costs and minimize waste while ensuring employee safety.
Nia Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2021
Nia Therapeutics, Inc. is a company focused on developing precision neurostimulation therapies aimed at treating memory impairment, particularly in patients with traumatic brain injury. Founded in 2016, Nia Therapeutics is based in Radnor, Pennsylvania. The company's innovative approach involves utilizing neurostimulation devices that interpret complex brain activity related to memory function. By providing personalized therapy through deep-brain stimulation, Nia Therapeutics aims to enhance memory restoration and improve cognitive outcomes for affected individuals.
Pression
Pre Seed Round in 2020
Pression is a developer of a patented, non-invasive smart compression platform known as the Wave, which aims to enhance circulation throughout the body and improve cardiac function. The primary focus of the company is to assist heart failure patients, addressing the issue of excess fluid retention, a leading cause of hospitalizations in the United States. By increasing oxygen delivery to vital organs, the Wave system seeks to enhance exercise tolerance and overall quality of life for individuals with circulatory conditions. The technology is built on established scientific principles and offers improvements over previous systems, emphasizing patient independence and health.
OsciFlex
Debt Financing in 2020
OsciFlex LLC, founded in 2017 and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing a wearable medical device aimed at preventing blood clots in patients. The device functions by stimulating calf muscle contractions through a muscle stretch reflex, which promotes valve sinus recirculatory flow. This innovative approach helps to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE), a serious condition that can lead to significant health complications. By offering an alternative to traditional anti-coagulation pharmaceuticals, which can be costly and carry risks, OsciFlex aims to enhance patient care and reduce healthcare costs associated with blood clot management.
Excision BioTherapeutics
Debt Financing in 2020
Excision BioTherapeutics Inc. is a life science company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, established in 2015. The company specializes in developing gene editing therapeutics aimed at treating life-threatening diseases caused by neurotropic viruses. Utilizing CRISPR-based technology, Excision BioTherapeutics focuses on creating advanced gene-editing medicines that can eradicate or disrupt viral genes in human patients. The company is committed to advancing these therapeutics to ensure they are safe and effective, with the goal of significantly improving the lives of individuals affected by viral infections worldwide.
DRSLINQ
Grant in 2020
DRSLINQ is developing a mobile EKG device that is coupled to an interactive application powered by a natural language processing integrated with a machine learning platform to appropriately triage chest pain patients to the ER.
Cogwear
Grant in 2020
Cogwear is a brain technology company focused on addressing the needs of individuals suffering from anxiety and depression. The firm is developing a next-generation wearable device that enhances traditional physical measurements by integrating cognitive and emotional insights. This innovation aims to transition brain monitoring from laboratory settings to everyday life, providing users with real-time access to clinical-grade cognitive and emotional data. Utilizing AI-powered algorithms and proprietary dry electroencephalography (EEG) sensors, the wearable comfortably and accurately measures brain activity. The device captures and analyzes brainwaves, enabling users to receive feedback on their mental state through a secure app and shareable dashboard. By unlocking valuable insights into brain health, Cogwear aspires to improve individual well-being and performance.
Pression
Grant in 2020
Pression is a developer of a patented, non-invasive smart compression platform known as the Wave, which aims to enhance circulation throughout the body and improve cardiac function. The primary focus of the company is to assist heart failure patients, addressing the issue of excess fluid retention, a leading cause of hospitalizations in the United States. By increasing oxygen delivery to vital organs, the Wave system seeks to enhance exercise tolerance and overall quality of life for individuals with circulatory conditions. The technology is built on established scientific principles and offers improvements over previous systems, emphasizing patient independence and health.
Hava Health
Pre Seed Round in 2019
Hava Health, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in the United States that specializes in developing innovative solutions for nicotine addiction. The company manufactures a smoking cessation device that includes a connected vape pen designed to assist individuals in their efforts to quit smoking. This device pairs with a smartphone application called Hale, which serves as a digital support tool for users undergoing nicotine de-addiction. Through its focus on combining technology with therapeutic approaches, Hava Health aims to provide effective support for those seeking to overcome nicotine dependence.
SonoSolve
Seed Round in 2016
SonoSolve is a revolutionary new device that aims to eliminate catheter-associated complications, using non-invasive sound waves to clear obstructions and biofilms within catheters. SonoSolve is the BUZZ in Blockages!
Shock Analytics
Seed Round in 2016
Shock Analytics is an early stage biomedical device firm focused on the development of smarter technologies for treating acute and chronic illnesses. Their initial focus is on a noninvasive device to estimate Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR).
Cagent Vascular
Seed Round in 2016
Cagent Vascular, LLC is a medical device company based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, focused on developing innovative solutions for cardiovascular diseases. The company specializes in angioplasty balloons that utilize proprietary serration technology to enhance treatment outcomes. Its flagship product, the Serranator, features serrated metal strips embedded in a semi-compliant balloon, designed specifically for the treatment of atherosclerosis and conditions such as peripheral artery disease and chronic limb-threatening ischemia. By employing a minimally invasive approach, Cagent Vascular aims to improve vessel dilatation during cardiovascular interventions, ultimately enhancing patient care and quality of life. Founded in 2014, the company is dedicated to advancing intravascular technology in the medical field.
Orange Maker
Seed Round in 2016
Orange Maker, LLC is a technology company that specializes in advanced 3D printing solutions and user-friendly software development. Founded in 2013 and based in Thousand Oaks, California, the company has developed the Helios One, a high-resolution 3D printing system utilizing heliolithography technology. This innovative system caters to a diverse range of applications, including aerospace, architecture, automotive, biotech, defense, dental, education, entertainment, fashion, medical, and manufacturing. Orange Maker aims to empower designers and engineers by providing state-of-the-art tools that facilitate the seamless creation of 3D objects while maintaining design integrity. The company fosters a collaborative culture within the 3D printing community, promoting the sharing of ideas and advancements in technology.
Essential Medical
Seed Round in 2014
Essential Medical is a family owned & operated business that was started in 1985. We are a broad based supplier of home medical and health related products designed with the needs of the user in mind. Within this online website you will find many different product options to meet a variety of life styles and physical conditions. If you are a home medical equipment dealer and would like to be set up to order Essential products, please click on the Prospective Dealers tab. If you would like to purchase products for yourself, family member or friend, our fine products are available through your local medical equipment dealer or pharmacy. Please consult the yellow pages of your local telephone book under Hospital and Medical Equipment.
Infarct Reduction Technologies
Seed Round in 2014
Infarct Reduction Technologies develops a therapeutic device for ischemic pre-conditioning protocol. The company offers LifeCuff, a non-invasive manually-inflated blood pressure cuff for remote ischemic conditioning in heart attack, stroke, sepsis, liver surgery, traumatic brain injury, and other critical condition patients. The company is headquartered in Waldwick, New Jersey.
Photosonix Medical
Seed Round in 2014
Photosonix Medical is a company based in Ambler, Pennsylvania, focused on developing innovative skincare treatments for chronic bacterial infections, particularly in the context of moderate to severe acne. The company has created CLENS™, a device that synergistically combines low-level ultrasound stimulation with blue light energy to effectively target biofilms, which are often responsible for persistent skin issues. By offering a home-use treatment option, Photosonix Medical aims to empower users to manage their acne while preventing permanent skin scarring. The primary audience for its products includes dermatologists and primary care physicians who are involved in prescribing effective acne treatments.
Stabiliz Orthopaedics
Seed Round in 2014
Stabiliz Orthopaedics, LLC, founded in 2009 and based in Exton, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development and distribution of orthopedic devices. The company focuses on creating innovative enhancements to existing orthopedic medical technologies, utilizing FDA-approved methods. Their primary aim is to improve clinical outcomes and simultaneously reduce costs for healthcare systems, addressing the challenges faced by both patients and providers in the orthopedic field.
OrthogenRx
Seed Round in 2013
OrthogenRx is a commercial-stage product development company focused on orthopedic medical devices aimed at treating musculoskeletal conditions, particularly knee joint pain. The company's primary product is an injection designed to lubricate the knee joint and alleviate mild to moderate pain for patients who have not adequately responded to conservative treatments. OrthogenRx employs a business model that leverages exclusive supply and license agreements for products available outside the United States, while also pursuing generic product approval domestically. This approach aims to reduce healthcare costs significantly by utilizing existing regulations for abbreviated approval of generic devices, similar to the process for generic drugs. By providing safe and effective non-surgical alternatives, OrthogenRx addresses the needs of patients seeking relief from joint pain.
EyeIC
Venture Round in 2012
EyeIC, Inc. is a medical technology company focused on developing and commercializing imaging technologies for eye care applications. Based in Wayne, Pennsylvania, EyeIC serves eye care professionals and clinics by offering the MatchedFlicker device, which monitors the onset and progression of glaucoma through change detection in time series retinal photographs. The technology aligns and registers images taken at different times, creating a superimposed view that aids in accurate diagnosis. Additionally, EyeIC's software includes an easy-to-use application that streamlines image processing, interpretation, and reporting, facilitating the detection of various retinal conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. Established in 2004, EyeIC aims to simplify workflows for clinicians and enhance patient care in the field of ophthalmology.
Essential Medical
Seed Round in 2011
Essential Medical, Inc. has developed two femoral artery closure devices intended to seal femoral punctures following vascular access medical procedures requiring a cardiac catheterization. MANTA is designed to close large bore punctures (10-24F) following procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (AAA/PVAR), and balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). These procedures are one of the fastest growing segments within interventional cardiology.
Essential Medical
Seed Round in 2010
Essential Medical, Inc. has developed two femoral artery closure devices intended to seal femoral punctures following vascular access medical procedures requiring a cardiac catheterization. MANTA is designed to close large bore punctures (10-24F) following procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (AAA/PVAR), and balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV). These procedures are one of the fastest growing segments within interventional cardiology.
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