Ben Franklin has provided the Capital, Knowledge and Networks that help innovative enterprises compete in the global marketplace, generating wealth and supporting regional economic growth. Ben Franklin has invested more than $165 million to grow more than 1,750 regional enterprises, across all areas of technology. It has launched university/industry partnerships that accelerate scientific discoveries to commercialization. The Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and is funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.
Phospholutions LLC, founded in 2016 and headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania, specializes in the production of sustainable fertilizers aimed at various sectors including turf maintenance, ornamental and agricultural crops, animal production, and wastewater treatment. The company has developed a patented technology that enhances the delivery of phosphorus to plants while minimizing environmental losses, thereby addressing the adverse effects of phosphorus fertilizers on water quality. Its products are composed of a blend of common earth minerals that effectively absorb nutrients from both synthetic and organic sources, optimizing resource use for growers. This innovative approach not only improves fertilizer efficiency and crop yields but also supports environmental sustainability by reducing application rates and nutrient depletion, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural future.
Neuraptive Therapeutics
Venture Round in 2022
Neuraptive Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative therapeutics and medical products for peripheral nerve injuries (PNI). Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Louisville, Colorado, with additional offices in Philadelphia and Lafayette, the company aims to improve patient outcomes following acute nerve injuries and reconstructive surgeries. Its product portfolio includes AxoFuse, a nerve repair system that prevents degeneration and atrophy; AxoTrim, a surgical instrument for nerve preparation; AxoBond, which secures repaired nerves during recovery; and NTX-001, a drug-device product for surgical applications. Neuraptive's products are designed to enhance recovery speed and quality for patients, leveraging advanced microsurgical techniques to address the challenges posed by PNI. The company originated from technology developed at the University of Texas, reflecting its commitment to innovation in the field of nerve repair.
Houwzer
Series B in 2022
Houwzer, LLC is a real estate brokerage that offers comprehensive services for buying and selling homes, with a focus on customer satisfaction. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, and Haddonfield, New Jersey, the company employs salaried agents and mortgage advisors, allowing them to prioritize client service over commission-based sales. Houwzer utilizes its proprietary technology to create an end-to-end platform that simplifies the real estate transaction process, integrating various services from consultation to closing. The company has garnered an impressive Net Promoter Score of 84 and an average customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Since its inception, Houwzer has facilitated the buying and selling of homes worth over $1 billion, saving clients millions in the process.
Reflexion Interactive Technologies
Venture Round in 2022
Reflexion Interactive Technologies LLC, founded in 2015 and based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, specializes in designing and developing cognitive performance testing and training devices for athletes. Its flagship product, Edge, measures various cognitive skills including reaction time, peripheral vision, memory, hand-eye coordination, pattern recognition, and decision-making. In addition to the hardware, the company offers a related application that aids in tracking and training athletes' cognitive performance. Reflexion aims to enhance athletic performance by providing tools that help athletes win more, recover faster, and reach significant milestones in their sports careers.
SFA Therapeutics
Seed Round in 2021
SFA Therapeutics, Inc. is a development-stage bio-pharmaceutical company located in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. The company specializes in creating drugs derived from microbiome-derived metabolites aimed at treating chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. By harnessing compounds discovered in the human microbiome, SFA Therapeutics seeks to provide innovative therapeutic solutions for various medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases and liver disorders.
Naturaz
Seed Round in 2021
Naturaz is a health and beauty company that specializes in formulating, manufacturing, and selling 100% vegan hair care products designed specifically for curly hair. Founded in 2017 by award-winning chemist Mumbi Dunjwa, Naturaz prioritizes the use of natural and organic ingredients in its product line, which includes shampoo, conditioner, serum, and hair gel. The company's signature Moisture Burst System is engineered to infuse and sustain three times more moisture in curly hair, promoting healthy and beautiful natural hair. Headquartered in Oaks, Pennsylvania, Naturaz operates laboratory facilities in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where it develops ingredient-conscious products that are free from harmful chemicals.
WaveClear
Series A in 2020
WaveClear Inc. is a company dedicated to the development of medical devices aimed at treating vascular diseases. Founded in 2020 and based in Erie, Pennsylvania, WaveClear specializes in creating ultrasonic technology designed to clear occlusions in the peripheral vasculature. The company's focus lies in the design and development of ultrasonic therapeutic devices that address the needs of the occlusive vascular market.
Reflexion Interactive Technologies
Grant in 2020
Reflexion Interactive Technologies LLC, founded in 2015 and based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, specializes in designing and developing cognitive performance testing and training devices for athletes. Its flagship product, Edge, measures various cognitive skills including reaction time, peripheral vision, memory, hand-eye coordination, pattern recognition, and decision-making. In addition to the hardware, the company offers a related application that aids in tracking and training athletes' cognitive performance. Reflexion aims to enhance athletic performance by providing tools that help athletes win more, recover faster, and reach significant milestones in their sports careers.
Xact Metal
Grant in 2020
Xact Metal, Inc. specializes in manufacturing direct-metal 3D printing products and solutions. Founded in 2017 and based in State College, Pennsylvania, the company focuses on making high-quality metal 3D printing accessible to a wider range of manufacturers by offering competitively priced products. Its flagship models include the XM200, which employs laser-based powder bed fusion technology to produce components directly from 3D-CAD models, and the XM300, designed for larger build volumes and equipped with multiple independent lasers for enhanced precision. Xact Metal began shipping its first printer, the XM200C, in 2019, targeting research and development facilities, universities, and businesses transitioning from plastic to metal printing. In 2021, the company expanded its offerings with the XM200G series, which features faster printing capabilities for industrial applications. Xact Metal has established a global network of 26 exclusive resellers across 48 countries to support its customers locally.
WaveClear
Grant in 2020
WaveClear Inc. is a company dedicated to the development of medical devices aimed at treating vascular diseases. Founded in 2020 and based in Erie, Pennsylvania, WaveClear specializes in creating ultrasonic technology designed to clear occlusions in the peripheral vasculature. The company's focus lies in the design and development of ultrasonic therapeutic devices that address the needs of the occlusive vascular market.
Boostpoint
Grant in 2020
Boostpoint, LLC, founded in 2018 and based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, specializes in developing a software-as-a-service mobile application and online platform for digital advertising and talent acquisition. The platform enables local brands, such as contractors, cafes, and real estate professionals, to create, target, publish, and measure digital advertisement campaigns, thereby enhancing their brand presence and driving local business. Additionally, Boostpoint provides recruitment marketing solutions that help talent acquisition teams capture qualified leads and streamline hiring processes. This is achieved through a combination of a social media recruiting platform, text message automation tools, and an AI writing assistant, which collectively facilitate the automation of the job hiring process.
Tower Products
Grant in 2019
Tower Products Inc. is a manufacturer based in Easton, Pennsylvania, specializing in chemical products for offset and flexographic printing. Founded in 1964, the company offers a comprehensive range of environmentally sensitive pressroom chemistry, including fountain solutions, alcohol replacements, various types of press washes, and specialty pressroom products. Tower Products emphasizes worker safety and environmental compliance, ensuring that its products are free of carcinogenic and reproductive toxic materials. The company holds over 25 OEM product approvals for its cleaning technologies and fountain solutions, including certifications from FOGRA, underscoring its commitment to quality and safety in the printing industry.
FMI
Grant in 2019
FMI is a company that specializes in management and rental housing, alongside mixed and commercial property. Founded in 1992 by Kevin Rhodes in Easton, Pennsylvania, FMI initially focused on providing contract manufacturing services to the industrial fragrance industry, leveraging Rhodes' experience at Procter & Gamble's manufacturing plants. Over time, the company has diversified its operations, expanding into real estate management and rental housing, as well as commercial property management. This evolution reflects a strategic shift from its original emphasis on fragrance manufacturing to a broader portfolio that includes real estate services.
Heyco Metals
Grant in 2019
Heyco Metals, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Reading, Pennsylvania, specializing in copper and copper alloy strips, as well as stainless steel strips. Founded in 1969, the company produces precision metal coils and strips tailored to the specific requirements of various industries, including automotive, medical, aerospace, and consumer electronics. Heyco Metals offers a diverse range of products, including CopperPlus, a copper-clad stainless architectural strip, and light gauge coils, sheets, and strips. In addition to manufacturing, the company provides toll processing services, which encompass rolling, annealing, leveling, slitting, and traverse winding for various metals and alloys. Heyco Metals also offers contract plating services, including tin contact wiped and hot-air leveled plating. The company distributes its products through a network of distributors across the United States.
Orai
Seed Round in 2019
Orai is a Philadelphia-based company founded in 2016 that develops an artificial intelligence-driven public speaking application. This app provides users with instant feedback on their speech, helping them improve their oratory skills through guided lessons and detailed analysis. Orai's technology utilizes machine learning to analyze voice recordings, identify filler words, and enhance overall communication effectiveness. With a user base exceeding 300,000 on iOS and Android platforms, the application has delivered AI-driven feedback on over 2 million recordings. Orai serves not only individual users but also enterprises, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for communication and soft skills training.
Houwzer
Seed Round in 2019
Houwzer, LLC is a real estate brokerage that offers comprehensive services for buying and selling homes, with a focus on customer satisfaction. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Maryland, and Haddonfield, New Jersey, the company employs salaried agents and mortgage advisors, allowing them to prioritize client service over commission-based sales. Houwzer utilizes its proprietary technology to create an end-to-end platform that simplifies the real estate transaction process, integrating various services from consultation to closing. The company has garnered an impressive Net Promoter Score of 84 and an average customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Since its inception, Houwzer has facilitated the buying and selling of homes worth over $1 billion, saving clients millions in the process.
FullStac LLC
Convertible Note in 2018
FullStac LLC specializes in designing and developing cloud-based sales management software tailored for small businesses. Established in 2011 and headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the company offers a comprehensive sales dashboard that consolidates online accounts across various marketplace platforms into a single application. Its software features include order entry, integration with accounting systems, label creation, inventory control, and point of sale reporting. By connecting systems, revenue streams, employees, and customers, FullStac LLC aims to enhance operational efficiency for its clients in the eCommerce and business management sectors.
NeuroFlow
Venture Round in 2018
NeuroFlow, Inc. is a digital health company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that specializes in providing a platform for behavioral health and patient engagement throughout the mental healthcare continuum. Founded in 2016, NeuroFlow offers cloud-based tools designed for remote patient monitoring and the integration of behavioral health across various care settings, including psychology, primary care, and pain management. The platform empowers healthcare providers to track and engage patients through evidence-based practices, enhancing patient compliance and overall wellness. NeuroFlow's solutions cater to a diverse range of stakeholders, including practices, clinics, hospitals, health plans, and individuals. The company collaborates with several strategic partners, such as Smart Health Innovation Lab and Mental Health America, to further its mission of improving mental health outcomes.
Cagent Vascular
Series B in 2018
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.
Play Impossible
Venture Round in 2018
Play Impossible Corporation, established in 2014 and based in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, focuses on the development of a smart, cushioned ball designed for both indoor and outdoor recreational activities. The Play Impossible Gameballâ„¢ incorporates embedded sensors that track various metrics, such as speed, distance, and spin rate, and relays this data in real time to a mobile app compatible with iOS and Android devices. This innovative ball, which maintains a conventional appearance, is equipped with internal electronics, including an accelerator and microcontroller, enabling users to engage in a variety of games and record highlight videos. Additionally, a unique charging stick allows for quick recharging, providing two hours of playtime with just 20 seconds of charging. Through its products, Play Impossible aims to promote active play and enhance the gaming experience for users.
Benefix
Seed Round in 2018
BeneFix, Inc. is a technology company based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, specializing in health insurance quoting applications. Founded in 2016, BeneFix develops a digital platform that enables health insurance brokers to efficiently manage and quote various health insurance plans from major carriers, primarily in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The platform allows users to obtain accurate quotes significantly faster than traditional methods, offering a streamlined online interface that simplifies the process of finding and enrolling in health benefit products. With a focus on improving the experience for small group benefits, BeneFix has rapidly grown its customer base to over 1,000 and continues to innovate within the insurtech sector, which is gaining traction among venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. The company's success is attributed to the founder's passion for enhancing the health insurance experience, his prior technology ventures, and the ongoing evolution of the insurtech industry.
Kynectiv
Grant in 2017
Kynectiv, Inc. specializes in simulation-based products and technology platforms that cater to global audiences, particularly in the healthcare sector. The company offers a learning platform that enables organizations to design assessment, education, and training programs, enhancing decision-making through real-world engagement. Notable products include CommSim, which facilitates remote interactions between role-playing coaches and learners, and Synapse DX, a comprehensive solution aimed at helping healthcare organizations understand and influence audience decision-making experiences. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, Kynectiv was previously known as DecisionSim, Inc. and has operated as a subsidiary of US HealthConnect since 2019.
MBF Therapeutics
Grant in 2017
MBF Therapeutics, Inc. is a veterinary oncology company that specializes in developing and commercializing innovative therapies for cancer treatment in dogs and cats. The company's product portfolio features targeted immunotherapies and small molecule drugs designed to disrupt tumor cell metabolism while sparing healthy tissues. Key products include MBFT-101, a combination therapy for sarcomas and lymphoma that utilizes a proprietary polyamine transport inhibitor alongside a potent inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, and MBFT-102, an immunotherapy based on the tumor suppressor/cytokine mda-7/IL24, which has shown promise in human clinical trials for various advanced cancers. Additionally, MBF Therapeutics is advancing a gene-based vaccine platform aimed at improving treatments for both cancer and infectious diseases in animals, with the potential to transform veterinary medicine. The company is located in Ambler, Pennsylvania, and maintains a strategic partnership with the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research.
Jenrin Discovery
Grant in 2017
Jenrin Discovery, Inc. is a pharmaceutical company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, focused on developing small molecule drugs and therapeutics aimed at treating various chronic diseases. Established in 2004, the company specializes in creating peripherally selective agents for conditions such as diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), obesity, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, and malaria. By targeting peripheral tissues, Jenrin Discovery aims to enhance treatment options for physicians and improve patient outcomes in these therapeutic areas.
Versify Solutions
Venture Round in 2016
Versify Solutions, Inc. specializes in developing and implementing analytical and performance management software for the power and utility sectors. Founded in 2005 and based in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, the company offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance asset performance and operational efficiency. Its key products include V-PERFORMANCE, a set of analytical tools that integrate with existing operations systems; the Versify Operating System, which facilitates data management and processing; and various applications for asset management, event management, and outage management. The software supports a wide range of power generation technologies, including thermal, renewable, and nuclear sources. Versify's solutions cater to professionals such as power traders, generation managers, compliance officers, and energy traders, enabling them to optimize operations, improve data accuracy, and enhance decision-making capabilities. By streamlining complex data integration and analysis, Versify aims to deliver significant cost savings and revenue growth for its clients.
Shenandoah Studios
Seed Round in 2013
Shenandoah Studios, LLC is a development studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, established in 2012. The company specializes in creating turn-based strategy games for the iPad and iPhone, drawing on decades of experience in game design, graphic production, and software development. Notable titles include "Battle of the Bulge" and "Drive on Moscow," which focus on historical battlefields and significant events from the Civil War. Shenandoah Studios aims to address the unique challenges of game development on mobile platforms while delivering engaging and strategic gameplay experiences.
vcopious
Private Equity Round in 2011
vcopious, Inc. specializes in providing software solutions that create virtual business environments, facilitating engagement among customers, employees, and partners. The company's platform supports various applications, including training sessions, conferences, trade shows, webinars, and career fairs. By enabling companies to connect with their global audiences, vcopious enhances brand visibility and lead generation while capturing real-time user metrics for actionable insights. Their Virtual Spaces Suite (VSS) allows users to build, manage, and report on online events and training. The platform integrates with existing applications, such as E-commerce, CRM, social media, and contact centers, ensuring seamless connectivity and data security. Established in 2008 and headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, vcopious offers its solutions through licensed, hosted, or Software as a Service (SaaS) deployments, making it a cost-effective option for multinational organizations.
Powercast
Series A in 2007
Powercast Corporation specializes in wireless power and radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting solutions, enabling power-over-distance for low-power applications. The company develops Powerharvester receivers that convert radio waves into direct current (DC) power, alongside Powercaster transmitters that broadcast RF energy in unlicensed bands for remote power and data applications. Powercast's technology allows devices equipped with receivers to be charged without direct contact or charging mats, functioning similarly to Wi-Fi. Its products find use in various sectors, including building automation, environmental monitoring, smart grid applications, and wearable devices for medical and security purposes. Additionally, Powercast offers custom engineering services to support prototyping and circuit design. Established in 2003 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company has gained recognition for its innovative solutions, holding numerous patents related to RF-based wireless power technology. Powercast's products are distributed through authorized distributors and independent sales representatives, enhancing accessibility across multiple markets.
InstaMed
Venture Round in 2006
InstaMed Communications, LLC, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, operates a healthcare payments network that connects providers, payers, and consumers through a unified cloud-based platform. The company offers several products, including InstaMed Online for Providers and InstaMed Online for Payers, both of which facilitate secure management of healthcare payment transactions with role-based security. Additionally, InstaMed Connect integrates healthcare payments into existing IT applications via APIs. By streamlining electronic transactions and consolidating payment processes, InstaMed aims to reduce the risks and complexities associated with multiple payment vendors, ultimately enhancing consumer satisfaction and enabling providers to collect payments more efficiently. As of 2019, InstaMed operates as a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association.
InstaMed
Seed Round in 2005
InstaMed Communications, LLC, founded in 2004 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, operates a healthcare payments network that connects providers, payers, and consumers through a unified cloud-based platform. The company offers several products, including InstaMed Online for Providers and InstaMed Online for Payers, both of which facilitate secure management of healthcare payment transactions with role-based security. Additionally, InstaMed Connect integrates healthcare payments into existing IT applications via APIs. By streamlining electronic transactions and consolidating payment processes, InstaMed aims to reduce the risks and complexities associated with multiple payment vendors, ultimately enhancing consumer satisfaction and enabling providers to collect payments more efficiently. As of 2019, InstaMed operates as a subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association.
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