Led · Seed · Mar 2023

RenewWest is a Denver, CO-based environmental asset developer that has worked since 2018 to develop nature-based projects delivering independently verified carbon credits. The company operates projects across the United States, Central and South America, and Oceania in ecosystems including temperate forests, rainforests, wetlands and mangroves, peatlands, and degraded rangelands. Every project aims to optimize carbon storage by accelerating the restoration lifecycle and to collaborate with local land stewards to equitably distribute economic benefits. RenewWest integrates science, technology, and operational expertise to accelerate project lifecycles and generate credits while increasing biodiversity and improving economic outcomes for frontline communities. Led by CEO John Cleland, the firm seeks to return value to investors through its nature-based carbon projects.

Participated · Seed · May 2016

Embark sells a direct-to-consumer dog DNA test (retailing for $199) that can identify over 350 breeds and more than 200 genetic health risks as well as physical traits. Its proprietary genotyping analyzes more than 200,000 genetic markers, which the company says is about twice the information of other dog DNA tests and powers the world’s largest database of canine health and biological information. Embark says its aim is to curb preventable diseases and increase dogs’ lifespans by three years within the next decade and to become the standard of care for dog owners and veterinarians. The company reported 235% growth between 2019 and 2020 and saw five times the sales over the prior two years. To support continued expansion and discovery, Embark plans to use new funding to expand its database and hire aggressively, anticipating adding more than 100 employees between 2021 and 2022. Embark Veterinary is a Boston-based canine genetics company founded in 2015 by brothers Ryan and Adam Boyko in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The company uses a simple mouth swab to test for more than 170 health conditions. It employs a research-grade DNA genotyping platform similar to those used in human direct-to-consumer genetic tests. Embark is the official dog DNA test of the Westminster Kennel Club Show, National Geographic, and The WEEK. The company plans to build out a large database of canine DNA to support genetic disease research. Embark Veterinary offers a research‑grade dog DNA test that tracks over 200,000 genetic markers to deliver ancestry analysis, genetic disease risk, and heritable trait information. The test is designed by leaders in dog and consumer genomics and is offered to pet parents, breeders, and veterinarians in partnership with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Since its launch in May 2016 the company has amassed a database of tens of thousands of dogs and has delivered results to thousands of dog owners. Embark says the service helps inform care and breeding decisions with the goal of eradicating inherited conditions and improving canine health and longevity. The company plans to use new funding to expand research, develop new consumer and breeder features, and grow its science, engineering, marketing, and customer service teams after relocating its headquarters to the Boston area. Founders Adam and Ryan Boyko built the platform from a decade of global sample collection and lab research. Embark Veterinary launched The Embark Dog DNA Test to improve dog health and wellness by tracking over 200,000 genetic markers. The test offers ancestry analysis and insights into genetic disease risk and heritable traits. Embark launched the product in partnership with the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. The company retails the test for $199. Embark announced it launched with over $1.8M in seed funding. The round was backed by Slow Ventures and the Aspiration Growth Fund.

Participated · Seed · Nov 2014

Maple is a New York City-based food delivery startup delivering chef-inspired, restaurant-quality meals to customers' homes. Co-founded by Caleb Merkl and Akshay Navle, the company is starting in New York in the next months. Meals are offered at price points of $10 and $15. Maple raised $22m in Series A funding led by Greenoaks Capital, with participation from Thrive Capital, Primary Ventures, David Chang and Andy Dunn. The company previously raised $4m in seed funding. It intends to use the funds to hire new people and expand its infrastructure, marketing, and product development efforts. Maple plans to offer a limited menu of restaurant-quality meals priced under $15, including taxes and delivery fees. The service targets delivery times under 15 minutes and an early 2015 launch in Manhattan. David Chang is listed as Maple’s Chief Culinary Officer and will help create the menu alongside other New York–based chefs. Operations and logistics are core to the product; Maple’s operations team is led by High Peaks Venture EIR Caleb Merkl and former Quidsi product director Akshay Navle. The company positions itself alongside on-demand meal services like Sprig and Spoonrocket but emphasizes affordable, quick restaurant-quality food. Maple has completed pre-launch fundraising to support its planned rollout.