Ulu Ventures

Novel Capital is a fintech funding platform that provides non-dilutive, revenue-based financing to B2B software companies. It centers on future recurring revenue, enabling entrepreneurs to access capital immediately without giving up equity. The platform pairs capital with data-driven insights and learning resources to help growth-stage businesses accelerate scale. Using key company data points and financial metrics, it delivers capital, resources, and strategic support tailored to recurring-revenue models, helping ventures grow faster while preserving ownership. The company aims to support entrepreneurs and growing businesses with flexible funding solutions aligned to revenue streams and momentum, contributing to a thriving startup ecosystem.

Novel Capital is a fintech funding platform that provides non-dilutive, revenue-based financing to B2B software companies. It centers on future recurring revenue, enabling entrepreneurs to access capital immediately without giving up equity. The platform pairs capital with data-driven insights and learning resources to help growth-stage businesses accelerate scale. Using key company data points and financial metrics, it delivers capital, resources, and strategic support tailored to recurring-revenue models, helping ventures grow faster while preserving ownership. The company aims to support entrepreneurs and growing businesses with flexible funding solutions aligned to revenue streams and momentum, contributing to a thriving startup ecosystem.

Eskalera Inc., established in 2018 and based in San Francisco, specializes in designing and developing human resource software for large and mid-sized businesses. The company's primary offering is Eskalera Engage, an AI-driven platform that integrates diversity and inclusion insights with core HR data to provide actionable employee experience signals. This enables companies to enhance workplace culture, improve employee engagement, productivity, and growth. Eskalera also provides skill-based programs tailored to address specific organizational needs.

Snowball Wealth, Inc. is a financial management company based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2018. It specializes in providing personalized guidance for student loans and broader financial planning, focusing on debt management, retirement, and investment strategies. The company has developed a mobile platform that combines community engagement, social challenges, and AI-driven planning to assist users in addressing financial challenges. By fostering an open dialogue around debt, income, and investing, Snowball Wealth aims to alleviate the stigma associated with these topics. Its innovative approach empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions, manage their student debt effectively, and build generational wealth through tailored advice and resources.

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 is a fintech funding platform that provides non-dilutive, revenue-based financing to B2B software companies. It centers on future recurring revenue, enabling entrepreneurs to access capital immediately without giving up equity. The platform pairs capital with data-driven insights and learning resources to help growth-stage businesses accelerate scale. Using key company data points and financial metrics, it delivers capital, resources, and strategic support tailored to recurring-revenue models, helping ventures grow faster while preserving ownership. The company aims to support entrepreneurs and growing businesses with flexible funding solutions aligned to revenue streams and momentum, contributing to a thriving startup ecosystem.

Syndicate is a decentralized asset management platform and social network that aims to democratize the investment process. By facilitating the creation of investing syndicates, it enables users to raise and invest capital with significantly reduced time and cost. The platform supports the establishment of decentralized autonomous organizations, empowering communities to collaborate effectively in value creation. Through its innovative approach, Syndicate transforms traditional investing practices, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

Eskalera Inc., established in 2018 and based in San Francisco, specializes in designing and developing human resource software for large and mid-sized businesses. The company's primary offering is Eskalera Engage, an AI-driven platform that integrates diversity and inclusion insights with core HR data to provide actionable employee experience signals. This enables companies to enhance workplace culture, improve employee engagement, productivity, and growth. Eskalera also provides skill-based programs tailored to address specific organizational needs.

Mile Auto, Inc. is an auto insurance provider focused on offering pay-per-mile coverage specifically designed for lower-mileage drivers in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Oregon. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company utilizes patented computer vision technologies to enable customers to report their mileage monthly, resulting in transparent billing based on actual miles driven. Mile Auto provides a range of insurance options, including full coverage, comprehensive coverage for non-accident-related vehicle damage or theft, and collision coverage. Additionally, it offers optional services such as rental vehicle reimbursement and roadside assistance. The company's customer base includes a diverse group, from college students and retirees to urban commuters and remote workers. Furthermore, Mile Auto collaborates with insurance carriers and automakers, exemplified by its partnership with Porsche Financial Services to create specialized insurance solutions for Porsche owners.

Plentina is a financial technology company founded in 2019 that specializes in creating alternative credit scores and applications to facilitate access to store credit financing for essential purchases, such as food and medicine, in emerging markets. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, Plentina aims to unlock financial services for underserved populations, enabling them to secure microloans and improve their purchasing power. The company's innovative approach addresses the challenges faced by individuals in these markets, helping them to access vital goods and financial resources more easily. Headquartered in its founding location, Plentina is committed to enhancing financial inclusion in regions where traditional credit systems may be inadequate.

Eskalera Inc., established in 2018 and based in San Francisco, specializes in designing and developing human resource software for large and mid-sized businesses. The company's primary offering is Eskalera Engage, an AI-driven platform that integrates diversity and inclusion insights with core HR data to provide actionable employee experience signals. This enables companies to enhance workplace culture, improve employee engagement, productivity, and growth. Eskalera also provides skill-based programs tailored to address specific organizational needs.

Snowball Wealth, Inc. is a financial management company based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2018. It specializes in providing personalized guidance for student loans and broader financial planning, focusing on debt management, retirement, and investment strategies. The company has developed a mobile platform that combines community engagement, social challenges, and AI-driven planning to assist users in addressing financial challenges. By fostering an open dialogue around debt, income, and investing, Snowball Wealth aims to alleviate the stigma associated with these topics. Its innovative approach empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions, manage their student debt effectively, and build generational wealth through tailored advice and resources.

Eskalera Inc., established in 2018 and based in San Francisco, specializes in designing and developing human resource software for large and mid-sized businesses. The company's primary offering is Eskalera Engage, an AI-driven platform that integrates diversity and inclusion insights with core HR data to provide actionable employee experience signals. This enables companies to enhance workplace culture, improve employee engagement, productivity, and growth. Eskalera also provides skill-based programs tailored to address specific organizational needs.

Mile Auto, Inc. is an auto insurance provider focused on offering pay-per-mile coverage specifically designed for lower-mileage drivers in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Oregon. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company utilizes patented computer vision technologies to enable customers to report their mileage monthly, resulting in transparent billing based on actual miles driven. Mile Auto provides a range of insurance options, including full coverage, comprehensive coverage for non-accident-related vehicle damage or theft, and collision coverage. Additionally, it offers optional services such as rental vehicle reimbursement and roadside assistance. The company's customer base includes a diverse group, from college students and retirees to urban commuters and remote workers. Furthermore, Mile Auto collaborates with insurance carriers and automakers, exemplified by its partnership with Porsche Financial Services to create specialized insurance solutions for Porsche owners.

MatrixDS is a technology company specializing in data science and analytics. It offers a unified cloud-based platform designed to streamline data projects of any size, from simple dashboards to complex deep learning models. The platform is tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, providing advanced features typically reserved for large enterprises. MatrixDS operates on a freemium model, fostering a community where users can create and share public projects. This approach not only encourages collaboration but also drives user engagement through network effects. The company generates revenue through licensing agreements and cloud infrastructure services for corporate clients.

Mile Auto, Inc. is an auto insurance provider focused on offering pay-per-mile coverage specifically designed for lower-mileage drivers in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Oregon. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company utilizes patented computer vision technologies to enable customers to report their mileage monthly, resulting in transparent billing based on actual miles driven. Mile Auto provides a range of insurance options, including full coverage, comprehensive coverage for non-accident-related vehicle damage or theft, and collision coverage. Additionally, it offers optional services such as rental vehicle reimbursement and roadside assistance. The company's customer base includes a diverse group, from college students and retirees to urban commuters and remote workers. Furthermore, Mile Auto collaborates with insurance carriers and automakers, exemplified by its partnership with Porsche Financial Services to create specialized insurance solutions for Porsche owners.

Guild Education provides a technology platform that connects working adults with online classes, programs, and degree options, offering personalized advising and retention coaching. The service enables employers to give employees education benefits and tuition reimbursement, helping them advance their careers while the platform supports discovery, learning, and organization of the experience. It bridges the gap between education and employment, delivering a comprehensive learning journey from start to finish.

Guild Education provides a technology platform that connects working adults with online classes, programs, and degree options, offering personalized advising and retention coaching. The service enables employers to give employees education benefits and tuition reimbursement, helping them advance their careers while the platform supports discovery, learning, and organization of the experience. It bridges the gap between education and employment, delivering a comprehensive learning journey from start to finish.

Hire An Esquire, Inc., founded in 2011 and headquartered in New York, New York, with additional offices in San Francisco, California, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, operates as an online marketplace that connects law firms and in-house legal departments with a vetted network of top attorneys. The platform facilitates the hiring, management, and payment of a flexible legal workforce, enabling law firms and corporate legal teams to efficiently meet their staffing needs. Additionally, it provides attorneys with opportunities to pursue a more independent and entrepreneurial career path, fostering a dynamic and adaptable legal industry.

Juntos Finanzas, Inc. was founded in 2010 out of the Stanford d.school with a mission to build digital mobile tools that create financial stability for low-income consumers. Our products empower individuals to take control of their financial lives and achieve their dreams. Today, we serve low-income consumers in emerging markets who are entering financial institutions for the first time: banking, insurance, loans, etc. By partnering with banks, we distribute our products to this new market, increasing account activity, boosting deposits, and creating the foundation of financial security.

SoFi is a San Francisco–based financial services company offering lending, banking, and wealth management products designed to help individuals borrow, save, spend, and invest. Its offerings include personal loans, MBA and student loan refinancing, mortgages, checking and savings accounts, and credit cards, as well as investment and retirement planning services. The company also provides small business financing as part of its product suite. By combining digital tools with traditional financial services, SoFi targets early-stage professionals seeking to manage debt, build savings, and pursue long-term financial goals.