Participated · Series A · Mar 2022

Linear Labs has launched production of its patented High Efficiency Torque (HET) motor and Intelligent Control Drive, branded HET Light, targeting the fast-growing Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) market. The HET Light 30 and 45 Series deliver up to twice the torque of competitor motors — the 45 Series produces 250 Nm peak torque at 94% peak efficiency (9.7 kg) and the 30 Series produces 150 Nm peak torque at 94% peak efficiency (6.9 kg). The system can be made with rare-earth or ferrite magnets, eliminates gear reduction, increases vehicle performance and range, and reduces weight and packaging volume. The motors are IoT-connected and use AI driving software for real-time control and efficiency optimization. Linear Labs has opened an advanced manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas, and projects thousands of new skilled jobs over the next 10 years. The company cites the LEV market opportunity — expected to reach 125 million units globally by 2025 — as a key demand driver. Linear Labs is developing a torque-and-efficiency electric motor system designed to deliver ultra-high efficiency through patented innovations. Its smart electric motors are IoT-connected, run machine-learning intelligence software, and feature an electric transmission that adjusts in real time to optimize performance. The company is entering production and targets customers including global OEMs in automotive, micro-mobility, industrial pump applications, and residential and light commercial HVAC. Led by co-founder and CEO Brad Hunstable and based in Fort Worth, Texas, Linear Labs recently expanded its board to include Chris MacFarland of Masergy. The company raised an additional $6M to further develop manufacturing capabilities and grow its employee base. The funds will be used to expand manufacturing expertise, supply-chain infrastructure and logistics, and advanced automation and robotics engineering. Linear Labs builds the Hunstable Electric Turbine (HET), a multi-rotor electric motor the company says is lighter and more flexible than traditional designs. The HET reportedly delivers twice the torque density and three times the power density of permanent magnet motors, producing two times the output per given motor size and at least 10% more range. Its high torque without a gearbox is positioned as especially suited for mobility applications such as electric vehicles and scooters. The company holds 50 filed patents, 21 of which are issued, with 29 patents pending. External experts quoted in the article say commercialization could yield energy savings, reliability gains, and lower manufacturing costs. Linear Labs plans to use the seed funding to market its invention and is hiring talent, having added John Curry as president and Jon Hurry as vice president. The founders—Brad and Fred Hunstable—bring entrepreneurship and electrical engineering experience.

Participated · Equity · Jul 2021

NFT Oasis, formed in March 2021 and wholly owned by Provenonce, Inc., operates a virtual environment that brings the NFT movement to life in fully immersive VR. The platform uses AltspaceVR (owned by Microsoft) and is accessible on Oculus headsets and PC/Mac, with live and recorded streams available on social media. Since April the company has welcomed more than 200 artists and musicians and runs weekly events and performances by artists including Imogen Heap, Greg Spero, AWEEK, Lee Eun Bi, and Hayeon. NFT Oasis provides tools for creators to host gallery exhibitions, concerts for thousands of attendees, curate custom virtual galleries, and hire designers and programmers within a decentralized gig economy. The company is building smart contract–based systems to enable creators and communities to establish economics and permissions for metaverse experiences. NFT Oasis positions itself to expand the decentralized creator economy by combining NFTs, DeFi, and VR to give artists greater creative freedom and financial control.