Participated · Seed · Feb 2026

Derapi builds the connective software infrastructure that allows distributed energy resources (DERs) to plug into grid programs through a single, standardized API. Its platform offers secure data access, device control, and authorization, turning fragmented devices into coordinated grid-scale assets for utilities, virtual power plant operators, and energy software providers. The company is led by veterans from EnergyHub, Enphase, AutoGrid, and Proterra who aim to eliminate integration complexity in the rapidly expanding DER ecosystem. Customer feedback, including from Uplight, indicates that Derapi dramatically shortens the time required to onboard new battery partners. With electricity demand rising and grid reliability under pressure, Derapi positions itself as the trusted interoperability layer that unlocks flexibility and resilience. The newly secured funding will expand the team and support connectivity for millions of smart energy devices across the United States. Although the company has not disclosed revenue or user numbers, its focus is on scaling adoption of its universal integration layer among energy innovators.

Participated · Equity · Dec 2025

Aether Biomachines combines purpose-built artificial intelligence with high-throughput robotics to create proteins that function as molecular assemblers for manufacturing and environmental applications. The company’s proprietary Protein Function Model, trained on in-house experimental data, has already generated seven new protein classes capable of extracting rare earth metals, recycling plastics, capturing CO₂, degrading PFAS, and enabling complex pharmaceutical synthesis. Its first commercial materials, RapidPrint and Ultra, are polymer additives that allow 3D-printed parts to be produced up to 10× faster and with 2× the strength of current industry benchmarks, a key advantage for defense and aerospace customers. Aether plans to scale these materials products while expanding its protein-design platform to address additional industrial challenges. The firm positions itself as a catalyst for a new industrial revolution by replacing large, costly chemical plants with nanoscale protein machinery that works more efficiently and sustainably. Total capital raised now stands at $64 million, providing resources to accelerate product commercialization and deepen partnerships across manufacturing, sustainability, and national security sectors.

Participated · Seed · Apr 2025

Series is building an AI-native social experience that operates inside the iMessage messaging surface rather than as a standalone app. The founders, Nathaneo Johnson and Sean Hargrow, position the product to leverage default messaging as distribution for Gen Z and young professionals. The company reports early traction across more than 750 college campuses and an 82% Day 30 retention rate among activated users. Series has raised $5.1 million in pre-seed capital from a mix of venture and angel investors. The startup is headquartered in New York, New York. No revenue figures or other financial metrics were disclosed in the coverage.

Participated · Series C · Dec 2024

Jiko combines the protections of a regulated national bank with a modern technology stack that automatically invests deposits in U.S. Treasury bills, giving clients a safe, yield-generating alternative to traditional demand deposits. Its API-driven platform allows institutions to hold and move corporate cash, settle high-volume transactions in real time, and access liquidity 24/7. The company recently launched JikoNet, a continuous fiat-settlement network purpose-built for institutions that need round-the-clock U.S.-dollar transfers. Jiko’s privacy-first architecture minimizes counter-party risk while maintaining compliance through its broker-dealer, Jiko Securities, Inc., and its banking division, Jiko Bank. The model has attracted digital-asset firms that require faster, safer on- and off-ramps between fiat and crypto markets. Industry veteran Breanne Madigan has joined as Managing Director and Head of Digital Assets to accelerate penetration of the crypto and fintech sectors. Although the company did not disclose revenue or user figures, it highlighted growing institutional adoption through new partnerships with Coinbase, Crypto.com, Bitso, and Blockstream Capital Partners.

Participated · Series A · Oct 2024

Notpla is a materials-innovation company that creates natural, seaweed-derived packaging and coatings intended to disappear harmlessly after use. The firm is now spearheading a three-year consortium to design a market-ready coffee cup featuring a fully natural, plastic-free coating that can be home-composted. Backed by a €4 million Horizon Europe grant, the project will investigate new coating chemistries, scalable production methods and real-world performance testing that comply with EU waste-management regulations. Notpla’s existing solutions have already displaced more than 35 million plastic single-use items across food service, events and retail. By targeting the estimated 500 billion disposable cups used annually, the company seeks to unlock a major new application for its technology. Fourteen partners spanning material science, manufacturing, academia and food service will collaborate to ensure the cup performs under high-volume hospitality conditions. The non-dilutive funding strengthens Notpla’s balance sheet while expanding its IP portfolio and product roadmap. Successful execution could position Notpla as a leading supplier of plastic-free packaging to global beverage and hospitality markets.