Ulu Ventures

Ulu Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in seed-stage and early-stage investments in technology companies. Founded in 2008, the firm primarily targets opportunities in sectors such as enterprise IT, educational technology, legal informatics, and internet-enabled services. Ulu Ventures focuses on investments in the Bay Area, leveraging the market opportunities created by the Stanford and Silicon Valley communities. The firm typically co-invests with other investors, aiming for cumulative investments between $500,000 and $1 million. Ulu Ventures utilizes a disciplined decision-making process that emphasizes risk-reward trade-offs and logical principles of portfolio construction, distinguishing itself from other venture capital firms. Its investment strategy includes a preference for companies with viable exit strategies in subsequent stages of growth.

Andrea Bogarin

Senior Associate

Kathy Chen

Partner

Kevin Hoffberg

Venture Partner

Clint Korver

Co-Founder and Managing Director

Stephen Malinak Ph.D

Venture Partner

Nancy Torres

Partner

Past deals in Impact Investing

Banyan Infrastructure

Series A in 2022
Banyan Infrastructure is a blockchain-based platform that focuses on financing, developing, and managing sustainable infrastructure projects. The company's purpose-built project finance software aims to simplify and accelerate the financing process throughout the entire project life cycle. By replacing traditional methods such as spreadsheets and emails with a digitized system, Banyan facilitates the automation of data aggregation and compliance tracking. This innovative approach allows clients to streamline the origination and securitization of renewable energy loans and investments, achieving higher volumes and reduced costs. Through its technology, Banyan Infrastructure seeks to optimize the overall efficiency of project finance in the renewable energy sector.

Rubik

Seed Round in 2022
Rubik, Inc. is a technology company specializing in an AI-powered acquisition platform designed for real estate investors. Established in 2017 and headquartered in New York, the company utilizes machine learning to deliver research and analytics on both on-market and off-market properties. This platform allows investors to efficiently identify single-family homes that meet their investment criteria and enables them to purchase properties directly online. By streamlining the search and acquisition process, Rubik aims to enhance the capabilities of real estate investors in making informed decisions.

Beam Impact

Series A in 2022
Beam Impact, Inc. provides an application that allows user to donate part of everyday purchases to impact social issues. The company was incorporated in 2016 and is based in New York, New York.

Pontoro

Seed Round in 2021
Pontoro operates a digital asset securitization and liquidity platform aimed at addressing the significant shortfall in infrastructure debt financing, estimated at $20 trillion. By leveraging its blockchain-based technology, Pontoro facilitates the flow of infrastructure loans from major bank originators to institutional investors, enhancing access to these typically private market assets. The company has developed an initial infrastructure loan pipeline valued at $500 million through relationships with large banks. In addition to expanding its offerings, Pontoro is in discussions with several prominent financial institutions to explore distribution opportunities for its digital assets, targeting registered investment advisors, family offices, and ultra-high net worth investors. With a team experienced in underwriting and managing over $100 billion in large-scale infrastructure projects worldwide, Pontoro aims to foster broader investor participation and improve liquidity and price transparency in this sector.

Carbon Lighthouse

Seed Round in 2021
Carbon Lighthouse, LLC specializes in providing energy solutions aimed at reducing utility costs and carbon emissions for commercial real estate, educational institutions, hospitality, and industrial sectors across the United States. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company focuses on implementing energy efficiency measures such as optimizing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, and improving equipment performance through the installation of energy-saving technologies. Additionally, Carbon Lighthouse offers onsite renewable energy solutions, including solar photovoltaic systems, and provides consulting services that assist clients in navigating energy sourcing strategies and regulatory requirements. By addressing hidden inefficiencies within buildings, Carbon Lighthouse helps property owners and managers enhance comfort, increase net operating income, and achieve sustainability objectives, ultimately contributing to the fight against climate change.

Landed

Series B in 2021
Landed, Inc. is a financial services company based in San Francisco that assists essential professionals, particularly in education and healthcare, in purchasing homes and achieving financial stability within their communities. Founded in 2015, Landed provides debt-free financing options, allowing homebuyers to receive funds in exchange for a share of their home's value upon refinancing or selling. The company collaborates with schools, employers, and affinity networks to establish and manage down payment support funds, facilitating access to homeownership for teachers, school staff, and other professionals. Additionally, Landed offers personalized support through a dedicated team, including partner agents and homebuying experts, to help clients navigate their home-buying options and provide education on the process.

Cheres

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Cheres is a New York-based company that offers a digital platform designed to enhance investment transparency among users by allowing them to view their friends' investment activities. The platform seamlessly integrates with users' existing accounts on various investing platforms. Additionally, Cheres operates a cross-functional collaboration tool that aims to eliminate silos between departments within organizations. By consolidating data from various operational sources, the platform provides an assistant that helps clients analyze crucial business metrics related to revenue, customers, expenses, products, marketing, and financial performance.

Plentina

Seed Round in 2021
Developer of financial software designed to unlock financial services for people in emerging markets via alternative credit scores and microloans. The company uses machine learning algorithms to build an alternative credit score and application that provides store credit financing to buy essentials like food and medicine, enabling users to access essential goods and financial services easily.

CapConnect+

Seed Round in 2021
Developer of a centralized intuitive platrform intended to optimize offerings for investors and streamlining dealer operations for enhanced productivity. The company's platform platform simplifies deal initiation and book building with instant rules-based allocations and straight-through processing to deliver a dramatically simplified deal day, enabling issuers and help with corporate bond issuance, dealers and investors to bring simplicity and transparency to the fixed income markets and digitize the investment process.

Backer

Venture Round in 2021
Backer is a social savings platform that enables users to set up a tax-free 529 account where family and friends can contribute. It is backed by leading edtech and fintech venture firms, Princeton University, Dartmouth University, USC’s Marshall School of Business, and founders of SoFi, Facebook, Quizlet, CircleUp, AltSchool, Patreon, and LendingHome. Backer was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Plentina

Seed Round in 2021
Developer of financial software designed to unlock financial services for people in emerging markets via alternative credit scores and microloans. The company uses machine learning algorithms to build an alternative credit score and application that provides store credit financing to buy essentials like food and medicine, enabling users to access essential goods and financial services easily.

Praxis

Seed Round in 2021
Praxis, founded in 2010 and based in New York, is a non-profit venture group dedicated to supporting faith-motivated entrepreneurs who aim to create cultural and social impact. It provides resources and guidance through its Accelerator programs, which admit 12 businesses and 12 nonprofits annually, focusing on equipping decision-makers with essential knowledge, networks, and personal discipleship to build sustainable organizations. In addition to its Accelerator programs, Praxis also runs a venture studio program to foster innovative ideas. The organization collaborates with Q, a community that encourages Christians to contribute to the common good, and plans to launch Praxis Academy, a summer program aimed at training undergraduates at the intersection of faith, startups, and culture. Graduates of the Academy will have the opportunity to participate in the Future Founders program, offering summer apprenticeships with alumni from the Accelerator.

Mighty

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Mighty helps young entrepreneurs start and grow their own businesses. With Mighty, each kid will master the tools of business and harness the power of social impact. It's the modern day lemonade stand, but this time the products for sale are good for the world. Mighty gathers a dedicated team of investors to hit the ground running. They partner with great companies including Sesame Street, Collaborative Fund, and the founders behind Indiegogo and Flickr. All that's left to do is launch businesses.

Mighty

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Mighty helps young entrepreneurs start and grow their own businesses. With Mighty, each kid will master the tools of business and harness the power of social impact. It's the modern day lemonade stand, but this time the products for sale are good for the world. Mighty gathers a dedicated team of investors to hit the ground running. They partner with great companies including Sesame Street, Collaborative Fund, and the founders behind Indiegogo and Flickr. All that's left to do is launch businesses.

RealBlocks

Series A in 2020
RealBlocks is a financial technology platform designed to enhance the capital-raising capabilities of real estate and alternative investment managers. Traditionally limited to local markets, these managers can now access global investment opportunities through connections with institutional and intermediary channels. RealBlocks aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency while enhancing the investor experience. The platform offers a white-label solution that integrates various service providers, facilitating a seamless transition to tokenized product structures. This innovation allows for improved liquidity and fractionalization, positioning RealBlocks as a valuable resource for both investment managers and their clients.

RealBlocks

Series A in 2020
RealBlocks is a financial technology platform designed to enhance the capital-raising capabilities of real estate and alternative investment managers. Traditionally limited to local markets, these managers can now access global investment opportunities through connections with institutional and intermediary channels. RealBlocks aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency while enhancing the investor experience. The platform offers a white-label solution that integrates various service providers, facilitating a seamless transition to tokenized product structures. This innovation allows for improved liquidity and fractionalization, positioning RealBlocks as a valuable resource for both investment managers and their clients.

Pando

Series A in 2020
Pando has created a new financial tool for people in high volatility careers. We connect individuals with similar expected earnings and provide tools for them to pool a fraction of their future income — delivering both risk mitigation and the ability to capture upside potential. Our client focus includes professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and MBA’s.

Backer

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Backer is a social savings platform that enables users to set up a tax-free 529 account where family and friends can contribute. It is backed by leading edtech and fintech venture firms, Princeton University, Dartmouth University, USC’s Marshall School of Business, and founders of SoFi, Facebook, Quizlet, CircleUp, AltSchool, Patreon, and LendingHome. Backer was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Landed

Series A in 2019
Landed, Inc. is a financial services company based in San Francisco that assists essential professionals, particularly in education and healthcare, in purchasing homes and achieving financial stability within their communities. Founded in 2015, Landed provides debt-free financing options, allowing homebuyers to receive funds in exchange for a share of their home's value upon refinancing or selling. The company collaborates with schools, employers, and affinity networks to establish and manage down payment support funds, facilitating access to homeownership for teachers, school staff, and other professionals. Additionally, Landed offers personalized support through a dedicated team, including partner agents and homebuying experts, to help clients navigate their home-buying options and provide education on the process.

Ellevest

Series A in 2019
Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm based in New York City, established in 2014, that focuses on providing tailored financial services specifically for women clients. The firm employs fundamental analysis and a top-down approach to manage diverse, client-focused portfolios across various global asset classes. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that incorporates a proprietary algorithm, taking into account factors such as women's salary peaks and financial goals to create customized investment plans. This approach aims to empower female investors by offering an engaging user experience and a thoughtful selection of investments, ensuring that their financial aspirations are prioritized and met effectively.

RealBlocks

Seed Round in 2019
RealBlocks is a financial technology platform designed to enhance the capital-raising capabilities of real estate and alternative investment managers. Traditionally limited to local markets, these managers can now access global investment opportunities through connections with institutional and intermediary channels. RealBlocks aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency while enhancing the investor experience. The platform offers a white-label solution that integrates various service providers, facilitating a seamless transition to tokenized product structures. This innovation allows for improved liquidity and fractionalization, positioning RealBlocks as a valuable resource for both investment managers and their clients.

Beam Impact

Seed Round in 2018
Beam Impact, Inc. provides an application that allows user to donate part of everyday purchases to impact social issues. The company was incorporated in 2016 and is based in New York, New York.

Landed

Seed Round in 2018
Landed, Inc. is a financial services company based in San Francisco that assists essential professionals, particularly in education and healthcare, in purchasing homes and achieving financial stability within their communities. Founded in 2015, Landed provides debt-free financing options, allowing homebuyers to receive funds in exchange for a share of their home's value upon refinancing or selling. The company collaborates with schools, employers, and affinity networks to establish and manage down payment support funds, facilitating access to homeownership for teachers, school staff, and other professionals. Additionally, Landed offers personalized support through a dedicated team, including partner agents and homebuying experts, to help clients navigate their home-buying options and provide education on the process.

Align17

Seed Round in 2018
Align17 Ltd offers investment advice and operates a marketplace that brings investors in private impact deals together with private wealth clients. It provides its clients access and advice to investment in social and environmental opportunities. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in London, United Kingdom.

Pando

Seed Round in 2017
Pando has created a new financial tool for people in high volatility careers. We connect individuals with similar expected earnings and provide tools for them to pool a fraction of their future income — delivering both risk mitigation and the ability to capture upside potential. Our client focus includes professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and MBA’s.

Ellevest

Series A in 2017
Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm based in New York City, established in 2014, that focuses on providing tailored financial services specifically for women clients. The firm employs fundamental analysis and a top-down approach to manage diverse, client-focused portfolios across various global asset classes. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that incorporates a proprietary algorithm, taking into account factors such as women's salary peaks and financial goals to create customized investment plans. This approach aims to empower female investors by offering an engaging user experience and a thoughtful selection of investments, ensuring that their financial aspirations are prioritized and met effectively.

Landed

Seed Round in 2017
Landed, Inc. is a financial services company based in San Francisco that assists essential professionals, particularly in education and healthcare, in purchasing homes and achieving financial stability within their communities. Founded in 2015, Landed provides debt-free financing options, allowing homebuyers to receive funds in exchange for a share of their home's value upon refinancing or selling. The company collaborates with schools, employers, and affinity networks to establish and manage down payment support funds, facilitating access to homeownership for teachers, school staff, and other professionals. Additionally, Landed offers personalized support through a dedicated team, including partner agents and homebuying experts, to help clients navigate their home-buying options and provide education on the process.

Landed

Seed Round in 2016
Landed, Inc. is a financial services company based in San Francisco that assists essential professionals, particularly in education and healthcare, in purchasing homes and achieving financial stability within their communities. Founded in 2015, Landed provides debt-free financing options, allowing homebuyers to receive funds in exchange for a share of their home's value upon refinancing or selling. The company collaborates with schools, employers, and affinity networks to establish and manage down payment support funds, facilitating access to homeownership for teachers, school staff, and other professionals. Additionally, Landed offers personalized support through a dedicated team, including partner agents and homebuying experts, to help clients navigate their home-buying options and provide education on the process.

Ellevest

Series B in 2016
Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm based in New York City, established in 2014, that focuses on providing tailored financial services specifically for women clients. The firm employs fundamental analysis and a top-down approach to manage diverse, client-focused portfolios across various global asset classes. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that incorporates a proprietary algorithm, taking into account factors such as women's salary peaks and financial goals to create customized investment plans. This approach aims to empower female investors by offering an engaging user experience and a thoughtful selection of investments, ensuring that their financial aspirations are prioritized and met effectively.

Juntos

Seed Round in 2013
Juntos Finanzas, Inc. is a company that provides a mobile communication solution aimed at enhancing the engagement between financial institutions and low-income consumers, particularly in emerging markets. Founded in 2010 in San Carlos, California, the company develops digital tools that empower individuals to manage their finances effectively and achieve their financial goals. By collaborating with banks and financial service providers, Juntos delivers engaging conversations through SMS, which helps build trust and confidence among customers entering the financial system for the first time. The company emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural and behavioral insights to motivate increased account usage and foster financial stability for low-balance customers.

ProFounder

Convertible Note in 2011
ProFounder Financial, Inc. is a crowdfunding platform established in 2007 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The platform facilitates entrepreneurs in raising investment capital from their personal networks, including friends, family, and community members. By leveraging these connections, ProFounder aims to provide accessible funding opportunities for individuals looking to launch or expand their businesses.
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