The Venture Codex

Participated · Series A · Jan 2020

Ascatron develops SiC-based power semiconductor devices and supplies SiC epitaxial material for high-voltage power-electronics applications. The company focuses on using SiC to significantly reduce energy conversion losses in transformers and other high-voltage equipment. It has begun implementing its advanced material technology into production equipment for SiC epitaxy and is cooperating with LPE on 150mm SiC epitaxy. Next steps include optimizing device design and outsourcing remaining chip manufacturing to a foundry with volume-production capacity. Ascatron spun out of research institute Acreo in 2011 and is based in Kista, Stockholm, Sweden. The firm completed A-round financing to fund the final development of its first SiC products, and notes strong market interest—about 40% of the market for power electronic components is in China.

Participated · Equity · Sep 2015

Glomeria Therapeutics, based in Chieti, Italy and led by CEO Andrea Zanella, develops medical devices for the treatment of nephropathy. Its most advanced program targets peritoneal dialysis for patients with chronic renal failure. The company’s therapeutic platform includes biocompatible peritoneal dialysis solutions with low glucose degradation products, a connection device to reduce peritonitis risk (DesmoPD), and an automated peritoneal dialysis device to improve cavity filling management and dialysis efficiency (SmartPD). Glomeria focuses on research, development and commercialization of devices to treat and cure acute forms of nephropathy. The company raised over €1m in venture capital to industrialize its technologies and to finalize clinical studies, leveraging Spindial’s expertise.

Led · Equity · Dec 2014

D-Orbit leverages its experience with flown orbital transfer vehicles to offer managed orbital logistics services, including last-mile payload delivery, orbital transfer and hosted services on a subscription basis. The company is pursuing a Deorbit-as-a-Service (DaaS) model intended to let customers define mission objectives while D-Orbit provides the vehicle and operations, aiming to reduce time and cost compared with buying dedicated hardware. Through the DIU/SDA award, D-Orbit Space will demonstrate rendezvous, docking and other on-orbit capabilities that could enable refueling, repair, inspection and repositioning missions in low Earth orbit. For the DaaS demonstration D-Orbit Space will lead the effort with partners TransAstra and Falcon Exodynamics. The company positions the service model as scalable and resilient to meet repeated government mission demands.