Led · Seed · Jul 2026

Sequestro develops ArborSORB, a sawdust-based adsorbent intended to capture a range of PFAS molecules from drinking water and industrial water streams. The technology builds on research from University of Michigan professor Anne McNeil and was commercialized by founder Juergen Koller in July 2024. The company positions ArborSORB as a bio-renewable, lower-cost alternative to engineered filter media, sourcing sawdust as a waste-to-resource feedstock. Sequestro is targeting technical industrial customers with PFAS challenges and plans pilot programs to validate performance under real-world water chemistries. Its near-term financial plan relies on pre-seed commitments—over $700,000 total with a $150,000 investment from Ann Arbor SPARK—to fund those pilots. Management aims to complete customer testing and secure partnership opportunities that enable later commercialization and scale by the end of 2027.

Participated · Seed · May 2026

Maka offers a curated streaming service for children ages zero to six that emphasizes well-being over watch time, using session-based viewing without recommendations, ads, or autoplay. Its content is evaluated through Maka Imprint, a patent-pending developmental framework created with researchers at the Yale Child Study Center that maps seven core domains across more than 650 developmental indicators. The company licenses content from IP holders and creators and partners with studios and animators to produce original shows, prioritizing lower-stimulation pacing, narrative arcs, and global stories. Parents create profiles, select thematic channels and session lengths, and receive curated playlists with wind-down cues to ease transitions away from screen time. Maka is in private iOS beta with plans to launch publicly on iPhone and iPad this fall and reports thousands of families on its waitlist. Its commercial model is subscription-based at $11.99 per month with a discounted annual option, and the recent seed funding will be used to expand its vetted content catalog.

Participated · Seed · Nov 2025

Scorbit operates a platform that connects vintage, offline and modern arcade machines to the internet, enabling real-time scoring, competition, payments, and community features through its mobile app and cloud software. The company is also developing the Scorbit Console, a B2B hardware and software solution aimed at arcade venues and other locations that host machines. Seed-stage beta tests are already live and providing early market validation, though no specific revenue or user numbers were disclosed. With the newly raised capital, Scorbit plans to expand its team, finalize its minimum viable product, and invest in R&D for both new hardware and expanded app capabilities covering payments, competitions, and global gameplay support. Co-founded by serial entrepreneurs Jay Adelson and Ron Richards, the Ann Arbor–based startup intends to pursue a Series A round in 2026 to fuel partnership expansion and nationwide scale.

Participated · Seed · Feb 2021

Asalyxa Bio develops nano-engineered, immune cell-targeted therapeutics built on its proprietary PANTHER technology platform. The PANTHER platform enables targeted delivery of therapeutic compounds directly to neutrophils and other key immune cells, and can deliver existing and novel drugs. Its lead program, ASX-100, is a neutrophil-targeted formulation being developed for the resolution of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Proceeds from the recent seed financing will be used to advance ASX-100 into first-in-human clinical trials. The company is led by president and CEO Marc Appel and is advancing drug-development programs across multiple disease areas driven by dysregulated immune signaling.

Participated · Series A · Aug 2019

Orbion Space Technology focuses on building plasma thrusters that provide in-space propulsion for satellites, especially the rapidly growing population of small spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. The company emphasizes a manufacturing approach that significantly lowers production costs, making high-performance propulsion more accessible to resource-constrained satellite operators. Its technology addresses the increasing need for reliable maneuvering solutions as orbital traffic intensifies. Orbion’s plasma thrusters enable satellites to maintain position, avoid collisions, and extend mission lifetimes. By reducing both component and overall mission costs, Orbion positions itself as a key supplier in the booming commercial space sector. The firm recently secured fresh capital to accelerate its growth and meet rising market demand.