Participated · Series A · Dec 2021

Ant Money was founded in March 2020 by serial fintech founders Walter Cruttenden and Mike Gleason; Gleason serves as CEO. The company operates a platform built around three apps — ATM, Blast and Learn & Earn — that let users earn micro-income, learn about investing, and open investment accounts via SEC-licensed advisors and embedded finance tools. ATM lets users earn what Ant Money says can amount to $100–$1,000 or more per year based on engagement; the platform routes rewards and advertising income into investment accounts and offers a hybrid portfolio model (ETFs plus up to 50% allocation to curated individual stocks). Prior to merging with Blast, Ant Money’s apps had acquired more than 500,000 users in the past 12 months, of whom about 100,000 held investment accounts; the company aims for 1 million investment accounts and over 3 million users by the end of next year. The startup employs about 55 people and plans to use new capital to grow headcount and continue customer acquisition. Its revenue mix combines adtech, monthly subscription fees for educational content, and corporate or nonprofit-sponsored content and courses.

Participated · Equity · Jun 2008

GreatCall Inc. is a San Diego, CA-based developer of health and wellness wireless services focused on the mature population. The company provides cell phone handsets and apps, including The 5Star™ and The Jitterbug™, sold nationwide at retailers such as Wal‑Mart, Best Buy, Sears, Meijer, Radio Shack Dealer Franchise, Fry’s Electronics and ShopKo. Its services provide coverage across the U.S. and Canada. GreatCall is backed by Charles River Ventures, Court Square Ventures, Nauta Capital, Steelpoint Capital Partners and Sumitomo. The company received a $7m subordinated venture loan from NXT Capital Venture Finance. It intends to use the additional capital to expand its portfolio of services for consumers. GreatCall builds the Jitterbug phone as a counterpoint to feature-rich smartphones, targeting users who primarily want to make voice calls. The device features large, easy-to-see keys, a backlit display with large dialing numbers, powerful speakers for loud volume, and 24-hour operators who can dial calls and add contacts. Service for the phone starts at $10 a month, and coverage is available in the U.S. and Canada. Jitterbug is sold through retailers including Best Buy, Sears, select CVS locations, Beltone Hearing Centers, and wireless retailers nationwide. The company launched the phone in 2006 and is led by founders Marty Cooper and Arlene Harris, both noted figures in wireless history.

Led · Series B · Jan 2007

Workshare provides document-management and collaboration software used primarily by law firms to track changes, generate audit trails, and control access to files. The product supports cloud deployment, file sync and share, cross-device access, and the ability to remotely halt access or wipe documents when integrated with mobile device management. Workshare acquired SkyDox (a file sync and share tool) and IdeaPlane (a cloud collaboration platform) using $33.8M in funding in September 2012. The company emphasizes integration with content management and workflow systems and works closely with customers to ensure proper use and integration. It maintains two post-sale teams—Customer Support and Customer Success—both reporting to a Chief Customer Officer. Part of the new financing will be used to expand those customer-facing departments. The company was founded in 1999. Workshare develops content management software aimed at addressing compliance issues. The San Francisco company sells products including Workshare Protect and has OEM and partner relationships, such as an OEM deal with Secure Computing and recognition from Microsoft. Workshare said it has raised $23 million in a second round of capital (Series B) led by Steelpoint Capital Partners with participation from Intel Capital and London-based Quester. The company stated it will use the funds to acquire other companies that sell similar products. Workshare reported record growth and customer acquisition in 2006 and has received praise from industry test labs and publications including CRN, InfoWorld, EContent Magazine, SC Magazine, Info Security, the SIAA CODiE Awards, and Government Computer News. Its products and company have also been highlighted in outlets including the Associated Press, The New York Times, Investor’s Business Daily, San Francisco Business Times, Time Magazine and ZDNet.