Participated · Equity · May 2026

Avant Genomics builds the Avant Source™ platform to automate extraction and preparation of tumor-derived cell-free DNA from blood samples for liquid biopsy workflows. The system reduces manual handling from more than 50 steps to two, improves DNA yield by as much as 70% versus semi-automated tools, and cuts processing time in half. The company holds exclusive IP developed at the University of Virginia and was founded as a UVA spin-out by CEO Rachelle Turiello, PhD, and COO Renna Nouwairi, PhD. Avant has received NSF SBIR Phase I funding and been named a 2025 Startup World Cup Regional Finalist, and its team includes advisors and operators with exits to companies such as Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp, and Eli Lilly. Current plans emphasize completing product development, scaling manufacturing, and expanding the team ahead of commercial launch of the Avant Source™ system.

Participated · Seed · Feb 2026

Founded in 2025 and headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, Hardshell provides data-layer security for artificial intelligence systems, focusing on protecting proprietary and regulated datasets before models are trained. Unlike many AI security tools that monitor models post-deployment, Hardshell stops threats at the source, preventing corrupted or exposed data from creating downstream vulnerabilities. The platform is aimed at high-trust sectors such as healthcare and defense, where data privacy and regulatory compliance are critical hurdles to AI adoption. Co-founders Hunter Moore (CTO) and Andrew Schoka (CEO) leverage extensive backgrounds in defense, cybersecurity, and AI research to build the product. The company has participated in accelerator programs including the Batten Institute i.Lab Incubator, Starburst National Landing Launchpad, Lighthouse Network, and the 434 Accelerator. Fresh capital will support expanded engineering efforts and go-to-market activities to grow its customer base. No operating metrics such as revenue or user counts were disclosed in the article.

Participated · Series A · Jun 2023

Luminoah is developing a reinvented tube-feeding device that is more portable, discreet and easy to use than traditional IV-pole‑mounted infusion pumps. Founder Neal Piper was motivated to start the company after his toddler required prolonged tube feeding during cancer treatment. The company says it has substantially reduced hardware size and is designing a modern UI/UX to allow users to go about their day unencumbered. The design is not final and Luminoah is not yet publishing images of the device. As a connected device, it will collect feeding metrics that medical providers can review similar to hospital systems. Luminoah plans to make the device reimbursable by insurance and will use funding to advance development, reach prototype stage, prepare for commercialization, and grow the team.

Participated · Seed · Apr 2023

Springbok builds AI and machine‑learning technology to automatically quantify rotator cuff muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration from standard clinical MRIs, producing 3D volumetric measurements and actionable reports for providers and patients. Its deep‑learning‑based algorithms were developed and validated in Phase I work and are trained on an extensive digital database of healthy and pathological rotator cuff scans. The technology aims to overcome limits of the qualitative Goutallier classification by providing objective, scalable, and faster quantitative analysis within clinical workflows. Springbok is working with research partners at the University of Virginia, the San Antonio Orthopaedic Group (TSAOG), and the University of Wisconsin to further develop and validate its methods. The company received a $1.7 million Phase II SBIR grant from the NIH to develop a commercially viable algorithm and complete product development. Completing Phase II is intended to enable an FDA 510(k) submission and move the product toward clinical commercialization to improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical outcomes. Springbok Analytics, based in Charlottesville, VA, provides technology that converts standard 2D magnetic resonance image (MRI) data into precise, personalized 3D muscle visualizations. The company’s scans take less than 15 minutes and enable quantification of muscle volume, asymmetries, atrophy, soft tissue injuries, and scar tissue for athletic, performance, and health use cases. Led by CEO Scott Magargee, Springbok supports research and care for a range of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions, including facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The company was recently selected into the NBA’s Launchpad program to source, evaluate, and pilot technologies that advance soft tissue injury prevention and recovery. Springbok intends to use the $3M in seed funding to expand operations and broaden its business reach. The announcement does not disclose revenue or user metrics.

Participated · Seed · Sep 2022

CarpeDM operates a subscription-based, tech-enabled matchmaking service and patented video-based dating app designed to help Black women and people seeking to date them. The service pairs handpicked and algorithm-curated matches and requires a 5- to 10-minute video chat to test chemistry before users remain matched. CarpeDM has pioneered 100% member background checks, verifying identity, employment, income, and criminal history via a proprietary one-on-one interview process and its accredited partner KarmaCheck. The app is currently available in the Washington, D.C. area and the company participates in the inaugural Techstars Washington DC Powered by J.P. Morgan accelerator. Co-founded by Naza Shelley and Sali Hama, CarpeDM recently closed a Pre-Seed round and plans to use the funds to accelerate growth and expand operations.