Rothenberg Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, established in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups focused on frontier technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, space exploration, next-generation hardware, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Rothenberg Ventures is dedicated to supporting founders through various portfolio success programs, leveraging a team of experienced investors and operators to foster growth and innovation within its target sectors.
Amelia Virtual Care is a mental health technology company with offices in Barcelona and Mountain View, specializing in a comprehensive virtual reality platform designed for mental health treatment. This platform enables professionals to address a variety of mental health disorders, including phobias, anxiety, and depression. With a workforce of over 60 employees, Amelia has successfully delivered more than 200,000 VR therapy sessions, primarily in the United States, which serves as its main market. The company's innovative platform includes multiple features and user-friendly controls, facilitating effective therapy sessions. Recent financing and a new management team are expected to enhance Amelia's growth and strengthen its clinical evidence and commercial activities.
VRChat
Series A in 2017
VRChat is a virtual reality social platform that enables users to create and explore immersive virtual worlds. The platform emphasizes community-driven content creation, allowing users to design custom avatars, engage in social interactions, and participate in events. VRChat features 3D spatialized audio, enhancing the experience by allowing users to hear conversations in a more natural way. By fostering a creative environment, VRChat empowers individuals to build diverse 3D experiences and connect with others globally, making it a significant player in the social virtual reality space.
VRChat
Seed Round in 2016
VRChat is a virtual reality social platform that enables users to create and explore immersive virtual worlds. The platform emphasizes community-driven content creation, allowing users to design custom avatars, engage in social interactions, and participate in events. VRChat features 3D spatialized audio, enhancing the experience by allowing users to hear conversations in a more natural way. By fostering a creative environment, VRChat empowers individuals to build diverse 3D experiences and connect with others globally, making it a significant player in the social virtual reality space.
InsiteVR
Seed Round in 2016
InsiteVR helps architects and 3D designers easily create immersive virtual reality experiences. At InsiteVR.com architects and 3D designers can upload existing 3D models, which are then converted and optimized for viewing in virtual reality devices like the Oculus Rift, Google Cardboard or simply on mobile devices. Trying to understand 3D spaces by looking at static two-dimensional pictures is not intuitive. Communicating those 3D designs to a client, friend or colleague who isn't trained to understand 3D space isn't always trivial either. With virtual reality, architects and designers can effortlessly communicate the essence of their designs, save time and feel confident their viewer understands the design.
Wave
Seed Round in 2016
Wave focuses on interactive virtual experiences with a mission to help artists make money at the intersection of gaming and entertainment. Wave’s technology enables musicians to create lifelike avatars of themselves that can “perform” their music on a virtual stage. Most of these virtual shows take place either on the company’s YouTube channel, but Wave’s apps let users tune in on gaming consoles, phones or even the Oculus Rift VR headset. While watching a Wave, viewers can log in to comment in a chat function and give live feedback to the avatar performers.
SPECTRA VR
Seed Round in 2016
SpectraVR is a virtual reality media production and technology startup, the first in this space in India, founded by a highly experienced team of media and technology experts. We create the best 360 degree experiences using the latest 360° camera techniques and software capabilities. We were founded on the passion to push the limits of 360° film making and to awe people with amazing full scope images. The team of SpectraVR has a long and in-depth experience of online media production and technology. In wide range from full feature films to tv-commercials, SpectraVR is able to deliver quality on every platform. Specialized in story telling, our background is mainly focused on extreme sports, travel, food, & music - combining our passion with work. We work closely with our clients to build innovative 360 degree experiences and enable them to tell their story in an immersive, fun and engaging way.
Keen
Series B in 2016
Keen is the embedded analytics API that makes shipping custom user-facing analytics easy and seamless. It develops tools and infrastructure to help developers deliver in-product analytics to their customers. Its platform can handle all aspects of event data management, from collection to application. Keen enables users to stream, store, query, and present data all in one place and get a competitive advantage over the competition. The company was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.
Kespry
Series B in 2016
Kespry Inc. specializes in providing drone-based aerial intelligence solutions designed for industrial applications. The company's flagship product, the Kespry Drone System, is an automated unmanned aerial vehicle that autonomously collects and uploads aerial data to the Kespry Cloud, an intelligence platform that simplifies reporting and translates data into actionable insights. This integrated solution enables industries such as mining, construction, insurance, and pulp and paper to efficiently measure stockpiles, survey sites, and inspect assets, thereby enhancing operational accuracy and decision-making processes. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Kespry serves a diverse clientele across North America, Europe, and Australia, including notable companies like John Deere and Fluor.
TimeLooper
Seed Round in 2016
TimeLooper, Inc. is a company that specializes in creating immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences aimed at enhancing the interaction between cultural institutions and visitors. Founded in 2015 and based in New York, TimeLooper employs advanced technologies such as geographic information systems, holographic imaging, and 3D scanning to develop applications that allow users to explore historical events and cultural settings. By integrating storytelling with these technologies, TimeLooper's platform offers users a unique opportunity to engage with the past, facilitating a deeper understanding of history and culture through innovative, location-based time travel experiences.
Zeality
Seed Round in 2016
We are a pioneer in the world of Immersive Media experience. We continue to push the limits because we believe in Immersive Media’s unmatched power to educate, inspire, entertain, and communicate. Zeality Inc. is the leading provider of innovative cloud solutions for delivering immersive media content across all connected devices. The company offers a full suite of products and services that will help you define the use of immersive media, determine the value of the medium and develop repeatable, scalable model for using VR and 360 videos in your iphone and android applications. The company leverages strong strategic partnerships with production companies, tech corporations, infrastructure organizations, and more, to create multi-directional engagement with a variety of audiences through immersive experiences. Our customers include innovative brands like the San Francisco 49ers, San Jose Sharks, Reebok and others, who are all working to deliver on the promise of immersive media. For more information, please visit http://zeality.co/.
Nearpod
Series A in 2016
Nearpod Inc. offers a cloud-based platform designed to enhance the learning experience in both traditional and remote educational settings. Founded in 2011 and based in Aventura, Florida, Nearpod enables educators to create and deliver interactive multimedia presentations that engage students through synchronized use of mobile devices, particularly iPads. The platform allows teachers to convert existing content into mobile-friendly formats, facilitating real-time feedback via features such as polls and quizzes. Additionally, Nearpod provides a certified educator community that shares webinars, lessons, and training materials, along with various curriculum services, including resources focused on digital citizenship, social-emotional learning, and college readiness. By leveraging technology in the classroom, Nearpod aims to transform students into active participants in their education.
Auro Robotics
Seed Round in 2016
Auro is building driverless shuttles for in-campus travel. The big idea behind it is to cut down the operating cost (because of high driver fee) by replacing manually driven golf carts and mini buses with driverless shuttles at places such as a university or company campus, large industrial sites, airports, Disneyland type theme parks, gated residential colonies etc. While all major automobile companies and Google are fighting for automating passenger cars and urban mobility, they are focusing on niche category of last mile public transportation.
Leopoly 3D & XR
Seed Round in 2016
Leopoly provides innovative software solutions for businesses to utilize XR and 3D technologies with two main focus: XR training and education software that creates interactive learning experiences available from anywhere in the world. (LeoTrainer) 3D product customization software to create customizable products that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of their customers. (LeoShape)
River Studios
Convertible Note in 2016
River Studios LLC was founded in April 2015 by Mike Rothenberg. River Studios is most known for creating and producing "Hymn for the Weekend" in collaboration with Coldplay and Beyonce, as well as providing technical consulting and expertise for the world's first and most successful accelerator program for early-stage startups, the River Accelerator. Prior to creating River Studios, in 2012 Mike founded Rothenberg Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco and the leading VC for Frontier Technology startups. In January 2015, identifying the huge potential in VR, Rothenberg decided to build the world's first startup accelerator program focused on VR companies, and named it The River Accelerator Program, run by Rothenberg Ventures at the time. After the River Accelerator 2015 Spring program, Mike founded River Studios to create, build and promote frontier technology including VR, AR, and AI and to advise and partner with clients like Rothenberg Ventures. River Studios' team of experienced cinematographers helped the River Accelerator identify and cultivate startups to produce better technology and VR content, which started to draw the attention of artists and brands, that in turn asked to work with River Studios to help them understand, build, and create VR & AR content. In 2015, a client project that combined production with development work inspired the studio to partner closely with Twisted Oak Studios, one of the most talented Unity 3D development studios in the world, which unofficially became known as "River Studios Canada". Since 2015, River Studios has collaborated with artists and creators across the globe including Coldplay, Beyonce, Bjork, and BEP. River Studios' producer Mike Rothenberg pitched, created and produced "Hymn For the Weekend", launched in 2016 and now approaching 900 million YouTube views. River Studios has continued its collaborated with Rothenberg Ventures as a joint venture for the River Accelerator 2015 Fall, River Accelerator 2016 program, and River Accelerator 2017 programs.
River Studios
Convertible Note in 2016
River Studios LLC was founded in April 2015 by Mike Rothenberg. River Studios is most known for creating and producing "Hymn for the Weekend" in collaboration with Coldplay and Beyonce, as well as providing technical consulting and expertise for the world's first and most successful accelerator program for early-stage startups, the River Accelerator. Prior to creating River Studios, in 2012 Mike founded Rothenberg Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco and the leading VC for Frontier Technology startups. In January 2015, identifying the huge potential in VR, Rothenberg decided to build the world's first startup accelerator program focused on VR companies, and named it The River Accelerator Program, run by Rothenberg Ventures at the time. After the River Accelerator 2015 Spring program, Mike founded River Studios to create, build and promote frontier technology including VR, AR, and AI and to advise and partner with clients like Rothenberg Ventures. River Studios' team of experienced cinematographers helped the River Accelerator identify and cultivate startups to produce better technology and VR content, which started to draw the attention of artists and brands, that in turn asked to work with River Studios to help them understand, build, and create VR & AR content. In 2015, a client project that combined production with development work inspired the studio to partner closely with Twisted Oak Studios, one of the most talented Unity 3D development studios in the world, which unofficially became known as "River Studios Canada". Since 2015, River Studios has collaborated with artists and creators across the globe including Coldplay, Beyonce, Bjork, and BEP. River Studios' producer Mike Rothenberg pitched, created and produced "Hymn For the Weekend", launched in 2016 and now approaching 900 million YouTube views. River Studios has continued its collaborated with Rothenberg Ventures as a joint venture for the River Accelerator 2015 Fall, River Accelerator 2016 program, and River Accelerator 2017 programs.
Homebase
Seed Round in 2015
Homebase is a software application that provides tools for employee scheduling, time tracking, communication, and task management. The app facilitates communication between managers and employees through messaging features, allowing for easy coordination and updates regarding shifts, tasks, and announcements. Employees can clock in and out using the app, allowing managers to track hours worked and monitor labor costs in real-time accurately.
Hullabalu
Seed Round in 2015
Hullabalu is a company based in NYC, creating stories for the new generation. They are inspired by their love for fantastical worlds, the timeless classics they grew up with, and the kids who visit their office.
Drop
Seed Round in 2015
Drop is a personalized commerce platform that enhances consumer experiences by connecting users with over 400 partner brands to earn rewards for their purchases. The platform utilizes machine learning to tailor offers and recommendations, ensuring that consumers receive relevant rewards at optimal times. With a focus on serving Millennials and Generation Z, Drop facilitates a seamless shopping experience, allowing users to earn points on both online and offline transactions, as well as through survey completions. Headquartered in Toronto, Drop has expanded its reach to over 4 million members across North America and the UK, aiming to improve everyday consumer lives through its innovative e-commerce and fintech solutions.
SweetIQ Analytics
Series A in 2015
SweetIQ Analytics Corp. specializes in local search marketing solutions aimed at helping businesses convert online searches into in-store visits. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in San Francisco and Irvine, the company offers a technology platform that provides local marketing analytics, intelligence, and automation to brands across North America. SweetIQ's services include local analytics, marketing automation, and solutions for online to offline conversions. The platform enables retail chains and marketing agencies to enhance their online presence, manage business information across various platforms, and engage with consumers through reviews and social interactions, ultimately driving foot traffic to physical locations. In September 2020, SweetIQ Analytics was acquired by uberall Inc.
Wade & Wendy
Seed Round in 2015
Wade & Wendy, Inc. is a New York-based company that has developed an innovative software platform aimed at enhancing the hiring process through the use of artificial intelligence. Founded in 2015 by Josh Brandoff, Adrian von der Osten, and Drew Austin, the company offers two main chatbots: Wendy, which assists employers by screening applicants and providing recommendations on career websites, and Wade, which supports job seekers by recording their data and helping them find suitable job opportunities. By leveraging machine intelligence and big data, Wade & Wendy strives to create a more engaging and human-centric hiring experience, facilitating better connections between job seekers and hiring teams.
Emergent VR
Seed Round in 2015
Emergent VR, Inc is a technology startup in San Francisco building a new way to create and share moments and memories using virtual reality. They are led by VR, game, and animation industry veterans from Disney, 2K Games, and DreamWorks Animation.
8i
Series A in 2015
8i is a Wellington-based company that specializes in virtual reality software and technology, focusing on volumetric video solutions. The company provides enterprise-grade hologram capture stages using camera arrays, alongside a sophisticated software stack that employs proprietary computer vision and machine learning models to fuse, edit, and compress holograms. This technology enables the transformation of photoreal holograms into immersive digital experiences that can be viewed in virtual reality, augmented reality, and on the web. By simplifying the creation and distribution of 3D content, 8i enhances communication and interaction through the realistic representation of humans in holographic form, allowing clients to easily create and share engaging experiences.
inVR
Seed Round in 2015
inVR is a United States-based company that operates an online platform designed for creators to transform 3D designs into virtual reality (VR) experiences accessible across various platforms. The company provides a user-friendly system that allows artists to upload their content and distribute it effortlessly, facilitating the creation and sharing of VR experiences without the need for coding. By streamlining the content creation process, inVR empowers users to deploy their creations to any VR headset, making it easier for creators to reach a wider audience.
Retinad
Angel Round in 2015
Analytics platform made for 360VR media. Drag & drop plugin integration across all major VR headsets.
Rival Theory
Convertible Note in 2015
Rival Theory Inc. specializes in developing artificial intelligence technology for the entertainment sector, focusing on the creation of interactive characters. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the company offers AI solutions that cater to a diverse range of users, including students, hobbyists, professional studios, and government entities. Their RAIN AI engine has been widely adopted, utilized by over 100,000 studios and developers globally to produce advanced interactive characters inspired by both real and fictional figures. Additionally, Rival Theory's Sentio technology enhances this capability by enabling intelligent virtual actors that merge human performance capture with AI-driven personality and decision-making. This innovation allows for natural interactions in immersive environments such as virtual reality, broadening the potential applications of AI in digital entertainment, advertising, video games, simulations, film, and media.
Inverse
Seed Round in 2015
At Inverse, we obsess over one question: What could happen next? To provide answers — and there are many — we search out emerging ideas, new technologies, and simmering trends as well as fearless innovators, designers, and thinkers. We’re compulsively curious not only because we’re fans of progress, but also because we want a glimpse of the future and the chance to better plan for and enjoy tomorrow.
Clique
Series B in 2015
Recently named to Fast Company’s list for the World's Most Innovative Companies in 2017, Clique is a global media, marketing, and consumer brands company. Through its brands—Who What Wear, MyDomaine, Byrdie, CollegeFashionista, and Obsessee—CMG combines the power of data science with its expert editorial team to create content and products that millennial women and Gen Z girls crave. CMG’s two key marketing offerings, CMG Studios (an in-house creative agency) and INF Network (representing 55+ top bloggers and influencers), deliver integrated and native advertising programs, all while inspiring consumers to discover and shop. In early 2016, CMG launched its first clothing, shoes, and accessories line exclusively with Target under the Who What Wear brand, and it continues to be a top performer for the mega-retailer.
Payable
Seed Round in 2015
Payable helps thousands of contractors get paid faster and more efficiently. Much more than payments, we're on a mission to strengthen the 1099 workforce by making invoicing, work-tracking, onboarding, and calculating earnings and taxes as simple as possible for both contractors and the companies they work with. Apps are available for iOS, Android, and Web.
Vicarious Surgical
Seed Round in 2015
Vicarious Surgical Inc. is a robotics company based in Charlestown, Massachusetts, established in 2014. The company focuses on developing advanced robotic systems that enhance the efficiency of minimally invasive surgical procedures. Its innovative surgical robot combines virtual reality with human-like robotics, allowing for greater precision and control during complex surgeries. Designed for abdominal access, the Vicarious Surgical Robotic System features 3D visualization and operates through a single port, which minimizes invasiveness and promotes faster patient recovery. This compact and portable system can be easily integrated into existing operating rooms, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
AltspaceVR
Series A in 2015
AltspaceVR, Inc. is a social virtual reality software company founded in 2013 and based in Redwood City, California. The company focuses on creating a communication platform that allows users to connect and share experiences in a natural and engaging manner. Its platform supports a wide range of activities, including gaming, streaming content, attending live events, and business collaboration, all within immersive virtual environments. By integrating two-dimensional web content into shared virtual spaces, AltspaceVR extends the web to facilitate fully holographic experiences, enabling users to interact and form real connections with others globally. In 2017, AltspaceVR became a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, further enhancing its capabilities and reach in the virtual reality space.
Accelo
Seed Round in 2015
Accelo, Inc. is a cloud-based service management software company founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. It specializes in Service Operations Automation (ServOps), offering an integrated platform that streamlines operations from prospecting to payment. Accelo's software is utilized by thousands of businesses to enhance client service delivery, which in turn boosts revenue and productivity while significantly improving profit margins.
Rinse
Seed Round in 2015
Rinse is building the first and largest national (and global) brand in clothing care. It is addressing a massive consumer problem and creating a significantly better (and more standardized) dry cleaning and laundry experience through the combination of "smart scheduling" and best-in-class quality, all supported by a strong technology backbone that allows it to effectively manage the operational complexity that comes with scale. Its services include Dry Cleaning, Launder & Press, Wash & Fold, Hang Dry, Repairs, Leather Cleaning, and it even takes Clothing Donations.
The Virtual Reality Company
Seed Round in 2015
The Virtual Reality Company is a content studio that creates virtual reality experiences by combining technology, art, and storytelling. It is dedicated to the creation of stories for virtual reality platforms. The Virtual Reality Company was founded in 2014 and is based in Los Angeles, California.
Retinad
Angel Round in 2015
Analytics platform made for 360VR media. Drag & drop plugin integration across all major VR headsets.
Planet
Series C in 2015
Planet is a startup based in San Francisco and founded by former NASA employees that collects information about its changing planet via a fleet of compact, highly capable Earth-imaging satellites. The broad coverage and high frequency of Planet's satellite imagery will enable customers with unprecedented access to global and local insights that currently are either impossible or cost-prohibitive to obtain. It designs, builds, and operates the largest fleet of satellites, as well as online software, tools, and analytics needed to deliver data to users. Planet offers a diverse selection of imagery and analytic solutions, all made available online through our platform and web-based tools. They provide geospatial insights at the speed of change, equipping users with the data necessary to make informed, timely decisions.
Zeitview
Seed Round in 2015
Zeitview is an aerial data analytics platform that specializes in providing drone services tailored for the energy and infrastructure sectors. The company employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze visual data, offering actionable insights that enhance asset performance and longevity. Zeitview's services cater to various industries, including solar, wind, property management, telecommunications, and utilities. Their technology facilitates rapid and precise inspections, which aim to reduce costs and boost operational efficiency. By monitoring construction progress and assessing the condition of assets such as rooftops and wind turbines, Zeitview enables informed, near real-time decision-making for its clients.
Gusto
Series B in 2015
Gusto is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) company focused on Human Capital Management (HCM). It offers a comprehensive, cloud-based platform that provides a range of HR and payroll services designed for small businesses. Key features of Gusto’s platform include payroll processing, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and employee onboarding. Additionally, it supports the management of employee benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance. By streamlining these essential functions, Gusto aims to simplify the complexities of human resource management, enabling businesses to effectively meet their employees' needs.
White Raven
Venture Round in 2015
White Raven is a technology company specializing in AI-based visual positioning software designed for autonomous robots and vehicles that operate in areas lacking GPS connectivity. The company's innovative platform employs advanced algorithms to recognize buildings, landmarks, and other significant objects in the physical environment, allowing it to accurately determine a camera's location and orientation. This capability facilitates precise navigation to specific locations, such as a particular door, enhancing augmented reality experiences for both drivers and passengers. White Raven’s technology serves as middleware between in-car infotainment systems and location-based services, enabling real-time analysis and classification of visual signals from various sensors. By identifying unique points of interest in urban settings and presenting them in augmented reality, White Raven enriches user interaction with their surroundings, thereby improving user experiences for those utilizing autonomous navigation systems.
Reaction
Series A in 2015
Reaction, Inc. is an innovative product company that designs and manufactures hardware and software to (re)meet a basic human need: shelter.
Written
Seed Round in 2015
Written Inc. is a company based in Austin, Texas, that specializes in content marketing and audience development. Founded in 2012, it provides a platform that connects brands with bloggers, facilitating content licensing, syndication, and sponsored content. The services offered by Written Inc. enable brands to engage with precision-targeted audiences and achieve predictable returns on investment. At the same time, bloggers benefit by increasing their monetization opportunities and gaining exposure for their content. The platform supports WordPress websites, allowing for the rebranding and republishing of existing content, which helps brands expand their reach and boost conversions. Written Inc. aims to create a mutually beneficial environment for brands seeking effective content strategies and bloggers looking to enhance their influence and revenue.
Jopwell
Seed Round in 2015
Jopwell, Inc. is a career platform based in New York that connects Black, Latino/Hispanic, and Native American professionals and students with job opportunities across various industries, including technology, finance, and education. Founded in 2015 by former Goldman Sachs employees Porter Braswell and Ryan Williams, Jopwell aims to empower candidates and companies by providing a diverse pipeline of talent. The platform facilitates the recruitment process for partner companies, enabling them to access underrepresented candidates at various career stages, from internships to experienced hires. Jopwell's mission focuses on leveraging technology to enhance access to professional opportunities and promote diversity in the workforce. The company has gained recognition for its innovative approach, being featured in publications such as Inc. and Fast Company.
Vantage.TV
Seed Round in 2015
Founded in 2014, vantage.tv is disrupting the world of live events with VR live streaming and VOD content, social fan community features, and provides relevant commerce options to users. Based in San Francisco, CA our mission is to make live events enjoyable at any time from any place. Fans gain unique access to their favorite artists anywhere and any time. Artists and promoters are empowered with better ways to profitably connect with fans. Sponsors can offer engaging and relevant experiences for target audiences. Third party production teams can leverage the vantage.tv VR Production Program to produce their own incredible VR experiences.
Fove
Seed Round in 2015
Fove, Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of eye-tracking virtual reality headsets. Established in 2014 and headquartered in Torrance, California, with an additional office in Tokyo, Japan, the company offers several innovative products, including the FOVE0 Headset, which allows users to navigate virtual environments through their gaze. Fove Healthcare is another offering that utilizes VR and eye-tracking technology for cognitive function assessments. Additionally, the NeU-VR headset measures both eye and brain activity. Fove also develops applications that provide real-time information related to its devices, enhancing user interaction with virtual content. By integrating advanced eye-tracking capabilities, Fove enables users to control and interact with virtual objects in unprecedented ways.
Tuition.io
Seed Round in 2015
Tuition.io, Inc. operates a platform designed to assist users in managing their student loan portfolios, which includes federal family education loans, federal direct loans, and private loans from various servicers. The platform enables employers to provide a valuable benefit that allows them to contribute directly to employees' student loan debt, thereby addressing a significant financial burden faced by many workers. In addition to facilitating loan management, Tuition.io offers financial wellness education to help employees optimize their student debt. Founded in 2011 and based in Santa Monica, California, Tuition.io was previously known as Binksty before rebranding in July 2012. The company's services aim to help employers attract, engage, and retain talent by alleviating the challenges associated with student debt.
Man Crates
Seed Round in 2014
They say 'no' to ugly neckties, cologne samplers and executive trinkets. They don't save wrapping paper, They don't do ribbons. They ship bragworthy gifts for guys. Gifts that you can't wait to arrive because you know the recipient will love opening them. Gifts that people gather round at the office, people following the sounds of wood being torn from wood by the included, laser-engraved crowbar. They are Man Crates, and we deliver awesome gifts for men.
Rinse
Seed Round in 2014
Rinse is building the first and largest national (and global) brand in clothing care. It is addressing a massive consumer problem and creating a significantly better (and more standardized) dry cleaning and laundry experience through the combination of "smart scheduling" and best-in-class quality, all supported by a strong technology backbone that allows it to effectively manage the operational complexity that comes with scale. Its services include Dry Cleaning, Launder & Press, Wash & Fold, Hang Dry, Repairs, Leather Cleaning, and it even takes Clothing Donations.
Bustle Digital Group
Series B in 2014
Bustle Digital Group (BDG) is a New York-based media company established in 2013 that focuses on shaping culture through a variety of digital and experiential brands. The company operates Bustle, a multifaceted platform that caters to young readers by providing a wide array of content, including news, entertainment, lifestyle, and fashion. Bustle aims to redefine women's interests by offering engaging and relevant articles that resonate with modern readers. Through its diverse collection of contributors, BDG delivers accessible content that keeps audiences informed and entertained, covering topics from current events to pop culture and personal style.
Luxe
Seed Round in 2014
Luxe is building a logistics platform that will drive the next generation of local real time services, beginning with parking. The free Luxe app, available on iPhone, transforms parking from a necessary evil to a daily highlight. With a veteran team of leaders from Zynga, Tesla, Google, Yahoo and Groupon, a fleet of prescreened, friendly valets, dozens of insured and secure indoor parking lots and a sophisticated technology platform that monitors every step of the process from drop-off to pick-up, Luxe is leading the charge on a new industry of on demand services that addresses a ubiquitous urban challenge: parking.
ShipHawk
Series A in 2014
ShipHawk, headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, specializes in shipping software tailored for high-volume shippers. The company offers a solution that automates order fulfillment and streamlines logistics operations, allowing businesses to gain control over their warehouse processes. ShipHawk's software features multi-carrier rating, dispatch capabilities, and document generation, which helps users obtain accurate shipping costs and eliminates the need for manual quoting. By optimizing shipping operations, ShipHawk enables businesses to enhance efficiency and reduce costs associated with order fulfillment.
Andela
Seed Round in 2014
Andela is a company that specializes in recruiting and managing software developers, primarily from emerging markets, and providing them with the necessary training and mentorship to succeed in the global tech landscape. Founded in 2014 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, Andela operates a significant marketplace for skilled digital talent, leveraging an AI-powered platform known as Andela Talent Cloud. This platform enhances the efficiency of matching companies with qualified developers, allowing clients to hire talent quickly and cost-effectively. Andela supports companies in various aspects of hiring, including compliance and payroll, while offering a diverse talent pool skilled in advanced technologies such as application development, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. With a presence in over 135 countries, Andela connects businesses with vetted remote engineers, helping them scale their teams and meet project demands effectively. Notable clients include GitHub, Mastercard Foundry, and Mindshare.
Augmate
Seed Round in 2014
Augmate offers an IoT and wearable device management platform that allows organizations to develop end-point solutions, bringing the power of IoT, blockchain, and AI to the world. The company's goal is to connect all things with the same powerful simplicity of wearables. The company's blockchain-based protocol-agnostic platform provides growth that enables enterprises to manage IoT devices. It aggregates sensor data through a secure network of wearable devices and beacons. To optimize conditions for safe and productive actions, it manages the distribution of information across a workforce. The company's current hardware partners are Google Glass, Vuzix, Epson, Uvex, Recon Instruments, and Optinvent. Augmate was founded in 2013 and is based in New York.
Hello Giggles
Seed Round in 2014
Hello Giggles is an entertainment and lifestyle brand established in May 2011 by actress Zooey Deschanel, producer Sophia Rossi, and writer Molly McAleer. The platform is designed for smart women but welcomes all readers, addressing a variety of topics including pop culture, love, friendship, female empowerment, careers, style, food, and relevant news. The website fosters a positive online community and adheres to a strict "no gossip" policy, promoting constructive and uplifting content. Reader contributions are encouraged and featured daily, enriching the community with diverse perspectives and experiences.
AltspaceVR
Seed Round in 2014
AltspaceVR, Inc. is a social virtual reality software company founded in 2013 and based in Redwood City, California. The company focuses on creating a communication platform that allows users to connect and share experiences in a natural and engaging manner. Its platform supports a wide range of activities, including gaming, streaming content, attending live events, and business collaboration, all within immersive virtual environments. By integrating two-dimensional web content into shared virtual spaces, AltspaceVR extends the web to facilitate fully holographic experiences, enabling users to interact and form real connections with others globally. In 2017, AltspaceVR became a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, further enhancing its capabilities and reach in the virtual reality space.
AuditFile
Venture Round in 2014
AuditFile, Inc. is a technology company that provides a cloud-based auditing platform designed for CPA firms and internal audit teams. Founded in 2011 and based in Walnut Creek, California, the company's solution automates essential aspects of the audit process, including the uploading of trial balances and the generation of financial statements. AuditFile's platform also features proprietary algorithms that assist auditors in detecting potential fraud, thereby helping to minimize accounting errors and enhance operational efficiency. This comprehensive approach allows organizations to manage their audit processes more effectively across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.
Matterport
Series B in 2014
Matterport is a spatial data company specializing in the digitization and indexing of the built environment. Its comprehensive 3D data platform allows users to create accurate and immersive digital twins of various locations. These digital representations can be utilized for a wide range of purposes, including design, development, operation, and promotion of spaces. Matterport generates revenue primarily through subscription fees, as customers pay for access to its platform. Additional revenue streams include licensing, services, and the sale of products.
Sols
Series A in 2014
SOLS is a software platform and mobile application that enables users to design and purchase customized orthotics for their feet. To date, the company has launched two products: SOLSRx, medical-grade 3D printed orthotics, and ExoSOLS, direct to consumer custom insoles. SOLS is now leveraging its patented footwear customization software to attack the footwear industry's biggest problem, shoe size-related returns. Founded in 2013, SOLS uses state of the art computer vision and machine learning to improve the fit and function of footwear. The company is backed by blue-chip investors like Founders Fund, Lux Capital, and Tenaya Capital and located in New York City.
Tuition.io
Seed Round in 2014
Tuition.io, Inc. operates a platform designed to assist users in managing their student loan portfolios, which includes federal family education loans, federal direct loans, and private loans from various servicers. The platform enables employers to provide a valuable benefit that allows them to contribute directly to employees' student loan debt, thereby addressing a significant financial burden faced by many workers. In addition to facilitating loan management, Tuition.io offers financial wellness education to help employees optimize their student debt. Founded in 2011 and based in Santa Monica, California, Tuition.io was previously known as Binksty before rebranding in July 2012. The company's services aim to help employers attract, engage, and retain talent by alleviating the challenges associated with student debt.
Chubbies Shorts
Venture Round in 2014
Chubbies is an eCommerce company dedicated to men's short shorts. The company revolves around a customer service-focused business model offering free three-day shipping, free returns, social advertising campaigns, and dedicated human customer service lines. Currently, they are only sold on the Chubbies website.
Reaction
Seed Round in 2014
Reaction, Inc. is an innovative product company that designs and manufactures hardware and software to (re)meet a basic human need: shelter.
Apartment List
Secondary Market in 2014
Apartment List, Inc. operates an online rental marketplace in the United States, facilitating connections between renters and landlords. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, the platform offers a user-friendly search experience that allows individuals to discover rental properties based on price, location, and amenities. Apartment List aims to simplify the renting process by providing a personalized and transparent experience, helping users navigate the complexities of finding a home. The platform's curated search feature is designed to understand the unique needs of each individual, making the apartment search more efficient and enjoyable. By focusing on fairness and accessibility, Apartment List seeks to enhance the overall renting experience for both tenants and property owners.
Sols
Seed Round in 2013
SOLS is a software platform and mobile application that enables users to design and purchase customized orthotics for their feet. To date, the company has launched two products: SOLSRx, medical-grade 3D printed orthotics, and ExoSOLS, direct to consumer custom insoles. SOLS is now leveraging its patented footwear customization software to attack the footwear industry's biggest problem, shoe size-related returns. Founded in 2013, SOLS uses state of the art computer vision and machine learning to improve the fit and function of footwear. The company is backed by blue-chip investors like Founders Fund, Lux Capital, and Tenaya Capital and located in New York City.
Freight Farms
Seed Round in 2013
Freight Farms, Inc. specializes in manufacturing hydroponic crop production units using up-cycled shipping containers. Their flagship product, the Leafy Green Machine, is a pre-assembled system that allows for the commercial-scale production of various crops, including herbs, lettuces, and hearty greens, regardless of climate or season. This innovative approach addresses food accessibility in regions where traditional farming is impractical, promoting the establishment of local food economies and sustainable food systems. Freight Farms serves a diverse clientele, including business owners, soil farmers, corporations, educational institutions, municipalities, and non-profits across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the company is committed to providing fresh, quality, and affordable food options to enhance food security.
Robinhood
Seed Round in 2013
Robinhood Financial LLC is an online and mobile application-based discount stock brokerage that caters to self-directed investors. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, the company offers commission-free trading in stocks, options, exchange-traded funds, and cryptocurrencies. It aims to democratize access to financial markets, encouraging users to manage their finances and invest through its user-friendly platform. Robinhood provides various services, including cryptocurrency trading, dividend reinvestment, fractional shares, and recurring investments. The firm generates revenue by routing user orders to market makers for execution, enabling a modern financial services platform supported by proprietary technology. Robinhood operates as a subsidiary of Robinhood Markets, Inc.
Butter
Seed Round in 2013
Butter is an innovative app designed to foster new friendships through the sharing of photos and messaging. It connects individuals globally who share similar interests, facilitating meaningful relationships. In addition to its social networking features, Butter is known for its exceptional production team, which has a strong track record of collaborating with major names in advertising and entertainment, including prominent companies such as Paramount Pictures and Showtime. The platform's commitment to high-quality work and international talent sets it apart in the competitive landscape of social applications.
Verbling
Seed Round in 2013
Verbling, Inc. is an online platform that connects language learners with professional teachers through video chat. Founded in 2011 and based in Palo Alto, California, Verbling's mission is to empower individuals worldwide to achieve fluency in foreign languages. The platform enables users to access language lessons at any time, with teachers available around the clock to accommodate various time zones. All instructors undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure high-quality teaching, reflected in the average student rating of 4.9 out of 5. As of January 2020, Verbling operates as a subsidiary of Busuu Limited.
Pixlee TurnTo
Seed Round in 2013
Pixlee TurnTo is a marketing software company that focuses on enhancing customer engagement through user-generated content (UGC) and influencer marketing. Formed from the merger of Pixlee and TurnTo in early 2021, the company provides a platform that integrates customer content such as ratings, reviews, and community Q&A, allowing marketers and e-commerce executives to effectively promote their brands without requiring extensive technical resources. By centering marketing efforts around customer voices, Pixlee TurnTo aims to improve revenue, brand loyalty, and user engagement. Headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in New York and Toronto, the company is backed by notable investors, including Andreessen Horowitz and XSeed Capital.
Open Me
Seed Round in 2013
Open Me, Inc. is a greeting card company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2013. It specializes in providing a variety of customizable printed greeting cards and eCards for various occasions, including birthdays, baby announcements, and expressions of love or gratitude. The company collaborates with talented artists worldwide to offer unique designs, ensuring a thoughtful and personal touch for each card. Open Me allows customers to personalize their selections with photos and messages, catering to both digital and physical card preferences. As of May 2015, Open Me operates as a subsidiary of Rowl, Inc., enhancing its capabilities in the greeting card market.
AngelList
Series A in 2013
AngelList is a U.S.-based platform founded in 2010 that connects startups, angel investors, and job-seekers. It serves as a comprehensive resource for startups to fundraise, recruit talent, and launch products, with a portfolio that includes over 20 unicorns. The platform encompasses AngelList Venture, which focuses on venture fundraising, and AngelList Talent, which aids job-seekers in finding opportunities within startups. Additionally, AngelList has facilitated the launch of more than 100,000 products, contributing to the future of technology. The firm provides essential tools for legal formation, capital management, and fund administration, streamlining the fundraising process for both startups and investors.
Matterport
Series A in 2013
Matterport is a spatial data company specializing in the digitization and indexing of the built environment. Its comprehensive 3D data platform allows users to create accurate and immersive digital twins of various locations. These digital representations can be utilized for a wide range of purposes, including design, development, operation, and promotion of spaces. Matterport generates revenue primarily through subscription fees, as customers pay for access to its platform. Additional revenue streams include licensing, services, and the sale of products.
Buttercoin
Seed Round in 2013
Buttercoin is an open source, high-volume digital trading engine used to arrange trades in an order book.
Bustle Digital Group
Series A in 2013
Bustle Digital Group (BDG) is a New York-based media company established in 2013 that focuses on shaping culture through a variety of digital and experiential brands. The company operates Bustle, a multifaceted platform that caters to young readers by providing a wide array of content, including news, entertainment, lifestyle, and fashion. Bustle aims to redefine women's interests by offering engaging and relevant articles that resonate with modern readers. Through its diverse collection of contributors, BDG delivers accessible content that keeps audiences informed and entertained, covering topics from current events to pop culture and personal style.
Boosted USA
Seed Round in 2013
Boosted USA is a manufacturer of electric skateboards that focuses on creating innovative and enjoyable lightweight electric vehicles for commuting and recreation. The company offers a diverse lineup of electric longboards featuring customizable options, including multiple ride modes, a powerful belt drive system, two battery choices, and robust braking systems. Boosted's products are designed for both efficiency in last-mile transportation and for leisure, utilizing high-quality materials such as bamboo and fiberglass for their decks and premium urethane wheels. The company combines a passion for longboarding with a commitment to great design, making its electric skateboards appealing to a wide range of users.
Patreon
Seed Round in 2013
Patreon Inc. is a membership platform founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, California, that enables artists and content creators to monetize their work through direct relationships with their fans. The platform allows patrons to support creators on a recurring basis in exchange for exclusive benefits and insights into the creative process. By facilitating connections between creators and their audiences, Patreon empowers a new generation of artists to earn a living from their passions. The platform hosts a wide variety of content, including videos, photographs, artwork, audio clips, and other creative materials, fostering a community where fans can actively participate in and support the work they admire.
Able Lending
Series A in 2013
Able Lending, Inc. is an online lending service based in Austin, Texas, that focuses on providing financial support to small businesses across the United States. Founded in 2011 and originally named Outbox Inc., the company was rebranded in 2014. Able Lending specializes in offering various loan products, including friends and family loans, growth loans, and debt refinancing options. It aims to provide a cost-effective lending solution, allowing borrowers to save significantly on loans ranging from $25,000 to $1,000,000. In addition to financial capital, Able Lending connects entrepreneurs with community resources and expert advice to facilitate business growth. The company has been recognized for its innovative approach to lending and its commitment to supporting small businesses at different stages of their development.
Propeller
Seed Round in 2013
Propeller is a web platform to quickly create and update apps with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. No code, no problem — even with no design or programming experience, you can make something beautiful.
Revel Systems
Series B in 2013
Revel Systems, Inc. is a cloud-based provider of point of sale (POS) and business management solutions designed for restaurants and retailers. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in San Francisco, Lithuania, Singapore, Australia, and London, the company offers two main platforms: Revel Essentials for small chains and merchants, and Revel Enterprise for large chains and global enterprises. These iOS-based systems combine POS functionality with management tools, allowing businesses to manage inventory, employee information, customer relationships, and sales reporting in one integrated platform. Revel Systems also supplies various hardware components, including iPads, POS printers, scanners, and other peripherals, further enhancing the operational efficiency of its clients across multiple sectors, such as grocery stores, bars, and food trucks.
Lantern
Seed Round in 2013
Finding emotional well-being during life’s twists and turns isn’t easy. Accessing care is at best expensive, and at worst completely out of reach. And that’s where Lantern comes in. Founded in 2012 in San Francisco, they’re a team of researchers, technologists, and clinicians translating clinical research and expertise into simple, effective web and mobile programs based in cognitive behavioral therapy. They’re not about unrealistic promises or get-happy-quick schemes. They’re about removing the stigma and barriers that prevent people from strengthening their emotional selves, offering a holistic approach to making every day better. They envision a world in which people think differently about their mental health–where they feel empowered to take a simple step toward self-improvement. They’re on a mission to make this happen, and they hope you’ll join us.
Hullabalu
Seed Round in 2013
Hullabalu is a company based in NYC, creating stories for the new generation. They are inspired by their love for fantastical worlds, the timeless classics they grew up with, and the kids who visit their office.
Fashion Project
Seed Round in 2013
Fashion Project is the first designer shopping experience featuring exclusive apparel, shoes, and accessories that are generously donated by style icons, celebrities, and philanthropists from around the world. The majority of each sale is donated to charity. It was founded in 2011 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
Friendemic
Seed Round in 2013
Friendemic is responsible for the strategy and fulfillment of social media campaigns for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers an online reviews management service with a dedicated team monitoring and responding 365 days a year. On the advertising side, it provides a social advertising platform called Social Drive.
Locality
Seed Round in 2013
Locality Inc. is an online search engine that provides users with information about nearby businesses and local services, including prices, reviews, hours, and ratings. Utilizing a proprietary crowdsourcing platform, the company collects data from public listings to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Established in 2011 and headquartered in New York, Locality aims to simplify the process of discovering local services, much like how travel search engines streamline flight comparisons. This platform enables consumers to effortlessly find services tailored to their needs, whether searching for a yoga class in a new city or looking for a nearby salon. Locality was previously known as Centzy, Inc. before rebranding in November 2013.
Matterport
Series A in 2013
Matterport is a spatial data company specializing in the digitization and indexing of the built environment. Its comprehensive 3D data platform allows users to create accurate and immersive digital twins of various locations. These digital representations can be utilized for a wide range of purposes, including design, development, operation, and promotion of spaces. Matterport generates revenue primarily through subscription fees, as customers pay for access to its platform. Additional revenue streams include licensing, services, and the sale of products.
ONEHOPE
Series B in 2013
ONEHOPE is a social enterprise that sells wine and other products and services to raise awareness and funding for charitable organizationsand social causes as well as donates half of its profits to charity, enabling its customers to contribute to social causes.
Tuition.io
Seed Round in 2013
Tuition.io, Inc. operates a platform designed to assist users in managing their student loan portfolios, which includes federal family education loans, federal direct loans, and private loans from various servicers. The platform enables employers to provide a valuable benefit that allows them to contribute directly to employees' student loan debt, thereby addressing a significant financial burden faced by many workers. In addition to facilitating loan management, Tuition.io offers financial wellness education to help employees optimize their student debt. Founded in 2011 and based in Santa Monica, California, Tuition.io was previously known as Binksty before rebranding in July 2012. The company's services aim to help employers attract, engage, and retain talent by alleviating the challenges associated with student debt.
Codeship
Seed Round in 2013
Codeship Inc. offers hosted continuous integration solutions that facilitate the building and deployment of Docker-based applications. Founded in 2011 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in Vienna, Austria, Codeship provides a platform that automates the software deployment process, significantly shortening development cycles. This enables software companies to reduce the risk of bugs and accelerate innovation by streamlining the testing and release processes. Known for its fully customizable services, Codeship’s platform operates a B2D (business to developer) portal, catering to the needs of developers and businesses seeking efficient and secure integration services. In 2013, the company changed its name from Railsonfire Limited and has been a subsidiary of CloudBees, Inc. since February 2018.
Bloodhound
Series A in 2013
Bloodhound offers streamlined lead management solutions for trade shows through its mobile app, which allows users to scan badges, barcodes, and business cards using their smartphones. The app facilitates easy follow-up and organizes leads in a web dashboard, enabling users to export data to their CRM systems. This service eliminates the need for cumbersome badge scanners and saves users time by reducing the manual entry of contact information. Bloodhound has been utilized at more than 2,500 events across 75 countries, enhancing return on investment for participants. Established in 2011 and based in San Francisco, Bloodhound has received significant investment, including a $4.5 million Series A funding round led by Peter Thiel in 2013.
NewHive
Seed Round in 2013
NewHive is an online platform that serves as a DIY self-publishing tool, enabling users to express their creativity through customizable pages. The platform is designed for individuals to create and share their artistic expressions, fostering a community where users can showcase their work. By providing a user-friendly interface, NewHive encourages creative exploration and engagement, making it accessible for a wide range of users interested in developing their personal and artistic identities.
SpaceX
Secondary Market in 2012
SpaceX, Inc., founded in 2002 and headquartered in Hawthorne, California, specializes in the design, manufacture, and launch of advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company develops various products, including the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Dragon, and Starship, with a focus on creating reusable launch vehicles. These vehicles are engineered for the transport of cargo, humans, and payloads into space, incorporating features such as multiple engines, an attached trunk, and parachute systems. SpaceX aims to reduce the costs of space travel, thereby making space exploration more accessible and advancing the capabilities of the space industry.
Careport
Venture Round in 2012
CarePort Health is a technology company that offers an online platform designed to facilitate the transition of patients from hospital to post-acute care settings. It enables patients and their families to identify suitable post-hospital care providers based on their specific needs, allowing them to book care easily after entering basic information. CarePort's software also assists hospitals in managing patient discharges by connecting them to a network of high-quality care providers, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate follow-up care. Additionally, post-acute care providers can join CarePort's network to enhance their visibility and attract more patients while tracking their progress. The platform integrates electronic health records across various care settings, promoting efficient coordination of care among providers, payers, and accountable care organizations.
27 bards
Seed Round in 2012
27 bards is a tour management software suite. Its main features include a tour builder, couponing, email alerts, gift certificates, and reviews. In addition, it offers supplier/vendor management, analytics, credit card transactions, API services, and a full customizable interface. 27 bards was founded in 2011 by Stanford alumni Travis Kiefer.
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