IU Ventures

IU Ventures, established in 2018 and based in Bloomington, Indiana, is the venture capital arm of Indiana University. The organization is dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial efforts of IU students, faculty, staff, and alumni by facilitating new venture opportunities. IU Ventures focuses on investing in startups and early-stage companies that have connections to the university, fostering innovation and economic growth within the community. Through its initiatives, IU Ventures aims to cultivate a robust ecosystem that encourages the development of new ideas and business ventures emerging from the university's rich intellectual resources.

Emily Atkinson

Venture Analyst

Jon Barada

Vice President

Mike Burton

CFO

Kate Evinger

Senior Venture Analyst

Jason Whitney

Chief Venture Officer and Executive Director, Indiana University Angel Network

Jason Whitney

Chief Venture Officer

44 past transactions

Plan Forward

Seed Round in 2023
Plan Forward, LLC is an online platform that focuses on providing dental membership solutions for uninsured patients. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company partners with dentists and dental practices to create customized in-office membership plans. This platform enables dental providers to offer their services without the complexities of traditional insurance, thereby improving patient access to quality care. Plan Forward's software facilitates the management of membership plans, enhances treatment acceptance, and fosters patient loyalty. It includes features such as pre-built dashboards and compliant membership agreements, making it easier for dental professionals to market their plans and grow their revenue.

Boardable

Series A in 2022
Boardable is a software company that specializes in providing a cloud-based platform for nonprofits to enhance board member engagement and facilitate remote collaboration. The platform consolidates essential functions such as meetings, voting, discussions, and document management into a single interface, thereby reducing the complexity associated with traditional board management practices. By centralizing communication and resources, Boardable allows organizations to maintain continuity during transitions in board membership. Key features include automated notifications, secure data storage, video conferencing capabilities, and easy access to contact information for board members, all aimed at streamlining the governance process for nonprofits.

Confluence Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2022
Confluence Pharmaceuticals is developing novel therapeutic medications for neurological development disorders. The company's current focus is advancing a novel drug discovery that improves social and communication impairments for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Fragile X Syndrome.

Folia

Seed Round in 2022
Folia is a company that specializes in developing productivity applications focused on digital document management. Its key offerings include iAnnotate, a tool designed for reading and annotating documents, and the Folia platform, which facilitates research and analysis. With iAnnotate, users can easily highlight, draw, stamp, and underline documents using touch gestures. The Folia platform allows users to organize, access, annotate, search, and share various types of documents, fostering enhanced productivity and collaboration. Both products enable secure document sharing and real-time collaboration, allowing users to present their ideas effectively. Folia's solutions cater to researchers, professionals, and students, aiming to improve information management and streamline workflows.

iink Payments

Seed Round in 2022
iink Payments is a fintech company specializing in financial services for restoration professionals in the wake of insured property losses. The company offers a digital payments network that streamlines the process of verifying and disbursing insurance proceeds, allowing contractors to receive payments more efficiently. With its technology, iink Payments enables restoration professionals to endorse and access property insurance payments electronically, significantly reducing the payment time. Reports indicate that the platform can facilitate payments up to 60 times faster than traditional methods, helping both property owners and contractors return to normalcy more swiftly after a property disaster.

The Bee Corp

Venture Round in 2022
The Bee Corp specializes in developing infrared image analysis software aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of bee pollination. Its primary product, Verifli, utilizes data analytics and infrared inspection technology to monitor the number, health, and distribution of pollinating bees within beehives. This innovative approach assists farmers and beekeepers in measuring the pollination value, determining pricing, and ultimately maximizing crop yields. By providing essential insights into bee populations and their health, The Bee Corp plays a critical role in supporting agricultural productivity and sustainability.

HotDrop

Pre Seed Round in 2022
HotDrop is a music discovery platform that connects undiscovered artists with passionate fans. Founded by a team of young music enthusiasts, the platform caters to the evolving landscape of music consumption and discovery. It allows users to quickly discover new music through 30-second snippets, which can be easily shared among friends, enhancing the virality of emerging artists. The app gained significant traction shortly after its launch, achieving over 25,000 downloads within two days and ranking highly on the App Store. By enabling fans to swipe to like, save, and share music, HotDrop creates opportunities for artists to gain exposure and build a following.

Kovina Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2021
Kovina Therapeutics is a pre-clinical biotechnology company focused on developing non-surgical medical treatments for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections and related cancers. The company is dedicated to discovering antiviral therapeutics that utilize drug-like compounds to target and inactivate a crucial HPV protein commonly expressed in early, pre-malignant, and cancerous conditions. By doing so, Kovina Therapeutics aims to provide effective treatment options for medical practitioners to address HPV-related health issues, ultimately improving patient outcomes in the fight against these infections and malignancies.

NuCurrent

Venture Round in 2021
NuCurrent, Inc. is a developer based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in high-efficiency antennas and inductive components for wireless power applications. Founded in 2009, the company designs, fabricates, and integrates wireless power antennas and surface-mount inductors for various applications, including power electronics, RF devices, and frequency synthesizers. NuCurrent's products comply with industry standards such as the Alliance for Wireless Power and the Wireless Power Consortium, ensuring broad compatibility. The company collaborates closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators to provide custom-designed, rapid-prototype solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce size, and lower costs. By employing patented designs and advanced manufacturing techniques, NuCurrent aims to improve the durability and performance of wireless power systems, facilitating the evolution of electronic devices.

Apexian Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2021
Apexian Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, focused on developing innovative compounds for cancer treatment. The company's lead product, APX3330, is an oral anticancer agent that targets the APE1/Ref-1 redox protein, a molecule implicated in various cancers, including those affecting the colon, lung, breast, and pancreas. Founded in 2007, Apexian Pharmaceuticals emerged from research conducted by Dr. Mark R. Kelley, which provided insights into the biological mechanisms associated with APE1/Ref-1. In addition to its work in oncology, the company is also exploring treatments for other conditions, such as bladder cancer, sarcomas, age-related macular degeneration, and inflammatory bowel disease. By focusing on the discovery and development of novel pharmaceuticals, Apexian aims to improve patient outcomes through targeted therapies.

Amplified Sciences

Seed Round in 2021
Amplified Sciences LLC is a molecular diagnostics company focused on the early detection of debilitating diseases, particularly pancreatic cancer and kidney disease. Utilizing an ultra-sensitive molecular sensing technology licensed from Purdue University, the company’s platform can detect disease markers at the single molecule level, enabling accurate diagnosis from bodily fluids such as urine and saliva. This versatile technology is designed for scalability to point-of-care applications, allowing for effective disease screening with a favorable cost structure. Amplified Sciences has developed a working prototype and has published proof of concept data, positioning itself to meet significant unmet medical needs in diagnostics. Founded in 2016 and based in West Lafayette, Indiana, the company was previously known as Nutrabiotix.

Mentor Collective

Convertible Note in 2021
Mentor Collective is a Boston-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in providing platforms for universities to implement and manage mentoring programs. It offers a comprehensive range of services including program design, mentorship operations, a content library, and assessment and analytics to enhance student engagement and success. By connecting students with relevant near-peer mentors, Mentor Collective aims to improve retention rates and overall student experiences. The organization partners with over 120 universities, including notable institutions such as Princeton and UC Davis, to ensure that all students have access to mentorship opportunities. The company has received recognition for its impact in the education sector, including placements in the Inc. 5000 list and accolades from Forbes and BostInno.

iink Payments

Seed Round in 2021
iink Payments is a fintech company specializing in financial services for restoration professionals in the wake of insured property losses. The company offers a digital payments network that streamlines the process of verifying and disbursing insurance proceeds, allowing contractors to receive payments more efficiently. With its technology, iink Payments enables restoration professionals to endorse and access property insurance payments electronically, significantly reducing the payment time. Reports indicate that the platform can facilitate payments up to 60 times faster than traditional methods, helping both property owners and contractors return to normalcy more swiftly after a property disaster.

Encamp

Venture Round in 2021
Encamp, Inc. is a software company that focuses on automating environmental compliance and reporting for organizations in the United States. Founded in 2017 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Encamp's software solutions help businesses manage their environmental compliance requirements, track hazardous materials, and streamline reporting processes. One of its key offerings, Tier2, allows organizations to fill out and submit annual reports regarding hazardous chemicals, incorporating detailed information beyond the standard Tier 1 report. Additionally, Encamp provides tools for centralized environmental, health, and safety (EHS) information management, including compliance calendars, task reminders, and a comprehensive form library. Through its innovative technology, Encamp aims to assist businesses in effectively aligning their corporate operations with environmental regulations.

Confluence Pharmaceuticals

Convertible Note in 2020
Confluence Pharmaceuticals is developing novel therapeutic medications for neurological development disorders. The company's current focus is advancing a novel drug discovery that improves social and communication impairments for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Fragile X Syndrome.

Diagnotes

Venture Round in 2020
Diagnotes, Inc. is a digital healthcare company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in enhancing communication and collaboration within the healthcare industry. Established in 2010, the company offers a clinical communication platform designed to facilitate secure messaging, provider scheduling, patient data management, and documentation of discussions. This platform is tailored to the needs of various stakeholders, including patients, physicians, care teams, hospitals, health systems, and physician practices, enabling them to efficiently manage all patient-related communications. Diagnotes' applications are intuitive and easily adopted, serving a diverse clientele that includes large health systems, community hospitals, long-term care facilities, and behavioral health organizations. The platform supports a range of functionalities, from simple messaging to telehealth consultations, ensuring effective communication among healthcare professionals and their patients on a unified, cloud-based system.

Canopy

Seed Round in 2020
Canopy operates an online platform designed for frontline sales managers, providing tools to enhance sales performance and decision-making. The platform offers real-time data insights that help managers identify wins and losses at the individual seller level, enabling proactive coaching and support for sales representatives. By monitoring pipeline and rep data, Canopy alerts leaders to potential issues before they affect deals, thereby improving forecast accuracy and driving strategic change. The platform also highlights performance trends, allowing managers to track team dynamics and diagnose issues effectively. Originally known as Loupe Software, Inc., Canopy was incorporated in 2019 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Encamp

Series A in 2020
Encamp, Inc. is a software company that focuses on automating environmental compliance and reporting for organizations in the United States. Founded in 2017 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Encamp's software solutions help businesses manage their environmental compliance requirements, track hazardous materials, and streamline reporting processes. One of its key offerings, Tier2, allows organizations to fill out and submit annual reports regarding hazardous chemicals, incorporating detailed information beyond the standard Tier 1 report. Additionally, Encamp provides tools for centralized environmental, health, and safety (EHS) information management, including compliance calendars, task reminders, and a comprehensive form library. Through its innovative technology, Encamp aims to assist businesses in effectively aligning their corporate operations with environmental regulations.

Qumulex

Seed Round in 2019
Qumulex is designed for security integrators, Qumulex unifies video surveillance and access control, providing a transition to a mobile-first, cyber-secure service, recurring revenue, and the benefit of consistent customer lifetime value.

NuCurrent

Series C in 2019
NuCurrent, Inc. is a developer based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in high-efficiency antennas and inductive components for wireless power applications. Founded in 2009, the company designs, fabricates, and integrates wireless power antennas and surface-mount inductors for various applications, including power electronics, RF devices, and frequency synthesizers. NuCurrent's products comply with industry standards such as the Alliance for Wireless Power and the Wireless Power Consortium, ensuring broad compatibility. The company collaborates closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators to provide custom-designed, rapid-prototype solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce size, and lower costs. By employing patented designs and advanced manufacturing techniques, NuCurrent aims to improve the durability and performance of wireless power systems, facilitating the evolution of electronic devices.

Mentor Collective

Venture Round in 2019
Mentor Collective is a Boston-based company founded in 2013 that specializes in providing platforms for universities to implement and manage mentoring programs. It offers a comprehensive range of services including program design, mentorship operations, a content library, and assessment and analytics to enhance student engagement and success. By connecting students with relevant near-peer mentors, Mentor Collective aims to improve retention rates and overall student experiences. The organization partners with over 120 universities, including notable institutions such as Princeton and UC Davis, to ensure that all students have access to mentorship opportunities. The company has received recognition for its impact in the education sector, including placements in the Inc. 5000 list and accolades from Forbes and BostInno.

NERx Biosciences

Seed Round in 2019
NĒRx BioSciences Inc is a company dedicated to the discovery and development of targeted therapeutics for cancer. Formed in 2009, we specialize in the discovery and early development of novel biopharmaceutical compounds.

Tend.ly

Seed Round in 2019
tend.ly is a care relationship management system that helps senior living, adult day service, and early childhood education centers engage the families of the loved ones in their care in an easier, more meaningful way while simultaneously streamlining operations. tend.ly is an easy to use, secure app that allows senior living, adult day service, and early childhood education centers to send families real-time updates via text and email - including pictures & videos - of memorable moments and important activities. In turn, these updates increase family engagement and provide substantial peace of mind. Beyond that, tend.ly allows care providers to spend more time focusing on providing exceptional care, provides them with a way to differentiate themselves in the marketplace and, using the data their app collects, helps them make better-informed business decisions.

OpenINSIGHTS

Angel Round in 2019
OpenINSIGHTS is an AI-driven customer analytics platform that provides predictive insights to help organizations generate incremental revenue. The platform integrates into clients' technology clouds, utilizing a cognitive framework to create tailored predictions for every customer across all product lines and stages of their lifecycle. This self-adapting data empowers clients to enhance their sales strategies and optimize margins, facilitating strategic customer growth throughout the organization.

OpenINSIGHTS

Pre Seed Round in 2018
OpenINSIGHTS is an AI-driven customer analytics platform that provides predictive insights to help organizations generate incremental revenue. The platform integrates into clients' technology clouds, utilizing a cognitive framework to create tailored predictions for every customer across all product lines and stages of their lifecycle. This self-adapting data empowers clients to enhance their sales strategies and optimize margins, facilitating strategic customer growth throughout the organization.

Allinaire Therapeutics

Seed Round in 2018
Allinaire Therapeutics, LLC is a biotechnology company based in Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 2015. The company focuses on developing innovative therapeutics for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other pulmonary diseases. Its research is grounded in the discovery of a novel therapeutic target identified by its scientific founders, Irina Petrache, MD, and Matthias Clauss, Ph.D. This target is significant in the understanding and treatment of lung diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). By targeting this mechanism, Allinaire Therapeutics aims to provide new treatment options that could improve clinical outcomes for patients suffering from various cardiopulmonary conditions.

PrecisionHawk

Series C in 2016
PrecisionHawk is an information delivery company that combines unmanned aerial systems, remote sensing technologies, and advanced data analytics to improve business operations and day-to-day decision making. PrecisionHawk brings value to an emerging market by offering an end-to-end solution for aerial data gathering, processing, and analysis to provide actionable information across a wide range of data-intensive civilian industries. Founded in 2010, the company provides a holistic platform using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for data collection and analysis software tools to deliver better business intelligence to clients across a wide range of civilian industries. PrecisionHawk also owns aerial data software, DataMapper, satellite imagery provider, Terraserver, and the Low Altitude Traffic and Airspace Safety platform for drones, LATAS. PrecisionHawk is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

DinnerCal

Venture Round in 2015
DinnerCall is a mobile app that enables users to search, order, and pickup family-style dinner from grocery stores. It was launched by Gerry Hays, Ashton Chaffee, and Akram Mnif in September 2015 and it operates from San Francisco, California.

MatterFab

Series A in 2015
MatterFab specializes in 3D metal printing services aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional industrial fabrication. The company offers a comprehensive production solution that includes advanced printers, material supply, traceable powder cartridges, and various support services such as training, education, maintenance, and application engineering. By providing these resources, MatterFab enables clients to accelerate their adoption of additive manufacturing, thereby reshaping their manufacturing processes and enhancing production capabilities. Through its innovative approach, MatterFab plays a significant role in advancing the integration of 3D printing technology within organizations.

SharpenCX

Series C in 2014
Sharpen is committed to building software that improves the lives of contact center agents. Its cloud-native platform was built from the ground up free from the anchors of legacy code. With open REST APIs, companies can use the Sharpen platform as the foundation on which to configure solutions to solve their customer service problems. Sharpen has developed a holistic solution designed to eliminate common inefficiencies that ultimately impact the agent, their quality of life, and their ability to provide a perfect customer experience. By creating a platform that addresses the needs of both IT and the contact center, agents are more prepared and better trained to do their job. The result? Happier, more effective agents creating happy, loyal customers.

Haven

Seed Round in 2014
Haven is a free, intuitive mobile app and website that equips homeowners with predictive technology to be better homeowners. It provides value to both do-it- yourself inclined homeowners by providing an individualized reminder and tracking system, as well as homeowners who need help, by providing licensed, insured, pre-vetted service professionals, scheduling services, and accepting payment--all without ever leaving the app. Haven gives homeowners confidence and peace of mind to be responsible and proactive in home maintenance decisions.

MatterFab

Seed Round in 2014
MatterFab specializes in 3D metal printing services aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional industrial fabrication. The company offers a comprehensive production solution that includes advanced printers, material supply, traceable powder cartridges, and various support services such as training, education, maintenance, and application engineering. By providing these resources, MatterFab enables clients to accelerate their adoption of additive manufacturing, thereby reshaping their manufacturing processes and enhancing production capabilities. Through its innovative approach, MatterFab plays a significant role in advancing the integration of 3D printing technology within organizations.

PrecisionHawk

Series B in 2014
PrecisionHawk is an information delivery company that combines unmanned aerial systems, remote sensing technologies, and advanced data analytics to improve business operations and day-to-day decision making. PrecisionHawk brings value to an emerging market by offering an end-to-end solution for aerial data gathering, processing, and analysis to provide actionable information across a wide range of data-intensive civilian industries. Founded in 2010, the company provides a holistic platform using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for data collection and analysis software tools to deliver better business intelligence to clients across a wide range of civilian industries. PrecisionHawk also owns aerial data software, DataMapper, satellite imagery provider, Terraserver, and the Low Altitude Traffic and Airspace Safety platform for drones, LATAS. PrecisionHawk is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

amSTATZ

Seed Round in 2014
amSTATZ is a cloud based software for fitness professionals and studios who want to save time, stay organized and grow client relationships. Unlike traditional fitness business software, amSTATZ streamlines your operations, from a simplified booking & payment process to the workout homework you assign to clients between sessions.

PrecisionHawk

Series A in 2013
PrecisionHawk is an information delivery company that combines unmanned aerial systems, remote sensing technologies, and advanced data analytics to improve business operations and day-to-day decision making. PrecisionHawk brings value to an emerging market by offering an end-to-end solution for aerial data gathering, processing, and analysis to provide actionable information across a wide range of data-intensive civilian industries. Founded in 2010, the company provides a holistic platform using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for data collection and analysis software tools to deliver better business intelligence to clients across a wide range of civilian industries. PrecisionHawk also owns aerial data software, DataMapper, satellite imagery provider, Terraserver, and the Low Altitude Traffic and Airspace Safety platform for drones, LATAS. PrecisionHawk is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Diagnotes

Series A in 2013
Diagnotes, Inc. is a digital healthcare company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in enhancing communication and collaboration within the healthcare industry. Established in 2010, the company offers a clinical communication platform designed to facilitate secure messaging, provider scheduling, patient data management, and documentation of discussions. This platform is tailored to the needs of various stakeholders, including patients, physicians, care teams, hospitals, health systems, and physician practices, enabling them to efficiently manage all patient-related communications. Diagnotes' applications are intuitive and easily adopted, serving a diverse clientele that includes large health systems, community hospitals, long-term care facilities, and behavioral health organizations. The platform supports a range of functionalities, from simple messaging to telehealth consultations, ensuring effective communication among healthcare professionals and their patients on a unified, cloud-based system.

SharpenCX

Series B in 2013
Sharpen is committed to building software that improves the lives of contact center agents. Its cloud-native platform was built from the ground up free from the anchors of legacy code. With open REST APIs, companies can use the Sharpen platform as the foundation on which to configure solutions to solve their customer service problems. Sharpen has developed a holistic solution designed to eliminate common inefficiencies that ultimately impact the agent, their quality of life, and their ability to provide a perfect customer experience. By creating a platform that addresses the needs of both IT and the contact center, agents are more prepared and better trained to do their job. The result? Happier, more effective agents creating happy, loyal customers.

Cause.it

Seed Round in 2012
Cause.it Inc. is a company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, founded in 2011, that specializes in developing mobile applications aimed at enhancing engagement between higher education institutions and their alumni. The platform allows schools to connect with alumni by enabling them to create personalized affinity profiles based on their interests. This information helps institutions improve their engagement strategies and tailor fundraising campaigns more effectively. Cause.it seeks to modernize the fundraising landscape by moving away from traditional methods such as direct mail and telemarketing, instead focusing on digital solutions that provide a more streamlined and personalized experience for alumni. Additionally, the application offers tools for community volunteers to sign up for nonprofit service events, thus fostering a deeper connection between volunteers and organizations. Overall, Cause.it aims to simplify a fragmented market and enhance the donor experience through innovative digital tools.

Courseload

Series A in 2012
Courseload, Inc. is an innovative early stage educational software company. Our SaaS offering reduces the cost of most commercially available textbooks and proprietary content by up to 2/3 and provides electronic access to self-generated, open source and fair use educational materials, saving students thousands of dollars over their four year undergraduate careers, while improving both revenue and margin for textbook publishers. Additionally, the Courseload solution offers collaborative teaching and learning capabilities to students and professors that improve learning outcomes as proven by National Science Foundation-sponsored research at a major university. The Courseload solution strongly resonates with those working to make the total cost of college more affordable while enhancing educational results, yielding millions of dollars in aggregate savings to the students of schools each year. Courseload continues its expansion in the higher education and K12 spaces, working with multiple Big Ten schools, private liberal arts and technology universities, community and technical colleges, and the premier K12 school in the State of Indiana. Expansion to other universities, colleges and schools continues

Aarden Pharmaceuticals

Seed Round in 2011
Aarden Pharmaceuticals is a small molecule drug discovery and development company. The company’s novel technology is a chemistry breakthrough that will enable it to make drugs against a previously un-druggable set of intracellular phosphatase (PTP) disease targets. The technology was developed in the laboratory of Dr. Zhong-Yin Zhang, Robert A. Harris Professor and chairman of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Zhang is an internationally recognized expert in the field of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Aarden’s first programs are focused on infectious disease, cancer, and metabolic and autoimmune conditions.
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.