• SpeechVive

  Led · Series A · Apr 2014

  SpeechVive commercializes a small device that fits like a hearing aid, detects when a patient is speaking, and elicits louder, clearer speech via an involuntary reflex known as the Lombard Effect. The technology is based on research by Jessica Huber, Ph.D., in Purdue University’s Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and targets speech clarity issues in Parkinson’s patients. The company plans to design, build and test a telehealth platform that will enable speech pathologists to program the SpeechVive device remotely. That telehealth capability is intended to expand access to elderly or physically impaired patients who cannot travel to speech pathologists. Financially, SpeechVive raised $2.275M in seed funding including a two-year $1.3M NIH grant and $975K from investors. The funds are earmarked primarily for development and testing of the telehealth platform to support remote programming and broader patient reach. SpeechVive commercializes a behind-the-ear smart device designed to reduce speech impairments associated with Parkinson's disease by prompting louder, clearer speech. The technology was developed over the past decade by Jessica Huber in Purdue University's Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. Clinical data collected over four years show the device is effective in 90% of users. SpeechVive plans a U.S. sales launch in the second quarter of the year and has completed funding to support that launch. The company received nearly $700,000 in Series A funding and previously obtained $2.25 million in NIH research grants. Leadership includes president and CEO Steve Mogensen, who cited market research and clinician interest as evidence of substantial demand. Market context in the U.S. includes more than 1.5 million people diagnosed with Parkinson's, with about 89% experiencing voice-related change and at least 45% experiencing speech-related change.

• BookShout

  Led · Series B · Apr 2013

  bookshout! offers a digital book distribution and engagement platform that gives authors control of their audiences and provides publishers a direct sales channel with analytics. The company supports promo codes, gift cards and private‑labeled landing pages to create "reading circles" and capture readers. It recently added support for digital bulk sales, special sales and promotions for events, conferences and tours. Early adopters include CareerBuilder.com (which sponsored Nolan Bushnell’s book tour) and the Kauffman Foundation. bookshout! says the platform enables richer social sharing and measurable engagement for authors and publishers. The company is based in Dallas, Texas and features more than 250 publishers and 100,000 books accessible on iPad, iPhone, Android, Kindle Fire HD and the web.

No current team members are available.