Participated · Seed · Jul 2026

Photon Queue develops room-temperature, free-space quantum memory devices that store photons in optical loops using proprietary high-reflectivity mirrors and optical switches. Its approach delivers high efficiency and broad bandwidth without cryogenics, vacuum systems, or complex transduction, and is compatible with multiple wavelengths and quantum computing architectures. The company has deployed its first commercial devices at Sandia National Laboratories and the University of Maryland, reflecting early customer traction with national labs and research institutions. Founded in 2024 as a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign spinout, Photon Queue is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois. The company serves applications in quantum computing, communications, and metrology and is working to scale product development, manufacturing, and customer deployments with the newly raised capital.

Participated · Series A · Jun 2026

Syntax Bio develops a CRISPR-based Cellgorithm™ platform intended to program and accelerate stem cell differentiation to enable scalable cell therapies. The company is advancing a pancreatic beta cell therapy candidate for type 1 diabetes and plans to fund preclinical proof-of-concept studies with proceeds from its expanded Series A. Syntax Bio has publicly reported a collaboration with Mayo Clinic, received a grant from Breakthrough T1D, and published peer-reviewed research in Science Advances describing its technology. Financially, the company expanded its Series A to $14.4 million, bringing total funding to over $25 million. Leadership changes accompanying the financing include a CEO who joined in 2025 and new executive, board, and scientific advisory appointments to support translational development and commercialization. The company positions its platform as a way to replace slow, labor-intensive differentiation processes with a programmable approach to generate functional cells at scale.

Participated · Seed · Jan 2026

Samara Aerospace is building the Hummingbird satellite bus, which replaces conventional reaction wheels with articulated solar-panel hinges that tilt up, down, left, and right to control attitude. The company claims this mechanism can make spacecraft up to 1,000 times more stable than legacy systems, reducing vibration, eliminating image blur, and improving pointing accuracy. By removing bulky reaction wheels, Hummingbird can also shrink satellite size and weight, allowing flatter, more stackable designs that lower launch costs. Samara’s first in-orbit hardware—a panel with two hinges—flew on Impulse Space’s Mira spacecraft aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-15 mission in November and has powered on successfully while awaiting its turn to perform a full experiment. The technology targets Earth-observation operators who need clearer imagery and optical-communications providers that require precise pointing, and it has also attracted interest from an aerospace prime for high-density launch deployment. With fresh funding, the team aims to launch its first dedicated Hummingbird satellite in summer 2027. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and recently secured $10 million in seed capital to accelerate development.

Participated · Series A · Dec 2025

Excelsior Sciences is building a new form of machine-executable chemistry in which modular, synthesis-friendly “smart bloccs” enable rapid iterative carbon-carbon bond construction that AI can readily design, make and test in closed-loop workflows. This approach aims to shorten drug-discovery timelines, seamlessly bridge discovery and scale-up chemistry, and support the reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing to the United States. The company’s platform produces purified compounds fast enough to feed data-hungry algorithms, promising breakthroughs not only in therapeutics but also in materials science and other sectors. Spun out of Deerfield Management and operating from custom laboratory space at Cure in New York City, Excelsior couples proven automated synthesis expertise with advanced AI to generate rich datasets and novel molecular insights. Future plans include expanding its internal small-molecule pipeline and forging partnerships across multiple industries to commercialize the technology. To fund these initiatives the company secured $95 million in new capital, consisting of a $70 million Series A equity round and a $25 million grant.

Participated · Seed · Apr 2025

Coologics is developing Vlisse, a patented drug-free intravaginal cooling device intended to treat VVC, BV, and mixed vaginal infections by restoring the vaginal environment without antibiotics. The company positions Vlisse as a paradigm shift from traditional antifungal drugs and emphasizes reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. The recent oversubscribed seed financing will fund completion of an ongoing clinical trial, FDA submission, and initial market release. Coologics frames its technology as sustainable and focused on improving women’s health outcomes. The company’s leadership includes CEO/founder Dr. Kim Langdon and CMO Dr. Nicole Williams, who are alumni of Ohio State University and the University of Illinois, respectively. The announcement was issued from Cleveland on April 23, 2025.