• VirZoom

  Led · Equity · Apr 2015

  VirZOOM builds stationary bike hardware and software that translate pedaling into movement inside virtual-reality games and experiences. Its VX Bike Controller and bikes pair with consumer VR headsets — from phone-based rigs to PC and PlayStation setups — to deliver gamified workouts like horseback riding and Old West lassoing. The company has been selling bikes for the last couple of years and plans to ship the VX Bike Controller starting in March for $399. VirZOOM positions its product as an alternative to video-driven fitness services by immersing users in different virtual worlds. The startup acknowledges current headset bulkiness and comfort issues and notes accessories like facepad covers can mitigate sweat concerns. Financially, VirZOOM has raised around $6 million to date, including a newly closed $5.5 million seed round. VirZOOM develops active virtual reality applications that use a patent-pending motion control system to deliver immersive, activity-driven experiences while mitigating motion issues. The company’s core product is an active VR platform that pairs user physical activity with fantastical virtual experiences. The founding team includes veterans from Harmonix and creators behind Guitar Hero, Rock Band and the Wii Remote Controller. VirZOOM completed development over the preceding year and is moving into a commercialization phase. The company raised initial funding to finance that commercialization and expects to launch into the broader VR applications wave projected for 2016. VirZOOM is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

• TruTouch Technologies

  Led · Equity · Oct 2013

  TruTouch Technologies develops, manufactures and sells a patented, noninvasive alcohol detection and biometric testing system that measures alcohol concentration through the skin using a safe infrared light and an optical touch pad. The device is networked and includes biometric capability to verify user identity and ensure test integrity. The company intends to use recent funding to expand sales of its products into the global energy, mining and transportation industries. TruTouch is led by President and CEO Dr. Richard D. Gill, with co-founders Trent Ridder Ph.D. (CTO) and Ben Ver Steeg (VP Engineering), CFO David Desrochers CPA, and SVP Sales and Strategic Partnerships Oscar Lazaro. The article reports a $2.2M funding infusion to support the company’s commercial expansion. TruTouch Technologies develops, manufactures, and sells patented noninvasive biometric alcohol testing systems that use light and a fiber-optic touchpad to measure alcohol levels and verify user identity without collecting bodily fluids. The company’s self-administered TruTouch 2500 requires no disposables, no user training, and no operator assistance. TruTouch says its devices are aimed first at workplace safety and fitness-for-duty monitoring to prevent impaired employees from starting shifts. Future applications listed by the company include medical diagnostics, alcohol point-of-sale liability reduction, law enforcement, and industrial safety systems. TruTouch topped up its B-1 financing to $4.3M, funds the company says will enable it to build sales revenues toward profitability. The company is based in Framingham, Massachusetts and Riverside, California. TruTouch Technologies develops and commercializes patented noninvasive biometric alcohol-testing systems that use an optical sensor and a fiber-optic touchpad to measure alcohol concentration while simultaneously verifying user identity. The self-administered test produces accurate results in seconds without collecting bodily fluids, disposables, operator assistance, or user training. TruTouch’s products perform built-in biometric identification to ensure test-result integrity and are positioned for workplace, medical, point-of-sale, law enforcement, and industrial safety use cases. The company said the financing will enable it to build sales revenues through direct sales and to secure additional licensing partners as it advances commercialization. Management described the financing as a significant milestone in commercializing the TruTouch alcohol measurement technology. TruTouch is based in Albuquerque, N.M., and Framingham, Mass. TruTouch Technologies develops, manufactures and sells patented noninvasive biometric alcohol testing systems, including the TruTouch Guardian and finger-touch devices. The TruTouch Guardian uses infrared scanning to measure alcohol levels and includes biometric identification, producing accurate results in less than a minute without samples or disposables. The TruTouch 2000 finger-touch system currently provides analysis in 15 seconds and is being developed toward a portable TruTouch 3000. The company says its devices require no user training, no disposables, no samples, and no operator assistance. TruTouch is commercializing systems in law enforcement support, oil drilling, military and transportation workplace markets and plans to pursue medical, point-of-sale and automotive OEM partners. The company closed an expanded A-1 $2.1 million interim venture and angel funding round to support continued product commercialization and new technology development. TruTouch Technologies develops non-invasive biometric intoxication detection systems. Its flagship product, the TruTouch Guardian, is an advanced intoxication detection device that uses light to measure a subject's alcohol level rather than bodily fluids. The company is based in Albuquerque, NM. TruTouch recently closed a $1.3M venture and angel interim funding round. The round was led by the Verge Fund with participation from Launchpad Venture Group, Synergy Ventures, Fort Washington Investment Advisors and individual private investors. Proceeds will be used to support product commercialization and new technology development.

No current team members are available.