Innovation Works

Innovation Works is a venture capital firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, established in 1999. With over 20 years of experience, it has become a key player in Southwestern Pennsylvania's technology economy, focusing on investing in high-potential companies that can significantly impact the regional economy. As the largest investor in seed-stage companies in the region, Innovation Works supports a diverse range of sectors, including robotics, artificial intelligence, medical devices, retail technologies, and enterprise software. In addition to financial investment, the firm offers business expertise and resources to help manufacturers adopt new technologies, further fostering innovation and growth within the local economy.

Sophie Burkholder

Investment Associate

Kevin Dowling

Managing Director of Robotics Factory and Hardware

Peter Erin

Senior Investment Associate

Rich Luak

CEO

Jeffrey McDaniel

Investor

Megan Kahn Shaw

Managing Director, Life Sciences

Past deals in Aerospace

Setex Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
Setex Technologies, a spin-out from Carnegie Mellon University, is a manufacturer of dry adhesive technology based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Established in 2009, the company specializes in micro-fibrillar polymer gripping surfaces and dry adhesives designed to address complex and costly manufacturing challenges. Its innovative solutions cater to a variety of industrial applications, including anti-slip technology that improves grip in numerous products. Setex's products are utilized across several sectors, such as industrial manufacturing, sports, medical, and consumer goods, empowering product designers and engineers to create unique, market-leading designs while overcoming limitations posed by traditional adhesives and gripping materials.

Arieca

Series A in 2022
Arieca LLC, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development and distribution of Thubber, a thermally conductive rubber composite. Founded in 2018, the company has created a unique product that merges the compliance and elasticity of soft silicone rubber with the thermal conductivity of metal. This innovative material is stretchable and can be utilized in various applications, including circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers. By providing an alternative form of rubber, Arieca aims to enhance the performance of electronic devices while ensuring safe human interaction, effectively addressing heat management challenges across multiple industries.

AlgenAir

Seed Round in 2022
AlgenAir is a company focused on improving indoor air quality through the development of natural air purifiers that utilize algae. Their innovative filters are designed to effectively remove carbon dioxide from the environment while simultaneously producing oxygen, creating a healthier atmosphere for occupants. By harnessing the natural processes of algae, AlgenAir offers an organic solution for air purification, catering to those seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for enhancing air quality indoors.

ESTAT Actuation

Seed Round in 2021
ESTAT Actuation make robots more dynamic using breakthrough actuator technology.

Ariel Precision Medicine

Seed Round in 2021
Ariel Precision Medicine is an integrated genomics and digital health company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that focuses on providing precision medicine solutions for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of complex chronic diseases. Founded in 2013, the company develops innovative clinical decision support tools designed to simplify personalized treatment, particularly through its flagship product, ArielDx. This cloud-based platform specifically aids in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic disease, enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers in both emergency and clinical settings. Ariel Precision Medicine aims to improve patient outcomes by leveraging advanced technology and genomic insights in healthcare.

Apollo Neuroscience

Seed Round in 2021
Apollo Neuroscience, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company that specializes in manufacturing a wearable wellness device designed to aid recovery from chronic stress through gentle vibrations. The device is complemented by an application that leverages neuroscience and machine learning to enhance heart rate variability, assisting users in various activities such as waking up, focusing, unwinding, and improving parasympathetic nervous system function. Founded in 2016, Apollo's products are marketed online and are intended to promote overall wellness rather than treat psychiatric disorders. The company emphasizes that its offerings are not substitutes for professional medical care.

ESTAT Actuation

Seed Round in 2021
ESTAT Actuation make robots more dynamic using breakthrough actuator technology.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2020
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in developing self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a range of services that enhance project visibility and productivity for industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its platform enables users to conduct 3D volumetric analysis, create 2D measurements, and generate detailed maps, while also ensuring FAA compliance and streamlined flight planning. The technology facilitates continuous job site monitoring, allowing clients to perform as-built versus planned comparisons and track project progress, ultimately improving profitability and operational efficiency.

Ariel Precision Medicine

Seed Round in 2020
Ariel Precision Medicine is an integrated genomics and digital health company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that focuses on providing precision medicine solutions for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of complex chronic diseases. Founded in 2013, the company develops innovative clinical decision support tools designed to simplify personalized treatment, particularly through its flagship product, ArielDx. This cloud-based platform specifically aids in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic disease, enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers in both emergency and clinical settings. Ariel Precision Medicine aims to improve patient outcomes by leveraging advanced technology and genomic insights in healthcare.

Arieca

Seed Round in 2020
Arieca LLC, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development and distribution of Thubber, a thermally conductive rubber composite. Founded in 2018, the company has created a unique product that merges the compliance and elasticity of soft silicone rubber with the thermal conductivity of metal. This innovative material is stretchable and can be utilized in various applications, including circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers. By providing an alternative form of rubber, Arieca aims to enhance the performance of electronic devices while ensuring safe human interaction, effectively addressing heat management challenges across multiple industries.

CoeoSpace

Seed Round in 2020
CoeoSpace, LLC specializes in providing flexible, move-in ready workspaces tailored for a diverse clientele, including entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups, and small businesses. Founded in 2019 and based in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, the company offers a variety of options such as co-working spaces, sublease spaces, and landlord spec suites. CoeoSpace employs advanced algorithms to facilitate quick and efficient matching of users to suitable spaces based on factors like team size, budget, and desired amenities. This technology-driven approach enhances the user experience by providing features such as listings, search capabilities, scheduling, verification, reviews, and live chat support. With a presence in over 188 U.S. markets, CoeoSpace is also affiliated with the National Association of Realtors, participating in its inaugural REach Commercial Accelerator Program.

Arieca

Seed Round in 2019
Arieca LLC, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development and distribution of Thubber, a thermally conductive rubber composite. Founded in 2018, the company has created a unique product that merges the compliance and elasticity of soft silicone rubber with the thermal conductivity of metal. This innovative material is stretchable and can be utilized in various applications, including circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers. By providing an alternative form of rubber, Arieca aims to enhance the performance of electronic devices while ensuring safe human interaction, effectively addressing heat management challenges across multiple industries.

Apollo Neuroscience

Seed Round in 2019
Apollo Neuroscience, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company that specializes in manufacturing a wearable wellness device designed to aid recovery from chronic stress through gentle vibrations. The device is complemented by an application that leverages neuroscience and machine learning to enhance heart rate variability, assisting users in various activities such as waking up, focusing, unwinding, and improving parasympathetic nervous system function. Founded in 2016, Apollo's products are marketed online and are intended to promote overall wellness rather than treat psychiatric disorders. The company emphasizes that its offerings are not substitutes for professional medical care.

ESTAT Actuation

Seed Round in 2019
ESTAT Actuation make robots more dynamic using breakthrough actuator technology.

Ariel Precision Medicine

Seed Round in 2019
Ariel Precision Medicine is an integrated genomics and digital health company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that focuses on providing precision medicine solutions for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of complex chronic diseases. Founded in 2013, the company develops innovative clinical decision support tools designed to simplify personalized treatment, particularly through its flagship product, ArielDx. This cloud-based platform specifically aids in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic disease, enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers in both emergency and clinical settings. Ariel Precision Medicine aims to improve patient outcomes by leveraging advanced technology and genomic insights in healthcare.

Arieca

Seed Round in 2019
Arieca LLC, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development and distribution of Thubber, a thermally conductive rubber composite. Founded in 2018, the company has created a unique product that merges the compliance and elasticity of soft silicone rubber with the thermal conductivity of metal. This innovative material is stretchable and can be utilized in various applications, including circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers. By providing an alternative form of rubber, Arieca aims to enhance the performance of electronic devices while ensuring safe human interaction, effectively addressing heat management challenges across multiple industries.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2018
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in developing self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a range of services that enhance project visibility and productivity for industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its platform enables users to conduct 3D volumetric analysis, create 2D measurements, and generate detailed maps, while also ensuring FAA compliance and streamlined flight planning. The technology facilitates continuous job site monitoring, allowing clients to perform as-built versus planned comparisons and track project progress, ultimately improving profitability and operational efficiency.

Ariel Precision Medicine

Seed Round in 2018
Ariel Precision Medicine is an integrated genomics and digital health company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that focuses on providing precision medicine solutions for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of complex chronic diseases. Founded in 2013, the company develops innovative clinical decision support tools designed to simplify personalized treatment, particularly through its flagship product, ArielDx. This cloud-based platform specifically aids in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic disease, enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers in both emergency and clinical settings. Ariel Precision Medicine aims to improve patient outcomes by leveraging advanced technology and genomic insights in healthcare.

Arieca

Seed Round in 2018
Arieca LLC, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializes in the development and distribution of Thubber, a thermally conductive rubber composite. Founded in 2018, the company has created a unique product that merges the compliance and elasticity of soft silicone rubber with the thermal conductivity of metal. This innovative material is stretchable and can be utilized in various applications, including circuit wiring, sensors, and passive heat exchangers. By providing an alternative form of rubber, Arieca aims to enhance the performance of electronic devices while ensuring safe human interaction, effectively addressing heat management challenges across multiple industries.

Apollo Neuroscience

Seed Round in 2018
Apollo Neuroscience, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company that specializes in manufacturing a wearable wellness device designed to aid recovery from chronic stress through gentle vibrations. The device is complemented by an application that leverages neuroscience and machine learning to enhance heart rate variability, assisting users in various activities such as waking up, focusing, unwinding, and improving parasympathetic nervous system function. Founded in 2016, Apollo's products are marketed online and are intended to promote overall wellness rather than treat psychiatric disorders. The company emphasizes that its offerings are not substitutes for professional medical care.

Velocity Robotics

Seed Round in 2018
Velocity Robotics, Inc. is a construction technology company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that develops and manufactures advanced workflow tools and automated positioning systems utilizing robotics and Internet of Things technology. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on enhancing precision and efficiency in various construction operations, including metal stud framing, soffit fabrication, decorative panel installation, finish carpentry, and aluminum window frame installation. Their innovative tools, such as a Bluetooth-enabled tape measure and smart miter saw fence, help eliminate human error in measurement, improve productivity, and reduce waste. By providing valuable data for project managers, Velocity Robotics aims to streamline workflows across the construction sector, bridging practical fabrication needs with high-tech solutions.

Onward Robotics

Venture Round in 2017
IAM Robotics, LLC is a robotics company founded in 2012 and based in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, specializing in mobile picking robots designed for autonomous order fulfillment and material handling. The company's flagship product, Swift, autonomously navigates warehouse aisles to pick products and retrieve bins, enhancing efficiency in logistics operations. In addition to Swift, IAM Robotics offers Swiftlink, a software interface that facilitates robot operation, and Flash, a product dimensioner and photo booth for accurate inventory management. The company serves various industries, including pharmaceuticals, health and beauty products, e-commerce, and grocery, aiming to optimize warehouse processes through innovative robotic solutions.

Identified Technologies

Venture Round in 2017
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in developing self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a range of services that enhance project visibility and productivity for industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its platform enables users to conduct 3D volumetric analysis, create 2D measurements, and generate detailed maps, while also ensuring FAA compliance and streamlined flight planning. The technology facilitates continuous job site monitoring, allowing clients to perform as-built versus planned comparisons and track project progress, ultimately improving profitability and operational efficiency.

Auratek Textiles

Convertible Note in 2017
Auratek Textiles offers a unique fabric that is changing the game, meet the engineered textile that promotes youthful skin. Auratek Textiles is changing the way you think about your bedding. The moisture naturally released from your body during sleep can interact with common bedding textiles in a way that leaves your skin looking less than refreshed. Sleeping on sheets and pillowcases made by Auratek Textiles can help prevent nightly damage to your skin.

Ariel Precision Medicine

Convertible Note in 2017
Ariel Precision Medicine is an integrated genomics and digital health company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that focuses on providing precision medicine solutions for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of complex chronic diseases. Founded in 2013, the company develops innovative clinical decision support tools designed to simplify personalized treatment, particularly through its flagship product, ArielDx. This cloud-based platform specifically aids in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic disease, enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers in both emergency and clinical settings. Ariel Precision Medicine aims to improve patient outcomes by leveraging advanced technology and genomic insights in healthcare.

Carbon Freight

Seed Round in 2016
At Carbon Freight they build more durable air cargo products that last longer with lower tare so that you can carry more cargo while producing fewer emissions. They believe that sustainable business practices and profitability not only can go hand in hand, but must.

LumiShield

Pre Seed Round in 2015
LumiShield Technologies Inc. specializes in anti-corrosion products specifically designed for the metal plating industry. Founded in 2014 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company provides innovative aluminum electroplating technologies, including aluminum films of varying thicknesses for application on steel. LumiShield's flagship product, Lumidize, introduces a breakthrough aluminum oxide coating that enhances paint adhesion and corrosion resistance, addressing the long-standing lack of innovation in the $11 billion metal pretreatment market. This product is beneficial to various sectors, including biomedical, automotive, aerospace, infrastructure, electronics, manufacturing, marine, and consumer goods. Lumidize is compatible with a wide range of metal substrates and multi-metal components, allowing manufacturers to use existing equipment while simplifying processes and reducing costs. Additionally, it helps mitigate significant environmental issues associated with traditional technologies.

LumiShield

Pre Seed Round in 2015
LumiShield Technologies Inc. specializes in anti-corrosion products specifically designed for the metal plating industry. Founded in 2014 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company provides innovative aluminum electroplating technologies, including aluminum films of varying thicknesses for application on steel. LumiShield's flagship product, Lumidize, introduces a breakthrough aluminum oxide coating that enhances paint adhesion and corrosion resistance, addressing the long-standing lack of innovation in the $11 billion metal pretreatment market. This product is beneficial to various sectors, including biomedical, automotive, aerospace, infrastructure, electronics, manufacturing, marine, and consumer goods. Lumidize is compatible with a wide range of metal substrates and multi-metal components, allowing manufacturers to use existing equipment while simplifying processes and reducing costs. Additionally, it helps mitigate significant environmental issues associated with traditional technologies.

Onward Robotics

Seed Round in 2015
IAM Robotics, LLC is a robotics company founded in 2012 and based in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, specializing in mobile picking robots designed for autonomous order fulfillment and material handling. The company's flagship product, Swift, autonomously navigates warehouse aisles to pick products and retrieve bins, enhancing efficiency in logistics operations. In addition to Swift, IAM Robotics offers Swiftlink, a software interface that facilitates robot operation, and Flash, a product dimensioner and photo booth for accurate inventory management. The company serves various industries, including pharmaceuticals, health and beauty products, e-commerce, and grocery, aiming to optimize warehouse processes through innovative robotic solutions.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2015
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in developing self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a range of services that enhance project visibility and productivity for industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its platform enables users to conduct 3D volumetric analysis, create 2D measurements, and generate detailed maps, while also ensuring FAA compliance and streamlined flight planning. The technology facilitates continuous job site monitoring, allowing clients to perform as-built versus planned comparisons and track project progress, ultimately improving profitability and operational efficiency.

Atmosferiq

Seed Round in 2014
Atmosferiq, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializing in web-based customer engagement visibility solutions tailored for small and medium businesses. Founded in 2013, Atmosferiq provides an online platform that seamlessly integrates digital marketing channels with traditional marketing methods. The company's offerings include a marketing mix dashboard, tools for goal setting and planning, as well as integrated campaign planning and production resources, all designed to enhance customer engagement and marketing effectiveness.

Identified Technologies

Seed Round in 2014
Identified Technologies Corporation specializes in developing self-piloting aerial mapping and land survey drones, providing comprehensive data scanning, capture, and analytics solutions. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a range of services that enhance project visibility and productivity for industries such as energy, mining, manufacturing, and construction. Its platform enables users to conduct 3D volumetric analysis, create 2D measurements, and generate detailed maps, while also ensuring FAA compliance and streamlined flight planning. The technology facilitates continuous job site monitoring, allowing clients to perform as-built versus planned comparisons and track project progress, ultimately improving profitability and operational efficiency.

RE2, Inc.

Pre Seed Round in 2014
RE2 Robotics, located in Pittsburgh, PA, is a Carnegie Mellon spin-off. We were founded in 2001 by Jorgen Pedersen on the principles of developing innovative robotic technologies that save lives and improve quality of life. Our team designs mobile manipulation technologies that enable robot users to remotely interact with the world -- whether on the ground, in the air, or underwater. Our intuitive systems are easy to operate and enable users to remotely perform dangerous tasks. Our main customer is the Military and over 400 of our robotic arms have been deployed overseas for EOD missions.

Atmosferiq

Seed Round in 2013
Atmosferiq, Inc. is a company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, specializing in web-based customer engagement visibility solutions tailored for small and medium businesses. Founded in 2013, Atmosferiq provides an online platform that seamlessly integrates digital marketing channels with traditional marketing methods. The company's offerings include a marketing mix dashboard, tools for goal setting and planning, as well as integrated campaign planning and production resources, all designed to enhance customer engagement and marketing effectiveness.

SenSevere

Seed Round in 2013
SenSevere develops hydrogen and hydrocarbon sensors for chemically and thermally severe environments. SenSevere sensors deliver real-time safety and compliance monitoring solutions in the power generation, environmental, and chemicals manufacturing industries. SenSevere's hydrogen sensor assists in detecting faulty conditions that may lead to explosions in industrial processes, enabling electrochemical and energy markets to provide chemical detection in industrial processes at locations where no monitoring previously existed due to the harshness of the operating environment.

Summit Materials

Seed Round in 2011
Summit Materials offers advanced materials and near-net shape manufacturing processes that save companies time and money in demanding industries such as aerospace, medical devices and oil exploration. Our patented SM-100™ alloy is used where corrosion and wear resistance are needed simultaneously. Efficient use of raw materials ensures minimal waste and environmental impact.
Westmoreland Advanced Materials, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, specializing in the development and marketing of refractory materials, including castables, shotcretes, and gun mixes. Founded in 2002, the company focuses on niche applications where advanced materials can significantly enhance customer processes. In addition to its core offerings, Westmoreland Advanced Materials provides cement compositions, custom toll blends, and packaged dry mortars. The company is also involved in designing and building diagnostic testing equipment, materials handling equipment, and other machinery. Notably, it has introduced energy-efficient, recyclable, and low-maintenance refractory products specifically for the aluminum market, which demonstrates its commitment to innovation and sustainability in construction materials.
Westmoreland Advanced Materials, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, specializing in the development and marketing of refractory materials, including castables, shotcretes, and gun mixes. Founded in 2002, the company focuses on niche applications where advanced materials can significantly enhance customer processes. In addition to its core offerings, Westmoreland Advanced Materials provides cement compositions, custom toll blends, and packaged dry mortars. The company is also involved in designing and building diagnostic testing equipment, materials handling equipment, and other machinery. Notably, it has introduced energy-efficient, recyclable, and low-maintenance refractory products specifically for the aluminum market, which demonstrates its commitment to innovation and sustainability in construction materials.

XACTIX

Grant in 2002
XACTIX designs, develops and distributes equipment for manufacturing micro electromechanical systems (MEMS). XACTIX manufactures xenon difluoride etching systems for commercial and university customers, research and development applications; CVE etch modules for xenon difluoride gas; and xenon difluoride silicon etch systems. The company also offers etching services that support chambers while maintaining etch pressures and gas distribution, as well as for releasing MEMS devices. The company’s products are also used to manufacture devices for the removal of exposed sacrifical silicon which do not require uniformity etching across the wafer. XACTIX was founded in 1998 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As of June 25, 2013, XACTIX operates as a subsidiary of SPTS Technologies Limited.
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