The Venture Codex

Participated · Series A · Jan 2016

StatMuse offers a natural-language search engine that lets users query basketball statistics and returns graphic, shareable visualizations. The product emphasizes accessibility for non-technical users, turning complex analytics into plain-language answers and charts. It includes social features for sharing to Facebook and Twitter and a StatMuse-only social network for followers. StatMuse launched a public beta in autumn 2015 and was founded and led by Eli Dawson (CEO) and Adam Elmore (CTO). The company has a content deal with Disney-owned ESPN to provide statistical content during the 2015–16 NBA season. StatMuse recently completed a $10 million Series A and plans to use the funding to expand its search engine into other sports and to develop additional services around core statistics.

Participated · Series A · Apr 2015

UniKey develops a cloud-based access control platform that turns smartphones into universal electronic keys and can be integrated into any lock. The company licenses its smart lock technology to global manufacturers rather than manufacturing hardware, enabling a capital-efficient, low-overhead business model focused on R&D. UniKey's platform supports integrations with partners such as Kwikset (Kevo), Nest (Works with Nest thermostat), Samsung KNOX, MIWA, and Microsoft Azure. The company says it has expanded beyond the residential market and aims to deliver solutions tailored for larger vertical markets and international regions. UniKey intends to use new capital to rapidly scale with local market leaders, expand platform functionality, and enter new markets. The company presents itself as the smart lock category pioneer and emphasizes enterprise-grade security and convenient keyless entry. Unikey builds a door lock system that unlocks when a paired Android, iOS, or BlackBerry device is in the immediate vicinity, without requiring an app. The product includes user management features for granting/denying access and scheduling time-limited entry, and a standard key still works with the system. Founder and CEO Phil Dumas developed the technology after work in biometric security, including at Sequiam Corp, and positioned Unikey as a more reliable alternative to fingerprint-based residential locks. The company is not yet selling the product; it offers a pre-order reservation form and says it has had tens of thousands of sign-ups after appearing on Shark Tank. Financially, TechCrunch reports an SEC filing showing a $1.1M raise, in addition to a prior $500K equity investment from Shark Tank investors. The earlier $500K came with two board seats and a 40% equity stake for Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary.

Participated · Series A · Feb 2015

ChefsFeed operates a food media and technology platform that provides food-related content and food culture curated by top chefs. The company offers original perspectives on food and urban lifestyle, consumer products, and publishing technologies. It has closed distribution and promotional deals with brands including Uber, Urbanspoon, Virgin America, Complex Media, Foursquare, Outside Lands, Red Bull, Food & Wine, ABC’s The Taste, American Lamb Board, Brugal Rum, Jackson Family Winery, Moretti, Samsung and Schweppes. ChefsFeed intends to use the funds to expand its development team, execute new outreach campaigns, extend to more cities, and launch new products within 2015. The company is led by CEO Rich Maggiotto and CRO Sandy Shanman. Prior to this financing the company had previously raised about $4M to date.