The Venture Codex

Participated · Seed · Nov 2024

Earthodic develops Biobarc™, a water-resistant, repulpable and recyclable coating for paper packaging that reintegrates lignin, a pulp-and-paper byproduct, into paperboard barrier applications. Its coatings are certified 100% biobased carbon and are designed as a drop-in solution for existing coating infrastructure to replace wax and petroleum-based films. The company is pursuing third-party certifications for industrial compostability to expand end-of-life pathways. Earthodic sells Biobarc™ into non-food contact packaging at scale and is deepening R&D partnerships with global paper-packaging leaders. Established in 2022, Earthodic maintains an R&D hub in Queensland and has operations across Australia and the USA. Earthodic develops Paperbarc, a bio-based waterproof coating that gives paper and packaging water resistance while remaining strong and recyclable. Paperbarc is positioned as a potential replacement for wax or plastic-coated packaging and is suited to bulk and secondary packaging in agricultural and food supply chains, including seafood and fruit and vegetables. The company completed a commercial-scale manufacture run in the US and has earned 100% USDA Biobased Product Label certification and eligibility to participate in the USDA BioPreferred Program. Co-founders Albert Tietz, Fiona Donaghey, Anthony Musumeci and Melissa Mail launched the materials science startup last year after collaborating on earlier projects. Earthodic plans to use funds to scale up production, ramp up sales and marketing, and expand its intellectual property portfolio. The startup is based in Brisbane, Queensland.

Participated · Equity · Jun 2021

Ohza is a Cambridge, Mass.-based "champagne cocktail" company founded in June 2019 by Ryan Ayotte. The company makes premade mimosas using sparkling wine and real juice, with products that contain 130–140 calories per 12-ounce serving. Its portfolio is available in four flavors and sold in both can and keg formats. Ohza is distributed online in 42 states via ohzamimosas.com and stocked at more than 2,500 retailers including Whole Foods, Wegmans, Total Wine & More, Hannaford, Market Basket and many independent stores. The company intends to use recently raised funds to expand operations and broaden its business reach. Ohza makes ready-to-drink mimosas crafted from premium sparkling wine and real juice, positioned as clean-label alcoholic beverages with no added sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavors. The products deliver the flavor of an authentic champagne cocktail while claiming up to 80% less sugar and nearly 60% fewer calories than a traditional mimosa; they are also gluten free. Ohza recently debuted Classic Bellini and Mango Mimosa, available online and within its existing distribution footprint. The company emphasizes quality ingredients, sustainable packaging, and a lifestyle-oriented brand built around brunch culture. Ohza plans to use the new capital to fuel continued distribution expansion, product innovation, and awareness. The brand is based in Cambridge, MA and was founded by 26-year-old Ryan Ayotte.