Ulu Ventures

Novel Capital, founded in 2018 and based in Mission, Kansas, is a fintech company that offers innovative funding solutions tailored for early-stage B2B software companies. By leveraging a tech-first approach, Novel Capital enables its customers to access non-dilutive capital based on future recurring revenue, effectively breaking down traditional growth barriers. The platform also provides online data-driven insights and curated learning resources, empowering entrepreneurs to capitalize on their momentum and scale their businesses without relinquishing equity. Through its flexible revenue-based financing and operational sales expertise, Novel Capital aims to foster a thriving startup ecosystem and support the growth of emerging businesses.

NewRetirement offers a comprehensive retirement planning and management platform designed for both individual consumers and enterprises through white-label solutions or APIs. The platform assists users in managing various aspects of retirement, including income, healthcare, tax reduction, and fee management. It provides a range of tools such as content, software, coaching, classes, and access to advisors. Users can optimize their retirement strategies across multiple areas, including Social Security, Medicare, taxes, home equity, income, asset drawdown, relocation, work, and estate planning. Additionally, NewRetirement allows users to obtain fee-only advice on-demand, facilitating collaborative planning and empowering them to make informed decisions about their financial futures.

Novel Capital, founded in 2018 and based in Mission, Kansas, is a fintech company that offers innovative funding solutions tailored for early-stage B2B software companies. By leveraging a tech-first approach, Novel Capital enables its customers to access non-dilutive capital based on future recurring revenue, effectively breaking down traditional growth barriers. The platform also provides online data-driven insights and curated learning resources, empowering entrepreneurs to capitalize on their momentum and scale their businesses without relinquishing equity. Through its flexible revenue-based financing and operational sales expertise, Novel Capital aims to foster a thriving startup ecosystem and support the growth of emerging businesses.

SUMA is a revolutionary FinTech company with the mission to engage, educate, and empower the Latinx community via a holistic approach to Digital Media, Experiences, and FinTech. By creating culturally relevant content, and virtual experiences, and providing financial tools that demystify and reimagine financial wellness through entertainment.

Pando is the one-stop Basecamp for high-potential dreamers and the ambitious builders who refuse to settle. We leverage world class peer groups and financial tools to supercharge your founder journey. We deliver an experience that aligns incentives to unleash founders’ potential, facilitate connection and realize prosperity.

Commerce is being revolutionized throughout Latin America. Increasingly, SMBs are restructuring themselves to rely on online conversational platforms (like WhatsApp) as their primary channel for acquiring and servicing their clients. LeadSales is building the platform that will be the dominant operating system for this entire new industry - and will help businesses manage all of their interactions with consumers ranging from conversational sales, CRM, to order fulfillment, even to payments.

Pontoro Inc. is a financial technology company established in late 2018, focused on enhancing investor participation in private market assets. The company is developing a patented technology solution that aims to create an innovative private investment platform, offering improved liquidity not typically available in traditional private investments. Pontoro's primary objective is to tackle the significant $15 trillion shortfall in infrastructure debt financing. By utilizing a blockchain-based platform, the company facilitates the flow of infrastructure loans from large bank originators to institutional investors, thereby providing greater access to asset liquidity and price transparency for these private market opportunities.

Commerce is being revolutionized throughout Latin America. Increasingly, SMBs are restructuring themselves to rely on online conversational platforms (like WhatsApp) as their primary channel for acquiring and servicing their clients. LeadSales is building the platform that will be the dominant operating system for this entire new industry - and will help businesses manage all of their interactions with consumers ranging from conversational sales, CRM, to order fulfillment, even to payments.

Snowball Wealth, Inc. is a financial management platform based in San Mateo, California, that provides tailored guidance for managing student loans and other financial challenges. Established in 2018, the company focuses on helping individuals navigate debt, retirement, and investments through personalized analysis and recommendations. Its mobile app features a community-driven approach that encourages open discussions about debt and financial planning while also offering AI-driven tools to create customized plans for users. By addressing the complexities of student debt and providing insights on refinancing options, Snowball Wealth aims to empower individuals to effectively manage their finances, build generational wealth, and achieve their financial goals.

Bridge Money, Inc. is a financial technology company founded in 2018 and based in Chicago, Illinois. It has developed a mobile banking platform that offers a variety of services including account activation, mobile check deposits, and free access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). The platform also features a secure debit card with no associated fees, and users benefit from the absence of overdraft charges. Bridge Money focuses on empowering users to enhance their financial well-being on a daily basis.

Pastel is a company focused on supporting African businesses by providing financial applications that enhance operational efficiency. It offers various tools, including quick receipt management, bookkeeping solutions, and financing options tailored for small businesses in developing countries. By leveraging artificial intelligence and data science, Pastel develops digital tools that empower clients to improve their financial accountability and streamline their business processes. The company's mission is to unlock the potential of these businesses, enabling them to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Novel Capital, founded in 2018 and based in Mission, Kansas, is a fintech company that offers innovative funding solutions tailored for early-stage B2B software companies. By leveraging a tech-first approach, Novel Capital enables its customers to access non-dilutive capital based on future recurring revenue, effectively breaking down traditional growth barriers. The platform also provides online data-driven insights and curated learning resources, empowering entrepreneurs to capitalize on their momentum and scale their businesses without relinquishing equity. Through its flexible revenue-based financing and operational sales expertise, Novel Capital aims to foster a thriving startup ecosystem and support the growth of emerging businesses.

Syndicate is a decentralized asset management platform and social network designed to democratize investing. It facilitates the creation of investing syndicates, allowing users to raise and invest capital quickly and efficiently. The platform supports the formation of decentralized autonomous organizations, empowering communities to engage in collaborative investment opportunities. By streamlining the investment process, Syndicate aims to transform traditional value creation methods and enhance accessibility for a broader audience.

CoreChain Technologies operates a business-to-business payments network that utilizes blockchain technology to enhance the efficiency and security of transactions. The company's platform is designed to facilitate the exchange of funds and transaction data between businesses, thereby reducing the manual processes that can lead to errors and reconciliation issues. By automating these exchanges within a secure environment, CoreChain Technologies aims to help businesses streamline their B2B payments and unlock working capital that may be tied up in traditional payment processes.

Ugami is a developer of a financial mobile application that offers financial rewards services tailored for gamers. The platform allows users to earn points through gameplay, which can be redeemed for various rewards such as gaming merchandise, digital goods, and exclusive access to esports events. Additionally, Ugami facilitates virtual card purchases via debit and credit cards, enabling users to accumulate points while managing their finances effectively. By integrating gaming with personal finance education, Ugami aims to enhance the gaming experience while promoting financial literacy among its users.

UPTIQ is a financial technology company that develops a platform aimed at connecting wealth advisors with their clients to provide a wide range of financial services products. By utilizing data analytics and artificial intelligence, UPTIQ enhances the capabilities of investment professionals, enabling them to identify and deliver optimal financing solutions tailored to their clients' needs. This approach not only helps advisors protect their assets under management but also facilitates the growth of their clients' wealth and the generation of additional income. UPTIQ's comprehensive offerings make holistic wealth management more accessible and effective for both advisors and their clients.

NewRetirement offers a comprehensive retirement planning and management platform designed for both individual consumers and enterprises through white-label solutions or APIs. The platform assists users in managing various aspects of retirement, including income, healthcare, tax reduction, and fee management. It provides a range of tools such as content, software, coaching, classes, and access to advisors. Users can optimize their retirement strategies across multiple areas, including Social Security, Medicare, taxes, home equity, income, asset drawdown, relocation, work, and estate planning. Additionally, NewRetirement allows users to obtain fee-only advice on-demand, facilitating collaborative planning and empowering them to make informed decisions about their financial futures.

Pontoro Inc. is a financial technology company established in late 2018, focused on enhancing investor participation in private market assets. The company is developing a patented technology solution that aims to create an innovative private investment platform, offering improved liquidity not typically available in traditional private investments. Pontoro's primary objective is to tackle the significant $15 trillion shortfall in infrastructure debt financing. By utilizing a blockchain-based platform, the company facilitates the flow of infrastructure loans from large bank originators to institutional investors, thereby providing greater access to asset liquidity and price transparency for these private market opportunities.

CoreChain Technologies operates a business-to-business payments network that utilizes blockchain technology to enhance the efficiency and security of transactions. The company's platform is designed to facilitate the exchange of funds and transaction data between businesses, thereby reducing the manual processes that can lead to errors and reconciliation issues. By automating these exchanges within a secure environment, CoreChain Technologies aims to help businesses streamline their B2B payments and unlock working capital that may be tied up in traditional payment processes.

Savvy Wallet provides a platform for users to send, receive, and exchange various currencies while ensuring secure transactions through industry-standard encryption protocols. The platform features a unique consolidation tool that helps users manage their dispersed ERC-20 token balances efficiently. Additionally, Savvy is involved in enhancing the rental experience by allowing landlords to offer cash back rewards to tenants for timely rent payments, lease renewals, and participation in community events. This approach not only fosters happier tenants and improves lease retention for landlords but also drives traffic to local businesses and increases brand visibility for online retailers. Savvy aims to create a more equitable housing model that benefits renters, landlords, and local enterprises alike.

Cheres is a provider of a digital platform where users can see what their friends are investing in. Its platform can integrate with users' current accounts on investing platforms. The company is headquartered in New York.

CapConnectPlus is a FinTech company focused on modernizing and democratizing capital markets, particularly within the fixed income sector. It provides a centralized platform that enhances productivity for dealers while optimizing investment offerings for investors. The platform simplifies the process of deal initiation and book building, utilizing instant rules-based allocations and straight-through processing to create a more efficient deal day. By streamlining operations, CapConnectPlus aims to bring greater simplicity and transparency to the fixed income markets, facilitating corporate bond issuance and improving the overall investment experience.

Figure Technologies, Inc. is a financial technology company based in San Francisco, California, established in 2018. It specializes in consumer financial solutions that include home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, home buy-lease back offerings, mortgage refinancing, and student loan refinancing. Using its proprietary blockchain platform, Provenance, Figure aims to streamline the borrowing process, allowing customers to access capital in as few as five days. The company's services are designed to assist individuals with home improvement, debt consolidation, and retirement planning, leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and analytics to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

Backer is a prominent fintech company specializing in 529 college savings plans, aimed at simplifying the process of saving for education. The company offers an investment platform that enables families to create college savings plans efficiently. Its user-friendly interface allows family and friends to contribute easily, promoting a collaborative approach to education savings. Backer's innovative mobile app enhances the experience further, facilitating tax-free investment opportunities for parents and families. The company has established crucial technology partnerships with various 529 programs, which contribute to its high enrollment conversion rates and distinguish it in the market.

Plentina is a financial technology company that focuses on providing alternative credit solutions in emerging markets. Founded in 2019, the company utilizes machine learning algorithms to create an alternative credit score that enables users to access store credit financing for essential purchases, such as food and medicine. By offering microloans and financial services tailored to the needs of underserved populations, Plentina aims to enhance financial inclusion and empower individuals to obtain necessary goods and services.

Nowsta is an all-in-one software for hourly and event-based workforces, providing scheduling, time tracking, and fintech solutions. It helps employers become better managers by giving them the tools they need to seamlessly manage their hourly workforce. The company is building a platform that leverages advancements in machine learning and payments technology to reimagine the way companies communicate with, and pay their hourly wage employees. Nowsta was established in 2015 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, United States. Nowsta

TomoCredit LLC is a financial technology company based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on providing credit solutions for individuals with no credit history or score, particularly targeting Millennials and immigrant populations. Founded in 2018, the company uses alternative data sources analyzed through a proprietary algorithm to assess creditworthiness, allowing users to build their credit and qualify for loans. TomoCredit's product includes a digital credit card that not only helps users establish credit but also offers the opportunity to earn rewards in cryptocurrency. Additionally, the company provides a mobile application that facilitates account management and enhances user engagement. The founding team, comprised of professionals with backgrounds from notable organizations such as Coinbase and Google, aims to address the challenges faced by foreign nationals in obtaining credit.

Savvy Wallet provides a platform for users to send, receive, and exchange various currencies while ensuring secure transactions through industry-standard encryption protocols. The platform features a unique consolidation tool that helps users manage their dispersed ERC-20 token balances efficiently. Additionally, Savvy is involved in enhancing the rental experience by allowing landlords to offer cash back rewards to tenants for timely rent payments, lease renewals, and participation in community events. This approach not only fosters happier tenants and improves lease retention for landlords but also drives traffic to local businesses and increases brand visibility for online retailers. Savvy aims to create a more equitable housing model that benefits renters, landlords, and local enterprises alike.

Oyster Financial, Inc. is a financial technology company that provides an online platform tailored for freelancers, startups, and small to medium enterprises. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in Mexico City and Kathmandu, the company aims to simplify financial management for business owners. Oyster's platform allows users to track income and expenses by project or client, manage budgets, and access real-time transaction updates. It offers a Mastercard debit card, enabling users to conduct online payments and bill payments for numerous service providers. Additionally, the platform facilitates fund transfers without fees and provides tools for invoicing and financial decision-making. By streamlining these processes, Oyster empowers entrepreneurs to focus on growing their businesses.

RealBlocks is a financial technology platform designed to facilitate the distribution of alternative investment funds through financial advisors and institutions. The platform provides essential tools for investment managers to create and manage custom alternative funds globally. Key features include built-in secondary trading, a modular white-label onboarding experience, and an API dashboard that streamlines operations. By focusing on cost reduction, improved efficiency, and enhanced investor experience, RealBlocks enables managers to raise capital across international markets. It connects managers with institutional and intermediary channels, broadening access to investor capital while integrating various service providers. Additionally, the platform supports the transition to tokenized product structures, which enhances liquidity and enables fractional ownership.

Pando is the one-stop Basecamp for high-potential dreamers and the ambitious builders who refuse to settle. We leverage world class peer groups and financial tools to supercharge your founder journey. We deliver an experience that aligns incentives to unleash founders’ potential, facilitate connection and realize prosperity.

Cerebro Capital, Inc. is a company that has developed a web-based portal aimed at middle-market firms seeking to optimize their access to credit facilities for various purposes, including operations, growth, and acquisitions. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the platform aggregates data from over 80 lenders and employs analytics to effectively match financing needs with suitable lenders. It provides a user-friendly interface for interpreting financial data, ensuring that corporate financial teams can efficiently analyze and manage their borrowing options. By focusing on enhancing transparency in the lending process, Cerebro Capital facilitates connections between borrowers and commercial lenders, ultimately streamlining the sourcing of capital and improving the overall efficiency of corporate credit management.

Bridge Money, Inc. is a financial technology company founded in 2018 and based in Chicago, Illinois. It has developed a mobile banking platform that offers a variety of services including account activation, mobile check deposits, and free access to Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). The platform also features a secure debit card with no associated fees, and users benefit from the absence of overdraft charges. Bridge Money focuses on empowering users to enhance their financial well-being on a daily basis.

TomoCredit LLC is a financial technology company based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on providing credit solutions for individuals with no credit history or score, particularly targeting Millennials and immigrant populations. Founded in 2018, the company uses alternative data sources analyzed through a proprietary algorithm to assess creditworthiness, allowing users to build their credit and qualify for loans. TomoCredit's product includes a digital credit card that not only helps users establish credit but also offers the opportunity to earn rewards in cryptocurrency. Additionally, the company provides a mobile application that facilitates account management and enhances user engagement. The founding team, comprised of professionals with backgrounds from notable organizations such as Coinbase and Google, aims to address the challenges faced by foreign nationals in obtaining credit.

Snowball Wealth, Inc. is a financial management platform based in San Mateo, California, that provides tailored guidance for managing student loans and other financial challenges. Established in 2018, the company focuses on helping individuals navigate debt, retirement, and investments through personalized analysis and recommendations. Its mobile app features a community-driven approach that encourages open discussions about debt and financial planning while also offering AI-driven tools to create customized plans for users. By addressing the complexities of student debt and providing insights on refinancing options, Snowball Wealth aims to empower individuals to effectively manage their finances, build generational wealth, and achieve their financial goals.

Backer is a prominent fintech company specializing in 529 college savings plans, aimed at simplifying the process of saving for education. The company offers an investment platform that enables families to create college savings plans efficiently. Its user-friendly interface allows family and friends to contribute easily, promoting a collaborative approach to education savings. Backer's innovative mobile app enhances the experience further, facilitating tax-free investment opportunities for parents and families. The company has established crucial technology partnerships with various 529 programs, which contribute to its high enrollment conversion rates and distinguish it in the market.

Provenance Blockchain, Inc. is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, that develops a blockchain platform designed specifically for the financial services industry. Founded in 2018, the company administers the Provenance.io blockchain, enabling financial institutions to transact with enhanced efficiency. Over $1 billion in assets have been transacted on this platform, leading to significant cost savings in loan origination, financing, and trading. The blockchain's public proof-of-stake network facilitates various financial activities, including loan origination, payment processing, secondary market transactions, and asset securitization, thereby streamlining the trading and financing of assets for its clients.

Nowsta is an all-in-one software for hourly and event-based workforces, providing scheduling, time tracking, and fintech solutions. It helps employers become better managers by giving them the tools they need to seamlessly manage their hourly workforce. The company is building a platform that leverages advancements in machine learning and payments technology to reimagine the way companies communicate with, and pay their hourly wage employees. Nowsta was established in 2015 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, United States. Nowsta

Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm founded in 2014 and based in New York City, focusing primarily on providing financial services to women. The firm manages customized client portfolios across various asset classes globally, employing fundamental analysis and a top-down approach in its investment strategy. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that offers a personalized experience, utilizing proprietary algorithms tailored to women's financial needs, including salary peaks and goal-specific portfolios. This platform aims to empower female investors by helping them take control of their investments and achieve their financial goals through a user-friendly interface and thoughtful portfolio construction.

Figure Technologies, Inc. is a financial technology company based in San Francisco, California, established in 2018. It specializes in consumer financial solutions that include home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, home buy-lease back offerings, mortgage refinancing, and student loan refinancing. Using its proprietary blockchain platform, Provenance, Figure aims to streamline the borrowing process, allowing customers to access capital in as few as five days. The company's services are designed to assist individuals with home improvement, debt consolidation, and retirement planning, leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and analytics to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

RealBlocks is a financial technology platform designed to facilitate the distribution of alternative investment funds through financial advisors and institutions. The platform provides essential tools for investment managers to create and manage custom alternative funds globally. Key features include built-in secondary trading, a modular white-label onboarding experience, and an API dashboard that streamlines operations. By focusing on cost reduction, improved efficiency, and enhanced investor experience, RealBlocks enables managers to raise capital across international markets. It connects managers with institutional and intermediary channels, broadening access to investor capital while integrating various service providers. Additionally, the platform supports the transition to tokenized product structures, which enhances liquidity and enables fractional ownership.

Apostrophe, Inc. is a fintech company headquartered in Denver, Colorado, that specializes in providing a healthcare savings platform for self-insured employers. Founded in 2016, Apostrophe negotiates competitive rates for medical services and pays providers directly, enabling significant cost savings that are then passed on to its clients. The company's intelligent health benefits platform is designed to deliver effective benefits at lower costs, offering a plug-and-play health plan that can be easily adopted by self-insured employers of various sizes. Apostrophe primarily serves self-insured employers in rural Colorado and other regions, ensuring that its members receive the necessary support alongside their savings.

Figure Technologies, Inc. is a financial technology company based in San Francisco, California, established in 2018. It specializes in consumer financial solutions that include home equity lines of credit, home improvement loans, home buy-lease back offerings, mortgage refinancing, and student loan refinancing. Using its proprietary blockchain platform, Provenance, Figure aims to streamline the borrowing process, allowing customers to access capital in as few as five days. The company's services are designed to assist individuals with home improvement, debt consolidation, and retirement planning, leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and analytics to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

Pando is the one-stop Basecamp for high-potential dreamers and the ambitious builders who refuse to settle. We leverage world class peer groups and financial tools to supercharge your founder journey. We deliver an experience that aligns incentives to unleash founders’ potential, facilitate connection and realize prosperity.

EarnUp Inc. is a fintech company based in San Francisco, California, that focuses on automating loan payments for consumers. Established in 2013, EarnUp's platform is designed to assist over 200 million Americans managing various types of debt, including home mortgages, student loans, auto loans, and personal loans. The platform allows users to set aside small amounts of money when they can afford it, which are then allocated for loan payments, helping users pay off their debts more efficiently. By syncing micro-payments with individual income and automating savings in real-time, EarnUp aims to alleviate the stress of financial management and empower users to take control of their financial situations.

Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm founded in 2014 and based in New York City, focusing primarily on providing financial services to women. The firm manages customized client portfolios across various asset classes globally, employing fundamental analysis and a top-down approach in its investment strategy. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that offers a personalized experience, utilizing proprietary algorithms tailored to women's financial needs, including salary peaks and goal-specific portfolios. This platform aims to empower female investors by helping them take control of their investments and achieve their financial goals through a user-friendly interface and thoughtful portfolio construction.

Ellevest, Inc. is an investment management firm founded in 2014 and based in New York City, focusing primarily on providing financial services to women. The firm manages customized client portfolios across various asset classes globally, employing fundamental analysis and a top-down approach in its investment strategy. Ellevest has developed a digital investment platform that offers a personalized experience, utilizing proprietary algorithms tailored to women's financial needs, including salary peaks and goal-specific portfolios. This platform aims to empower female investors by helping them take control of their investments and achieve their financial goals through a user-friendly interface and thoughtful portfolio construction.

HomeLight, Inc. is a real estate platform based in San Francisco, California, that connects homebuyers and sellers with real estate agents using data and agent reviews. Founded in 2011, the company offers a suite of innovative products designed to simplify the real estate transaction process. These products enable clients to make all-cash offers, purchase new homes before selling their current properties, and navigate a modern closing process. HomeLight's platform aims to enhance the overall experience for homebuyers and sellers by providing certainty and efficiency throughout their real estate journey.

HomeLight, Inc. is a real estate platform based in San Francisco, California, that connects homebuyers and sellers with real estate agents using data and agent reviews. Founded in 2011, the company offers a suite of innovative products designed to simplify the real estate transaction process. These products enable clients to make all-cash offers, purchase new homes before selling their current properties, and navigate a modern closing process. HomeLight's platform aims to enhance the overall experience for homebuyers and sellers by providing certainty and efficiency throughout their real estate journey.