Participated · Seed · Nov 2022

Vitro3D is developing a cartridge-based volumetric 3D printing platform that enables sub-minute, high-resolution fabrication of complex parts with a broad range of material properties and minimal post-processing. The company combines hardware, software and materials formulations to produce parts for medical devices and tissue engineering. Vitro3D intends to use its seed financing to produce prototype printers capable of delivering complex three-dimensional objects in seconds. Initial commercial focus includes producing dental aligners and scaffolds for 3D cell culture and tissue engineering. Led by cofounder and CEO Dr. Camila Uzcategui, Vitro3D is a spinout from the University of Colorado Boulder and is a client of Innosphere Ventures through The Colorado Life Science Incubation Program. The company is based in Boulder, CO.

Participated · Series B · Nov 2022

Starfire Energy develops modular systems for synthesis of 100% green ammonia and for cracking ammonia into hydrogen, centered on its Rapid Ramp and Prometheus Fire product lines. Rapid Ramp is designed to produce green ammonia from air, water, and renewable energy and can rapidly ramp production up and down to match intermittent renewables without hydrogen or energy storage. Prometheus Fire is an advanced cracking system that operates at lower temperatures to convert ammonia into hydrogen and create cost-effective ammonia-hydrogen blends to replace natural gas. The company says its modular approach enables easier, safer, and cheaper storage and transportation versus other carbon-free fuels, leveraging existing ammonia infrastructure. Starfire is pursuing field demonstration programs and aims to commercialize and ship products worldwide. The company is a Colorado Public Benefit Corporation headquartered in Denver and was founded in 2007; it holds patented technologies for its systems. Starfire Energy designs modular chemical plants that synthesize zero‑carbon ammonia and crack ammonia back into hydrogen using patented catalysis technology. Its Rapid Ramp NH3 synthesis technology makes ammonia from renewable energy, air, and water, and the Prometheus Carbon‑free Fire system cracks ammonia to yield hydrogen for storage and transport. The modular systems are mass‑produced and assembled onsite for scalability, aiming to connect directly with renewable energy sources and provide distributed zero‑carbon fuel. Starfire targets applications including utility gas turbines, large ships, industrial process heat (steel and cement), and fuel‑cell vehicles. Proceeds from the announced funding will be used to accelerate scale‑up of systems and expand global operations and commercial deployments. The company communicated from Denver and emphasizes commercialization of its technologies to decarbonize ammonia production and enable ammonia as a zero‑carbon energy carrier.

Participated · Series A · Oct 2021

Founded in 2017 in Fort Collins, Colorado, Tilt (Career Allies, Inc.) is building a cloud-based platform that guides employers and employees through every stage of a leave of absence. The software delivers a research-backed, inclusive workflow that helps companies retain talent, support managers, and ensure respectful transitions during parental or other leaves. By automating complex compliance tasks and offering employee-centric support tools, Tilt aims to reduce turnover and attract new generations of workers. The company positions its Talent in Leave Technology (TiLT) as an easy-to-use SaaS solution that replaces fragmented, manual processes. Proceeds from its new Series A funding will be directed toward further engineering and product enhancements that “turn current leave management systems on their heads” and deepen the platform’s humanized support features. No operating metrics such as revenue or user numbers were disclosed in the articles.

Led · Equity · Sep 2021

Gruvi offers a line of non-alcoholic beers and wines, including Secco, Rosé, Red, IPA, Stout, Pale Ale and Lager, with some drinks as low as 26 calories. The brand is sold in roughly 1,500 retail locations across the U.S., Canada and Australia, including Total Wine & More, Whole Foods, BevMo, Safeway and Target. Co-founded and led by Anika Sawni and Niki Sawni, the company emphasizes product innovation and low-calorie alternatives. Gruvi plans to use new funding to accelerate team growth, expand distribution and continue investing in product development. The company has engaged experienced operators and advisors to support leadership and strategy. Rita Valois will join the board of directors while Phil Donne and Jill Holmstrom will serve in active advisory roles.

Led · Series A · Jun 2021

Allotrope Medical develops StimSite™, an FDA-cleared smooth muscle stimulation device that leverages surgeons’ existing laparoscopic and robotic instruments to identify and locate the ureter during pelvic operations. The company is led by founder and CEO Albert Huang, MD, and is based in Houston, TX. StimSite™ is positioned as an intraoperative tool to reduce ureteral injury risk by improving ureter visualization. Allotrope Medical intends to use newly raised funds to accelerate its commercialization plans. The company closed a $4M Series A financing to support those efforts. No operating metrics were disclosed in the article. Allotrope Medical is a Houston-based medical device company developing an innovative surgical device intended to identify ureters and decrease the rate of injury during surgery. The company is led by Founder and CEO Albert Huang MD and is advancing the device through continued development funded by a recent financing. The round was led by Houston Health Ventures with syndication support from the Houston Angel Network; the amount raised was undisclosed. In conjunction with the financing, David Franklin, Managing Director of HHV, will join the Board of Directors alongside Donald Gonzales MD (Founder/CMO, Spirox Inc.) and Mira Sahney (former SVP and GM, Gynecology and ENT Divisions, Smith & Nephew). Allotrope said it will use the funds to continue device development and is targeting commercial availability in late 2018. No operating metrics or prior funding details were disclosed in the article.