Grotech Ventures

Grotech Ventures is a venture capital investment firm established in 1984 and based in Owings Mills, Maryland. The firm specializes in investing in high-growth technology companies across various sectors, including technology, cybersecurity, fintech, supply chain, logistics, and software applications. Grotech Ventures initially invests between $500,000 and $5 million in promising startups and reserves additional capital for follow-on investments to support companies through their early and growth stages. The firm emphasizes a collaborative, long-term partnership with entrepreneurs, aligning their definition of success with that of their partners. Grotech Ventures values the ability to contribute meaningfully to a business's development, leveraging the extensive experience, insights, and network it has built over the years.

Chuck Cullen

General Partner and CFO

Lawson DeVries

General Partner

Sharon Gogol

Vice President of Controller

Meghan Pfeifer

Director, Finance

Don Rainey

Venture Partner

Julia Taxin

General Partner

Joseph Zell

General Partner

Past deals in District of Columbia

Base Operations

Series A in 2023
Base Operations Inc. specializes in providing street-level threat analysis services through a comprehensive threat intelligence platform. Founded in 2015 and based in Washington, D.C., the company aggregates and visualizes both crowdsourced and official data to assist organizations in mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of their personnel and operations in emerging markets. Their offerings include detailed threat assessments, neighborhood threat ratings, and AI-powered predictive analytics, which enable clients to gain actionable insights for improved response times and security management. Additionally, the platform features a dashboard for security personnel, facilitating communication with field employees and enhancing trip management to safeguard against potential threats.

Datasembly

Series B in 2023
Datasembly, Inc. specializes in transforming web data into structured information, focusing primarily on grocery and retail pricing. Founded in 2014 and based in Washington, D.C., the company aims to collect comprehensive pricing data for every product sold in stores daily. By aggregating millions of pricing records from various retailers and online platforms, Datasembly provides valuable insights for consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, retailers, and analytics firms. Its technology employs natural language processing and machine learning to convert complex data into organized reports that facilitate informed business decisions. The insights generated from this data support market research, economic indicators, and consumer applications, thereby enabling clients to navigate the volatile retail landscape effectively.

FOUNT

Series A in 2023
FOUNT is a SaaS technology provider focused on identifying, quantifying, and reducing work friction. The platform leverages targeted surveys and powerful analytics to provide enterprise business leaders with actionable insights. With over 7 million friction data points available for benchmarking, these strategic insights support digital transformations, optimize AI adoption, uncover hidden organizational work friction, resolve operational challenges, and improve productivity. Founded in 2022, FOUNT has headquarters in Washington D.C., London, and Hamburg.

FOUNT

Seed Round in 2022
FOUNT is a SaaS technology provider focused on identifying, quantifying, and reducing work friction. The platform leverages targeted surveys and powerful analytics to provide enterprise business leaders with actionable insights. With over 7 million friction data points available for benchmarking, these strategic insights support digital transformations, optimize AI adoption, uncover hidden organizational work friction, resolve operational challenges, and improve productivity. Founded in 2022, FOUNT has headquarters in Washington D.C., London, and Hamburg.

Optoro

Series E in 2018
Optoro, Inc. operates a robust reverse logistics platform aimed at managing distressed inventory for retailers, manufacturers, and third-party providers. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional location in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Optoro specializes in asset recovery solutions, facilitating the remarketing of customer returns, overstock, and refurbished products through various online channels. The company offers a comprehensive returns management system that encompasses the entire returns lifecycle, from initiation to resale, while also providing inventory management services including warehousing, fulfillment, and eco-friendly disposal. By leveraging data analytics and multi-channel marketing, Optoro enables clients to optimize the recovery of returned and excess inventory, thereby minimizing environmental waste and enhancing operational efficiency. The company serves a diverse clientele both in the United States and internationally.

ICX Media

Series A in 2017
ICX Media, Inc. is a media company based in Washington, D.C., that specializes in a software and data platform designed for independent video content creators and media companies. The platform enables creators to produce, distribute, and market their digital videos across various channels, including web, mobile, and connected TV. By leveraging machine learning and data analytics, ICX Media provides insights that help clients understand audience engagement, allowing brands, media companies, and agencies to create and target compelling video content more effectively. The company's services cater to both amateur and professional video producers, facilitating the licensing and distribution of digital content while optimizing the overall monetization process. Through its innovative approach, ICX Media aims to transform the way video content is created and engaged with in the digital landscape.

Contactually

Series A in 2015
Contactually, Inc. is a provider of web-based customer relationship management (CRM) software and contract management solutions, primarily aimed at real estate professionals and various service industries. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the company offers a platform that consolidates contact information from various sources, including email, social media, and mobile devices. This platform enables users to synchronize communication history, manage relationships, and automate workflows with features such as custom templates and performance insights. Contactually utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance user engagement and streamline administrative tasks, helping clients improve communication and optimize their operations. The company operates as a subsidiary of Urban Compass, Inc. as of early 2019.

Optoro

Series C in 2014
Optoro, Inc. operates a robust reverse logistics platform aimed at managing distressed inventory for retailers, manufacturers, and third-party providers. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional location in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Optoro specializes in asset recovery solutions, facilitating the remarketing of customer returns, overstock, and refurbished products through various online channels. The company offers a comprehensive returns management system that encompasses the entire returns lifecycle, from initiation to resale, while also providing inventory management services including warehousing, fulfillment, and eco-friendly disposal. By leveraging data analytics and multi-channel marketing, Optoro enables clients to optimize the recovery of returned and excess inventory, thereby minimizing environmental waste and enhancing operational efficiency. The company serves a diverse clientele both in the United States and internationally.

WiserTogether

Series B in 2014
WiserTogether, Inc. specializes in shared decision-making tools designed to enhance healthcare outcomes for consumers while helping employers, health plans, and payers reduce costs. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in Boston, the company provides a range of solutions, including Wiser Health, a personalized tool that evaluates treatment options based on clinical evidence, personal preferences, costs, and coverage. Other offerings include Wiser Health Mail, which engages consumers through targeted messaging, and Wiser Health Social, which utilizes social media to foster ongoing consumer engagement in health decisions. WiserTogether serves over 3 million individuals across various health conditions, including musculoskeletal and cardiovascular issues, diabetes, mental health, pregnancy, and respiratory illnesses. As of January 2020, WiserTogether operates as a subsidiary of Evive Health, LLC.

WiserTogether

Venture Round in 2013
WiserTogether, Inc. specializes in shared decision-making tools designed to enhance healthcare outcomes for consumers while helping employers, health plans, and payers reduce costs. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in Boston, the company provides a range of solutions, including Wiser Health, a personalized tool that evaluates treatment options based on clinical evidence, personal preferences, costs, and coverage. Other offerings include Wiser Health Mail, which engages consumers through targeted messaging, and Wiser Health Social, which utilizes social media to foster ongoing consumer engagement in health decisions. WiserTogether serves over 3 million individuals across various health conditions, including musculoskeletal and cardiovascular issues, diabetes, mental health, pregnancy, and respiratory illnesses. As of January 2020, WiserTogether operates as a subsidiary of Evive Health, LLC.

Optoro

Series B in 2013
Optoro, Inc. operates a robust reverse logistics platform aimed at managing distressed inventory for retailers, manufacturers, and third-party providers. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional location in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Optoro specializes in asset recovery solutions, facilitating the remarketing of customer returns, overstock, and refurbished products through various online channels. The company offers a comprehensive returns management system that encompasses the entire returns lifecycle, from initiation to resale, while also providing inventory management services including warehousing, fulfillment, and eco-friendly disposal. By leveraging data analytics and multi-channel marketing, Optoro enables clients to optimize the recovery of returned and excess inventory, thereby minimizing environmental waste and enhancing operational efficiency. The company serves a diverse clientele both in the United States and internationally.

LivingSocial

Venture Round in 2013
LivingSocial is an online local marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, offering discounted deals on a wide range of products and services. Founded by Aaron Batalion, Eddie Frederick, Tim O'Shaughnessy, and Val Aleksenko in 2007, the company initially operated under the name Hungry Machine before rebranding to LivingSocial. Headquartered in the District of Columbia, LivingSocial features various categories including restaurants, events, sports and fitness, health and beauty services, travel, and shopping, along with a selection of coupons and gifts for different occasions. The platform emphasizes social commerce, allowing users to search for deals based on geographic location and earn rewards. LivingSocial serves a diverse clientele, including local merchants, national brands, and affiliates, and has been a subsidiary of Groupon since October 31, 2016.

Optoro

Series A in 2013
Optoro, Inc. operates a robust reverse logistics platform aimed at managing distressed inventory for retailers, manufacturers, and third-party providers. Established in 2004 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional location in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Optoro specializes in asset recovery solutions, facilitating the remarketing of customer returns, overstock, and refurbished products through various online channels. The company offers a comprehensive returns management system that encompasses the entire returns lifecycle, from initiation to resale, while also providing inventory management services including warehousing, fulfillment, and eco-friendly disposal. By leveraging data analytics and multi-channel marketing, Optoro enables clients to optimize the recovery of returned and excess inventory, thereby minimizing environmental waste and enhancing operational efficiency. The company serves a diverse clientele both in the United States and internationally.

WiserTogether

Series A in 2011
WiserTogether, Inc. specializes in shared decision-making tools designed to enhance healthcare outcomes for consumers while helping employers, health plans, and payers reduce costs. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in Boston, the company provides a range of solutions, including Wiser Health, a personalized tool that evaluates treatment options based on clinical evidence, personal preferences, costs, and coverage. Other offerings include Wiser Health Mail, which engages consumers through targeted messaging, and Wiser Health Social, which utilizes social media to foster ongoing consumer engagement in health decisions. WiserTogether serves over 3 million individuals across various health conditions, including musculoskeletal and cardiovascular issues, diabetes, mental health, pregnancy, and respiratory illnesses. As of January 2020, WiserTogether operates as a subsidiary of Evive Health, LLC.

Personal.com

Series A in 2011
Personal (www.personal.com and www.fillit.com) is the award-winning cloud-based data vault and automated form-filling product that allows users to safely control, import, store and share reusable data and documents, and to instantly complete hundreds of thousands of mobile and web forms. Built on privacy- and security-by-design platform, Personal helps individuals to properly leverage their data so they can realize the most value from it -- all with the peace of mind that the data in their vault remains legally theirs, they always know who can access it, and it can't be shared without their permission. The company’s product and innovative approach to individual data control and ownership has been covered in numerous national and international media outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, TechCrunch, Mashable, GigaOm, Fast Company, Forbes, and others. Personal is headquartered in Washington, DC.

HelloWallet

Series A in 2010
HelloWallet, LLC is a financial services software company based in Washington, D.C., that provides a range of online tools to help individuals and organizations manage their finances effectively. Established in 2008, HelloWallet's platform assists users in organizing and tracking various financial accounts, including checking, savings, retirement, and healthcare accounts, as well as loans and investments. The software offers personalized guidance on budgeting, emergency savings, debt management, and retirement planning, aimed at enhancing financial well-being. Additionally, HelloWallet provides employers with analytics to assess workforce financial health and improve employee engagement and wellness. The company operates a double bottom line business model, donating one subscription to a family in need for every five subscriptions sold. As of mid-2017, HelloWallet functions as a subsidiary of KeyBank National Association.

LivingSocial

Series C in 2010
LivingSocial is an online local marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, offering discounted deals on a wide range of products and services. Founded by Aaron Batalion, Eddie Frederick, Tim O'Shaughnessy, and Val Aleksenko in 2007, the company initially operated under the name Hungry Machine before rebranding to LivingSocial. Headquartered in the District of Columbia, LivingSocial features various categories including restaurants, events, sports and fitness, health and beauty services, travel, and shopping, along with a selection of coupons and gifts for different occasions. The platform emphasizes social commerce, allowing users to search for deals based on geographic location and earn rewards. LivingSocial serves a diverse clientele, including local merchants, national brands, and affiliates, and has been a subsidiary of Groupon since October 31, 2016.

LivingSocial

Series B in 2010
LivingSocial is an online local marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, offering discounted deals on a wide range of products and services. Founded by Aaron Batalion, Eddie Frederick, Tim O'Shaughnessy, and Val Aleksenko in 2007, the company initially operated under the name Hungry Machine before rebranding to LivingSocial. Headquartered in the District of Columbia, LivingSocial features various categories including restaurants, events, sports and fitness, health and beauty services, travel, and shopping, along with a selection of coupons and gifts for different occasions. The platform emphasizes social commerce, allowing users to search for deals based on geographic location and earn rewards. LivingSocial serves a diverse clientele, including local merchants, national brands, and affiliates, and has been a subsidiary of Groupon since October 31, 2016.

LivingSocial

Series B in 2010
LivingSocial is an online local marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, offering discounted deals on a wide range of products and services. Founded by Aaron Batalion, Eddie Frederick, Tim O'Shaughnessy, and Val Aleksenko in 2007, the company initially operated under the name Hungry Machine before rebranding to LivingSocial. Headquartered in the District of Columbia, LivingSocial features various categories including restaurants, events, sports and fitness, health and beauty services, travel, and shopping, along with a selection of coupons and gifts for different occasions. The platform emphasizes social commerce, allowing users to search for deals based on geographic location and earn rewards. LivingSocial serves a diverse clientele, including local merchants, national brands, and affiliates, and has been a subsidiary of Groupon since October 31, 2016.

LivingSocial

Series A in 2008
LivingSocial is an online local marketplace that connects buyers and sellers, offering discounted deals on a wide range of products and services. Founded by Aaron Batalion, Eddie Frederick, Tim O'Shaughnessy, and Val Aleksenko in 2007, the company initially operated under the name Hungry Machine before rebranding to LivingSocial. Headquartered in the District of Columbia, LivingSocial features various categories including restaurants, events, sports and fitness, health and beauty services, travel, and shopping, along with a selection of coupons and gifts for different occasions. The platform emphasizes social commerce, allowing users to search for deals based on geographic location and earn rewards. LivingSocial serves a diverse clientele, including local merchants, national brands, and affiliates, and has been a subsidiary of Groupon since October 31, 2016.

SnappCloud

Series C in 2007
SnappCloud brings apps to the world's premier devices. The demand for apps on devices is staggering. According to Gartner, in 2011, over 800 million PCs, tablets and smartphones were sold. In 2016, over 2.5 billion of these devices will be sold. 64% of consumers say that on their next device upgrade they want apps built for the device. SnappCloud helps device makers and app developers meet the demand. They design, build, and operate branded app stores for device makers. Their curated approach brings best-in-class apps to customers. SnappCloud is located in Washington, DC. For more information, please visit http://snappcloud.com/ or follow @SnappCloud.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.