The Venture Codex

Participated · Equity · Jan 2026

Founded in 2019, Chargeup operates a data-driven platform that links EV drivers, non-banking financial companies and service partners to lower financing costs and reduce vehicle downtime. The company targets India’s last-mile electric three-wheeler segment, where many drivers earn under ₹800 per day because of high EMIs, battery replacements and maintenance. Chargeup provides loan security, battery subscription and asset-efficiency tools that help drivers run more hours and earn more income. The platform has already onboarded over 10,000 EV drivers and plans to add 20,000 more by FY27, progressing toward its “Mission Million” goal of empowering one million drivers. Management pegs the addressable market at roughly $12 billion as electric three-wheelers gain traction in logistics and passenger mobility. Newly raised capital will be channelled into expanding to additional high-demand markets, enhancing the technology stack and scaling operational infrastructure. While specific revenue figures were not disclosed, the company positions itself as a high-growth, profitable business focused on sustainable mobility and financial inclusion.

Led · Debt Financing · Jan 2016

Questal is a NYC-based fintech that owns and operates Questis, a financial wellness service that combines intelligent technology with expert human coaching. Its core product, Questis, empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions effortlessly through an AI-powered platform supported by human coaches. Led by CEO Lynn Raynault, the company plans to use new capital to accelerate the rollout of that AI-powered platform. Questal raised $3.2M in Seed funding from a group of backers including Ken Thompson, Adam Harper, Elizabeth and Michael Bisaro, and Robert Rickey. Board changes reported include Ken Thompson, Adam Harper, and Gardner Horan joining the board alongside Chairman John Miller and CEO Lynn Raynault. The company positions itself at the intersection of intelligent technology and human advisory to improve personal finance. Questis offers a financial wellness platform that combines software and credentialed advisers to guide employers and employees. The solution measures behaviors, sets goals and automates investing while blending personalized advice, education and technology. The company emphasizes a science-based, academic approach to portfolio management and financial planning and focuses on personal coaching to help employees manage money and stay engaged at work. Questis is led by CEO Steve Wilbourne and is based in Charleston, SC. It completed a $2.8M angel debt financing round and plans to use proceeds for product scaling, sales and channel partner efforts. The company is preparing to move into a Series A round from venture capital firms to continue product development and support marketing and sales. Questis develops an employer financial wellness product that combines software with credentialed financial advisors to deliver personalized advice and education. The company's approach emphasizes a science-based academic methodology to bring portfolio management and financial planning to employees. Led by CEO and co-founder Steve Wilbourne, Questis sells its solution to employers and counts clients such as Environmental Express, Blue Acorn, South Carolina Ports Authority, SCRA and eGroup. In April 2015 the Charleston, SC-based company raised $2M in seed funding. The round was led by Charleston-based angel investors with additional participation from IOP Capital. Questis plans to use the proceeds to build out the team, expand into other major U.S. markets, and prepare for an A round.

Participated · Series A · Jul 2015

ZVERSE has developed a 3D Design on Demand platform that enables on-demand manufacturers to offer CAD modeling services to customers who need part files designed or modified. Its patent-pending technology provides a fast path for converting 2D content into manufacturable 3D content and supports production via CNC, 3D printing, and injection molding. The company was accepted into SCRA’s SC Launch entrepreneurial program as a Client Company in November 2017. SCRA finalized a $300,000 SC Launch investment in ZVERSE that the company said will be used to accelerate growth in 2018. SC Launch Client Companies are eligible to receive up to $750,000 in grants and investments from SCRA. The article does not disclose revenue, user metrics, or other financial details beyond the $300,000 investment and program eligibility. ZVerse develops 3D content-creation and production applications for 3D printing, commercializing a proprietary B2B platform called LAYR. Its applications have been used by Fortune 100 companies and small businesses, and the company holds licenses with over 36 collegiate organizations to produce full-color 3D printed sports memorabilia. ZVerse focuses on full-color 3D printing applications for licensed content from major brands. The company announced a strategic partnership and commercial agreement with 3D Systems to co-develop its patent-pending post-processing technology for high-gloss, moisture-resistant full-color prints and to collaborate on Photobooth technology using ZVerse’s licensed content. ZVerse plans to use new funding to grow its position in full-color 3D printing and to further commercialize LAYR. The company was founded in April 2013 and is led by CEO John Carrington.

Participated · Equity · Oct 2014

Small Giant Games is a Helsinki-based developer best known for its mobile RPG Empires & Puzzles. The company plans to use new funding to expand its developer and graphic design teams and to reach international markets with Empires & Puzzles and forthcoming titles. Empires & Puzzles generated $33 million in revenue in 2017 and has 10 million players globally, demonstrating commercial traction. The financing included secondaries to reward the team, according to CEO Timo Soininen. Management says the funds will enable continued innovation and leverage the game’s framework for future games. Investors have praised the company’s strong, data-driven entrepreneurial team and clear vision. Small Giant Games is a Helsinki, Finland-based developer of mobile multiplayer and social games. Led by CEO Timo Soininen, the studio's portfolio includes Rope Racers, Oddwings Escape and newly launched Empires & Puzzles. On March 14, 2017 the company raised €5.4M in funding. The round was led by EQT Ventures with participation from Creandum, Spintop Ventures, PROfounders and First Fellow Partners. The company said it will use the proceeds to expand its game development efforts and to market its new title. Empires & Puzzles, released on iOS and Android, is a fantasy match-3 game with a PvP mode in which players collect cards and resources to upgrade heroes and defend strongholds. Small Giant Games is a Helsinki, Finland–based game studio founded in early 2013 and led by CEO Timo Soininen. The company is finalizing its first title, Oddwings Escape, a flying game that combines one-touch control mechanics with detailed graphics and physics-enhanced character animations. It completed a $3.1M funding round to support the launch of its first game and the development of several new titles. The funds will be used to launch Oddwings Escape globally and to develop additional games. The studio is actively recruiting experienced game designers and developers to expand its team for upcoming projects.