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 · Seed · Feb 2023

Kloopify provides a self-serve climate action software platform that gives purchasing professionals automated, near-time data on the climate impact of the commodities they buy. The platform enables integration of carbon emissions data into everyday procurement processes so businesses can quickly see where their greatest emissions are coming from. Customers can use those insights to take meaningful action toward emissions reduction. Led by CEO Daniela Osio, Kloopify aims to accelerate revenue growth for businesses making the transition to environmentally sustainable purchasing decisions. The company raised $1.5M in Seed funding and intends to use the proceeds to expand operations and its business reach.

Led · Series A · Jan 2023

奥特乐 operates a new-format hard-discount chain focused on curated standard consumer SKUs (beauty/personal care, snacks, beverages) with stores of ~200–300 sqm and SKU counts kept under 1,000. The assortment is ~60% brand-discount goods, 20% own brand and 20% excess/closeout; the company aims to grow own-brand share to 50%. Stores run highly lean operations (4–5 staff, self-checkout, digital inventory/replenishment) and report rent+personnel costs around 8% of sales in its target markets, with all stores achieving profitability in their opening month. Reported unit economics: single-store investment ~¥600k, 30-store average monthly sales near ¥2.0M, and reported sales productivity (坪效) of ¥100k. Supply-chain strategy emphasizes partnerships with 100+ domestic and international brands and direct relationships with brand owners and primary distributors to stabilize procurement. The founder, Chen Cheng, brings nearly 20 years of retail experience and the company is headquartered in Chengdu with priority expansion across Sichuan–Chongqing and second-/third-tier cities.

Led · Seed · Sep 2022

CorePower Magnetics is a 2020-founded Carnegie Mellon University spinout developing advanced magnetic components — motors, inductors and transformers — aimed at electric vehicles and the power grid. The company says its technology produces smaller, lighter packages that improve power density, reduce reliance on rare elements, and address existing limits in electric transportation. CorePower is based at Pittsburgh’s Hill District Energy Innovation Center Institute and currently has 11 employees, five of whom are in Pittsburgh; it plans to hire a design engineer and an electromechanical technician. It will use the new capital to expand staff and accelerate development of its magnetic technology targeting EVs and the grid, with a stated vision of becoming a leader in magnetic solutions for a sustainable future. The company previously received non-dilutive and early investments including $200,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy, $50,000 from Innovation Works’ AlphaLab Gear, and a $250,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator. CEO Sam Kernion describes the firm’s focus as “magnification” to complement advances in batteries and semiconductors.

Participated · Series A · May 2022

Arieca develops liquid-metal based thermal interface materials using its patented Liquid Metal Embedded Elastomer (LMEE) technology. Its main products include TIMbber™, an adaptable thermal interface material for semiconductor and power devices, and Thubber®, a soft, stretchable, thermally conductive elastomer. The company targets demanding applications across semiconductor, aerospace, automotive, and healthcare industries. Arieca positions its technology to address rising heat densities as processor node sizes shrink to 7nm, 4nm and below. The firm says its materials combine liquid-metal performance with the manufacturability of thermal greases. Arieca was spun off from Carnegie Mellon University in 2018.