Participated · Equity · Jan 2023

Orbital Sidekick operates a constellation-based hyperspectral sensing system and an in-house analytics platform called SIGMA to generate intelligence for pipeline and energy-asset monitoring. Its sensors collect more than 500 spectral channels and deliver roughly eight-meter spatial resolution to detect chemical fingerprints such as gas leaks. The company has flown a breadbox-sized hyperspectral demo on the ISS in 2018 and a 30-kg Aurora tech-demo satellite in June 2021, and it generates revenue today through aerial programs. Orbital Sidekick is planning initial commercial satellite launches (two on SpaceX’s Transporter-7, plus additional launches on Transporter-8 and -9) to build a six-satellite GHOSt constellation before winter. It is also developing defense applications and won a $16 million STRATFI contract from the U.S. Air Force, which the article describes as non-diluted capital that accelerated its plans. The founders, Dan Katz and Tushar Prabhakar, started the company in 2016 in San Francisco. Orbital Sidekick builds and deploys hyperspectral sensors on satellites to provide advanced monitoring solutions for the energy sector and other industries. The company has developed pilot programs and external partnerships, notably with Phillips 66 and the iPIPE Partnership (including Energy Transfer and TC Energy). It is transitioning to expanded satellite operations in 2021 with a path toward full commercialization in 2022 and plans to launch its Global Hyperspectral Observation Satellite (GHOSt) constellation on multiple SpaceX Falcon 9 missions beginning in Q1 2022. Orbital Sidekick is applying its analytics platform to pipeline leak prevention and monitoring, regional fire risk detection, global emissions monitoring, clean energy exploration, and mineral detection. The company intends to use the new funding to expand product offerings, form new strategic partnerships, and introduce its monitoring technology to new industries. Orbital Sidekick is based in San Francisco, CA.

Participated · Series A · Dec 2022

LongPath builds proprietary, laser‑based sensing nodes that deliver precise quantification and localization of methane emissions and real‑time data to customers via a dashboard. Its solution supports LDAR, OOOO, OGMP and other regulated programs to help operators reduce emissions and meet compliance. The company traces its technology to research at the University of Colorado Boulder and NIST and emphasizes commercialization of lab‑developed quantum optics. LongPath says it will deploy sensing nodes across all U.S. production basins to enable rapid leak detection and mitigation. Management highlights job creation, operator partnerships through the PathFinder Program, and broader plans to commercialize globally. The company recently closed a major DOE loan that will finance nationwide deployment. LongPath Technologies develops patented systems to continuously monitor and quantify methane emissions, offering flexible coverage from a single site up to 20+ sites across 20 square miles. Its platform delivers real-time, actionable insights with equipment-level localization and quantification vetted through a peer-reviewed, blind-tested methodology. Systems allow operators to tailor measurement frequency, quantification rigor, detection thresholds, and alert modalities to match facility types, operational goals, and budgets. Led by CEO Ian Dickinson and based in Boulder, CO, the company targets energy and industrial infrastructure customers. LongPath plans to scale deployments across existing and new customers and markets and further develop its technology for use across oil and gas, waste management, mining, and urban monitoring sectors. The company recently completed a $22M Series A to fund those expansion and product-development efforts.

Participated · Series A · Aug 2022

Aurora Hydrogen develops a patented microwave-driven methane pyrolysis process that produces low-cost hydrogen and a valuable solid carbon co-product while avoiding CO₂ capture and storage. Its modular, scalable systems are designed for distributed deployment within ports, vessels, industrial hubs and logistics centers to supply low-carbon hydrogen where it is needed. The company has demonstrated technical performance—achieving 99% microwave absorption and over 85% natural gas-to-hydrogen conversion in multiple campaigns—and is optimizing a demonstration plant for continuous production. Aurora is targeting commercial operations in 2027 and plans to use recent funding to advance maritime applications and commercialization. Financially, Aurora has raised $14 million to date from investors including Oldendorff Overseas Investments, EIC Rose Rock, Energy Innovation Capital, Williams, Chevron Technology Ventures and Shell Ventures, and has received roughly $10 million from Canadian government and grant programs.