Gaingels is a venture investment syndicate founded in 2014 and based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to supporting the LGBT+ community and its allies. The organization invests in companies led by LGBT+ founders and executives at all stages of development, as well as in established firms committed to enhancing their diversity and inclusivity. With a global portfolio comprising over 130 companies and $70 million in investment capital deployed, Gaingels plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive business environment. Additionally, the Gaingels network actively assists its portfolio companies in identifying and recruiting diverse talent for their leadership teams, while cultivating a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to driving positive social change through business initiatives.
Epirus, Inc. is a technology company based in Hawthorne, California, specializing in the design and development of advanced defense systems that utilize artificial intelligence and directed energy. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on creating solid-state, software-defined high-power microwave solutions aimed at countering unmanned aircraft systems and other asymmetric threats. Its flagship product, ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE, serves as a counter-infrastructure solution that can simultaneously target multiple threats, effectively neutralizing drones and swarms. By integrating AI and machine learning with advanced electronics, Epirus enhances the detection and tracking of objects of interest, offering innovative capabilities in electronic warfare and power management for both defense and commercial sectors.
Interlune
Seed Round in 2024
Interlune is a pioneering space resource company that specializes in extracting valuable materials from space to support both terrestrial and extraterrestrial economies. The company has developed innovative machinery and processes to identify and harvest natural resources in space, with a focus on rare elements like Helium-3. By doing so, Interlune aims to facilitate a clean and sustainable future on Earth while also fostering the growth of an in-space economy.
HelicitySpace
Seed Round in 2023
HelicitySpace, founded in 2018 and based in Berkeley, California, focuses on developing advanced propulsion and power technologies to facilitate human expansion into the solar system. The company specializes in its Helicity Drive technology, a scalable pulsed fusion concept that ranges from fusion-augmented electric propulsion to fully ignited reactors. This technology utilizes principles such as magnetic reconnection, plasma plectonemes, and peristaltic magnetic compression to enhance in-space propulsion systems. By offering high-power electric propulsion thrusters and harnessing fusion energy during the exhaust process, HelicitySpace aims to support space exploration initiatives and accelerate their development activities.
Cambium
Series A in 2023
Cambium is a company focused on developing biomaterials for various sectors, including defense, aerospace, and renewable energy. Established in 2019 and located in Berkeley, California, it specializes in advanced materials research and development. The company utilizes a combination of synthetic biology, materials science, and artificial intelligence to enhance material performance and sustainability. Cambium's approach involves vertically integrated innovation, ranging from computational material discovery to the production of advanced composites within the United States. By leveraging cutting-edge advancements across multiple scientific disciplines, Cambium aims to improve existing products and facilitate the creation of next-generation materials.
blackshark.ai
Series A in 2023
Blackshark.ai specializes in creating a 3D digital twin of Earth by utilizing satellite imagery to automatically extract and reconstruct detailed attributes in photorealistic 3D. The company's platform employs a scalable artificial intelligence system that accurately detects global features with remarkable precision and speed. Its patented 3D reconstruction methodology can store vast amounts of data while rendering it in real-time, supporting various applications including geospatial intelligence, humanitarian aid, urban planning, and autonomous vehicle navigation. Blackshark.ai serves a diverse clientele worldwide and operates with a team of over 100 professionals in Silicon Valley and Graz, Austria, which is recognized as a hub for computer vision technology. The platform’s capabilities facilitate efficient analysis in mapping, navigation, and earth observation, making it a valuable resource for businesses and governmental organizations.
Solideon
Seed Round in 2023
Solideon specializes in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) solutions aimed at producing large metallic components efficiently. The company focuses on developing multi-robot, multi-tool manufacturing cells that can deliver finished components in a matter of days, significantly reducing traditional manufacturing times. In addition to its core capabilities in WAAM, Solideon is involved in advancing aerospace vehicle manufacturing, supporting the broader goals of enhancing transportation and infrastructure. Through the utilization of additive manufacturing systems and machine-learning technologies, Solideon aims to facilitate the construction of vehicles and infrastructure not only on Earth but also for potential applications on the Moon and Mars. This innovative approach is designed to empower space researchers and contribute to the expansion of the economy, creating new opportunities for humanity.
Space Perspective
Venture Round in 2023
Space Perspective Inc. is a spaceflight company that offers tourists the opportunity to experience the edge of space through its innovative high-altitude balloon, Neptune. Established in 2019 and headquartered in Merritt Island, Florida, the company operates its first flight center on Florida's Space Coast, strategically located near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The flights launch from the historic runway used by the Space Shuttle. Passengers travel in a pressurized capsule that ascends via a stratospheric balloon, reaching an altitude of several kilometers. They remain at this height for approximately two hours before descending slowly and safely back to Earth, where they splash down in the ocean and are retrieved by a boat. Space Perspective aims to expand its operations to additional launch locations, including Cecil Spaceport in Florida, Hawaii, and Alaska, as part of its mission to facilitate human exploration of space for the benefit of all.
In Orbit Aerospace
Seed Round in 2023
In Orbit Aerospace is building re-usable, re-entry vehicles and robotics to support mass manufacturing in space. Agnostic to the material type or manufacturing process, they supply the necessary power and data for equipment to operate, and the transportation back down to Earth. In Orbit's robotics enable customers to achieve the highest yields by utilizing the full, amply sized, payload bay for their products
Spartan Radar
Series B in 2023
Spartan Radar specializes in advanced radar technology that creates high-resolution real-time imagery, utilizing proprietary software algorithms that incorporate machine learning and edge-processing. By mimicking human sensory perception, Spartan's solutions enhance the performance of existing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) by improving resolution, response time, and range while maintaining low computational demands. The company's expertise in signal processing, developed through years of experience in the aerospace and automotive sectors, enables it to offer cost-effective sensing solutions. Spartan's platform is applicable across various industries, including drone and automotive applications, positioning the company as a leader in innovative radar technology.
Gravitics
Seed Round in 2022
Gravitics, Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of large-scale space structures, including orbital carriers, cargo logistics spacecraft, and modules for space stations. The company aims to redefine capabilities in space by providing advanced aerospace station technology that serves as foundational elements for human life in space. Utilizing next-generation hardware, Gravitics offers innovative solutions that incorporate interfacing options and robust space armor, facilitating shipyard-style fabrication within the aerospace sector. This enables clients to efficiently execute their missions in outer space and fosters the commercial development of activities in Earth orbit and beyond.
Xona Space Systems
Venture Round in 2022
Xona Space Systems, Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite solutions. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, the company is focused on creating a constellation of low-cost, low-Earth orbiting satellites designed to enhance navigation for various applications, including autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and mobile robotics. Their flagship product, the Xona Pulsar, delivers high-power signals from low Earth orbit, ensuring secure and accurate navigation and timing services. This innovative approach aims to meet the demands of smart transportation and smart infrastructure, providing the resilience and precision necessary for modern intelligent systems to operate safely and efficiently at scale.
iRocket
Seed Round in 2022
iRocket is a manufacturer of fully autonomous reusable small launch vehicles designed for rapid landing and relaunch. The company emphasizes innovative design and reliability, aiming to provide low-cost access to space. By leveraging 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies, iRocket addresses various inefficiencies within the space industry, facilitating advancements and innovations in space exploration.
Exosonic
Seed Round in 2022
Exosonic is an early-stage aerospace startup based in Los Angeles, California, focused on developing supersonic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for adversary air training missions, catering to both commercial and government clients. Established in 2019, the company aims to evolve these UAVs into collaborative combat aircraft, leveraging insights gained to eventually create quiet supersonic airliners. Exosonic has secured over $4.5 million in private funding and more than $2 million from AFWERX. With a team of 15 full-time employees, the company is currently working on a subscale flight test vehicle designed to showcase autonomous capabilities and potential crewed-uncrewed teaming, with its first flight anticipated in the second quarter of 2023. Through its innovations, Exosonic seeks to significantly reduce long-haul flight times, making supersonic travel more accessible and efficient for airlines.
Pyka
Series A in 2022
Pyka, Inc. is a startup based in Oakland, California, that specializes in the development of autonomous electric aircraft for agricultural and cargo applications. Founded in 2016, the company focuses on creating innovative solutions that enhance safety, affordability, and accessibility in aviation. Pyka's aircraft are designed for precision spraying in agriculture, allowing for effective chemical application over diverse terrains while minimizing environmental impact. The technology incorporates advanced flight controllers and onboard sensors to ensure accuracy and efficiency in operations. Additionally, the aircraft can be utilized for cargo transportation, particularly in remote or challenging areas, showcasing their versatility. Through its commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, Pyka aims to transform traditional practices in crop protection and logistics.
Xplore
Series A in 2022
Xplore Inc is a company that specializes in developing space aircraft and offering space as a service. Founded in 2017 and based in Mercer Island, Washington, Xplore provides a range of services including mission planning, spacecraft engineering, flight financing, payload insurance, communications, data management, and spacecraft operations. The company caters to both government agencies and commercial space enterprises, engaging in missions that span the moon, earth, Venus, Mars, asteroids, and custom expeditions. Xplore's satellite constellation is equipped with remote sensing instruments such as optical, video, and hyperspectral sensors, which generate valuable data and insights for clients. Furthermore, Xplore's edge computing capabilities facilitate the creation of data fusion products, allowing for on-orbit insights and reducing latency and data transmission costs.
Epirus
Series C in 2022
Epirus, Inc. is a technology company based in Hawthorne, California, specializing in the design and development of advanced defense systems that utilize artificial intelligence and directed energy. Founded in 2018, the company focuses on creating solid-state, software-defined high-power microwave solutions aimed at countering unmanned aircraft systems and other asymmetric threats. Its flagship product, ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE, serves as a counter-infrastructure solution that can simultaneously target multiple threats, effectively neutralizing drones and swarms. By integrating AI and machine learning with advanced electronics, Epirus enhances the detection and tracking of objects of interest, offering innovative capabilities in electronic warfare and power management for both defense and commercial sectors.
Pavilion Data Systems
Series D in 2022
Pavilion Data Systems Inc. is a technology company that specializes in designing and developing NVMe-over-Fabric storage platforms tailored for massively-parallel applications. Established in 2011 and headquartered in San Jose, California, with additional offices in the Netherlands and India, the company aims to enhance storage performance and efficiency for various sectors, including financial services, government, cloud service providers, and media and entertainment. Pavilion's innovative architecture offers a new category of storage solutions known as Hyperparallel Flash Arrays, which utilize multiple controllers to achieve ultra-low latency and linear scalability, surpassing the limitations of traditional all-flash arrays. The company's offerings include the Pavilion Data OS, which supports Internet and SaaS businesses in delivering critical applications, alongside its OPENCHOICE model that redefines storage procurement and deployment strategies. Through its advanced technology and experienced team, Pavilion Data Systems is positioned as a leader in the evolving landscape of enterprise storage solutions.
Radian
Seed Round in 2022
Radian Aerospace is innovating the aerospace sector with its next-generation spaceplane, which is the first fully reusable vehicle designed for horizontal takeoff and landing. This single-stage to orbit spacecraft aims to facilitate the transportation of people and light cargo to low Earth orbit as well as various terrestrial locations, operating in a manner similar to conventional aircraft. Radian's vehicles are constructed from advanced materials that can endure extreme conditions and are equipped with propulsion technologies that enhance maneuverability and overall performance. Additionally, they incorporate satellite systems that improve communication capabilities, thereby supporting enhanced missions and operational efficiency within the space industry.
Spartan Radar
Seed Round in 2021
Spartan Radar specializes in advanced radar technology that creates high-resolution real-time imagery, utilizing proprietary software algorithms that incorporate machine learning and edge-processing. By mimicking human sensory perception, Spartan's solutions enhance the performance of existing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) by improving resolution, response time, and range while maintaining low computational demands. The company's expertise in signal processing, developed through years of experience in the aerospace and automotive sectors, enables it to offer cost-effective sensing solutions. Spartan's platform is applicable across various industries, including drone and automotive applications, positioning the company as a leader in innovative radar technology.
Rescale
Series C in 2021
Rescale, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and operating cloud-based platforms for scientific and engineering simulations. Its offerings include the ScaleX Pro platform for independent professionals and small to medium-sized businesses, and ScaleX Developer, which allows external application developers to integrate their software directly with Rescale’s systems. Additionally, the ScaleX Enterprise platform provides a comprehensive solution for enterprise-level simulation needs, managing on-premise high-performance computing resources and software licenses. Serving a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and life sciences, Rescale facilitates more than 300 customers, from startups to large corporations, in accelerating their design processes and reducing time to market. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Francisco, Rescale also has offices in Tokyo, Munich, and Singapore, and it is supported by a variety of investors from the technology and venture capital sectors.
Space Forge
Space Forge Limited, founded in 2018 and based in Bristol, United Kingdom, focuses on developing reusable satellites for manufacturing unique materials in space. The company's innovative approach allows for the production of super materials that cannot be created on Earth, utilizing the advantages of the space environment. Space Forge manufactures alloys, metals, and crystals used across various industries, including computing, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. By leveraging space-based manufacturing, the company aims to contribute to a cleaner industrial revolution, helping clients reduce energy loss and carbon emissions while producing lighter vehicles and improving material properties. The company operates laboratories in Bristol and Wales to support its research and development efforts.
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