• BluWrap

  Participated · Equity · Nov 2014

  BluWrap develops patented and FDA-approved packaging technology that uses oxygen management techniques to create and maintain an all-natural controlled-atmosphere environment to extend the shelf life of perishable proteins. The company produces BluBuoys, a proprietary oxygen management device used to extend shelf life and ship fresh protein globally. Led by CEO Ola Strand, BluWrap secured further equity financing via a Series D to support scaling. The company intends to use the funds to build the team and increase production of BluBuoys. It will also finance costs associated with developing a high-throughput packaging line in collaboration with its commercial partners. The raise is described as additional Series D equity funding led by existing investor Wheatsheaf Group. BluWrap develops an all-natural controlled-atmosphere technology that leverages patented oxygen-management techniques to extend the shelf life of perishable proteins. Its approach allows suppliers to ship by ocean freight rather than more expensive airfreight. The company is led by CEO Mark Barnekow and has operations in Talcahuano, Chile. BluWrap secured $12.6m in equity financing led by Wheatsheaf Investments Ltd., part of the Grosvenor Estate, with participation from existing investors Anterra Capital, Firelake Capital and Rabo Ventures. It intends to use the funds to accelerate adoption of its technology, secure new global sources of protein supply, expand into new geographic markets, and further develop capabilities in other seafood species and pork.

• QBotix

  Participated · Series B · May 2014

  QBotix, based in Menlo Park, CA and led by founder and CEO Wasiq Bokhari, develops rugged, intelligent mobile robots branded as the Robotic Tracking System (RTS) for solar PV projects. The RTS is an optimized tracker system designed to improve project economics in commercial and utility‑scale solar power plants. The company has installed systems in the U.S. and Japan and is developing additional projects in the U.S., Europe, Mexico and Australia. QBotix raised $12M in Series B financing to support expansion and intends to use the funds to expand the team, accelerate manufacturing ramp‑up and pursue market expansion. The company is focused on scaling manufacturing and market deployment to commercialize its robotic tracker technology. Investor participation combines strategic utility players and existing venture backers, supporting both industrial validation and financial growth. QBotix develops distributed-robotics technology for the solar industry, focused on improving the operation and output of solar power plants. Its core product is the QBotix Tracking System (QTS), a comprehensive dual-axis tracking system that uses rugged, intelligent and mobile robots to dynamically operate solar installations. QTS has been launched and is available for commercial deployments. The company is composed of solar industry veterans and robotics innovators from Silicon Valley, MIT, Caltech and Stanford. Led by CEO and founder Wasiq Bokhari, QBotix deployed its first grid-connected system in October 2011. Financially, the company raised $6.5M in a Series A financing from institutional backers.

• BrightVolt

  Participated · Series A · Nov 2013

  BrightVolt develops solid-state Lithium‑Ion batteries built around its proprietary polymer matrix electrolyte (PME®) technology. The company reports having sold more than 15 million primary solid‑state batteries globally across medical, automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. BrightVolt says its PME® is compatible with existing roll‑to‑roll lithium‑ion manufacturing lines with only minor capital refinements, improving several performance metrics. The firm targets commercialization of rechargeable solid‑state batteries for applications including e‑mobility, hybrid and electric vehicles, consumer electronics, drones, medical and wearable devices, and other IoT products. Fresh funds from the announced financing will be used to develop larger form‑factor products aimed at industrial electrification and e‑mobility markets. BrightVolt is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, and operates a Research and Development center in Indiana. BrightVolt designs, develops and scales manufacturing of ultra-thin film, flexible batteries. Its products are based on a patented Lithium Polymer design and a Polymer Matrix Electrolyte (PME) core technology. The company has sold over 10 million batteries across the globe. BrightVolt plans to use new funding to prepare for substantial growth in 2017 and to scale its manufacturing. Led by CEO Todd Peters, the company intends to continue building on its patented core battery technology. BrightVolt is evaluating additional investment from other parties interested in this market space. Solicore develops a product portfolio of advanced ultra-thin, flexible lithium polymer batteries targeted at powered cards, RFID and micro medical devices. The company says its battery technology is ultra-thin, flexible, safe and environmentally friendly and enhances the capabilities of lithium-based batteries. Led by CEO Dave Corey, Solicore positions its products for small, thin-form-factor and implantable applications. The company intends to use new funding to expand its market reach. Solicore is headquartered in Lakeland, Florida. No operating metrics or revenue figures were disclosed in the article.

• Scifiniti

  Participated · Series B · Jul 2013

  Scifiniti has developed SmartWafer, a drop-in photovoltaic (PV) silicon wafer that uses a thin, deposited, high-quality silicon layer on a conductive substrate while matching the form factor of a standard wafer. The company says the SmartWafer enables straightforward replacement in existing processes. Led by CEO Sharone Zehavi, Scifiniti intends to use new capital to bring SmartWafer to market. Financially, the company completed a $10m Series B funding round. Backers in the round included existing investors Alloy Ventures, Firelake Capital, I2BF Global Ventures and Peninsula Ventures. The company is based in San Jose, California.

• ZeaChem

  Participated · Series C · Oct 2011

  ZeaChem has developed a cellulose-based biorefinery platform designed to produce advanced fuels and intermediate chemicals from renewable biomass. The company uses an indirect approach intended to improve yields and reduce CO2 emissions compared with traditional cellulosic processes, and it claims a significant capital cost advantage versus other cellulosic technologies. ZeaChem emphasizes efficient energy extraction from biomass to increase output while lowering production costs and environmental impacts. It operates a research and development laboratory in Menlo Park and is headquartered in Lakewood, Colo. The company is bringing a 250,000 GPY integrated demonstration biorefinery in Boardman, Oregon, online beginning in 2011 and is developing commercial biorefineries for advanced biofuels and bio-based chemicals. Currently ZeaChem has strengthened its financial position through a $19 million Series C financing to support commercialization. ZeaChem develops biorefineries to convert renewable biomass into sustainable fuels and chemicals, with a specific focus on cellulosic ethanol production. The company signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy to receive a $25m grant from the EERE Biomass Program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding will be used to construct and operate a cellulosic ethanol production capability that produces ethyl acetate, the chemical precursor to ethanol. ZeaChem plans to begin producing cellulosic ethanol in 2011 at a 250,000 gallon-per-year biorefinery to be located in Boardman, Oregon. The company was incorporated in 2002 and also operates a research and development laboratory facility in Menlo Park, California.

No current team members are available.