Sóliome
Non Equity Assistance in 2024
Sóliome is a biotechnology company founded in 2021 and based in San Francisco, California. The company specializes in developing protein-based sunscreens designed to be safe for both the skin and the environment. These innovative products aim to reduce inflammation and skin damage caused by traditional sunscreens, which often contain harmful xenobiotic ingredients that can absorb into the skin and contribute to ecological harm. Sóliome's approach allows customers to protect their skin from harmful rays without the adverse effects associated with conventional sunscreen formulations.
Seprify is a manufacturer specializing in cellulose-based products aimed at promoting sustainability within various industries. The company develops plant-based cellulose white pigments and opacifier solutions designed to serve as alternatives to traditional titanium dioxide. These pigments are derived from renewable materials that are cost-effective, biocompatible, and easily processed, allowing for scalability using established industrial methods. Seprify's offerings cater to a range of sectors, including paints, inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food, enabling businesses to create safer and more sustainable products. By focusing on cellulose-based solutions, Seprify supports the transition toward a circular economy and encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly practices among its clients.
Seprify
Non Equity Assistance in 2023
Seprify is a manufacturer specializing in cellulose-based products aimed at promoting sustainability within various industries. The company develops plant-based cellulose white pigments and opacifier solutions designed to serve as alternatives to traditional titanium dioxide. These pigments are derived from renewable materials that are cost-effective, biocompatible, and easily processed, allowing for scalability using established industrial methods. Seprify's offerings cater to a range of sectors, including paints, inks, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food, enabling businesses to create safer and more sustainable products. By focusing on cellulose-based solutions, Seprify supports the transition toward a circular economy and encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly practices among its clients.
Kura Skin
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Kura Skin is a skincare matchmaking platform. We use data and our proprietary matchmaking algorithm to help our customers cut through the clutter and find what works for a fraction of the cost and none of the hassle.
Hue
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Hue Beauty is a beauty technology and sampling platform designed to assist beauty shoppers in identifying makeup products that complement their unique skin tones. The platform integrates with beauty brands' e-commerce websites, utilizing photo technology and a community of beauty advisors to facilitate accurate shade matching. Additionally, Hue Beauty offers customized try-at-home shade sampling kits, enhancing the shopping experience. The company also develops shoppable video technology, allowing online beauty brands to incorporate user-generated videos into their marketing strategies. This approach fosters customer trust and engagement by providing authentic content. Moreover, Hue Beauty employs an artificial intelligence-powered recommendation engine to analyze shoppers' skin tones, types, and beauty preferences, enabling clients to generate genuine reviews in various formats.
nul
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Nul is a not-just-for-profit company with the mission to make the personal and household care industry more sustainable by offering eco-friendly alternatives that actually work. No water. No plastic. No toxins. No nonsense. Nul believe in giving back; pledging 1% of all sales to environmental charities as a member of 1% for the Planet.
Michroma
Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Michroma Corporation is a biotechnology company that specializes in producing natural thermostable colorants derived from filamentous fungi through a fermentation process. Founded in 2019 and based in both San Francisco, California, and Rosario, Argentina, Michroma aims to replace synthetic pigments and those sourced from animals and plants with sustainable, naturally produced alternatives. The company harnesses synthetic biology to develop proprietary fungal strains that generate high-performance ingredients in bioreactors. Currently, Michroma is prototyping its innovative pH-stable and heat-stable food colorants in collaboration with leading food and beverage and cosmetic companies. Additionally, the company is exploring the production of mycoprotein and other ingredients, making strides in the sustainable ingredients market.
Naturbeads
Pre Seed Round in 2020
Naturbeads Ltd, established in 2018 and located in Malmesbury, United Kingdom, specializes in producing biodegradable cellulose microparticles designed to replace plastic microbeads commonly found in cosmetics, toiletries, and various industrial applications such as paints and adhesives. The company's innovative technology, developed at the University of Bath, offers an eco-friendly alternative that aims to mitigate the environmental impact of microplastic pollution in oceans and soil. By substituting fossil-fuel-based plastic with natural cellulose beads, Naturbeads enables its customers to adopt more sustainable practices and contribute to reducing pollution associated with conventional microbeads.
Rayito de Luna
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Rayito de Luna is a Mexican company that develops beauty and personal care products for women and men. It is an eco-friendly 100% natural personal care brand, that practices fair trade and supports the development of local independent producers.
Renzoe Box
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Renzoe Box is a beauty platform that combines hardware and software to simplify personal makeup organization. The company offers an innovative makeup storage and pod system designed to accommodate various makeup products within a single, compact box. This system allows users to create their personalized palettes while organizing their makeup accessories in designated compartments. By streamlining the makeup collection process, Renzoe Box enables users to manage and transport their beauty products more efficiently.
Upwell cosmetics
Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Upwell’s is a cosmetic industry provides patented algae wax with safe ingredients.
Belleza check
Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Bellezacheck is the 'Tripadvisor' of beauty product and that provides consumer reviews&ratings on website.
Aisling Organics
Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Aisling Organics is a pioneering company that specializes in high-performance organic makeup and skincare products. Founded by Krysta Lewis, who sought healthier alternatives after discovering that her foundation was detrimental to her health, Aisling aims to bridge the gap between beauty and wellness. The company offers a diverse range of products, including concealer, liquid foundation, eyeshadow, lip gloss, and mascara, all formulated from crushed plants and herbs. Aisling's e-commerce platform allows consumers to access skin-friendly alternatives to conventional cosmetics, ensuring that individuals do not have to compromise their health for beauty.
ZeoVation
Non Equity Assistance in 2019
ZeoVation Inc., founded in 2016 and located in Columbus, Ohio, specializes in the production of nanozeolites and hierarchical zeolites. These advanced materials are designed to enhance a variety of consumer products, including skin care lotions, sunscreens, and laundry detergents, by improving the efficiency of water softeners and filtration systems. ZeoVation also supplies zeolite materials to various markets such as sun and skin care, home care, healthcare, coatings, and water and gas purification. The company focuses on developing innovative solutions, including a controlled-release antimicrobial and antiviral particle that can be integrated into various applications like sprays, coatings, and textiles. This technology aims to combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, thereby contributing to safer and cleaner products.
Microcaps
Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Microcaps AG is a company based in Zurich, Switzerland, specializing in the development of innovative microencapsulation technology. Founded in 2018, it focuses on creating a scalable production system for precise microcapsules and microparticles using advanced microfluidics. The company's devices enable the fabrication of monodisperse capsules and emulsions of various sizes, providing tailored solutions for drug delivery, probiotic encapsulation, and enhancing the stability of pharmaceutical agents and fragrances in cosmetic products. Microcaps aims to offer a fully automated encapsulation micro-factory that ensures size control and precise dosing, significantly improving production efficiency and throughput rates compared to conventional methods.
Nagi Bioscience
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Nagi Bioscience SA, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, specializes in the development and manufacturing of an innovative automated testing device that utilizes microscopic worms for substance testing in pharmaceutical, chemical, and cosmetic industries. Their flagship product, the Caenorhabditis elegans-on-chip, integrates the use of these organisms for in vivo testing with a fully automated platform for in vitro culture, treatment, and analysis. This technology facilitates comprehensive toxicity testing, drug discovery, and anthelmintic testing applications, allowing clients to evaluate biological responses observable only at the whole-organism level. Nagi Bioscience aims to transform traditional testing methodologies by introducing its unique "Organism-on-Chip" technology.
SoaPen
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Soapen is a cosmetics company founded in 2016 by Amanat Anand and Shubham Issar, specializing in handmade soap designed for children. The company produces roll-on soap bottles that aim to promote hygiene habits in a playful manner. These innovative bottles contain non-irritating, non-toxic soap that is free from harmful substances such as SLS, parabens, phthalates, and any animal by-products. By providing a fun and engaging way for kids to wash their hands, Soapen encourages healthy hygiene practices among its young users.
ApreX Biotech
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
ApreX Biotech specializes in the development of innovative organ-on-chip systems aimed at transforming pharmaceutical development and personalized medicine. By employing advanced origami folding techniques, the company converts simple, two-dimensional patterns into sophisticated three-dimensional tissue architectures. This technology facilitates the creation of products across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food, and cosmetics. ApreX Biotech's systems are designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of product development, ultimately supporting the advancement of personalized medical solutions.
KUSHAE
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
KUSHAE offers feminine personal care items. They provide a wide range of goods, including spray, body wash, lotions, and more. They also provide free shipping on orders of $60 or more.
SunZee is a company focused on revolutionizing the sunscreen application process by introducing an innovative capsule system that allows users to dispense sunscreen directly onto their fingertips with a single hand motion. The sunscreen capsules are integrated into a fashionable wristband, making sun protection both accessible and stylish. This product addresses the growing awareness of sun damage while modernizing how sunscreen is consumed, particularly catering to the needs of busy individuals, including children. SunZee aims to enhance the user experience and promote education on sun protection through its disruptive approach in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors.
Orchid Green
Grant in 2017
Orchid Green has developed the natural compound AAPE1, which is an anti-aging antioxidant for skin. AAPE1 is chemically stable, resistant under high and low temperatures, and keeps its effectiveness over time. AAPE is water soluble and inhibits wrinkle formation.
Giaran, Inc., based in Brookline, Massachusetts, specializes in developing software that enhances the cosmetics shopping experience through virtual try-on technology. Founded in 2016, the company utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and augmented reality to allow users to sample makeup products in real-time, whether in-store, online, or on-the-go. By providing precise color matching and a personalized beauty experience, Giaran aims to transform how consumers interact with cosmetics. As of November 2017, Giaran operates as a subsidiary of Shiseido Americas Corporation.
Kreyol Essence is an agribusiness focused on providing affordable luxury beauty products sourced from Haiti. It serves as a leading platform for organic commodities from the region, offering a range of signature products that emphasize natural ingredients and social impact. The company is dedicated to empowering women by employing 400 local women and farmers, thus contributing to improvements in environmental, agricultural, and economic conditions in Haiti. Kreyol Essence operates with a mission to address complex social issues through its business model, promoting sustainability and community welfare.
Ingredio is a mobile application that allows users to identify the safety and origin of ingredients in cosmetics and food products by simply taking a picture of the label with their mobile phone. The app analyzes the ingredients against established chemical databases, providing users with information about whether the components are safe, toxic, allergenic, or of natural origin. This service caters to a growing number of consumers who prioritize transparency regarding the products they use, seeking to avoid harmful chemicals in their diets and personal care items. The application is accessible without geographical limitations for ingredients listed in English, empowering users to make informed choices about their health and wellness.
Biomicrogels Group
Grant in 2016
Biomicrogels Group is a developer and patent holder of biomicrogels, innovative materials derived from agricultural waste such as sugar beet, apple, and sunflower pomace. The company focuses on addressing global environmental and climate change challenges through its biomicrogel-based solutions, which are effective in various applications including produced water treatment, cutting fluid separation, vegetable oil extraction, and cleaning oil spills on land and at sea. Additionally, Biomicrogels Group manufactures a range of eco-friendly household cleaning products under the brand WONDERLAB. Their technology features nanoscale organic polymer particles that possess surface-active properties, enabling them to encapsulate and separate mineral and vegetable oils and fats from water or solid surfaces, thereby facilitating efficient purification and recycling processes.
MesenFlow Technologies
Grant in 2016
MesenFlow Technologies specializes in bio-imaging technology aimed at enhancing drug and cosmetic development. The company has created a platform that accelerates the drug development process by addressing challenges related to species cross-reactivity, animal testing, and understanding human diseases. Utilizing proprietary protocols on primary human cells, MesenFlow enables early definition of a drug's mechanism of action and translational relevance. The technology has also been adapted for the cosmetics and nutrition sectors, allowing for the assessment of the physiological impact of cosmetic or nutraceutical candidates during the early development phase. This approach supports environments where animal-free testing is essential and emphasizes the importance of understanding human biology in product development.
Ecoflora Cares
Grant in 2015
Ecoflora Cares SAS specializes in developing natural color technologies tailored for the food and personal care industries. Established in 1988 and based in Sabaneta, Colombia, the company provides a variety of services including the development of natural colors according to client specifications, guidance on transitioning from synthetic to natural colors, and testing the performance of colors in food applications. This includes assessments of solubility, stability, precipitation, and concentration, ensuring that the colors meet the specific requirements of clients' industrial processes. Ecoflora Cares is committed to sustainable and socially responsible practices, utilizing bio-supplies derived from biodiversity to offer natural and healthy products across multiple sectors.
Flying Spark
Non Equity Assistance in 2015
Flying Spark Ltd, established in 2014 and headquartered in Ramat Gan, Israel, specializes in the production of protein powder derived from fruit fly larvae. The company's primary products are dietary protein whole powder, reduced fat powder, and oil, all of which are rich in essential nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, and dietary fibers, as well as amino acids. These products cater to various industries, including food and feed for human consumption, and cosmetics, due to their white color, mild taste, and aroma, which facilitate easy incorporation into diverse applications.
EyeDoll Chatter
Grant in 2013
Eyedoll Chatter is an application that offers scented eyeshadows, face shimmers, and lip glosses.