Grand Angels

Akadeum Life Sciences, Inc. is a life sciences company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 2014. The company specializes in manufacturing microbubble cell separation products designed to facilitate the removal of target cells from biological samples. Its product line includes T cell and B cell isolation kits for both human and mouse cells, as well as products for red blood cell depletion. Akadeum utilizes buoyancy-activated cell sorting technology, employing microscopic microbubbles that capture target cells and float them to the surface for efficient removal. This innovative approach enhances the efficiency of downstream testing and analysis for medical practitioners. The company's products are available for purchase online, and it maintains a strategic partnership with Agilent Technologies.

ONL Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics to protect and improve vision in patients with retinal diseases and conditions. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company specializes in creating photoreceptor protective agents that target the FAS apoptotic pathway. Its drug programs aim to safeguard photoreceptors, thereby enhancing outcomes for patients undergoing surgeries related to retinal detachment and other serious vision-threatening issues. Through its research and development efforts, ONL Therapeutics seeks to provide effective solutions for preserving sight and improving the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.

Ripple Science Corporation specializes in developing web-based software aimed at enhancing the recruitment and management of participants in clinical, translational, and social science studies. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the company offers solutions that streamline various aspects of the research process, including participant tracking, recruitment campaign management, and task management. Ripple Science's flagship product, Ripple SaaS, leverages sales and marketing automation tools to expedite participant recruitment, significantly benefiting academic researchers and clinical trial sites. Currently, its software is utilized by over 75 academic and research centers globally, including prestigious institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, Los Angeles. By addressing the challenges of patient recruitment and engagement, Ripple Science enables researchers to enhance communication and collaboration, leading to more efficient study operations and quicker completion times.

KitoTech Medical is a medical device company developing and commercializing products for wound closure and wound care. It has developed and introduced a revolutionary proprietary wound closure product, microMend, onto the market. It incorporates tiny Microstaples on an adhesive backing, which is the size and shape of a butterfly bandage. microMend is painless and as easy to apply as a bandage. The Microstaples provide the holding strength of sutures resulting in secure anchoring of the device to the skin. These features make microMend ideal for closing surgical incisions and lacerations currently closed with sutures and staples. Clinical studies have demonstrated its superiority over sutures in terms of clinical outcomes, including cosmetic results. It is much faster than sutures and can be applied by less costly medical personnel (nurses, PAs, and nursing assistants) translating into significant cost savings in wound closure procedures. microMend is being marketed in a broad range of surgical specialties as well as dermatology and emergency medicine. The military represents an additional major market for microMend, where the product is also being commercialized. Its potential market is over $600M and $2B in the US and worldwide, respectively. KitoTech Medical was founded in 2011 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

Ocuphire Pharma is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, that specializes in developing and commercializing therapies for various ophthalmic disorders. The company’s lead product candidate is Nyxol, a once-daily preservative-free eye drop formulation designed to treat conditions such as dim light vision disturbances, pharmacologically-induced mydriasis, and presbyopia. Nyxol is currently in late-stage clinical development, supported by extensive safety and efficacy data from previous trials. Additionally, Ocuphire is advancing APX3330, an oral tablet aimed at addressing diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, which is in Phase 2 clinical development. The company is also exploring opportunities to acquire further ophthalmic assets and seeks strategic partnerships for global commercialization of its products.

Ambiq Micro, Inc. specializes in the development of ultra-low power integrated circuits tailored for power-sensitive applications. The company focuses on creating subthreshold power optimized technology, producing real-time clocks and microcontrollers for various uses, including wearables, smart cards, wireless sensors, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. Founded in 2009 and based in Austin, Texas, Ambiq Micro also maintains offices in San Jose, California, and several locations in China. Its pioneering technology aims to facilitate the creation of next-generation wireless electronics by enabling innovative companies to design products that minimize battery dependency, reduce overall power consumption, and enhance design flexibility. Additionally, Ambiq Micro provides technical support services to its clients, further contributing to its mission of advancing low-power semiconductor solutions.

Micro-LAM Technologies, LLC specializes in manufacturing precision laser-focused cutting tools, particularly its hybrid laser-diamond cutting tool system, which is designed for ultra-precision machining of hard and brittle materials such as engineered ceramics, semiconductors, glass, and metals. Established in 2012 and based in Battle Creek, Michigan, the company offers a range of services that include feasibility analysis, process development, system customization, and installation support. These services aim to enhance efficiency and productivity in advanced manufacturing processes across various industries, including optics, aerospace, defense, and automotive. Micro-LAM Technologies is recognized for its innovative approach to solving challenges related to the machining of hard materials, thereby significantly improving production capabilities in the manufacturing sector.

HistoSonics, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Plymouth, Minnesota, specializing in non-invasive tumor ablation systems. The company has developed the Edison Platform, which employs advanced imaging and proprietary sensing technology to deliver precise sonic beam therapy. This innovative platform utilizes histotripsy and focused sound energy to liquefy and destroy targeted tissues at the sub-cellular level, enabling personalized treatments. HistoSonics' technology allows physicians to monitor the treatment in real time, offering a safe alternative to traditional interventional and surgical methods, minimizing undesirable side effects often associated with these approaches. Incorporated in 2009, HistoSonics aims to enhance treatment outcomes through its pioneering non-invasive solutions.

Tetra Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing pharmaceutical drugs that target phosphodiesterase (PDE) sub-type inhibitors for various neurological and non-neurological disorders. The company is known for its lead product, BPN14770, which aims to enhance brain synaptic function through the PKA-CREB pathway, addressing significant conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and developmental disabilities. Tetra Therapeutics also works on therapeutic solutions for individuals affected by traumatic brain injury and other psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Founded in 2011 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the company was previously known as Tetra Discovery Partners, changing its name in August 2019. Tetra Therapeutics has established a strategic collaboration with Shionogi & Co., Ltd., and operates as a subsidiary of the same entity.

Tetra Discovery Partners provides consulting services in drug discovery and development. They partner with Universities to commercialize intellectual property and conduct proprietary research on diseases affecting the central nervous system. Their research focuses on developing new treatments for depression and schizophrenia. Severe forms of depression affect 2–5% of the US population, while mood disorders impact 7% of the world’s population and rank among the top ten causes of disability.

Reconstruct, Inc. specializes in predictive computer vision data analytics software tailored for construction projects. Its visual production management platform facilitates data collection through drones, fixed cameras, or mobile devices, enabling effective progress analysis and documentation. By visualizing images and 3D points aligned with Building Information Modeling (BIM), the platform enhances coordination and transparency among project stakeholders. It identifies locations at risk of delays, allowing for proactive weekly work planning, and integrates schedules with BIM animations to illustrate any changes in plans. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Champaign, Illinois, Reconstruct aims to improve construction management by fostering better communication and visibility, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring project returns on investment.

Bindplane builds cutting-edge observability tools for businesses, private users, and open-source projects. Our mission is to advance observability technology by promoting and contributing to open-source communities. We are a proud partner of the OpenTelemetry project. Docs: https://bindplane.com/docs

Gemphire Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Northville, Michigan, focuses on developing and commercializing therapies for dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH). The company's lead product, gemcabene, is an oral medication designed to lower LDL cholesterol in patients who cannot achieve lipid-lowering goals, even while on maximally tolerated statin therapy. Gemphire has completed three Phase IIb clinical trials for gemcabene, targeting conditions such as homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, hypercholesterolemia, and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Founded in 2014, the company aims to address unmet needs in cardiometabolic disorders and improve patient outcomes. In late 2019, Gemphire Therapeutics was acquired by NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals in a reverse merger transaction.

HistoSonics, Inc. is a medical technology company based in Plymouth, Minnesota, specializing in non-invasive tumor ablation systems. The company has developed the Edison Platform, which employs advanced imaging and proprietary sensing technology to deliver precise sonic beam therapy. This innovative platform utilizes histotripsy and focused sound energy to liquefy and destroy targeted tissues at the sub-cellular level, enabling personalized treatments. HistoSonics' technology allows physicians to monitor the treatment in real time, offering a safe alternative to traditional interventional and surgical methods, minimizing undesirable side effects often associated with these approaches. Incorporated in 2009, HistoSonics aims to enhance treatment outcomes through its pioneering non-invasive solutions.

Tetra Discovery Partners provides consulting services in drug discovery and development. They partner with Universities to commercialize intellectual property and conduct proprietary research on diseases affecting the central nervous system. Their research focuses on developing new treatments for depression and schizophrenia. Severe forms of depression affect 2–5% of the US population, while mood disorders impact 7% of the world’s population and rank among the top ten causes of disability.

Bindplane builds cutting-edge observability tools for businesses, private users, and open-source projects. Our mission is to advance observability technology by promoting and contributing to open-source communities. We are a proud partner of the OpenTelemetry project. Docs: https://bindplane.com/docs

VNN, Inc. operates a leading high school sports marketing and networking platform that enables athletes to share videos, pictures, stories, and scores via various digital devices. The platform also allows coaches to report game results to media outlets, enhancing the visibility of high school sports. Serving schools across more than 40 states, VNN has established itself as the largest and fastest-growing entity in the high school sports marketing sector, connecting over seven million fans and adding thousands of new users daily. Founded in 2010 and based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VNN is dedicated to transforming the consumer experience in the multi-billion dollar high school sports market.

Tetra Discovery Partners provides consulting services in drug discovery and development. They partner with Universities to commercialize intellectual property and conduct proprietary research on diseases affecting the central nervous system. Their research focuses on developing new treatments for depression and schizophrenia. Severe forms of depression affect 2–5% of the US population, while mood disorders impact 7% of the world’s population and rank among the top ten causes of disability.

Bindplane builds cutting-edge observability tools for businesses, private users, and open-source projects. Our mission is to advance observability technology by promoting and contributing to open-source communities. We are a proud partner of the OpenTelemetry project. Docs: https://bindplane.com/docs

AzulStar is a privately held provider of 4G wireless Internet and communications services to commercial and government customers. Leveraging open standards wireless technology and an all IP wireless architecture, AzulStar delivers unprecedented levels of broadband performance and reliability. AzulStar has pioneered the market for wireless broadband access and won awards for the company's innovation and service quality. With carrier-class networks in the top markets of Michigan and New Mexico, AzulStar offers a variety of high value services including high-speed Internet Access, managed wireless networking and intelligent transportation.

Tetra Discovery Partners provides consulting services in drug discovery and development. They partner with Universities to commercialize intellectual property and conduct proprietary research on diseases affecting the central nervous system. Their research focuses on developing new treatments for depression and schizophrenia. Severe forms of depression affect 2–5% of the US population, while mood disorders impact 7% of the world’s population and rank among the top ten causes of disability.

TransCorp Spine manufactures medical devices and procedures to restore spinal function and preserve healthy tissue. Its product includes SpinePort, a MIS access system. David Lowry, Des O'Farrell, and Scott Tuinstra founded TransCorp Spine in 2008. It has its headquarters in Byron Center in Michigan.

Janeeva provides the most comprehensive set of software to both users and providers of outsourcing services for Outsourcing Relationship Management (ORM). The Janeeva Assurance family of products provides a one-stop shop for governance activities of outsourced operations. With Janeeva Assurance, governance groups, providers and internal customers know exactly where to go to arrange for additional resources, raise or manage an issue, track SLAs, or compare performance across multiple providers. The transparency that can be achieved with Janeeva Assurance and the institutional memory it creates, increases efficiency of interactions, promotes trust and minimizes missed opportunities. And the wealth of data collected by Janeeva Assurance can be mined to identify trends, process bottlenecks and best practices.

Accuri Cytometers was founded to address a compelling need: life scientists love the rapid cell-by-cell analysis capability of flow cytometers, but too few have a flow cytometer in their lab. The barriers for most researchers include cost of the instrument, complexity of the software, effort required for maintenance, and the large amount of bench space required for the instrument. As a result, the company is looking to develop affordable and robust cytometers.