Led · Seed · Aug 2021

TOP the organic project is a women-owned period-product company that makes 100% certified organic-cotton tampons and pads, marketed as hypoallergenic and free from synthetics, toxins, pesticides, dyes and fragrances. Its tampons use a trademarked Planticator®, a plant-based applicator designed to replace traditional plastic applicators. The brand operates a give-back model to address period poverty, having donated nearly 750,000 period products, and supports food banks and school districts through philanthropic partnerships. Since founding in 2018, TOP has expanded into about 1,500 retailers nationwide, including Sprouts, HEB, Wegmans and Target.com, and has reported triple-digit year-over-year growth. With the newly announced $2 million seed extension (part of $3 million raised since founding), the company plans to expand retail presence and product offerings, bolster marketing, and grow its team. TOP has also launched partnerships with Imperfect Foods and rolled out a First Period Gift Box for teens and parents to drive education and accessibility.

Participated · Series A · Mar 2021

Founders First Capital Partners is a San Diego-based revenue-based finance and advisory support investment platform serving underserved small businesses. The company combines an accelerator model — including educational curriculum and expert coaching — with direct funding through proprietary accelerator programs and a learning platform. Its growth methodologies aim to transition service-based businesses into $5M to $50M recurring revenue, tech-enabled companies while offering high-yield investments for fund LPs that perform like bonds but generate returns on par with equity. Founders First runs multiple cohort programs (three through the Founders Business Growth Bootcamp and four through the FastPath Funding Growth Experience) and works with hundreds of entrepreneurs each year. Over the past five years it has supported more than 400 companies and reports an average of 25% year-over-year growth among those businesses. The company is led by Founder and CEO Kim Folsom.

Participated · Seed · May 2020

AllHere combines conversational AI, behavioral science, and interactive nudges to automate personalized two-way text messaging that drives attendance and engagement in K-12 districts. Its chatbot delivers 24/7, evidence-based support so teachers and staff can focus on higher-value interactions. The company acquired EdNudge (developed at Columbia University’s Teachers College) in 2020 to bolster its automated messaging capabilities. AllHere’s platform is used in 8,000 schools across 34 states. The company is led by CEO and founder Joanna Smith. Proceeds from the recent fundraise are intended to grow the chatbot’s capabilities and expand operations and business reach. AllHere offers a research-based attendance-tracking platform for K-12 districts that organizes family-survey responses, supports customized intervention strategies, and automates outreach via text and email. The company works with districts to create family engagement plans and to connect families with local resources addressing housing, food, and transportation barriers. AllHere has added features for the COVID era, including a map of local meal distribution sites and a communication app to help schools and families reach one another. The startup works with about 1,100 schools concentrated on the eastern seaboard and plans to expand product capabilities to help manage absenteeism remotely. Founded by Joanna Smith, a former school family engagement director, the company emphasizes caring, non-punitive approaches to re-engage students. The seed financing will fund team growth and development of new remote-intervention features.