Participated · Seed · Dec 2020

Deepwave Digital develops integrated hardware/software solutions that use deep learning to improve wireless system performance. Its AIR-T product line offers a software-defined radio for implementing neural networks within wireless radios. The company provides enterprise-level sensor solutions for RF and wireless system companies across telecommunications, spectrum management, defense, and aerospace. Their software-defined technology combines traditional radio processes with AI and deep learning to address challenges such as cognitive radio, signal detection, classification, and localization. Deepwave closed a $3M seed round, adding to $1.2M previously raised. The company is based in Philadelphia, PA.

Led · Series B · Jan 2019

Tippy, operated by parent DirectTIPS LLC and based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, offers a digital tipping system built for salon and spa professionals. The product includes a mobile app (available in app stores) and a salon-facing customer terminal (available at meettippy.com). Tippy launched in early December and is already operating in 60 salons. The platform focuses on increasing service professionals' tips and depositing them into their personal bank accounts the next day. The company is led by CEO David Tashjian and Founder/CIO Terry McKim. Proceeds from the recent financing will support a nationwide roll out. DirectTIPS is the parent company of Tippy, a digital tipping system designed for salon and beauty industry professionals. The company’s technology offers a suite of tools meant to reduce salon owners’ processing fees and improve service providers’ tips. Tippy was slated for launch in August 2018. DirectTIPS said it will use the Series A proceeds to accelerate product innovation and market expansion. The company is led by CEO/President David Tashjian and has recruited industry veterans such as Pat Parenty and Michael Sampson to its advisory board. The business is based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Participated · Equity · Sep 2018

Group K Diagnostics develops the MultiDiagnostic, a microfluidic point-of-care device that provides test results in 20 minutes. The device is intended to give patients direct access to medical results and enable physicians to adjust treatments more quickly. The company plans to use the new funds to expand laboratory infrastructure and hire lab technicians and support staff. It is also using resources to complete the work needed to obtain 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Leadership includes Brianna Wronko (CEO), Joe Geromini (COO) and Emilia Lopez-Ona (CSO). Financially, the company recently closed a $2.0M Series A after a prior $425K angel round; backers for the Series A were not disclosed. Group K Diagnostics is developing a point-of-care testing device that uses a microfluidic test strip read by a mobile app to deliver rapid results. Its liver-function panel, which needs only two drops of blood, is undergoing a clinical trial at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The company says it will use the new $800,000 angel round to expand its team and fuel clinical trials and to advance work toward FDA 510(k) clearance. The team totals 11 people split between Philadelphia and a four-person development team in India, and the company recently moved into a new office at 3025 Market. Group K is a Dreamit company and CEO Brianna Wronko said the product could be in providers' hands as early as July 2019 pending FDA approval. Wronko emphasizes basing progress on data and scientific validation in contrast to high-profile failures in the space.