OCA Ventures

OCA Ventures, established in 1999 and headquartered in Chicago, is a private equity firm specializing in early-stage investments. The company focuses on equity investments in high-growth potential technology and scalable services businesses, with a particular emphasis on digital health, fintech, consumer software, and enterprise software sectors within the United States.

Tamim Abdul

General Partner

Michelle Cao

Associate

Ian Drury

Venture Partner

Jim Dugan

CEO, Co-Founder and Founding Managing Partner

Peter Ianello

Chairman and Co-Founder

David Kokonas

Vice President

Dana Sun

Senior Associate

Taylor Whittaker

Associate

David Zyer

Partner

Past deals in Illinois

Ocient

Series B in 2024
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.

AMOpportunities

Series A in 2023
AMOpportunities, Inc. is a company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in providing short-term training programs for international medical students and graduates. Founded in 2013, it connects these individuals with U.S. physicians and medical institutions to facilitate clinical rotations across more than 200 clinical sites in over 70 medical specialties and subspecialties. The platform not only offers opportunities for clinical experiences but also provides essential support services, including visa and housing assistance. By enabling international medical trainees to engage with U.S. healthcare professionals, AMOpportunities enhances their educational journey and practical knowledge in the medical field.

SpiderOak

Series C in 2023
SpiderOak, Inc. is a cybersecurity firm that specializes in technologies designed to prevent various categories of cyberattacks while ensuring the protection of authority, confidentiality, and integrity for its clients. The company offers several products, including SpiderOak CrossClave, which enables secure file exchange and synchronization through no knowledge encryption, and The SpiderOak, a solution for secure group messaging and file sharing that mitigates risks associated with conventional collaboration tools. Additionally, it provides SpiderOak One Backup, a desktop application for data backup across multiple operating systems, and SpiderOak Enterprise Backup, which offers ransomware protection and disaster recovery services. Serving sectors such as defense, intelligence, civilian government, and enterprise software, SpiderOak was founded in 2007 and has its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, with an additional office in Chicago, Illinois.

Crafty

Series A in 2022
Crafty, LLC is a Chicago-based company that specializes in providing snacks, beverages, and event programs for workplaces. The company offers a diverse range of products, including beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, perishables, and pantry supplies. Crafty focuses on enhancing workplace experiences through services related to kitchen and pantry management, catering, lunch, and hosting events like happy hours. Catering to over 260 offices and supporting 300,000 employees each month, Crafty streamlines food, beverage, and supply management for in-office, remote, and hybrid teams worldwide. By partnering with global brands, Crafty aims to improve productivity and workplace satisfaction.

AMOpportunities

Series A in 2021
AMOpportunities, Inc. is a company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in providing short-term training programs for international medical students and graduates. Founded in 2013, it connects these individuals with U.S. physicians and medical institutions to facilitate clinical rotations across more than 200 clinical sites in over 70 medical specialties and subspecialties. The platform not only offers opportunities for clinical experiences but also provides essential support services, including visa and housing assistance. By enabling international medical trainees to engage with U.S. healthcare professionals, AMOpportunities enhances their educational journey and practical knowledge in the medical field.

Ocient

Series B in 2021
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.

Ocient

Series B in 2020
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.

Livly

Venture Round in 2020
Livly, Inc. is a technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2017, that specializes in providing a residential management platform tailored for commercial and multi-family real estate owners and operators. The company's application facilitates property management by enabling streamlined communication between property managers and tenants, overseeing community events, handling maintenance requests, managing package deliveries, processing rent payments, and reserving amenities. Livly's platform also incorporates advanced features such as AI-powered maintenance assistance and analytics tools that predict renewal scores and assess overall resident sentiment. By delivering user-friendly solutions, Livly aims to enhance operational efficiency and improve resident satisfaction within the multi-family rental sector.

SpotHero

Series D in 2019
SpotHero Inc. is a leading provider of parking reservation services in North America, enabling drivers to easily locate and secure parking spots through its mobile application and website. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Detroit and operations in Toronto, the company allows users to compare prices and reserve discounted parking in garages and lots. The SpotHero application connects various parking facilities, including garages and valet services, facilitating seamless data exchange and payment processing. By streamlining the parking experience, SpotHero aims to make urban areas more accessible and enhance connectivity for drivers.

Impossible Objects

Series B in 2019
Impossible Objects is a developer of advanced 3D printing technology that produces objects using sheets of kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. The company employs a proprietary composite-based additive manufacturing (CBAM) process that integrates high-performance polymers, such as nylon and polyether ether ketone, with long-fiber carbon and fiberglass sheets. This innovative approach allows for the creation of complex parts at production speeds and volumes, making it suitable for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Impossible Objects aims to meet the growing demand for durable and lightweight components in various applications.

AMOpportunities

Series A in 2019
AMOpportunities, Inc. is a company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in providing short-term training programs for international medical students and graduates. Founded in 2013, it connects these individuals with U.S. physicians and medical institutions to facilitate clinical rotations across more than 200 clinical sites in over 70 medical specialties and subspecialties. The platform not only offers opportunities for clinical experiences but also provides essential support services, including visa and housing assistance. By enabling international medical trainees to engage with U.S. healthcare professionals, AMOpportunities enhances their educational journey and practical knowledge in the medical field.

SpotHero

Series C in 2018
SpotHero Inc. is a leading provider of parking reservation services in North America, enabling drivers to easily locate and secure parking spots through its mobile application and website. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Detroit and operations in Toronto, the company allows users to compare prices and reserve discounted parking in garages and lots. The SpotHero application connects various parking facilities, including garages and valet services, facilitating seamless data exchange and payment processing. By streamlining the parking experience, SpotHero aims to make urban areas more accessible and enhance connectivity for drivers.

AMOpportunities

Seed Round in 2017
AMOpportunities, Inc. is a company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in providing short-term training programs for international medical students and graduates. Founded in 2013, it connects these individuals with U.S. physicians and medical institutions to facilitate clinical rotations across more than 200 clinical sites in over 70 medical specialties and subspecialties. The platform not only offers opportunities for clinical experiences but also provides essential support services, including visa and housing assistance. By enabling international medical trainees to engage with U.S. healthcare professionals, AMOpportunities enhances their educational journey and practical knowledge in the medical field.

Impossible Objects

Series A in 2017
Impossible Objects is a developer of advanced 3D printing technology that produces objects using sheets of kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. The company employs a proprietary composite-based additive manufacturing (CBAM) process that integrates high-performance polymers, such as nylon and polyether ether ketone, with long-fiber carbon and fiberglass sheets. This innovative approach allows for the creation of complex parts at production speeds and volumes, making it suitable for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Impossible Objects aims to meet the growing demand for durable and lightweight components in various applications.

SpotHero

Series C in 2017
SpotHero Inc. is a leading provider of parking reservation services in North America, enabling drivers to easily locate and secure parking spots through its mobile application and website. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Detroit and operations in Toronto, the company allows users to compare prices and reserve discounted parking in garages and lots. The SpotHero application connects various parking facilities, including garages and valet services, facilitating seamless data exchange and payment processing. By streamlining the parking experience, SpotHero aims to make urban areas more accessible and enhance connectivity for drivers.

LogicGate

Seed Round in 2016
LogicGate, Inc. specializes in enterprise process automation solutions, providing a platform that allows users to create applications through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. The platform, known as Risk Cloud, is designed to facilitate various risk management activities, including regulatory change management, enterprise risk management, incident management, and compliance management across multiple industries such as finance, healthcare, and energy. By enhancing operational controls and enabling collaboration on risk management, LogicGate's technology empowers organizations to adapt to changing business conditions and streamline their compliance processes. Founded in 2015 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company aims to centralize and automate risk-related activities, allowing businesses to manage risks effectively without relying heavily on external consultants.

Riviter

Pre Seed Round in 2016
Riviter, Inc., founded in 2015 and based in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in visual search technology that utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance online shopping experiences. The company's image recognition tool identifies products within images and matches them with items in retailers' inventories, thereby minimizing lost sales due to stockouts and irrelevant product suggestions. By providing brands with predictive insights derived from social images, Riviter enables them to connect effectively with consumers at critical moments of consumption. This technology empowers large brands to prioritize their marketing efforts based on audience, context, and product relevance, ultimately driving revenue growth.

SpotHero

Series B in 2015
SpotHero Inc. is a leading provider of parking reservation services in North America, enabling drivers to easily locate and secure parking spots through its mobile application and website. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Detroit and operations in Toronto, the company allows users to compare prices and reserve discounted parking in garages and lots. The SpotHero application connects various parking facilities, including garages and valet services, facilitating seamless data exchange and payment processing. By streamlining the parking experience, SpotHero aims to make urban areas more accessible and enhance connectivity for drivers.

Rithmio

Seed Round in 2015
Rithmio, Inc. specializes in gesture recognition technology, offering a platform that enables the development of gesture-based products. The company's software integrates with motion-sensing devices, including wearables, smartphones, and connected sports equipment, to learn, track, and analyze user movements in real time. Rithmio's flagship product, Constellation, is designed for next-generation wearables and connected clothing, allowing brands to seamlessly incorporate gesture recognition into their devices. The company has established strategic partnerships with prominent semiconductor and consumer electronics manufacturers, supporting the integration of its technology at various levels, including system on chip and reference design. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Rithmio was originally known as Neurogito, Inc. before rebranding in 2014.

SpiderOak

Series A in 2015
SpiderOak, Inc. is a cybersecurity firm that specializes in technologies designed to prevent various categories of cyberattacks while ensuring the protection of authority, confidentiality, and integrity for its clients. The company offers several products, including SpiderOak CrossClave, which enables secure file exchange and synchronization through no knowledge encryption, and The SpiderOak, a solution for secure group messaging and file sharing that mitigates risks associated with conventional collaboration tools. Additionally, it provides SpiderOak One Backup, a desktop application for data backup across multiple operating systems, and SpiderOak Enterprise Backup, which offers ransomware protection and disaster recovery services. Serving sectors such as defense, intelligence, civilian government, and enterprise software, SpiderOak was founded in 2007 and has its headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, with an additional office in Chicago, Illinois.

Options Away

Series A in 2015
Options Away, LLC is an online travel agency based in Chicago, Illinois, that offers customers the ability to hold airline tickets for days or weeks while they finalize their travel plans. Incorporated in 2011, the company has transformed the travel booking process by applying principles from financial markets to provide flexibility in fare management. This allows customers to secure prices and protect against fare increases while enjoying the option to benefit from any price drops before making a final purchase. Options Away's platform serves both consumers and partner airlines, enabling the sale of options on airline seats, thus offering travelers a cost-effective alternative to traditional booking methods. The company collaborates with various travel technology providers and agencies to enhance its service offerings, supported by a portfolio of patents in the airline options sector.

Impossible Objects

Seed Round in 2014
Impossible Objects is a developer of advanced 3D printing technology that produces objects using sheets of kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. The company employs a proprietary composite-based additive manufacturing (CBAM) process that integrates high-performance polymers, such as nylon and polyether ether ketone, with long-fiber carbon and fiberglass sheets. This innovative approach allows for the creation of complex parts at production speeds and volumes, making it suitable for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Impossible Objects aims to meet the growing demand for durable and lightweight components in various applications.

SpotHero

Series A in 2014
SpotHero Inc. is a leading provider of parking reservation services in North America, enabling drivers to easily locate and secure parking spots through its mobile application and website. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Detroit and operations in Toronto, the company allows users to compare prices and reserve discounted parking in garages and lots. The SpotHero application connects various parking facilities, including garages and valet services, facilitating seamless data exchange and payment processing. By streamlining the parking experience, SpotHero aims to make urban areas more accessible and enhance connectivity for drivers.

Pangea Money Transfer

Venture Round in 2014
Pangea Money Transfer is a mobile-centric platform that enables users in the United States to send money quickly and affordably to 15 countries in Latin America and Asia. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the service allows transactions to be completed in less than 30 seconds for a low flat fee. Recipients can choose to collect cash at numerous retail locations or have funds directly deposited into a bank account or onto a debit card. The application also includes features such as automatic transfers and international bill payments, enhancing the convenience and security of money transfers for users.

OpenMarkets

Series A in 2014
OpenMarkets LLC is a collaborative marketplace specializing in capital medical equipment, including clinical items such as anesthesia machines and imaging equipment, as well as commoditized goods like laptops and furniture. Founded in 2010 and based in Skokie, Illinois, the company provides a software-as-a-service (SAAS) platform that enhances budgeting and planning for healthcare providers, improving supply chain visibility into clinician needs and vendor relationships. OpenMarkets also offers outsourced sourcing services and aggregates demand from hospitals to create volume savings opportunities. Its innovative system tracks equipment requirements, facilitating better negotiation and purchasing decisions while charging subscription and transaction fees for its services. Additionally, OpenMarkets has developed a cloud-based mobile engagement platform, indigo, to streamline communication for businesses.

Pangea Money Transfer

Seed Round in 2013
Pangea Money Transfer is a mobile-centric platform that enables users in the United States to send money quickly and affordably to 15 countries in Latin America and Asia. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the service allows transactions to be completed in less than 30 seconds for a low flat fee. Recipients can choose to collect cash at numerous retail locations or have funds directly deposited into a bank account or onto a debit card. The application also includes features such as automatic transfers and international bill payments, enhancing the convenience and security of money transfers for users.

Safe Shepherd

Seed Round in 2013
Safe Shepherd is an internet privacy company that focuses on helping consumers protect their personal information from data brokers and unauthorized access online. Founded in 2011 by Robert Leshner and Geoff Hayes, the company initially started in Chicago but has since relocated to San Francisco. It offers a privacy web service that enables users to identify and remove records that compromise their privacy. The service includes continuous internet monitoring and scanning of private databases to assist clients in safeguarding their personal information. Safe Shepherd has demonstrated significant growth, with a 15% increase in users month-over-month, and successfully converts 15% of its users into paying customers. The company was also a participant in the 500 Startups incubator program.

OpenMarkets

Series A in 2013
OpenMarkets LLC is a collaborative marketplace specializing in capital medical equipment, including clinical items such as anesthesia machines and imaging equipment, as well as commoditized goods like laptops and furniture. Founded in 2010 and based in Skokie, Illinois, the company provides a software-as-a-service (SAAS) platform that enhances budgeting and planning for healthcare providers, improving supply chain visibility into clinician needs and vendor relationships. OpenMarkets also offers outsourced sourcing services and aggregates demand from hospitals to create volume savings opportunities. Its innovative system tracks equipment requirements, facilitating better negotiation and purchasing decisions while charging subscription and transaction fees for its services. Additionally, OpenMarkets has developed a cloud-based mobile engagement platform, indigo, to streamline communication for businesses.

SpotHero

Venture Round in 2012
SpotHero Inc. is a leading provider of parking reservation services in North America, enabling drivers to easily locate and secure parking spots through its mobile application and website. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Detroit and operations in Toronto, the company allows users to compare prices and reserve discounted parking in garages and lots. The SpotHero application connects various parking facilities, including garages and valet services, facilitating seamless data exchange and payment processing. By streamlining the parking experience, SpotHero aims to make urban areas more accessible and enhance connectivity for drivers.

Cartavi

Series A in 2012
Cartavi is a cloud-based document-sharing solution tailored for real estate professionals. Founded in 2009 by Glenn Shimkus and Paul Koziarz, the company is headquartered in Naperville, Illinois. Its platform enables users to securely manage and share documents throughout the various stages of a real estate transaction, accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. Additionally, Cartavi offers a mobile app for both Apple and Android devices, enhancing convenience for users in the field.

Power2Switch

Seed Round in 2011
Power2Switch is an online platform designed to assist residents and small businesses in reducing their electricity costs by facilitating easy access to various energy suppliers. It enables users to search, switch, and save on electricity supply prices while also providing options for renewable energy. Currently operational in Illinois and Texas, Power2Switch plans to expand into additional deregulated states soon. The platform streamlines the switching process, significantly reducing the time required from weeks to just hours, and simplifies contract completion for suppliers through an automated online system. Additionally, Power2Switch offers analytics to enhance supplier pricing efficiency, making it a valuable resource for consumers seeking better energy deals.

Red Foundry

Series A in 2010
Red Foundry, Inc. specializes in mobile application development services, offering a comprehensive platform that allows users to create professional native apps without requiring extensive design or technical skills. Founded in 2009 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides a cross-platform browser-based builder that enables users to assemble various modules into fully functional applications. Utilizing the Red Foundry Markup Language (RFML), users can develop reusable modules, enhancing customization options. The platform supports live app development on actual hardware, a unique feature that distinguishes it from competitors. Red Foundry also facilitates easy deployment to app stores and includes tools for analytics and push notifications, making it a versatile solution for businesses looking to enhance their mobile presence. Additionally, the company offers in-house development, project management, quality assurance testing, UI design, and dedicated support services to assist clients throughout the app development process.

Cleversafe

Series C in 2010
Cleversafe, Inc. specializes in developing web-scale storage solutions tailored for the demands of hyperscale environments. Founded in 2004 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides a range of services including enterprise storage, content repository, and Storage-as-a-Service. Cleversafe's technology addresses the rapid growth of unstructured data, which is increasing by 60-80 percent annually, by enabling businesses to store, manage, and access data at petabyte scale and beyond. The company's solutions are designed for various industries, including financial services, healthcare, media, oil and gas, and government, ensuring significant improvements in economic efficiency, security, and operational simplicity. As of November 2015, Cleversafe operates as a subsidiary of International Business Machines Corporation.

Univa

Series B in 2008
Univa Corporation, founded in 2004 and based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, specializes in enterprise-class workload management and containerization solutions. The company offers a range of products, including Univa Grid Engine, a distributed resource management system designed to optimize data center resources. Its offerings also feature various add-ons such as Container Edition, which enhances the efficiency of Docker containers; Short Jobs, which enables rapid task execution; and License Orchestrator for managing licensed application features across clusters. Additionally, Univa provides the Universal Resource Broker for hosting big data frameworks, UniSight Reporting for usage analytics, UniCloud for leveraging cloud resources, and Navops, a cloud-automation platform. These solutions empower organizations to manage and optimize applications, containers, and data center services effectively. Univa operates additional offices in Markham, Canada, and Munich and Regensburg, Germany, and it is a subsidiary of Altair Engineering Inc.

Brill Street + Company

Series A in 2007
Brill Street + Company is a Chicago-based recruitment firm dedicated to connecting Generation Y, defined as individuals born between 1980 and 2000, with meaningful career opportunities. The firm specializes in assisting recent college graduates, particularly those with little to no work experience, by matching them with employers who prioritize eagerness to learn and positive attitude over extensive experience. In addition to traditional hiring services, Brill Street + Company offers various human capital services, including try-before-you-hire arrangements, direct hiring, on-demand project staffing, internships, and flexible event staffing solutions for companies, emerging professionals, industry associations, universities, and alumni groups.

Cleversafe

Series C in 2007
Cleversafe, Inc. specializes in developing web-scale storage solutions tailored for the demands of hyperscale environments. Founded in 2004 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides a range of services including enterprise storage, content repository, and Storage-as-a-Service. Cleversafe's technology addresses the rapid growth of unstructured data, which is increasing by 60-80 percent annually, by enabling businesses to store, manage, and access data at petabyte scale and beyond. The company's solutions are designed for various industries, including financial services, healthcare, media, oil and gas, and government, ensuring significant improvements in economic efficiency, security, and operational simplicity. As of November 2015, Cleversafe operates as a subsidiary of International Business Machines Corporation.

Cleversafe

Series B in 2007
Cleversafe, Inc. specializes in developing web-scale storage solutions tailored for the demands of hyperscale environments. Founded in 2004 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides a range of services including enterprise storage, content repository, and Storage-as-a-Service. Cleversafe's technology addresses the rapid growth of unstructured data, which is increasing by 60-80 percent annually, by enabling businesses to store, manage, and access data at petabyte scale and beyond. The company's solutions are designed for various industries, including financial services, healthcare, media, oil and gas, and government, ensuring significant improvements in economic efficiency, security, and operational simplicity. As of November 2015, Cleversafe operates as a subsidiary of International Business Machines Corporation.

Univa

Series A in 2005
Univa Corporation, founded in 2004 and based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, specializes in enterprise-class workload management and containerization solutions. The company offers a range of products, including Univa Grid Engine, a distributed resource management system designed to optimize data center resources. Its offerings also feature various add-ons such as Container Edition, which enhances the efficiency of Docker containers; Short Jobs, which enables rapid task execution; and License Orchestrator for managing licensed application features across clusters. Additionally, Univa provides the Universal Resource Broker for hosting big data frameworks, UniSight Reporting for usage analytics, UniCloud for leveraging cloud resources, and Navops, a cloud-automation platform. These solutions empower organizations to manage and optimize applications, containers, and data center services effectively. Univa operates additional offices in Markham, Canada, and Munich and Regensburg, Germany, and it is a subsidiary of Altair Engineering Inc.
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