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 Pulp and Paper

Parcel Health

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Manufacturer of sustainable medication packaging intended to help pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies meet carbon neutrality goals and improve packaging logistics. The company provides eco-friendly medication packaging that is designed to be child-resistant and elderly-friendly, all while improving pharmacy workflows and reducing medication errors, providing the pharmaceutical industry with innovative and eco-friendly packaging options.

Peca Labs

Seed Round in 2021
PECA Labs, Inc. is a medical device company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focused on developing innovative solutions for pediatric cardiovascular care. Its primary product, the MASA Valve, is a synthetic heart valve designed for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in children. Utilizing advanced material properties of ePTFE, the MASA Valve addresses limitations associated with existing conduits, offering improved outcomes and reduced need for re-operation. This device has received Humanitarian Use Device designation from the FDA and has been successfully implanted in numerous patients. Additionally, PECA Labs offers exGraft, an ePTFE vascular graft marked for enhanced visibility during procedures. Founded as a spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University and UPMC, the company aims to enhance the quality of life for children with cardiac defects while minimizing the surgical interventions they face throughout their development.

Nollapelli

Seed Round in 2020
Nollapelli, Inc. is a manufacturer of innovative bedding products, specializing in bed sheets and pillowcases designed to enhance the sleep experience. Founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company aims to create a new wellness category through its unique textiles, which incorporate a patent-pending fabric that balances moisture, temperature, and friction. This technology promotes a healthier connection between the body and bedding, appealing to consumers who prioritize beauty and wellness in their sleep routine. Nollapelli's products are available for purchase through its online store, targeting individuals seeking improved sleep quality as well as the luxury hospitality market.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2020
Rapid TPC, LLC engages in developing an automated platform technology for the manufacture of plastic composite parts. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

PittMoss

Seed Round in 2020
PittMoss LLC manufactures an innovative growing media called PittMoss, which consists of organic additives and recycled paper, catering to commercial greenhouses, nurseries, and home gardeners across the United States. The company also produces PittMoss Prime, a versatile soil amendment that can be combined with compost, existing soil blends, or native soil. Founded in 1994 and based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, PittMoss focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility, aiming to enhance soil health and improve gardening outcomes. The company's products reflect extensive research and development in the fields of gardening and soil science, establishing a strong presence in the growing media market.

PittMoss

Seed Round in 2019
PittMoss LLC manufactures an innovative growing media called PittMoss, which consists of organic additives and recycled paper, catering to commercial greenhouses, nurseries, and home gardeners across the United States. The company also produces PittMoss Prime, a versatile soil amendment that can be combined with compost, existing soil blends, or native soil. Founded in 1994 and based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, PittMoss focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility, aiming to enhance soil health and improve gardening outcomes. The company's products reflect extensive research and development in the fields of gardening and soil science, establishing a strong presence in the growing media market.

PittMoss

Series B in 2019
PittMoss LLC manufactures an innovative growing media called PittMoss, which consists of organic additives and recycled paper, catering to commercial greenhouses, nurseries, and home gardeners across the United States. The company also produces PittMoss Prime, a versatile soil amendment that can be combined with compost, existing soil blends, or native soil. Founded in 1994 and based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, PittMoss focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility, aiming to enhance soil health and improve gardening outcomes. The company's products reflect extensive research and development in the fields of gardening and soil science, establishing a strong presence in the growing media market.

DisSolves

Seed Round in 2019
DisSolves Inc. specializes in developing and manufacturing dissolvable packaging materials specifically designed for the food industry. Founded in 2016 and based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company offers a unique product known as the pod, which is a dissolvable and edible packaging solution made from natural, plant-based ingredients. This innovative packaging is intended for drink mixes, including protein powders, baby formulas, and water flavorings. DisSolves aims to address the inefficiencies of traditional packaging, providing a more convenient option for consumers who lead fast-paced lives. By prioritizing natural ingredients, DisSolves emphasizes its commitment to customer well-being while striving to make its efficient packaging widely accessible.

Peca Labs

Venture Round in 2019
PECA Labs, Inc. is a medical device company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focused on developing innovative solutions for pediatric cardiovascular care. Its primary product, the MASA Valve, is a synthetic heart valve designed for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in children. Utilizing advanced material properties of ePTFE, the MASA Valve addresses limitations associated with existing conduits, offering improved outcomes and reduced need for re-operation. This device has received Humanitarian Use Device designation from the FDA and has been successfully implanted in numerous patients. Additionally, PECA Labs offers exGraft, an ePTFE vascular graft marked for enhanced visibility during procedures. Founded as a spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University and UPMC, the company aims to enhance the quality of life for children with cardiac defects while minimizing the surgical interventions they face throughout their development.

PittMoss

Seed Round in 2018
PittMoss LLC manufactures an innovative growing media called PittMoss, which consists of organic additives and recycled paper, catering to commercial greenhouses, nurseries, and home gardeners across the United States. The company also produces PittMoss Prime, a versatile soil amendment that can be combined with compost, existing soil blends, or native soil. Founded in 1994 and based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, PittMoss focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility, aiming to enhance soil health and improve gardening outcomes. The company's products reflect extensive research and development in the fields of gardening and soil science, establishing a strong presence in the growing media market.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2018
Rapid TPC, LLC engages in developing an automated platform technology for the manufacture of plastic composite parts. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

PittMoss

Seed Round in 2018
PittMoss LLC manufactures an innovative growing media called PittMoss, which consists of organic additives and recycled paper, catering to commercial greenhouses, nurseries, and home gardeners across the United States. The company also produces PittMoss Prime, a versatile soil amendment that can be combined with compost, existing soil blends, or native soil. Founded in 1994 and based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, PittMoss focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility, aiming to enhance soil health and improve gardening outcomes. The company's products reflect extensive research and development in the fields of gardening and soil science, establishing a strong presence in the growing media market.

PittMoss

Convertible Note in 2017
PittMoss LLC manufactures an innovative growing media called PittMoss, which consists of organic additives and recycled paper, catering to commercial greenhouses, nurseries, and home gardeners across the United States. The company also produces PittMoss Prime, a versatile soil amendment that can be combined with compost, existing soil blends, or native soil. Founded in 1994 and based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, PittMoss focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility, aiming to enhance soil health and improve gardening outcomes. The company's products reflect extensive research and development in the fields of gardening and soil science, establishing a strong presence in the growing media market.

Peca Labs

Seed Round in 2016
PECA Labs, Inc. is a medical device company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focused on developing innovative solutions for pediatric cardiovascular care. Its primary product, the MASA Valve, is a synthetic heart valve designed for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in children. Utilizing advanced material properties of ePTFE, the MASA Valve addresses limitations associated with existing conduits, offering improved outcomes and reduced need for re-operation. This device has received Humanitarian Use Device designation from the FDA and has been successfully implanted in numerous patients. Additionally, PECA Labs offers exGraft, an ePTFE vascular graft marked for enhanced visibility during procedures. Founded as a spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University and UPMC, the company aims to enhance the quality of life for children with cardiac defects while minimizing the surgical interventions they face throughout their development.

Rapid TPC

Seed Round in 2016
Rapid TPC, LLC engages in developing an automated platform technology for the manufacture of plastic composite parts. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

PittMoss

Seed Round in 2015
PittMoss LLC manufactures an innovative growing media called PittMoss, which consists of organic additives and recycled paper, catering to commercial greenhouses, nurseries, and home gardeners across the United States. The company also produces PittMoss Prime, a versatile soil amendment that can be combined with compost, existing soil blends, or native soil. Founded in 1994 and based in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, PittMoss focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility, aiming to enhance soil health and improve gardening outcomes. The company's products reflect extensive research and development in the fields of gardening and soil science, establishing a strong presence in the growing media market.

Peca Labs

Seed Round in 2013
PECA Labs, Inc. is a medical device company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focused on developing innovative solutions for pediatric cardiovascular care. Its primary product, the MASA Valve, is a synthetic heart valve designed for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in children. Utilizing advanced material properties of ePTFE, the MASA Valve addresses limitations associated with existing conduits, offering improved outcomes and reduced need for re-operation. This device has received Humanitarian Use Device designation from the FDA and has been successfully implanted in numerous patients. Additionally, PECA Labs offers exGraft, an ePTFE vascular graft marked for enhanced visibility during procedures. Founded as a spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University and UPMC, the company aims to enhance the quality of life for children with cardiac defects while minimizing the surgical interventions they face throughout their development.

Plextronics

Venture Round in 2004
Plextronics specializes in printed electronics. The company's focus is on organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays and lighting, specifically conductive inks and associated process technologies. Plextronic's technology will enable the mass production of these printed devices and therefore lower the cost.
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