Upstate Carolina Angel Network

The Upstate Carolina Angel Network (UCAN) is a consortium of accredited investors based in Greenville, South Carolina, dedicated to investing in and supporting start-up and early-stage high-growth businesses in the Southeastern United States. Established in 2008, UCAN aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation by providing financial resources and mentorship to emerging companies. The network focuses on identifying promising ventures and facilitating their growth, contributing to the economic development of the region.

J.B. Holeman

Co-Founder

29 past transactions

Seurat Technologies

Series A in 2018
Seurat Technologies, Inc., incorporated in 2015 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, specializes in advanced 3D printing services aimed at revolutionizing industrial manufacturing. The company focuses on high-volume, decarbonized production of metal parts, utilizing its innovative Area Printing technology, which allows for the decoupling of resolution and speed. This scalable process positions Seurat to compete effectively with traditional manufacturing methods. The company's technology, originally developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, is supported by a robust portfolio of over 130 granted and pending patents. Seurat provides metal parts for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) through long-term contracts, employing techniques such as direct metal writing and selective laser melting to ensure cost-effective production at scale.

MapAnything

Series C in 2017
MapAnything, Inc. is a geo-productivity software company that develops solutions designed to enhance productivity and planning for businesses using Salesforce and ServiceNow. Founded in 2006 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with additional offices in Atlanta, Sydney, and London, MapAnything offers a suite of applications that include mapping, route planning, and territory management. Its flagship product, MapAnything, provides tools for field productivity, prospecting, and business process automation. The company also offers specialized solutions like MapAnything Live for IoT workflows and vehicle telematics, and MapAnything for ServiceNow, which focuses on IT service and asset management. With a diverse customer base exceeding 1,400 clients across various sectors—including financial services, healthcare, technology, and government—MapAnything is recognized as a Gold Salesforce App Innovation Partner and has received accolades for its innovative location analytics. The company, formerly known as Cloudbilt, Inc., rebranded in 2015 and operates as a subsidiary of Salesforce.

Proterra

Series F in 2017
Proterra Inc. is a manufacturer of zero-emission electric buses, primarily focused on providing sustainable transportation solutions for public and commercial transit. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, with additional offices in Greenville, South Carolina, and City of Industry, California, Proterra designs its products, including 35-foot and 40-foot electric buses, to meet the diverse needs of urban and regional transit routes. The company's Catalyst platform is noted for its modularity, allowing it to adapt to various operational demands while delivering high energy efficiency. Proterra also offers a broad range of services, including vehicle electrification solutions, fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance programs. By facilitating the transition away from fossil fuels, Proterra aims to enhance environmental quality and reduce operational costs for fleet operators, contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

KWIPPED

Seed Round in 2017
KWIPPED, Inc. is a B2B online equipment rental marketplace based in Wilmington, North Carolina, established in 2011. The company enables businesses to easily locate and rent specialized equipment from a global network of suppliers. KWIPPED's platform simplifies the sourcing process, reducing risk and ensuring quality while fostering trusted relationships between renters and suppliers. By offering a comprehensive selection of rental equipment, KWIPPED facilitates access for commercial applications, streamlining the equipment rental experience for its users.

Proterra

Series E in 2017
Proterra Inc. is a manufacturer of zero-emission electric buses, primarily focused on providing sustainable transportation solutions for public and commercial transit. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, with additional offices in Greenville, South Carolina, and City of Industry, California, Proterra designs its products, including 35-foot and 40-foot electric buses, to meet the diverse needs of urban and regional transit routes. The company's Catalyst platform is noted for its modularity, allowing it to adapt to various operational demands while delivering high energy efficiency. Proterra also offers a broad range of services, including vehicle electrification solutions, fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance programs. By facilitating the transition away from fossil fuels, Proterra aims to enhance environmental quality and reduce operational costs for fleet operators, contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Atlas Organics

Seed Round in 2015
Atlas Organics Inc. is a company that specializes in organics recycling services, focusing on the collection and recycling of food and yard waste. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the company operates in various regions, including San Antonio, Texas, and has established partnerships with municipalities to promote sustainability. Atlas Organics serves a diverse clientele, including businesses, schools, hospitals, and restaurants, by converting collected organic waste into high-quality compost products for agricultural, landscaping, and home gardening applications. The company aims to advance the "table to farm" movement, helping its customers achieve their sustainability goals while diverting compostable waste from landfills. Through its composting facilities, Atlas Organics contributes essential nutrients to soil health and supports the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

Baebies

Series A in 2015
Baebies, Inc., founded in 2014 by Richard West and Vamsee Pamula, specializes in manufacturing screening and pediatric testing equipment for newborn babies. Based in Durham, North Carolina, the company produces SEEKER, a laboratory solution that performs multiple assays simultaneously to measure lysosomal enzyme activity from a single dried blood spot specimen. Additionally, Baebies manufactures FINDER, a near-patient testing device designed for pediatric diagnostics. The company's technology leverages digital microfluidics to maximize diagnostic yield from small sample volumes. SEEKER is FDA authorized and CE marked, while the FINDER platforms are also CE marked, with the FINDER 1.5 SARS-CoV-2 test receiving emergency use authorization from the FDA. Baebies serves hospitals and public health labs, aiming to enhance early disease detection and improve diagnostic capabilities for newborns and patients worldwide.

ActivEd

Seed Round in 2015
ActivEd, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Greenville, South Carolina, that specializes in interactive online lessons known as Walkabouts. Founded in 2011, ActivEd focuses on transforming fundamental concepts in math and literacy into engaging, movement-rich activities tailored for Pre-K through Second Grade students. These online adventures are designed to support teachers, schools, and parents by aligning with existing educational standards, making lesson planning more accessible and effective. Walkabouts provide a dynamic approach to learning, integrating physical activity into educational experiences, and are suitable for use in various settings, including before and after school programs, as well as elementary classrooms.

AuditFile

Venture Round in 2014
AuditFile, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in providing cloud-based auditing solutions for CPA firms and internal audit teams. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, the company offers a platform that automates key components of the audit process, including the uploading of trial balances and the generation of financial statements. Its solution is designed to enhance operational efficiency by tracking firm metrics and is compatible with a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Additionally, AuditFile has developed proprietary algorithms that assist auditors in identifying potential fraud, ultimately helping clients reduce accounting errors and improve the overall effectiveness of their audits.

OBMedical

Venture Round in 2014
OBMedical Company is a medical device firm that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sale of external maternal-fetal monitoring systems designed for laboring women. Founded in 2012 and based in Newberry, Florida, with an additional office in Norcross, Georgia, the company offers the LaborView sensor system, a wireless electrode-based monitoring solution that measures labor contractions and the heart rates of both mother and child. This innovative system enhances patient mobility during labor while ensuring accurate signal capture and digital signal processing, ultimately improving health and safety outcomes for mothers and infants. OBMedical's technology, which was developed in collaboration with the University of Florida and Convergent Engineering, was FDA cleared and became commercially available for hospital use in 2017. In late 2018, the company was acquired by Philips Healthcare, further extending the reach of its advanced maternal-fetal monitoring solutions.

The Iron Yard

Series A in 2014
The Iron Yard LLC is an accelerator based in Greenville, South Carolina, with an additional office in Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded in 2011, the company specializes in seed and startup investments in technology sectors, focusing on software and software/hardware combinations. Its investment areas include healthcare, medical devices, biotech, energy, environment, wellness apps, mobile technology, and enterprise software. The Iron Yard operates three distinct programs: edu tech, open tech, and green tech. Each program lasts three months and accommodates up to ten companies. The firm provides an initial investment of $20,000 during the program and typically selects at least two companies for further funding up to $1 million, taking a six percent equity stake. While the firm prefers teams of two or more founders, it may occasionally consider solo founders. The Iron Yard is dedicated to nurturing talented developers and startups, equipping them with essential skills for long-term success in the technology industry.

Iron Yard Ventures

Series A in 2014
Iron Yard Ventures was a mentorship-driven startup accelerator focused on providing education and early-stage funding for Digital Health and EdTech startups. Founded in 2011 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, the organization aimed to create exceptional value for entrepreneurs by offering mentorship and capital through its accelerator programs. It also operated The Iron Yard Academy, which provided full-time coding education. Iron Yard Ventures cultivated a vibrant community of instructors, mentors, programmers, designers, and entrepreneurs, fostering an environment where collaboration and innovation thrived. The organization recognized the pressing need for skilled developers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and committed itself to training high-quality professionals and nurturing startups. Its mission centered on supporting the success of its students, teams, and investors, while addressing the challenges posed by a broken education system and the growing demand for talent in the technology sector.

Proterra

Series C in 2014
Proterra Inc. is a manufacturer of zero-emission electric buses, primarily focused on providing sustainable transportation solutions for public and commercial transit. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, with additional offices in Greenville, South Carolina, and City of Industry, California, Proterra designs its products, including 35-foot and 40-foot electric buses, to meet the diverse needs of urban and regional transit routes. The company's Catalyst platform is noted for its modularity, allowing it to adapt to various operational demands while delivering high energy efficiency. Proterra also offers a broad range of services, including vehicle electrification solutions, fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance programs. By facilitating the transition away from fossil fuels, Proterra aims to enhance environmental quality and reduce operational costs for fleet operators, contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

AuditFile

Venture Round in 2013
AuditFile, Inc. is a technology company that specializes in providing cloud-based auditing solutions for CPA firms and internal audit teams. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, the company offers a platform that automates key components of the audit process, including the uploading of trial balances and the generation of financial statements. Its solution is designed to enhance operational efficiency by tracking firm metrics and is compatible with a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. Additionally, AuditFile has developed proprietary algorithms that assist auditors in identifying potential fraud, ultimately helping clients reduce accounting errors and improve the overall effectiveness of their audits.

Physcient

Series A in 2013
Physcient, Inc. is a medical device company based in Durham, North Carolina, established in 2007. The company specializes in the manufacturing of the Differential Dissector, a surgical instrument designed for blunt dissection. This device is utilized in a variety of surgical fields, including plastic surgery and open general surgical procedures such as thoracic, gastrointestinal, gynecological, urological, peripheral vascular, and orthopedic surgeries. Physcient focuses on developing modern technology for handheld surgical instruments that aim to facilitate faster patient recovery while maintaining existing surgical procedures. The founding team comprises three scientists and executives with extensive experience in innovating technologies for the life and health sciences.

Selah Genomics

Seed Round in 2013
Selah Genomics Inc. is a clinical diagnostic specialist based in Greenville, South Carolina, that delivers advanced molecular and genomic diagnostic services to healthcare providers and the pharmaceutical industry in the United States. Established in 2006 and formerly known as Lab21 Inc., the company focuses on enhancing diagnostic testing services, particularly in women's health and the management of chronic conditions. Selah Genomics specializes in personalized treatment plans for various cancer types, utilizing detailed genomic profiling derived from patient tumors. Its comprehensive service offerings include next-generation sequencing, companion diagnostics, RNA sequencing, targeted sequencing, biorepository services, quantitative PCR, bioinformatics, and nucleic acid extraction. By supporting early-stage drug development, clinical trials, and regulatory processes, Selah Genomics aims to improve patient outcomes through more personalized treatment and effective patient monitoring.

Pandoodle

Venture Round in 2013
Pandoodle is a company focused on enhancing brand messaging and media value through its advanced software solutions. It offers a cloud-based platform that utilizes machine learning technology to automate the analysis and dynamic insertion of branded content into videos and images. This proprietary software as a service enables advertisers and content publishers to achieve personalized branding, revolutionizing the approach to photo and video advertising. Launched in 2015, Pandoodle's platform is designed for premium media and content publishers, facilitating a seamless setup and delivery of animation-based products. The company operates from multiple locations, including corporate offices in Silicon Valley, Columbia, SC, Hollywood, and New York, and has development and production facilities worldwide.

CharlestonPharma

Seed Round in 2013
CharlestonPharma, LLC, established in 2010 and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, specializes in developing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targeting nucleolin, a protein overexpressed on cancer cells. The company holds worldwide licenses for producing these antibodies and using them to treat cancer patients, as well as for diagnostic applications involving nucleolin detection. Its focus is on demonstrating preclinical proof of concept for its anti-nucleolin antibodies, aiming to selectively kill cancer cells while minimizing toxicity to normal cells.

Cirtemo

Series A in 2012
Cirtemo is a manufacturer of advanced optical filters that focus on measuring specific chemical attributes. The company's proprietary multivariate optical elements utilize microscopic sensors, significantly enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of analyte detection compared to traditional narrow band pass filter technology. This innovation allows clients to identify chemicals at lower detection limits while minimizing crosstalk. By partnering with Optical Filter Manufacturers and Optical Component and System Manufacturers, Cirtemo supports the development of unique applications that were previously unattainable with conventional optical products, all while maintaining a strong intellectual property position for its offerings.

Kiyatec

Series A in 2012
Kiyatec, LLC is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of advanced 3D cell-based assays aimed at enhancing preclinical drug discovery and clinical therapy applications. Founded in 2005 and based in Greenville, South Carolina, Kiyatec employs its proprietary 3DKUBE technology platform to create functional 3D models using patients' own living tumor cells. This innovative approach allows for the evaluation of various cancer therapies, providing insights into drug toxicity and efficacy before clinical trials. The company offers a range of services, including drug response profiling, predictions of patient responses to therapies, and cell-based assays for oncologists. Additionally, Kiyatec collaborates with biopharma clients on standard and custom assays and conducts research funded by the National Cancer Institute to develop 3D cell culture models for several types of cancer, such as breast cancer, glioblastoma, and lung cancer. By modeling complex human biology and simulating in vivo conditions, Kiyatec aims to improve treatment selection for cancer patients and support the development of medical devices and therapeutic drugs.

Zipit Wireless

Convertible Note in 2012
Zipit Wireless, Inc. is a technology company based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in critical messaging and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Founded in 2007, the company provides instant communication systems designed for critical situations, catering to various sectors, including healthcare, education, government, and hospitality. Its Enterprise Critical Messaging Solution enables two-way communication for organizations such as hospitals and emergency services. In addition to messaging services, Zipit Wireless offers cloud-based software and cellular services that support IoT products, including a subscription billing and activations platform for managing cellular activations and subscriptions. The company also develops network-connected devices, such as wireless trail cameras and medication adherence devices, which can be managed remotely through web portals or mobile applications. With a focus on enabling businesses to optimize their mobile operations, Zipit Wireless markets its technology solutions globally.

Verdeeco

Series A in 2011
Verdeeco is a provider of cloud-based software solutions designed for electric, gas, and water utilities, focusing on smart grid analytics. The company offers a platform that captures, stores, and analyzes data from smart grids, enabling utilities to enhance their operational efficiency and energy management. By utilizing advanced analytics, Verdeeco helps utilities interpret a diverse range of data, including granular meter readings and environmental factors, to improve decision-making processes. The platform allows utilities to move beyond traditional data management systems, delivering actionable insights that support better forecasting of consumption, demand, and load. Through its innovative approach, Verdeeco aims to empower utilities to effectively harness the growing influx of smart grid data.

Proterra

Series A in 2011
Proterra Inc. is a manufacturer of zero-emission electric buses, primarily focused on providing sustainable transportation solutions for public and commercial transit. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, with additional offices in Greenville, South Carolina, and City of Industry, California, Proterra designs its products, including 35-foot and 40-foot electric buses, to meet the diverse needs of urban and regional transit routes. The company's Catalyst platform is noted for its modularity, allowing it to adapt to various operational demands while delivering high energy efficiency. Proterra also offers a broad range of services, including vehicle electrification solutions, fleet planning, charging infrastructure, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance programs. By facilitating the transition away from fossil fuels, Proterra aims to enhance environmental quality and reduce operational costs for fleet operators, contributing to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Spectra Analysis Instruments

Venture Round in 2011
Spectra Analysis, Inc. is a prominent manufacturer of molecular spectroscopy systems, specializing in applications for chromatography. The company focuses on infrared spectroscopy, enabling real-time connections to both gas and liquid chromatography. Its advanced systems facilitate the collection of comprehensive infrared spectra for each component in a separation process, either independently or in conjunction with mass spectroscopy. By providing high-performance and reliable tools, Spectra Analysis supports chemists in the efficient analysis of complex mixtures, catering to diverse sectors including academia, research, and various industries. Their offerings emphasize sensitivity and speed, making them vital for the analysis of controlled substances, polymers, and copolymers.

Sabal Medical

Debt Financing in 2010
Sabal Medical is a healthcare platform focused on enhancing the safety and efficiency of medication administration within hospitals and long-term care facilities. The company provides advanced pharmacy and nursing technology that facilitates improved communication between nurses and pharmacists. Its mobile medication tracking services utilize barcode verification to ensure that patients receive the correct medications and dosages at the appropriate times, thereby reducing the risk of medication errors. By streamlining the medication administration process, Sabal Medical aims to support healthcare organizations in delivering safer and more effective patient care.

Zipit Wireless

Series C in 2010
Zipit Wireless, Inc. is a technology company based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in critical messaging and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Founded in 2007, the company provides instant communication systems designed for critical situations, catering to various sectors, including healthcare, education, government, and hospitality. Its Enterprise Critical Messaging Solution enables two-way communication for organizations such as hospitals and emergency services. In addition to messaging services, Zipit Wireless offers cloud-based software and cellular services that support IoT products, including a subscription billing and activations platform for managing cellular activations and subscriptions. The company also develops network-connected devices, such as wireless trail cameras and medication adherence devices, which can be managed remotely through web portals or mobile applications. With a focus on enabling businesses to optimize their mobile operations, Zipit Wireless markets its technology solutions globally.

Zipit Wireless

Series C in 2010
Zipit Wireless, Inc. is a technology company based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in critical messaging and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Founded in 2007, the company provides instant communication systems designed for critical situations, catering to various sectors, including healthcare, education, government, and hospitality. Its Enterprise Critical Messaging Solution enables two-way communication for organizations such as hospitals and emergency services. In addition to messaging services, Zipit Wireless offers cloud-based software and cellular services that support IoT products, including a subscription billing and activations platform for managing cellular activations and subscriptions. The company also develops network-connected devices, such as wireless trail cameras and medication adherence devices, which can be managed remotely through web portals or mobile applications. With a focus on enabling businesses to optimize their mobile operations, Zipit Wireless markets its technology solutions globally.

Sensory Analytics

Convertible Note in 2008
Sensory Analytics, LLC specializes in developing advanced sensory solutions for measuring coating thickness, color, and process control across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, coatings, electronics, packaging, medical, and pharmaceuticals. The company's flagship products, the SpecMetrix systems, provide real-time and precise measurement of coating and film layer thickness, capable of delivering data with nanometric accuracy down to sub-micron levels. These systems facilitate both in-process and offline measurements, offering flexibility for use on production floors or in laboratory settings. By utilizing non-contact technology, Sensory Analytics enables manufacturers to optimize their coating processes, enhance product quality, and ultimately reduce costs. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina, Sensory Analytics is recognized for its innovative contributions to quality assurance and production control.

Selah Technologies

Series A in 2008
Selah Technologies, LLC is an advanced materials manufacturing company developing and commercializing two proprietary nanotechnologies. Selah Dotsâ„¢ are patent-pending photoluminescent carbon-based nanoparticles. Selah Tubesâ„¢ are enriched single-walled nanotubes with precisely engineered electronic properties protected under US Patent No. 7,374,685. Our mission is to consistently deliver high quality nanomaterials and nano-enabled products to the global marketplace. Our growth strategy is to leverage relationships with market leading companies to establish mutually beneficial joint research and development agreements. Our strategy is founded in the conviction that early successes in our target markets will occur via exploitation of nanomaterials in established applications in which their incorporation is both useful and compelling, and addresses needs that nanotechnology can fulfill either immediately or in the very short term.
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