Network Perception
Seed Round in 2020
Network Perception, Inc. is a technology company specializing in network device configuration analysis software to enhance network management and security. Founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers tools for firewall auditing and continuous monitoring, enabling corporate compliance and cybersecurity managers to visualize their network effectively. Its platform automates the analysis of network device configuration files, providing comprehensive audits and assessments that help organizations ensure their configurations align with best practices and regulatory standards. By delivering these innovative solutions, Network Perception assists businesses in managing cybersecurity vulnerabilities and maintaining compliance within their network environments.
QuillBot
Seed Round in 2020
QuillBot, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing an AI writing collaborator designed to enhance and refine written content. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Jaipur, India, QuillBot employs advanced artificial intelligence and natural language understanding (NLU) to automatically rewrite full paragraphs and improve clarity by fine-tuning language and introducing varied vocabulary. The platform is widely used, with over a million users globally, who rely on its sophisticated paraphrasing technology to create compelling messages while maintaining the original meaning of their content. QuillBot offers integrations and add-ins that allow users to incorporate its solutions seamlessly into their writing workflows.
Winston Privacy
Venture Round in 2020
Winston Privacy, Inc. is a technology company based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2017. It specializes in providing consumers with comprehensive online privacy and data protection solutions designed to safeguard against hacking, corporate spying, and unwarranted government surveillance. Winston's flagship product is a hardware device that utilizes proprietary anti-tracking technology, offering a simple plug-and-play installation that protects all connected devices, including computers, tablets, phones, and smart devices. The device operates in conjunction with a home router, ensuring users can enjoy a safer browsing experience while blocking ads and enhancing internet speed, making online privacy accessible for everyone.
Livly is a technology-driven property management platform for residential and commercial real estate. The platform serves developers, property operators, and third-party management companies by enabling rent payments, maintenance requests, package alerts and deliveries, resident communications, amenity reservations, and community event management. It also provides portfolio management tools, an AI-powered maintenance assistant, and analytics that support renewal predictions and sentiment insights to improve operational performance and resident experience. Founded in 2017 and based in Chicago, Livly helps property managers streamline operations, engage residents, and foster a sense of community.
Packback is an education technology company that provides an AI‑driven online discussion platform used by college professors to assess and enhance students’ critical thinking. The platform, known as PB Questions, facilitates structured, peer‑reviewed conversations that quantify learning outcomes. In addition, Packback offers PB Books, a digital textbook rental service that delivers course materials on demand. By combining artificial intelligence with evidence‑based pedagogy, the company enables educators to scale interactive learning and helps students develop a stronger voice in their studies.
AVVAY, Inc. is a location scouting company headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, that operates a marketplace for short-term rentals of commercial spaces across major U.S. cities, including Nashville, Dallas, Portland, Chicago, and Houston. Founded in 2015, AVVAY provides a web-based platform that facilitates the discovery and booking of a variety of creative locations, such as recording studios, photography sites, and event venues. The platform not only allows users to book spaces directly but also offers services through location scouting teams, making it easier for individuals and organizations engaged in creative projects to find suitable environments for their work at competitive prices.
Packback is an education technology company that provides an AI‑driven online discussion platform used by college professors to assess and enhance students’ critical thinking. The platform, known as PB Questions, facilitates structured, peer‑reviewed conversations that quantify learning outcomes. In addition, Packback offers PB Books, a digital textbook rental service that delivers course materials on demand. By combining artificial intelligence with evidence‑based pedagogy, the company enables educators to scale interactive learning and helps students develop a stronger voice in their studies.
Heretik
Seed Round in 2017
Heretik Inc. is a Chicago-based software company founded in 2016 that specializes in enhancing the contract review process through machine learning technology. The company's application is designed to assist organizations in analyzing contract data, enabling them to identify risks, obligations, and opportunities within their agreements. By transforming extensive and varied collections of contract data into actionable insights, Heretik empowers legal professionals to make informed decisions and secure favorable deals.
Level Ex, Inc. is a Chicago-based company that specializes in developing virtual surgery mobile applications and professional medical video games aimed at physicians. Founded in 2015, the company focuses on enhancing surgical training through innovative platforms, such as Virtual Technique Guides, which leverage multiplayer interactivity to facilitate virtual procedures in collaboration with medical device representatives. One of its notable products, Airway EX, is designed to help physicians master critical skills in endoscopic and interventional airway procedures, addressing various medical challenges such as obstructing tumors and complex intubations. By employing advanced video game technology and cognitive neuroscience, Level Ex enables healthcare professionals to stay current with rare cases, new medical devices, and evolving drug therapies, ultimately improving their surgical capabilities and decision-making skills.
Reconstruct
Seed Round in 2017
Reconstruct offers predictive computer vision data analytics software for construction projects. Its platform manages data collection from drones, fixed cameras, or mobile devices, visualizes images aligned with BIM models, and reports risk locations to enable proactive planning. Founded in 2016, Reconstruct is headquartered in Menlo Park, California.
Truss Holdings, Inc. operates an online marketplace that simplifies the leasing process for small and medium-sized businesses seeking office, co-working, industrial, and retail spaces. Founded in 2016 and based in Deerfield, Illinois, its platform employs machine learning to match businesses with suitable properties, allowing users to virtually tour listings, compare prices, and manage lease documents seamlessly. The company offers dedicated brokers to support clients throughout the process, ensuring a smooth experience. Truss is noted for its commitment to price transparency, enabling business owners to compare costs of traditional office and co-working spaces effectively. Through its technology-driven approach, Truss provides a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to find the right space quickly and confidently.
Kin Insurance
Seed Round in 2017
Kin Insurance, Inc. is a digital insurance agency that specializes in homeowners insurance and related products. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in St. Petersburg, Florida, the company aims to enhance the convenience and affordability of insurance by operating directly with consumers, eliminating the need for external agents. Kin Insurance offers a variety of products, including homeowners, mobile home, condo, flood, and landlord insurance, among others. The company leverages extensive property data to ensure precise pricing and improve underwriting outcomes, providing personalized coverage options and efficient claims services through its technology-driven platform.
Inprentus
Series A in 2017
Inprentus, Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Champaign, Illinois, specializing in the design and manufacture of ultra-high precision diffraction gratings. Founded in 2012, the company produces X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) gratings that are utilized in synchrotron radiation facilities for applications in chemical analysis, imaging, and various research sectors, including photovoltaics, catalysis, and structural biology. Inprentus has developed an innovative manufacturing method for mechanically ruled blazed diffraction gratings, achieving high resolving power with minimal blaze angles. Their products serve a wide range of industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, optical data communication, and advanced laser applications, enabling enhanced capabilities in spectrometers, monochromators, and laser instrumentation.
Aclaimant
Seed Round in 2017
Aclaimant is a Chicago-based provider of an enterprise incident management platform for workplace incidents. The platform supports reporting, management, documentation, and analysis of incidents, enabling employees, employers, and insurance carriers to use a shared dashboard to track users, incidents, and related reports. It aims to expedite incident resolution and reduce the cost of risk by capturing actionable information and coordinating real-time communication among involved parties. The company serves staffing firms, elder care and nursing facilities, small and mid-sized businesses and municipalities, as well as insurance brokers, carriers, and third-party administrators. Founded in 2013, Aclaimant focuses on helping organizations save time and money on incident and claim management while improving safety.
Built In operates a global network of online communities dedicated to connecting tech professionals with job opportunities and industry insights. With over 29 websites serving major tech hubs worldwide, the company offers recruitment solutions, employer branding, and community events for tech companies and startups across various industries.
Tovala is a Chicago-based company that offers a unique combination of a smart oven and a fresh meal delivery service, aiming to simplify dinner preparation for busy individuals. Founded in 2015 and launched in 2017, Tovala's system features an internet-connected countertop steam oven designed for multi-step cooking, paired with gourmet chef-prepared meals. This innovative approach allows users to enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals with minimal effort, requiring only the scanning of a barcode to initiate the cooking process. Tovala's service addresses the growing demand for convenient and nutritious meal solutions in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Remote Year
Series A in 2016
Remote Year, Inc. is a company that curates work and travel programs for remote professionals, enabling them to explore the world while maintaining their careers. Founded in 2014 and based in Highland Park, Illinois, Remote Year facilitates a year-long journey for participants to live and work in twelve diverse cities across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Each group consists of around 75 individuals who spend one month in each location, engaging with local cultures and business ecosystems. The company provides essential services such as co-working spaces, private accommodations, transportation, and a variety of community activities, including professional workshops, guest speakers, and networking events. Through these experiences, Remote Year fosters lifelong personal and professional relationships among participants, while promoting collaboration and cultural exchange.
Luxury Garage Sale
Series A in 2016
Founded in 2010, Luxury Garage Sale is a Chicago-based boutique that specializes in the resale of luxury designer clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry. It operates physical stores in Illinois and Texas, as well as an online platform, offering customers high-end fashion at affordable prices.
Founded in 2014, Shipbob Inc. specializes in online shipping and fulfillment software for small e-commerce businesses. It aggregates services from major carriers like FedEx, UPS, and USPS, offering pickup, packaging, warehousing, batch fulfillment, and tracking solutions through its mobile app.