Participated · Series A · May 2023

Optimus Technologies develops the Optimus Vector System, an advanced fuel system technology designed to enable diesel engines to run on biodiesel and reduce emissions in the transportation sector. The company is based in East Pittsburgh. It completed a $17.8 million Series A led by Tokyo’s Mitsui & Co., with participation from Chevron Renewable Energy Group and Pittsburgh investors including Idea Foundry, Innovation Works, the Richard King Mellon Foundation and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh. The funding will allow further development of the Optimus Vector System and immediate scaling of carbon-reduction delivery. New working relationships with Mitsui and Chevron Renewable Energy Group are expected to accelerate deployment in North America and support expansion into international markets. Founder and CEO Colin Huwyler said the strategic investment enables the company to accelerate its mission to decarbonize the transportation sector.

Participated · Equity · Mar 2020

nanoGriptech produces gecko-inspired micro-structured dry adhesives and surfaces for applications including wearable consumer products, semiconductor and glass handling, and automotive upholstery fastening. Its product family includes Setex Gecko Grip, Setex Gecko Tape and Setex Ultra‑Thin Fastener. Earlier in the year the company introduced an anti-slip microstructured nose pad for eyewear made with Setex Gecko Grip, sold exclusively through Amazon. The company is led by founder Metin Sitti and CEO Nicholas Kuhn and was spun out of Carnegie Mellon University in 2012. It occupies 6,000 square feet in a former chocolate factory in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. Prior support includes SBIR/STTR grants from the National Science Foundation, NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense, plus assistance from the PA NanoMaterials Commercialization Center and private investors. The company will use the new funds to scale manufacturing operations and strengthen commercialization activities.