Participated · Seed · Sep 2025

florrent is an energy technology company that produces supercapacitors using a proprietary bio-derived activated carbon called Contoured Carbon. Their material diverts domestic biomass waste from landfills and sequesters carbon while enabling high-power, lower-cost, smaller-footprint energy storage. florrent’s supercapacitors are made in the U.S. and designed to integrate front-of-meter and behind-the-meter, offering grid-forming capabilities, fast frequency response, and improved power quality. The company emphasizes social and environmental impact through sourcing strategies that create economic participation for historically underserved communities. florrent plans to scale production of Contoured Carbon, expand product development, and commercialize broadly while building a pilot manufacturing facility in Northampton, MA, scheduled to begin operations in 2026. The business frames its product as a solution to a reported $150B/year power quality problem during the ongoing grid transformation.

Participated · Series A · Jun 2021

AllHere combines conversational AI, behavioral science, and interactive nudges to automate personalized two-way text messaging that drives attendance and engagement in K-12 districts. Its chatbot delivers 24/7, evidence-based support so teachers and staff can focus on higher-value interactions. The company acquired EdNudge (developed at Columbia University’s Teachers College) in 2020 to bolster its automated messaging capabilities. AllHere’s platform is used in 8,000 schools across 34 states. The company is led by CEO and founder Joanna Smith. Proceeds from the recent fundraise are intended to grow the chatbot’s capabilities and expand operations and business reach. AllHere offers a research-based attendance-tracking platform for K-12 districts that organizes family-survey responses, supports customized intervention strategies, and automates outreach via text and email. The company works with districts to create family engagement plans and to connect families with local resources addressing housing, food, and transportation barriers. AllHere has added features for the COVID era, including a map of local meal distribution sites and a communication app to help schools and families reach one another. The startup works with about 1,100 schools concentrated on the eastern seaboard and plans to expand product capabilities to help manage absenteeism remotely. Founded by Joanna Smith, a former school family engagement director, the company emphasizes caring, non-punitive approaches to re-engage students. The seed financing will fund team growth and development of new remote-intervention features.