APFusion
Seed Round in 2022
APFusion is a business-to-business automotive marketplace designed to assist salvage yards in enhancing their sales and inventory management. Founded in 2018 by Alex Smith in Champaign, Illinois, the company allows vendors to upload millions of dollars worth of inventory into its system. This inventory is then made readily accessible through a proprietary connector, which integrates seamlessly with yard management systems. By streamlining the inventory upload and automating the purchase order process, APFusion provides vendors with efficient distribution access while offering customers a wide selection of new and used auto parts.
APFusion
Pre Seed Round in 2021
APFusion is a business-to-business automotive marketplace designed to assist salvage yards in enhancing their sales and inventory management. Founded in 2018 by Alex Smith in Champaign, Illinois, the company allows vendors to upload millions of dollars worth of inventory into its system. This inventory is then made readily accessible through a proprietary connector, which integrates seamlessly with yard management systems. By streamlining the inventory upload and automating the purchase order process, APFusion provides vendors with efficient distribution access while offering customers a wide selection of new and used auto parts.
Rheaply, Inc. is a Chicago-based company founded in 2016 that offers an online platform known as the Asset Exchange Manager (AxM). This cloud-based resource exchange technology connects organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, school systems, and nonprofits, allowing them to buy, sell, trade, donate, and rent resources. By combining an asset management system with an online marketplace, Rheaply facilitates effective exchanges of materials and resources, thereby improving reuse outcomes and supporting the principles of a circular economy. The platform aims to reduce waste and unnecessary expenditures, promoting sustainability across various sectors.
CASHDROP
Seed Round in 2020
CASHDROP is a mobile commerce platform designed for mobile-savvy entrepreneurs, enabling them to establish an online storefront from their phones in under 15 minutes. Founded by Ruben Flores-Martinez in January 2020 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the platform allows businesses to sell food, retail products, services, and event tickets without incurring commission or monthly fees on contactless transactions. CASHDROP aims to streamline the selling process for entrepreneurs across various sectors, making it quick and easy to start a business. Additionally, the platform facilitates instant payments directly to debit cards, providing a fast and efficient way to send and receive money at any time, free from banking hours and weekend restrictions.
Rheaply
Seed Round in 2020
Rheaply, Inc. is a Chicago-based company founded in 2016 that offers an online platform known as the Asset Exchange Manager (AxM). This cloud-based resource exchange technology connects organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, school systems, and nonprofits, allowing them to buy, sell, trade, donate, and rent resources. By combining an asset management system with an online marketplace, Rheaply facilitates effective exchanges of materials and resources, thereby improving reuse outcomes and supporting the principles of a circular economy. The platform aims to reduce waste and unnecessary expenditures, promoting sustainability across various sectors.
Convr Inc. operates a data science platform specifically designed for commercial insurance underwriters, facilitating a more efficient and effective underwriting process. Founded in 2015 and based in Schaumburg, Illinois, Convr enables insurers to digitally transform their operations through its comprehensive suite of tools. The platform includes features such as a data ingestion engine that organizes information from various sources, a universal data catalog for identifying relevant data, and robust data management and security systems. Convr's solutions support all core commercial lines of business and are accessible via an intuitive user interface or API connectors. Key functionalities include digitizing submission paperwork, providing insights on risks from extensive data sources, and utilizing AI to streamline underwriting inquiries. These capabilities allow commercial insurers to enhance operational efficiency, improve risk assessment, and deliver superior customer experiences, ultimately positioning them as leaders in the market. Convr serves a diverse range of clients, including many top carriers in the industry.
Rentgrata
Seed Round in 2019
Rentgrata, Inc. is a Chicago-based company that has developed a mobile application designed to facilitate connections between prospective renters and current residents of apartment communities. The platform serves as a messaging tool that fosters real conversations, enabling users to share insights and feedback about their living experiences. By leveraging social networks, Rentgrata enhances the leasing process while providing property owners and managers with valuable data to better understand renter needs. This approach not only helps reduce resident turnover but also creates a sense of community within multifamily properties. Additionally, the platform allows residents to benefit from referral incentives, encouraging them to actively participate in the leasing process. Overall, Rentgrata aims to improve the living experience for residents while streamlining operations for leasing teams.
The Minte
Convertible Note in 2019
The Minte provides hotel-style housekeeping services primarily for residents of high-rise apartment buildings. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company employs a building-centric model to staff its housekeepers. Its offerings include a range of cleaning services, such as sweeping and spot cleaning floors, wiping countertops, loading dishwashers, and refreshing bathrooms. Residents can conveniently book these services through a mobile app or by using a dash-like button located at their door. The Minte aims to deliver consistent and trusted cleaning, helping residents maintain their homes with the same level of professionalism expected from a hotel.
86 Repairs
Seed Round in 2019
86 Repairs is a Chicago-based software company that offers a subscription platform for managing the entire repair process for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018, the company provides a comprehensive maintenance management solution that covers equipment repairs for appliances such as ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. With 24/7 support from a team of experts, 86 Repairs helps restaurant owners streamline their operations by relieving them of repair-related burdens, allowing them to concentrate on customer service. The platform delivers actionable insights to enhance back-of-house operations and ensures complete management of the service process, thereby improving efficiency and reducing downtime for restaurants.
AMOpportunities
Series A in 2019
AMOpportunities, Inc. is a company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in providing short-term training programs for international medical students and graduates. Founded in 2013, it connects these individuals with U.S. physicians and medical institutions to facilitate clinical rotations across more than 200 clinical sites in over 70 medical specialties and subspecialties. The platform not only offers opportunities for clinical experiences but also provides essential support services, including visa and housing assistance. By enabling international medical trainees to engage with U.S. healthcare professionals, AMOpportunities enhances their educational journey and practical knowledge in the medical field.
Pearachute
Venture Round in 2019
Pearachute is a monthly membership service designed to help families engage in meaningful activities with their children. It connects parents to a variety of kids' classes and activity centers, including options like ballet, swimming, music, and sports. The platform allows families to explore different activities that align with their schedules, providing flexibility and convenience in booking classes. By offering a diverse range of options, Pearachute aims to enhance family time through enjoyable experiences tailored to individual routines.
Convr
Convertible Note in 2018
Convr Inc. operates a data science platform specifically designed for commercial insurance underwriters, facilitating a more efficient and effective underwriting process. Founded in 2015 and based in Schaumburg, Illinois, Convr enables insurers to digitally transform their operations through its comprehensive suite of tools. The platform includes features such as a data ingestion engine that organizes information from various sources, a universal data catalog for identifying relevant data, and robust data management and security systems. Convr's solutions support all core commercial lines of business and are accessible via an intuitive user interface or API connectors. Key functionalities include digitizing submission paperwork, providing insights on risks from extensive data sources, and utilizing AI to streamline underwriting inquiries. These capabilities allow commercial insurers to enhance operational efficiency, improve risk assessment, and deliver superior customer experiences, ultimately positioning them as leaders in the market. Convr serves a diverse range of clients, including many top carriers in the industry.
OpenFinance
Venture Round in 2018
Openfinance Technologies, LLC, based in Chicago, Illinois, operates an online trading and settlement platform focused on the secondary market for non-listed alternative investments. The company specializes in facilitating transactions for private and public real estate programs, as well as other classes of alternative investment programs. Additionally, Openfinance provides a blockchain-based protocol that enables the trading, clearing, and settlement of security tokens and alternative assets. Established in 2014, the firm aims to enhance access to liquidity and investment opportunities within the substantial alternative asset market, which is valued at approximately $8.8 trillion. Through its innovative digital platform, Openfinance seeks to streamline the trading process and improve security for alternative asset transactions.
The Minte
Seed Round in 2018
The Minte provides hotel-style housekeeping services primarily for residents of high-rise apartment buildings. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company employs a building-centric model to staff its housekeepers. Its offerings include a range of cleaning services, such as sweeping and spot cleaning floors, wiping countertops, loading dishwashers, and refreshing bathrooms. Residents can conveniently book these services through a mobile app or by using a dash-like button located at their door. The Minte aims to deliver consistent and trusted cleaning, helping residents maintain their homes with the same level of professionalism expected from a hotel.
Winston Privacy
Seed Round in 2018
Winston Privacy, Inc. is a technology company focused on providing online privacy and data protection for consumers. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Winston offers a hardware device that protects all connected devices, including computers, tablets, phones, and smart devices. This device provides comprehensive protection against hackers, corporate spying, and unwarranted government surveillance. It features a simple plug-and-play design, making it accessible for users without technical expertise. Additionally, Winston's solution blocks ads and offers faster performance than traditional VPNs, ensuring a safe and efficient browsing experience for its users.
BallotReady
Seed Round in 2018
BallotReady, Inc. is a non-partisan online and mobile voter guide that focuses on local elections. Founded in 2015 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company aggregates information from various sources, including candidates' websites, League of Women Voters questionnaires, news articles, campaign finance records, and legislative roll calls. This allows users to access comprehensive background information on all candidates and referendums on their ballots. BallotReady enables voters to compare candidates, understand their positions on relevant issues, and save selected candidates for easy reference, either on mobile devices or during the voting process. The platform aims to promote informed voting and civic engagement by providing accessible, easy-to-understand information about the electoral choices available to voters.
Kin Insurance
Series A in 2018
Kin Insurance, Inc. is a digital insurance agency specializing in homeowners insurance and related products, including mobile home, condo, flood, manufactured home, landlord, umbrella, hurricane, wildfire, and second home insurance. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in St. Petersburg, Florida, Kin Insurance operates payment processing offices in Palatine and Chicago. By eliminating external agents, Kin Insurance offers a direct-to-consumer model that enhances the convenience and affordability of homeowners insurance. The company's technology platform provides a seamless user experience, personalized coverage options, and efficient claims processing. Kin leverages extensive property data to deliver precise pricing and improve underwriting outcomes.
The Minte
Seed Round in 2018
The Minte provides hotel-style housekeeping services primarily for residents of high-rise apartment buildings. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company employs a building-centric model to staff its housekeepers. Its offerings include a range of cleaning services, such as sweeping and spot cleaning floors, wiping countertops, loading dishwashers, and refreshing bathrooms. Residents can conveniently book these services through a mobile app or by using a dash-like button located at their door. The Minte aims to deliver consistent and trusted cleaning, helping residents maintain their homes with the same level of professionalism expected from a hotel.
AMOpportunities
Seed Round in 2017
AMOpportunities, Inc. is a company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in providing short-term training programs for international medical students and graduates. Founded in 2013, it connects these individuals with U.S. physicians and medical institutions to facilitate clinical rotations across more than 200 clinical sites in over 70 medical specialties and subspecialties. The platform not only offers opportunities for clinical experiences but also provides essential support services, including visa and housing assistance. By enabling international medical trainees to engage with U.S. healthcare professionals, AMOpportunities enhances their educational journey and practical knowledge in the medical field.
Convr Inc. operates a data science platform specifically designed for commercial insurance underwriters, facilitating a more efficient and effective underwriting process. Founded in 2015 and based in Schaumburg, Illinois, Convr enables insurers to digitally transform their operations through its comprehensive suite of tools. The platform includes features such as a data ingestion engine that organizes information from various sources, a universal data catalog for identifying relevant data, and robust data management and security systems. Convr's solutions support all core commercial lines of business and are accessible via an intuitive user interface or API connectors. Key functionalities include digitizing submission paperwork, providing insights on risks from extensive data sources, and utilizing AI to streamline underwriting inquiries. These capabilities allow commercial insurers to enhance operational efficiency, improve risk assessment, and deliver superior customer experiences, ultimately positioning them as leaders in the market. Convr serves a diverse range of clients, including many top carriers in the industry.
ExplORer Surgical
Series A in 2017
ExplORer Surgical Corp. develops an interactive surgical playbook that enhances teamwork and communication in the operating room. Founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a software solution that allows healthcare providers to compare performance, track case progression in real time, and forecast various operational metrics, such as staffing and equipment use. The platform provides customizable surgical workflows tailored to patient needs and surgeon preferences, minimizing disruptions and reducing waste. By facilitating coordination among surgical teams and offering real-time performance data, the software improves efficiency and quality of care, enabling medical professionals to focus on successful procedures. Additionally, ExplORer Surgical aids medical device companies in the rollout of new devices, contributing to improved medical education and operational cost savings.
Kin Insurance
Seed Round in 2017
Kin Insurance, Inc. is a digital insurance agency specializing in homeowners insurance and related products, including mobile home, condo, flood, manufactured home, landlord, umbrella, hurricane, wildfire, and second home insurance. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in St. Petersburg, Florida, Kin Insurance operates payment processing offices in Palatine and Chicago. By eliminating external agents, Kin Insurance offers a direct-to-consumer model that enhances the convenience and affordability of homeowners insurance. The company's technology platform provides a seamless user experience, personalized coverage options, and efficient claims processing. Kin leverages extensive property data to deliver precise pricing and improve underwriting outcomes.
Avail is an online platform designed to simplify the rental and leasing process for independent landlords and property managers. Founded in 2012 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides a comprehensive suite of services including rental listings, tenant screening, customized leases, online rent payments, maintenance tracking, and rent price analysis. Avail addresses a gap in the market by offering tools specifically tailored for landlords managing fewer than ten rental units, enabling them to effectively navigate the rental cycle. The platform facilitates the advertising of vacant properties, processing of rental applications, collection of credit reports, signing of leases, and management of maintenance requests, all through an intuitive interface. With a user base of 70,000 landlords, Avail serves as a critical resource for those looking to scale their property management efforts from beginner to professional levels, while also being a subsidiary of Move, Inc. since December 2020.
Petronics
Seed Round in 2017
Petronics is a company that specializes in creating robotic pets for cats, with a focus on interactive play and exercise. Founded in 2014 and based in Champaign, Illinois, the company offers Mousr, a robotic toy designed to engage indoor cats in hunting-like activities. Mousr features advanced technology, including 360-degree vision, environmental sensing, and Bluetooth connectivity, which allows it to mimic the movements of prey. This innovative approach not only provides entertainment for cats but also helps address issues like obesity by encouraging active play.
BallotReady
Seed Round in 2017
BallotReady, Inc. is a non-partisan online and mobile voter guide that focuses on local elections. Founded in 2015 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company aggregates information from various sources, including candidates' websites, League of Women Voters questionnaires, news articles, campaign finance records, and legislative roll calls. This allows users to access comprehensive background information on all candidates and referendums on their ballots. BallotReady enables voters to compare candidates, understand their positions on relevant issues, and save selected candidates for easy reference, either on mobile devices or during the voting process. The platform aims to promote informed voting and civic engagement by providing accessible, easy-to-understand information about the electoral choices available to voters.
Rewards21
Series A in 2016
Rewards21, Inc. operates a rewards program that allows clients to earn cash back and reward points for dining at selected restaurants. Utilizing card-linked technology, registered consumers can receive cash back by using their credit or debit cards at participating establishments. The program also extends to hotel, airline, and rental car options, enhancing the rewards experience. Users collect points through their dining activities, with the ability to convert 2,100 points into $21 credited directly to their card. Founded in 2015, Rewards21 is headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and aims to provide a convenient and engaging way for consumers to benefit from their dining choices while supporting partner businesses.
Realync
Seed Round in 2016
Realync Corp. is a cloud-based video platform designed to facilitate live virtual tours of real estate properties, connecting agents with potential buyers and renters. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, with an office in Chicago, Realync enables real estate professionals to conduct interactive live tours and open houses using just a smartphone or tablet. The platform also supports high-definition pre-recorded videos, allowing users to experience properties in a dynamic and engaging manner. By providing innovative tools for real-time interaction, Realync enhances the property viewing process for both agents and clients.
ExplORer Surgical
Seed Round in 2016
ExplORer Surgical Corp. develops an interactive surgical playbook that enhances teamwork and communication in the operating room. Founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a software solution that allows healthcare providers to compare performance, track case progression in real time, and forecast various operational metrics, such as staffing and equipment use. The platform provides customizable surgical workflows tailored to patient needs and surgeon preferences, minimizing disruptions and reducing waste. By facilitating coordination among surgical teams and offering real-time performance data, the software improves efficiency and quality of care, enabling medical professionals to focus on successful procedures. Additionally, ExplORer Surgical aids medical device companies in the rollout of new devices, contributing to improved medical education and operational cost savings.
Luna Lights
Seed Round in 2016
Luna Lights, Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in developing a preventative and predictive night-time fall safety solution for senior citizens. The company's innovative system includes an ultra-thin pressure sensor pad that detects when an individual gets out of bed, triggering small, wireless lights to illuminate the path and reduce fall risks. When the user returns to bed, the lights automatically turn off. Additionally, Luna Lights incorporates a monitoring system that collects data on the frequency and duration of nighttime trips, sending notifications to caregivers if an older adult remains out of bed for an extended period. This functionality allows caregivers to identify trends and assess the risk of falls, ensuring a safer environment for elderly individuals while maintaining their independence. As of September 2020, Luna Lights operates as a subsidiary of Sentrics.
Page Vault
Series A in 2016
Page Vault Inc. is a Chicago-based company that offers a cloud-based software solution designed for legal professionals to capture web content, including social media, corporate websites, and blog posts, in a forensically defensible and legally admissible manner. Founded in 2013, the platform enables users to archive web pages as they appear online, preserving essential metadata and generating easily printable PDF documents. This service is utilized by a diverse clientele, including law firms, government offices, corporate legal departments, insurance providers, and legal consultants, across various fields such as intellectual property, family law, and compliance. Page Vault's solution simplifies the process of capturing web content, providing a trusted third-party chain of custody that meets the needs of professionals requiring reliable evidence for use in U.S. courts.
ConceptDrop
Seed Round in 2016
ConceptDrop, Inc. is an online marketplace that connects businesses with a community of professional graphic designers for various design projects. The platform offers on-demand design services for materials such as PowerPoint presentations, infographics, flyers, brochures, and logos, among others. Additionally, it provides copywriting services, enabling businesses to fulfill their creative needs efficiently. By leveraging artificial intelligence, ConceptDrop facilitates the process of finding freelancers and forming internal teams for enterprises. Founded in 2012 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company was originally known as Quick2LAUNCH LLC before rebranding in January 2015. This model not only helps businesses access quality design work but also allows designers to earn income and enhance their portfolios through collaboration with diverse clients.
The Eastman Egg Company
Series A in 2016
The Eastman Egg Company, LLC is a fast casual restaurant based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2013. The establishment focuses on providing healthy breakfast and lunch options to busy individuals. Its menu features farm-fresh, made-to-order egg sandwiches and bowls, homemade yogurt parfaits, and a variety of sides and snacks. Additionally, the restaurant offers a full craft coffee and espresso program sourced from Irving Farm. Beyond regular dining, The Eastman Egg Company provides catering services for various events, including corporate meetings, brunches, and weddings, emphasizing quality and unique ingredients in its offerings.
Block Six Analytics
Seed Round in 2016
Block Six Analytics LLC is a technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, that specializes in providing analytics-driven solutions for sports sponsorship management. Established in 2010, the company offers a suite of web-based applications designed to help sports organizations optimize their sponsorship, media, ticketing, and event activities. Its flagship product, the Partnership Scoreboard, utilizes proprietary valuation models to quantify sponsorship value and identify engagement opportunities for corporate partners. The platform includes various tools such as a partnership analytics dashboard, an eCommerce portal, and a marketplace that connects teams with brands and agencies. By delivering insights into the effectiveness of sponsorship investments, Block Six Analytics enables clients to enhance their return on investment across multiple advertising channels within the sports industry.
Sentic Technologies
Seed Round in 2015
Sentic Technologies, established in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in data-driven marketing solutions. The company develops AI and machine learning-powered software that interprets real-time social signals and external data to optimize online advertising campaigns, enhance customer satisfaction, and improve sales revenue. Their key products include Sentic Optimized AdWords, Sentic Crowd Search, and Sentic Predict Prevent, which help businesses make data-driven decisions and prevent unwanted events.
Glidera
Seed Round in 2015
Glidera Inc. is a company that provides an online wallet service for buying and selling bitcoins, founded in 2013 and based in Elmhurst, Illinois. It offers a platform that allows users to access the benefits of bitcoins through a connected bank account. Glidera enhances digital currency wallets by enabling applications to integrate bitcoin buy and sell services via a flexible API, allowing developers to incorporate this functionality without handling customer funds directly. The company addresses various challenges related to compliance, banking, liquidity, and fraud, making it easier for wallet providers to offer users a seamless experience in obtaining bitcoin. As of December 2016, Glidera operates as a subsidiary of Payward, Inc.