Participated · Equity · Apr 2025

RISE Robotics develops Beltdraulic™ technology: a fluid-free, zero-emissions, autonomy-ready linear actuator that aims to deliver hydraulic-like power with lower maintenance. The company says Beltdraulic is three times faster and three times more efficient than traditional hydraulics, improving operational efficiency and resilience for defense logistics. RISE plans to refine and field its Beltdraulic SuperJammer vehicle platform for testing and demonstration in operational environments. The firm highlights collaborative work with Air Force stakeholders to address modernization of a 60+ year old lift truck platform. RISE is backed by MIT’s The Engine, Techstars, and Fortistar Capital, and runs a Reg CF campaign on Wefunder that allows both accredited and non-accredited investors to participate. The company recently earned a Guinness World Record for the “World’s Strongest Robotic Arm Prototype.” RISE Robotics is an electrification and automation company based in Somerville, MA that develops electric linear actuation solutions. Its designers build Beltdraulic systems intended to compete with hydraulic cylinders in medium- and heavy-duty machines. The Beltdraulic product line targets fuel and emissions reductions while improving productivity and extending machine life. The company is led by CEO Hiten Sonpal and COO Tom Phelps; founders include MIT mechanical engineers Blake Sessions, Aaron Acosta, and Toomas Sepp, and RISD’s Kyle Dell’Aquila. RISE raised $1.5M in funding and intends to use the proceeds to expand operations and its development efforts. The team emphasizes high-efficiency, fuel-saving actuation solutions as alternatives to traditional hydraulics. RISE Robotics develops zero-emission heavy machinery built around its patented RISECylinder, a fluid-free electromechanical alternative to hydraulic cylinders (US Patent 11255416; WO2019/014259 pending). The RISECylinder delivers hydraulic-like forces with up to 90% less energy, improving efficiency, precision, speed, and weight for medium and heavy-duty applications. The company says its machines reduce fuel, emissions, and sound while improving productivity and extending machine life. RISE targets support vehicles and handling equipment and has been selected to modernize Air Force ground support gear. Founded in 2011 by MIT and RISD graduates, the company is based in Somerville, Massachusetts. It is backed by The Engine, Greentown Labs, and Techstars. RISE recently received a $1.7 million TACFI award to modernize the MHU-083 Jammer, underscoring a market opportunity the company estimates at more than 2,000 units in service. RISE Robotics develops high-performance, cost-effective electric linear actuation solutions designed to replace hydraulic cylinders in medium- and heavy-duty machinery. Its core product, the RISE Cylinder, targets fuel and emissions reductions while improving productivity and extending machine life. The technology enables a shift from diesel-powered hydraulic systems to electric motor-to-movement solutions across industries such as construction, agriculture, waste management, and material handling. RISE has two commercial agreements—one with a major manufacturer of lifting machinery and another with the U.S. Air Force—and is working with a leading forklift manufacturer to increase performance of existing electric forklifts and enable electrification of larger diesel-fueled machines. The company was part of the Techstars accelerator and has received angel funding from Boston investors and advisors including John P. Strauss, William J. Warner, and Walter A. Winshall. Recent additional capital will support continued product deployment and electrification partnerships.

Participated · Equity · Feb 2025

Health Care Originals builds wearable devices that leverage acoustic technology and AI-driven edge computing to continuously monitor deep organ sounds and detect early signs of respiratory distress, often months before attacks. The company translates proprietary acoustic data into actionable, personalized insights for people with asthma and COPD. Among users, 100% report better sleep, 90% report reduced wheezing, and two-thirds experience zero asthma attacks within six months. HCO reports $5.5M in contracted annual recurring revenue (CARR), a robust IP portfolio of 14 granted and 10 pending patents, and says it is near-term profitable. Co-founder and CEO Sharon Samjitsingh, an asthma survivor, says the company intends to scale and seize a large market opportunity. HCO also offers public participation in its financing via Wefunder and positions its platform to improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.