Participated · Seed · Mar 2023

Ulendo is a software services company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that builds control optimization solutions for manufacturing machines. Its core products include vibration compensation, extrusion control, fault detection, and temperature control algorithms designed to boost performance without raising hardware costs. Ulendo’s first product is a vibration compensation software the company says doubles the speed of 3D printers. The company positions its offerings as low-cost software upgrades that help OEMs optimize designs and deliver higher-performing solutions. In March 2023 Ulendo raised $1.0M in a seed round to support commercialization and go-to-market activities. The funding helped the company recruit an industry veteran to lead sales and to accelerate sales efforts for its initial product.

Participated · Series A · Mar 2013

Stik operates a Facebook-powered recommendation service that leverages Facebook’s social graph to personalize word-of-mouth referrals. The company relaunched with a complete front-end redesign, deep Facebook timeline integration, and mobile-friendly support. Co-founders Nathan Labenz and Jay Gierak launched Stik in November 2010 and relocated the company from San Francisco to Detroit in 2012, moving into the M@dison Building. Stik plans to use new funding to hire developers first, then designers, product managers, community managers, and eventually salespeople. Financially, Stik raised a $2.3M Series A and previously raised a $500,000 seed round led by Draper Associates. Detroit-area investors and Michigan funds participated in the round, reflecting the company’s commitment to building in Detroit.

Participated · Series A · Jan 2013

Fusion Coolant Systems develops and commercializes patented supercritical carbon dioxide cutting fluids for manufacturing. The technology uses CO2 as a cutting fluid to lower manufacturing costs in large sectors such as medical, aerospace, and automotive. The company is based in Canton, Michigan. It plans to use new capital to grow staff, expand operations, and acquire equipment and personnel. The company raised $8M in a Series C financing led by Material Impact and Michigan Capital Advisors, with participation from existing investors MINTS, Amherst Fund and Invest Michigan. Fusion Coolant was founded by Steven Skerlos, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Fusion Coolant Systems develops patented supercritical carbon dioxide cooling and lubrication technology for metal cutting and forming applications. The company uses recycled CO2 in the form of supercritical carbon dioxide to deliver clean manufacturing solutions that protect worker health and the environment. Fusion is a University of Michigan spinout and is based in Canton, MI. Leadership includes Interim CEO Steve Skerlos and Arthur F. Thurnau, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. The company intends to use newly raised funds to grow its engineering and sales teams. No operating metrics were disclosed in the article. Fusion Coolant Systems commercializes CHiP Lube, an advanced patented Carbon Dioxide (CO2) dry coolant and lubrication system for machining and forming metal or plastic parts. The company is a University of Michigan tech transfer startup based in Detroit and is led by CEO Tom Gross. Fusion intends to use its recent funding to build out sales, marketing and product development. The product targets manufacturing customers needing dry coolant and lubrication solutions. The article reports a $600K Series A raise, indicating early-stage commercial and financial progress.