Led · Equity · Dec 2018

SPUD operates Food‑X, a shared e-commerce grocery delivery platform that supplies technology, warehousing, food preparation, and delivery services to multiple third‑party retailer partners. The platform consolidates online fulfillment to lower costs and reduce environmental impact; SPUD says its AI‑enabled processes yield about 0.5% food waste versus 5–6% at typical grocery stores. SPUD opened its first Food‑X warehouse in Burnaby, British Columbia, in August and plans additional warehouse locations in 2019 with ambitions to replicate the technology globally. The company partners with multiple grocers (including a referenced partnership with Walmart) and competes at scale with firms like Ocado while leveraging North American temperature‑zone experience. SPUD was founded in 1997 in Vancouver and employs more than 700 people across its markets. Management emphasizes sustainability initiatives (including a goal to be plastic‑free) and products such as reusable takeout containers that have won recognition.

Led · Series A · Nov 2018

BlueLight Analytics develops data-driven products that improve outcomes from light curing of dental fillings and promote value-based care in dentistry. Its technologies have been used to perform thousands of light evaluations in more than 35 countries. Founded at Dalhousie University in 2009 and based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the company aims to become the authority in light energy measurement. BlueLight plans to leverage machine learning and data science to accelerate new product development over the next 12 months. The company will use the $3 million Series A to scale operations, accelerate product development and innovation, expand global reach, and invest in strategic sales and marketing resources. Leadership says its growing database of light evaluations creates opportunities for new technologies and offerings.