Innovation Works

Established in 1999, Innovation Works is a prominent investor in Southwestern Pennsylvania's technology sector. It provides capital and resources to early-stage companies with high growth potential and significant regional impact, particularly focusing on robotics, AI, medical devices, retail technologies, and enterprise software.

Gary Glausser

Chief Investment Officer

Jeffrey McDaniel

Investor

Ven Raju

Investor

Megan Shaw

Managing Director, Life Sciences

Aaron Tainter

Investor

Past deals in Automotive

BlastPoint

Seed Round in 2024
BlastPoint is a developer of a predictive AI-powered platform that offers big data solutions to help companies optimize revenue growth and enhance customer engagement. By providing tools to discover, target, and engage humans within their data, BlastPoint enables businesses across various sectors—such as energy, financial services, automotive, and nonprofit organizations—to generate immediate insights into customer engagement challenges. The platform equips clients to identify trends and unlock critical information relevant to specific territories, ultimately empowering them to find, reach, and satisfy customers throughout their lifetime.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2023
Founded in 2020, Phlux Technologies specializes in developing innovative 3D sensor technology for robotics and automation. Its products enhance safety and efficiency by enabling robots to navigate effectively, protecting workers from hazards, and detecting obstacles.

Voaige

Non Equity Assistance in 2023
Voaige develops robotics solutions for industrial automation, offering safe, affordable, and versatile robotic arms designed to address labor shortages. The company also provides an automation platform that integrates vision, artificial intelligence, and robotics to solve complex industrial use cases. The platform features a modular architecture, continuous learning capabilities, and real-time perception tools, enabling reliable automation, operational consistency, and opportunities for process optimization. The team comprises AI PhDs and robotics engineers from Carnegie Mellon University, reflecting a focus on applying cutting-edge AI to real-world manufacturing challenges.

Velo.AI

Non Equity Assistance in 2023
Velo.AI develops Copilot, an AI-powered bike light that enhances cyclist safety. It offers video recording, audible warnings for approaching vehicles, visual alerts for drivers, and predictive risk estimation to prevent crashes.

Velo.AI

Seed Round in 2023
Velo.AI develops Copilot, an AI-powered bike light that enhances cyclist safety. It offers video recording, audible warnings for approaching vehicles, visual alerts for drivers, and predictive risk estimation to prevent crashes.

Voaige

Seed Round in 2022
Voaige develops robotics solutions for industrial automation, offering safe, affordable, and versatile robotic arms designed to address labor shortages. The company also provides an automation platform that integrates vision, artificial intelligence, and robotics to solve complex industrial use cases. The platform features a modular architecture, continuous learning capabilities, and real-time perception tools, enabling reliable automation, operational consistency, and opportunities for process optimization. The team comprises AI PhDs and robotics engineers from Carnegie Mellon University, reflecting a focus on applying cutting-edge AI to real-world manufacturing challenges.

BlastPoint

Seed Round in 2022
BlastPoint is a developer of a predictive AI-powered platform that offers big data solutions to help companies optimize revenue growth and enhance customer engagement. By providing tools to discover, target, and engage humans within their data, BlastPoint enables businesses across various sectors—such as energy, financial services, automotive, and nonprofit organizations—to generate immediate insights into customer engagement challenges. The platform equips clients to identify trends and unlock critical information relevant to specific territories, ultimately empowering them to find, reach, and satisfy customers throughout their lifetime.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2022
Founded in 2020, Phlux Technologies specializes in developing innovative 3D sensor technology for robotics and automation. Its products enhance safety and efficiency by enabling robots to navigate effectively, protecting workers from hazards, and detecting obstacles.

Phlux Technologies

Seed Round in 2021
Founded in 2020, Phlux Technologies specializes in developing innovative 3D sensor technology for robotics and automation. Its products enhance safety and efficiency by enabling robots to navigate effectively, protecting workers from hazards, and detecting obstacles.

BlastPoint

Seed Round in 2020
BlastPoint is a developer of a predictive AI-powered platform that offers big data solutions to help companies optimize revenue growth and enhance customer engagement. By providing tools to discover, target, and engage humans within their data, BlastPoint enables businesses across various sectors—such as energy, financial services, automotive, and nonprofit organizations—to generate immediate insights into customer engagement challenges. The platform equips clients to identify trends and unlock critical information relevant to specific territories, ultimately empowering them to find, reach, and satisfy customers throughout their lifetime.

Rapid Flow Technologies

Seed Round in 2020
Rapid Flow Technologies spun out of Carnegie Mellon University with the goal of introducing new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies into the marketplace. Rapid Flow was created to commercialize the Surtrac adaptive traffic signal control technology developed in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon as part of the Traffic21 research initiative. The company’s founders include the original inventors of Surtrac, who have successfully expanded the initial pilot deployment of Surtrac in Pittsburgh to a network of 50 intersections over the past three years. Rapid Flow holds an exclusive license to the patented Surtrac technology from Carnegie Mellon University, and the University has a stake in the company. In addition to Surtrac, Rapid Flow is also engaged in the development of ubiquitous Bluetooth AVI sensor network technology for ITS performance modeling and other applications through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2020
Rapid TPC, LLC is a manufacturer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of an automated platform technology for producing thermoplastic composite parts. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on creating lightweight, high-strength components using advanced materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid fibers. Rapid TPC employs automation in its production processes to efficiently manufacture composite parts reinforced with various polymers and organic fibers. This innovative approach enables clients to overcome production bottlenecks, scale their sales volumes, and meet increasing demand without the constraints typically associated with manufacturing limitations. Through its expertise in forming and prototyping, Rapid TPC supports a range of industries seeking durable and lightweight solutions.

nanoGriptech

Venture Round in 2020
nanoGriptech, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in the manufacture of micro-fibrillar polymer-based dry adhesives and surfaces. Its key product offerings include Setex Gecko Tape, a reusable, residue-free tape, and the Setex Ultra-Thin Fastener, designed for seamless integration with smooth surfaces. The company draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the adhesion mechanism of gecko feet to create durable, versatile adhesives suitable for a wide range of applications. These include wearables, sports equipment, semiconductors, robotics, medical devices, automotive, and packaging. With a focus on innovation, nanoGriptech has established partnerships with several multinational corporations and has recently initiated its first sales in the high-friction clothing material market.

Idelic

Series A in 2019
Idelic is a driver management platform based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2016. The company specializes in consolidating fleet data systems and automating compliance processes within the transportation industry. Its platform integrates data from various technology sources into a unified system, allowing clients to efficiently manage safety operations and gain predictive insights. By leveraging data organization and artificial intelligence, Idelic aims to enhance driver safety, reduce turnover, and lower insurance costs, ultimately helping to prevent crashes and improve overall fleet performance.

Idelic

Seed Round in 2018
Idelic is a driver management platform based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, founded in 2016. The company specializes in consolidating fleet data systems and automating compliance processes within the transportation industry. Its platform integrates data from various technology sources into a unified system, allowing clients to efficiently manage safety operations and gain predictive insights. By leveraging data organization and artificial intelligence, Idelic aims to enhance driver safety, reduce turnover, and lower insurance costs, ultimately helping to prevent crashes and improve overall fleet performance.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2018
Rapid TPC, LLC is a manufacturer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of an automated platform technology for producing thermoplastic composite parts. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on creating lightweight, high-strength components using advanced materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid fibers. Rapid TPC employs automation in its production processes to efficiently manufacture composite parts reinforced with various polymers and organic fibers. This innovative approach enables clients to overcome production bottlenecks, scale their sales volumes, and meet increasing demand without the constraints typically associated with manufacturing limitations. Through its expertise in forming and prototyping, Rapid TPC supports a range of industries seeking durable and lightweight solutions.

nanoGriptech

Seed Round in 2018
nanoGriptech, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in the manufacture of micro-fibrillar polymer-based dry adhesives and surfaces. Its key product offerings include Setex Gecko Tape, a reusable, residue-free tape, and the Setex Ultra-Thin Fastener, designed for seamless integration with smooth surfaces. The company draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the adhesion mechanism of gecko feet to create durable, versatile adhesives suitable for a wide range of applications. These include wearables, sports equipment, semiconductors, robotics, medical devices, automotive, and packaging. With a focus on innovation, nanoGriptech has established partnerships with several multinational corporations and has recently initiated its first sales in the high-friction clothing material market.

BlastPoint

Seed Round in 2018
BlastPoint is a developer of a predictive AI-powered platform that offers big data solutions to help companies optimize revenue growth and enhance customer engagement. By providing tools to discover, target, and engage humans within their data, BlastPoint enables businesses across various sectors—such as energy, financial services, automotive, and nonprofit organizations—to generate immediate insights into customer engagement challenges. The platform equips clients to identify trends and unlock critical information relevant to specific territories, ultimately empowering them to find, reach, and satisfy customers throughout their lifetime.

Rapid Flow Technologies

Convertible Note in 2017
Rapid Flow Technologies spun out of Carnegie Mellon University with the goal of introducing new Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies into the marketplace. Rapid Flow was created to commercialize the Surtrac adaptive traffic signal control technology developed in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon as part of the Traffic21 research initiative. The company’s founders include the original inventors of Surtrac, who have successfully expanded the initial pilot deployment of Surtrac in Pittsburgh to a network of 50 intersections over the past three years. Rapid Flow holds an exclusive license to the patented Surtrac technology from Carnegie Mellon University, and the University has a stake in the company. In addition to Surtrac, Rapid Flow is also engaged in the development of ubiquitous Bluetooth AVI sensor network technology for ITS performance modeling and other applications through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

BlastPoint

Convertible Note in 2017
BlastPoint is a developer of a predictive AI-powered platform that offers big data solutions to help companies optimize revenue growth and enhance customer engagement. By providing tools to discover, target, and engage humans within their data, BlastPoint enables businesses across various sectors—such as energy, financial services, automotive, and nonprofit organizations—to generate immediate insights into customer engagement challenges. The platform equips clients to identify trends and unlock critical information relevant to specific territories, ultimately empowering them to find, reach, and satisfy customers throughout their lifetime.

BlastPoint

Seed Round in 2017
BlastPoint is a developer of a predictive AI-powered platform that offers big data solutions to help companies optimize revenue growth and enhance customer engagement. By providing tools to discover, target, and engage humans within their data, BlastPoint enables businesses across various sectors—such as energy, financial services, automotive, and nonprofit organizations—to generate immediate insights into customer engagement challenges. The platform equips clients to identify trends and unlock critical information relevant to specific territories, ultimately empowering them to find, reach, and satisfy customers throughout their lifetime.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2016
Rapid TPC, LLC is a manufacturer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that specializes in the development of an automated platform technology for producing thermoplastic composite parts. Founded in 2013, the company focuses on creating lightweight, high-strength components using advanced materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aramid fibers. Rapid TPC employs automation in its production processes to efficiently manufacture composite parts reinforced with various polymers and organic fibers. This innovative approach enables clients to overcome production bottlenecks, scale their sales volumes, and meet increasing demand without the constraints typically associated with manufacturing limitations. Through its expertise in forming and prototyping, Rapid TPC supports a range of industries seeking durable and lightweight solutions.

LumiShield Technologies

Pre Seed Round in 2015
LumiShield Technologies develops and supplies sustainable metal oxide coatings that protect metal substrates from corrosion and enhance paint adhesion. Its flagship product, Lumidize®, is an aluminum oxide coating applied via electroplating that can be used on a wide range of metal substrates and multi‑metal components. The technology improves durability, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates many environmental problems associated with conventional pretreatment processes. The company serves industries such as automotive, aerospace, marine, electronics, and infrastructure, providing solutions that extend the life of metal parts and vessels used in chemical and other demanding environments.

nanoGriptech

Seed Round in 2015
nanoGriptech, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in the manufacture of micro-fibrillar polymer-based dry adhesives and surfaces. Its key product offerings include Setex Gecko Tape, a reusable, residue-free tape, and the Setex Ultra-Thin Fastener, designed for seamless integration with smooth surfaces. The company draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the adhesion mechanism of gecko feet to create durable, versatile adhesives suitable for a wide range of applications. These include wearables, sports equipment, semiconductors, robotics, medical devices, automotive, and packaging. With a focus on innovation, nanoGriptech has established partnerships with several multinational corporations and has recently initiated its first sales in the high-friction clothing material market.

LumiShield Technologies

Pre Seed Round in 2015
LumiShield Technologies develops and supplies sustainable metal oxide coatings that protect metal substrates from corrosion and enhance paint adhesion. Its flagship product, Lumidize®, is an aluminum oxide coating applied via electroplating that can be used on a wide range of metal substrates and multi‑metal components. The technology improves durability, reduces manufacturing costs, and eliminates many environmental problems associated with conventional pretreatment processes. The company serves industries such as automotive, aerospace, marine, electronics, and infrastructure, providing solutions that extend the life of metal parts and vessels used in chemical and other demanding environments.

nanoGriptech

Seed Round in 2014
nanoGriptech, Inc. is a Pittsburgh-based company founded in 2012 that specializes in the manufacture of micro-fibrillar polymer-based dry adhesives and surfaces. Its key product offerings include Setex Gecko Tape, a reusable, residue-free tape, and the Setex Ultra-Thin Fastener, designed for seamless integration with smooth surfaces. The company draws inspiration from nature, mimicking the adhesion mechanism of gecko feet to create durable, versatile adhesives suitable for a wide range of applications. These include wearables, sports equipment, semiconductors, robotics, medical devices, automotive, and packaging. With a focus on innovation, nanoGriptech has established partnerships with several multinational corporations and has recently initiated its first sales in the high-friction clothing material market.

AutoRef

Seed Round in 2013
AutoRef’s mission is to bridge the gap between car dealerships and customers. We believe the entire process of shopping for a car should be easy, fast and enjoyable. We built this service because we think there is a better way. AutoRef allows consumers to negotiate online for new and used vehicles. The service is completely free, and we work with over 5,000 dealerships nationwide.
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