Participated · Seed · Mar 2023

Healium, based in Columbia, MO, develops patented virtual and augmented reality biofeedback technology that connects biometric data from hardware-agnostic consumer wearables to modify and recommend 3D objects in the metaverse. Led by CEO Sarah Hill, who developed the technology with Dr. Jeff Tarrant in 2016, the company offers products including Sleepium that let users see and interact with real-time EEG patterns, heart rate, skin conductance, blood pressure and other biomarkers. Their iOS and Android apps currently work with Apple Watch and consumer EEG headbands, with more fitness tracker compatibility planned. Healium's products are used worldwide in schools, with frontline healthcare workers, elite athletes, and the U.S. military to self-manage anxiety, burnout, and prepare for sleep or stressful events. The company has a know-how agreement with Mayo Clinic to provide subject matter experts for developing immersive mental health and fitness capabilities. Healium closed a $3.6M seed round and is using the funds to expand operations and accelerate development. Healium combines virtual reality, augmented reality and wearable biometric sensors (including Apple Watch and brain‑sensing headbands) to deliver immersive, biometrically driven stories and neuromeditation designed to calm users. Peer‑reviewed studies cited by the company found Healium can reduce moderate anxiety by about one‑third and increase feelings of positivity in as little as four minutes. The app feeds heart‑rate and brain‑pattern data (e.g., gamma asymmetry) into interactive AR/VR scenes so users can see immediate environmental responses to lowered heart rate or calmer brain activity. Healium began at StoryUp Studios under CEO Sarah Hill and launched as a startup in 2015; the company is based in Columbia, Missouri. The product lineup includes Healium AR ($5/month) and Healium VR ($29/month); the company reports more than $800,000 in revenue to date and has had organizational customers such as the U.S. Navy. Healium also holds issued and pending patents and positions itself as a drugless, self‑management tool for anxiety.

Participated · Seed · Jun 2022

SkySquad is a technology-enabled travel startup that offers on-the-ground airport assistance to individuals and families. Its service pairs travelers with TSA-background-checked, badged airport employees who know airport layouts and aim to help passengers navigate terminals. The company is led by CEO Julie Melnick and currently operates at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood, Philadelphia International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Salt Lake City International, and Washington Dulles airports. SkySquad intends to expand services to more airports across the country to meet customer demand. It recently raised $1M in Seed funding to scale operations and marketing and accelerate that expansion. Investors in the round include Elevate Capital, EDCO, Citrine Angels, and 1219 Capital.