The Venture Codex

Led · Seed · Jun 2026

PatenSee builds a contactless optical imaging platform that uses embedded AI to scan dialysis vascular access sites and analyze images in real time, with scans reportedly taking one to two minutes. The system is designed to detect potential complications earlier—PatenSee cites possible detection 30 to 60 days before clinical manifestation—while avoiding physical contact to reduce infection risk. The company is running a clinical pilot with Henry Ford Health and the MSU Innovation Hub to collect real-world data and validate usability in clinical workflows. PatenSee intends to pursue FDA clearance later this year and targets a commercial launch in early 2027, alongside establishing a U.S. headquarters in Michigan. Financially, the company closed a $2 million Seed round led by Michigan Rise and receives additional support from the Michigan Israel Business Accelerator. The product roadmap and go-to-market plan are focused on robust clinical validation, regulatory readiness, and integration into dialysis care pathways.

Led · Seed · May 2026

Maka offers a curated streaming service for children ages zero to six that emphasizes well-being over watch time, using session-based viewing without recommendations, ads, or autoplay. Its content is evaluated through Maka Imprint, a patent-pending developmental framework created with researchers at the Yale Child Study Center that maps seven core domains across more than 650 developmental indicators. The company licenses content from IP holders and creators and partners with studios and animators to produce original shows, prioritizing lower-stimulation pacing, narrative arcs, and global stories. Parents create profiles, select thematic channels and session lengths, and receive curated playlists with wind-down cues to ease transitions away from screen time. Maka is in private iOS beta with plans to launch publicly on iPhone and iPad this fall and reports thousands of families on its waitlist. Its commercial model is subscription-based at $11.99 per month with a discounted annual option, and the recent seed funding will be used to expand its vetted content catalog.

Participated · Seed · Feb 2026

Entirety Biomedical is a Michigan-based medical device startup creating absorbable metal implants that offer titanium-like strength during healing and then safely resorb once bone union is achieved. Its patented Curasorb alloy underpins plate-and-screw and headless compression screw systems aimed initially at lower-extremity and maxillofacial procedures, allowing surgeons to avoid permanent hardware without changing existing surgical workflows or reimbursement models. The company completed its first preclinical study in 2024 and is running three additional preclinical studies, with early data showing strong osseointegration. These studies will guide a planned first-in-human clinical trial of its lower-extremity headless compression screw system. Entirety works closely with surgeons and strategic partners to identify unmet fixation needs and translate them into products that improve patient outcomes and reduce secondary removal surgeries. Founded by materials-science engineers Jake Edick and Carolyn Woldring, the team brings more than a decade of absorbable magnesium R&D experience and multiple related patents. The startup recently secured $1.2 million in seed funding to advance product development toward clinical trials.

Participated · Seed · Nov 2025

Scorbit operates a platform that connects vintage, offline and modern arcade machines to the internet, enabling real-time scoring, competition, payments, and community features through its mobile app and cloud software. The company is also developing the Scorbit Console, a B2B hardware and software solution aimed at arcade venues and other locations that host machines. Seed-stage beta tests are already live and providing early market validation, though no specific revenue or user numbers were disclosed. With the newly raised capital, Scorbit plans to expand its team, finalize its minimum viable product, and invest in R&D for both new hardware and expanded app capabilities covering payments, competitions, and global gameplay support. Co-founded by serial entrepreneurs Jay Adelson and Ron Richards, the Ann Arbor–based startup intends to pursue a Series A round in 2026 to fuel partnership expansion and nationwide scale.

Participated · Equity · May 2025

ChurchSpace builds smart logistics and shared-space solutions that activate underutilized church properties for events, outreach, and last-mile delivery. The company is mission-driven, framed around economic justice and helping churches generate sustainable income to fund youth programs, food banks, and community outreach. In Texas, churches on the platform have earned up to $100,000 annually and reinvested that income into local services. ChurchSpace is relocating its headquarters from Houston to Detroit and is onboarding Detroit churches to launch a citywide partnership backed by the City of Detroit and Mayor Mike Duggan. Founders include Day Edwards (Founder and President) and Emmanuel Brown (Co‑founder and CEO); Brown led the recent fundraising. The company plans to use the momentum and local partnerships to expand operations and unlock the economic potential of sacred space.