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December 30, 2024 - Phase Genomics, a Hemi portfolio company, partnered with AnimalBiome and KittyBiome to uncover 22 previously unknown bacterial species in cat microbiomes using the ProxiMeta™ Hi-C platform. Samples from internet-famous cat Lil BUB and Danny, a cat owned by a microbiologist, revealed these discoveries, which promise to deepen understanding of feline gut health. The findings contribute to efforts to improve microbiome databases and develop better solutions for pet health issues like chronic digestive problems. Phase Genomics’ cutting-edge genomic tools are paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries in microbial diversity and health applications.
December 23, 2024 - MemryX Inc., a Hemi portfolio company and leader in AI accelerators for edge computing, has launched its Developer Hub, offering free tools and resources to streamline the deployment of MemryX Edge AI accelerators. Designed for developers of all experience levels, the hub emphasizes automated tools and open-source accessibility, enabling efficient use of an unlimited range of source models without modifications. “With the public launch of our Developer Hub, our goal is to make it as easy and open as possible for anyone to implement accelerated Edge AI applications,” said Keith Kressin, CEO of MemryX. Telit Cinterion, a global IoT leader, praised the platform for its seamless integration and effectiveness in enhancing Industrial 4.0 deployments.
December 16, 2024 - Apprentice.io, a Hemi portfolio company, announced its expansion into regulated industries beyond pharmaceuticals, including Food & Beverage, Nutraceuticals, Animal Health, and Chemicals, leveraging its AI-powered Tempo Manufacturing Cloud Platform. Designed to streamline batch-based manufacturing processes, Tempo offers capabilities like recipe authoring, execution, and collaboration across sites and teams. “Our product has been battle-tested by the toughest industry in the world, Pharma, but it can be applied to other batch-based manufacturing operations in need of a single platform to unify their operations,” said Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO and co-founder. To support this expansion, Apprentice launched a 30-day free trial of its platform and will host an October webinar on using AI to enhance manufacturing efficiency.
December 9, 2024 - Phenomic AI, a biotech company in the Hemi portfolio, specializes in using AI and machine learning to develop innovative treatments for difficult-to-treat cancers. The company has partnered with the Data Sciences Institute (DSI) at the University of Toronto to hire data science certificate graduates, recognizing their combination of technical programming skills in Python and domain expertise in cancer biology. These hires are instrumental in expanding Phenomic AI's cancer-focused database by curating, onboarding, and standardizing data, while also developing tools to streamline these processes. Phenomic AI values DSI graduates for their ability to bridge technical and healthcare-specific knowledge, which enhances onboarding efficiency and contributes significantly to the company's mission.
December 3, 2024 - Hemi portfolio Ample has secured a $25 million investment from Mitsubishi Corporation to accelerate the global expansion of its battery-swapping technology. This partnership aligns with Mitsubishi’s goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050, leveraging its expertise in renewable energy and EV advancements. Ample’s collaborations with major fleets and OEMs in Japan, such as Stellantis and Mitsubishi Fuso, have demonstrated the demand for practical electrification solutions, especially in urban areas. The investment will support Ample in overcoming infrastructure challenges and making electric vehicles as convenient as traditional gas-powered ones.
November 25, 2024 - Point One Navigation, a Hemi portfolio company, plays a pivotal role in enabling autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to achieve the precise positioning required for their diverse applications. AMRs rely on relative positioning, using sensors like cameras, radar, and lidar to detect and navigate around objects, and absolute positioning through GNSS and RTK corrections to maintain accuracy in large-scale environments. This dual approach is essential in industries such as agriculture, last-mile delivery, and construction, where precision ensures efficiency and safety. Point One’s Polaris RTK network, featuring over 1,700 base stations worldwide, delivers the high-density, reliable positioning corrections needed for these cutting-edge robotics solutions.
November 18, 2024 - Apprentice.io, aHemi Ventures portfolio, has partnered with Blue Mountain to deliver a groundbreaking integration for life sciences manufacturing. By connecting Blue Mountain’s RAM system with Apprentice’s Tempo platform, this collaboration enables real-time access to equipment calibration and inspection data, reducing the need for manual tracking and coordination meetings. Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO of Apprentice.io, emphasized the impact, stating, “By openly exchanging data between our technologies, we’re not just optimizing workflows, but setting the stage for the future of predictive maintenance.” This advancement marks a significant step toward fully automated asset management in the industry.
November 11, 2024 - Upfort, a cybersecurity and insurance platform within the Hemi portfolio, has partnered with Arch Insurance to expand cyber insurance options for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other groups. This collaboration aims to offer enhanced security tools, competitive pricing, and streamlined digital experiences, supporting wider cyber resilience. Upfort's technology will integrate with Arch’s insurance solutions, focusing on proactive loss control and automated underwriting. Together, they plan to meet rising demands in cyber insurance as premiums are projected to grow significantly through 2025.
November 4, 2024 - Aaron Nathan, CEO of Point One Navigation, leads the development of cutting-edge sensor fusion technology focused on precise location tracking and navigation. As part of the Hemi portfolio, Point One Navigation specializes in integrating GNSS and IMU data to enable highly accurate, resource-efficient solutions for self-driving vehicles and other robotic applications. According to Nathan, “Our philosophy is you need to make sure you’re helping your customer get all the way to the point of it actually being installed and operating.” The company’s Polaris RTK corrections network provides global coverage, supporting a range of emerging technologies in both consumer and industrial robotics.
October 28, 2024 - Point One Navigation, a Hemi portfolio, has launched Virtual RTK, expanding its Polaris product line to provide continent-wide, centimeter-level precision coverage with 99.9% uptime. Virtual RTK, powered by advanced SSR technology, offers comprehensive coverage and value for large-scale operations, complementing the True RTK service known for its precision. The Polaris platform now offers one of the most complete RTK correction services in the world, supporting a variety of applications from individuals to enterprises. CEO Aaron Nathan noted, "We are providing our customers with a comprehensive suite of correction tools for high-precision positioning, at a price that makes the most sense for their particular application."
October 21, 2024 - Hemi portfolio Ample is reviving interest in EV battery swapping with a fresh approach to make it more affordable and efficient. The U.S. startup claims its swapping stations are significantly cheaper to build and operate than fast-charging stations, reducing energy costs by 10–20% compared to gasoline. Ample's system aims to swap batteries in just a few minutes, offering a fast alternative to both traditional EV charging and fuel refills. This cost-effective model could accelerate EV adoption, particularly in electric truck fleets.
October 14, 2024 - Kroger Health is partnering with Persephone Biosciences, a Hemi portfolio, for a gut microbiome study called "Ambrosia," aimed at exploring how diet and lifestyle impact gut health. The study will include 400 participants across four groups, evaluating the effects of nutrition coaching and probiotic/prebiotic supplements. Persephone Biosciences CEO, Stephanie Culler, highlighted the potential impact of the research, stating, “We believe this study will break new ground in assessing the impact of nutrition coaching...on a subject’s diet quality and microbiome composition.” The study will provide valuable insights into the role of diet and the microbiome in health issues such as allergies and immune response.
October 7, 2024 - In a recent episode of the pharmaphorum Podcast, Nicole Raleigh spoke with Brian Fiske, co-founder and chief scientific officer of Mythic Therapeutics, Inc., a Hemi Ventures portfolio company. Fiske discussed the potential of ADCs (antibody-drug conjugates) to replace chemotherapy by targeting cancer cells more precisely, as traditional ADCs often deliver over 95% of the dose to healthy tissues, reducing efficacy and increasing toxicity. Mythic's innovative FateControl platform aims to solve this by delivering more treatment to tumors and less to normal cells. Fiske also highlighted exciting future advancements, such as self-navigating ADCs and degrader payloads, which could further improve ADC performance.
September 30, 2024 - Generative AI is currently attracting significant venture capital, with promises of transforming industries, but only accounts for 20% of all startup funding rounds. Despite this attention, venture capitalists are wary of overinvesting due to competition with major tech players and the need for diversification. Historical trends show that even during disruptive tech booms, investors spread their funds across diverse sectors. Skepticism remains around AI's long-term impact, with some comparing its current hype to previous tech bubbles like cryptocurrency. The cautious approach VCs are taking toward generative AI, despite the hype, offers insight into how we should approach emerging technologies and trends.
September 23, 2024 - Ample, a Hemi portfolio, has emerged as a key player in battery swapping technology, partnering with Stellantis for the Fiat 500e and Mitsubishi Fuso for electric trucks in Japan. In a pilot project with Yamato Transport, Mitsubishi’s eCanter trucks will use Ample’s fully automated battery swap stations, allowing batteries to be replaced in just five minutes. This system could reduce downtime for electric trucks and expand their range, making EVs more practical for commercial use. However, the success of this technology depends on building enough swap stations to make it viable for wide-scale adoption.
September 16, 2024 - Hemi portfolio Upfort, a leading cybersecurity and insurance platform, has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the 2024 Fortress Cybersecurity Award, Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, and Global InfoSec Awards. The company received accolades for its comprehensive cyber protection solutions and its cutting-edge approach to risk management and insurance. Upfort's CEO, Xing X., expressed excitement over the industry's recognition and reaffirmed the company's commitment to advancing cyber resilience. The awards highlight Upfort's significant impact on enhancing cybersecurity and risk management in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
September 9, 2024 - Interpreting SLAM LiDAR data involves challenges such as balancing quality with efficiency, handling precision limitations, and the labor-intensive process of data stitching. These difficulties have prompted companies like Tesla to move away from LiDAR, seeking alternatives. Point One Navigation, a Hemi portfolio company, addresses these issues with its Atlas INS, which uses high-precision GNSS technology to eliminate the need for manual stitching, enhancing global georeferencing accuracy and efficiency. This innovative approach allows developers to scale mapping projects quickly and easily, unlocking new opportunities in fields like autonomous vehicles and robotics.
September 3, 2024 - Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) is partnering with Ample, a Hemi portfolio, to demonstrate battery-swapping technology for EV trucks on public roads in Kyoto, Japan. Ample’s fully automated battery-swapping stations will enable the quick exchange of swappable battery modules in the electric light-duty eCanter trucks within five minutes, significantly reducing vehicle downtime. This pilot aims to explore the scalability of battery-swapping for EV trucks, potentially offering a new solution to extend driving ranges and enhance operational efficiency. The collaboration marks a key step toward expanding the use of carbon-neutral logistics and transforming EV infrastructure in Japan.
September 2, 2024 - Labor Day is a celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers and a tribute to their invaluable contributions. On this day, Hemi encourages everyone to show gratitude to the entrepreneurial rebels who are driving technological advances and transforming industries to make our lives better every day.
August 26, 2024 - Hemi portfolio, Upfort, founded by Xing X., Han Wang, and Josh Riley, unifies cybersecurity and cyber insurance to provide comprehensive cyber risk solutions. Xin’s background includes leadership roles in AI startups and degrees from Carnegie Mellon and Harvard. The company has achieved significant milestones, including serving over 25,000 companies and processing $100M in cyber insurance premiums annually. Upfort aims to continue expanding its reach across various markets, recently partnering with the Washington Hospitality Association to protect over 6,000 industry members.
August 19, 2024 - Congratulations to Hemi portfolio company Ample on being recognized at the 2024 Stellantis Venture Awards for its innovative modular-designed battery-swapping system. This system allows easy integration into electric vehicles without requiring reengineering of the vehicle platform. Ample's technology offers a low-cost, fast-to-deploy solution that delivers energy across multiple vehicle platforms using the same infrastructure. This recognition highlights Ample's potential to significantly enhance the scalability and efficiency of EV energy solutions within Stellantis' ecosystem.
August 12, 2024 - The Osceola County School District is collaborating with Smart Radar System, a Hemi portfolio, to install sensors on school buses that detect pedestrians when the bus is stopped. This technology, the first of its kind in Central Florida, aims to prevent accidents by alerting drivers if anyone is too close. The initiative was inspired by the tragic death of 9-year-old Elyas Amyr Marshall Rodriguez, who was hit by a school bus earlier this year. "Saving children’s lives is our highest priority. That’s our mission," said Paul Yonghwan Kim, CEO of Smart Radar System. The system, which also includes sensors inside the bus, is expected to be operational in the coming months pending state approval in September.
August 6, 2024 - The future of precision medicine hinges on faster, unified, and shareable databases for comprehensive data analysis to enhance patient outcomes.Hemi portfolio Phenomic utilizes machine learning on single-cell data to discover new cancer treatments, overcoming initial database limitations. At the core of the company's work is a target discovery platform where scientists can apply machine learning to single cell data amassed at scale, enabling the discovery of novel stromal targets.Phenomic is now successfully identifying game-changing new treatments for patients with stroma-rich cancers, treating many more patients more comprehensively.
July 29, 2024 - Hemi portfolio Point One Navigation has introduced new features to their Polaris network, enhancing precise positioning for fleets of drones and other devices. The key update is a tagging system that simplifies integration with Point One’s API, allowing customers to use their native data and IDs. This system eliminates the need for complex data synchronization, enabling real-time operations. Additionally, a new device search UI allows users to filter and manage devices by various attributes, improving fleet management efficiency. Point One makes reliable, accurate positioning accessible for anyone, whether they are operating a handful of drones or deploying fleets worldwide.
July 22, 2024 - Ample, a Hemi portfolio, is revolutionizing EV charging with its battery swap technology. The company's groundbreaking technology allows electric vehicle owners to swap their car batteries in under five minutes, offering a significant advancement in EV convenience. Stellantis has partnered with Ample to implement this technology, starting with the Free2move car-sharing Fiat 500e fleet this year. This partnership aims to provide greater energy efficiency, outstanding performance, and lower range anxiety for EV users. Ample's modular battery-swapping solution could revolutionize the way we charge electric vehicles, making it faster and more efficient.
July 15, 2024 - In an interview with Slice of Healthcare Network, Sam Cooper, Co-Founder & CTO of Hemi portfolio Phenomic, discussed the intersection of biotech and AI. He explains how they’ve built an advanced technology stack that aggregates single-cell genetic data into a massive repository, enabling rapid identification of new drug targets. Cooper praises TileDB for its efficient handling of sparse data, crucial for their research. Reflecting on his journey, he advises new biotech entrepreneurs to focus on specific problems early on. He shares his excitement about their new partnership and discovery pipeline, aiming to develop a transformative drug for cancer.
July 8, 2024 - Hemi portfolio Point One Navigation has developed an autonomous robotic driving system that allows race cars to navigate tracks safely and efficiently without human intervention. This technology uses Real-time Kinematic (RTK) positioning, which provides centimeter-accurate location data critical for autonomous navigation. The company’s RTK network improves GPS accuracy and simplifies the setup process for surveyors and product creators. Aaron Nathan, CEO of Point One Navigation, shared, “There’s this whole brand-new data product that’s going to exist. Our aim is to make it easy for people to not just generate the data with the network but also use that data in their business processes to help make decisions.”
July 4, 2024 - On Independence Day, we honor the rebellious spirit that has driven our nation's growth and prosperity. Entrepreneurs with their rebel spirit are key to economic development, job creation, and innovation. Just as our forefathers fought for freedom, Hemi's rebels continue to break barriers and challenge norms, advancing technology and transforming industries to shape a brighter future. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate the enduring spirit of freedom, unity, and the relentless drive that makes our nation exceptional.
July 1, 2024 - Mythic Therapeutics, Inc. announced promising initial results from the Phase 1 KisMET-01 study of MYTX-011, a novel cMET-targeting ADC, in treating advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study, presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting, showed MYTX-011 was well-tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicity and demonstrated nearly dose-proportional pharmacokinetics. The study continues to assess safety, tolerability, and preliminary anti-tumor activity, with further efficacy data to be presented in the future. The findings offer hope for patients with diverse cMET expression levels.
June 24, 2024 - Consumer startups face a challenging fundraising environment, with only 10% of those that raised Series A in early 2022 securing Series B funding. The sector has seen a significant drop, especially in direct-to-consumer funding, which plummeted 97% from 2021 to 2023. Despite these challenges, some startups still attract substantial investments, particularly those led by experienced founders focusing on trending technologies like AI. Founders now need to emphasize profitability and organic growth in their pitches, adapting to the new funding landscape by stretching smaller rounds and seeking alternative funding sources.
June 17, 2024 - Point One Navigation, a Hemi portfolio, offers innovative solutions that provide an all-in-one system for precise real-time positioning across various fields, from agriculture to autonomous vehicles. The company's Polaris RTK Correction Service streamlines precise positioning for a range of autonomous applications, enhancing accuracy to about one centimeter. Calian, previously known as Tallysman Wireless, integrated Polaris into its new Smart Antenna, significantly reducing time to market and simplifying the user experience. This integration eliminates the need for encryption key downloads, enabling quick setup and operation.
June 10, 2024 - Hemi portfolio Mythic Therapeutics, Inc. announced the publication of preclinical data on MYTX-011, their investigational cMET-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. The study highlights MYTX-011's pH-dependent binding, which improves payload delivery to tumors with medium to low cMET expression, potentially benefiting a broader range of patients. Preclinical results show that MYTX-011 achieves higher internalization and cytotoxicity than non-pH engineered ADCs, demonstrating superior efficacy in various cancer models. Currently, MYTX-011 is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials to further evaluate its safety and effectiveness.
June 3, 2024 - Alcatraz AI, a Hemi portfolio, is revolutionizing stadium security worldwide with its biometric access control solution powered by AI and facial authentication. This cutting-edge technology enhances security measures while streamlining access for athletes and staff in secured areas. Traditional methods like PIN codes and key cards are no longer sufficient, making biometric solutions the future of access control. With applications in various stadium areas, Alcatraz AI's system offers a frictionless, secure, and efficient experience for all users. Alcatraz AI's Rock system ensures that only authorized individuals can access critical areas, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized entry and enhancing overall stadium safety.
May 28, 2024 - Hemi portfolio Point One Navigation has launched a highly accurate, easy-to-use precision platform for surveyors and GIS product creators via the Polaris RTK Network. This network provides centimeter-accurate positioning across various regions and simplifies the setup process by automatically assigning datums and base stations. Users can connect survey devices quickly and manage them through a single GraphQL API, eliminating the need for complex configurations and legacy network issues. The service offers a transparent pricing model and supports a wide range of commonly used survey devices.
May 20, 2024 - Ample, a Hemi portfolio, is revitalizing EV battery-swapping with innovative technology and strategic partnerships. In 2021, Ample launched five automated battery-swapping stations in San Francisco, specifically designed for Uber drivers, allowing battery exchanges within five minutes. These compact, modular stations can be quickly assembled and retrofitted in existing gas stations and parking lots, making them ideal for urban environments. Recently, Stellantis partnered with Ample to pilot EVs utilizing Ample's technology in Spain, showcasing the potential for widespread adoption of their efficient battery-swapping solutions. The efforts partnerships like this can foster an ecosystem that accelerates EV adoption, with battery-swapping services playing a pivotal role.
May 13, 2024 - Navigating the intricate landscape of autonomous vehicle (AV) development, engineers grapple with the demanding requirements of reliability and safety, distinct from consumer electronics. Faction, a company at the forefront of AV autonomy, strategically partners with Point One Navigation, a Hemi portfolio, to address these challenges. Point One provides a uniform API that works across the journey from the large-scale Atlas boxes to integrated software that runs alongside the “chip down” designs. This has allowed Faction to scale its range of vehicle platforms without changing the embedded code, saving months of retest and validation time. This collaboration optimizes scaling efforts, reducing typical hardware redesign delays inherent in AV development.M
May 6, 2024 - Mythic Therapeutics, Inc., a Hemi portfolio, presented promising preclinical data on MYTX-011, their innovative ADC therapy for cancer, at the AACR Annual Meeting. This investigational therapy targets cMET, showing increased internalization and cytotoxicity in tumor cells expressing moderate cMET levels. MYTX-011's pH-sensitive design allows for broader efficacy across various cMET expression levels, demonstrating potent cytotoxicity in multiple cancer cell lines and increased delivery of the payload in vivo. These findings suggest MYTX-011's potential as a versatile therapeutic candidate for a wide range of cMET-expressing malignancies, currently being evaluated in clinical trials for NSCLC. "We’re pleased to present data that highlight the potential of MYTX-011 as a therapeutic candidate for treating multiple types of solid tumors that express cMET," said Brian Fiske, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder of Mythic.
April 29, 2024 - Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning in drone operations delivers unprecedented precision and effectiveness. Point One Navigation's expansive network of over 1,400 base stations guarantees precise positioning worldwide, spanning regions like North America, Europe, and South Korea. With RTK, drone operators streamline workflows by eliminating the need for complex ground control point setups, facilitating seamless deployment and immediate data collection. With super-precise real-time location data, drones can do more than ever before. Precision agriculture, volumetric measurement, inspection, and a host of other location-based use cases all benefit from RTK technology.
April 22, 2024 - The venture capital (VC) sector is currently undergoing a transformative shift towards methodologies driven by data, analytics, and AI, profoundly altering traditional paradigms in startup investment. By 2025, over 75% of VC deal analyses are expected to be informed by data, analytics, and AI, according to a report by Data-driven VC. This transformation is reshaping how startups are sourced, evaluated, and managed, with an increasing reliance on digital data sources and advanced analytical tools. While data-driven approaches offer significant advantages, successful VC strategies still need to integrate human judgment with analytics to form a balanced investment methodology, highlighting the importance of synergizing data insights with industry expertise.
April 16, 2024 - Hemi portfolio Point One Navigation recently shared a new case study for surveyors and construction industry professionals. Civ Robotics, a trailblazer in transforming land surveying, discovered a pivotal partner in Point One Navigation's Polaris RTK Corrections Network. This innovative collaboration not only revolutionized the construction layout process but also underscored the critical role precision plays in the industry's evolution. By harnessing Point One's expansive base station network, Civ Robotics streamlined operations, significantly slashing setup complexities and costs while enhancing both accuracy and efficiency, marking a monumental leap forward in construction technology.
April 8, 2024 - Ample, a Hemi portfolio specializing in modular battery stations for electric vehicles (EVs), is expanding its reach to Japan through a partnership with ENEOS, introducing the country's first battery swap stations in Kyoto. These drive-through swapping stations, which can complete swaps in just five minutes, will serve several local fleets, including Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and MK Taxi, aiming to address issues such as downtime during charging sessions and insufficient charging infrastructure. With Japan's ambitious decarbonization goals, Ample sees its expansion as a vital step in supporting the country's transition to electric mobility and reducing CO2 emissions.
April 1, 2024 - Aaron Nathan, CEO and founder of Hemi portfolio Point One Navigation, recently published an article at GPSWorld.com. The article discusses how GNSS technology revolutionizes navigation for individuals and machines worldwide, enabling precise positioning crucial for autonomous vehicles and emergency response systems. Various factors such as ephemeris inaccuracies, satellite clock disparities, and atmospheric conditions affect GNSS signal accuracy, prompting the development of correction methods like Real-time Kinematic (RTK), Precise Point Positioning (PPP), and State Space Representation (SSR), each catering to different needs and trade-offs. While RTK offers rapid, accurate results, it requires extensive infrastructure, PPP suits remote locations but takes longer, and SSR provides cutting-edge accuracy but may face accessibility issues with legacy receivers, highlighting the importance of considering cost, speed, and accessibility when choosing a GNSS correction method. Click here to read the full article.
March 25, 2024 - Hemi portfolio Phase Genomics has secured $1.5 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to combat drug-resistant bacteria and methane-producing microorganisms in livestock. The grant supports a year-long project focused on developing an antimicrobial discovery platform, prioritizing Campylobacter infections and methane reduction from cow burps, a major source of greenhouse gases. Leveraging bacteriophages and lysins, Phase Genomics aims to provide an alternative to traditional antibiotics while addressing pressing environmental and health challenges, with collaboration from Lumen Bioscience to assess lysin bioactivity. Ivan Liachko, CEO and co-founder of Phase Genomics, stated, “With support from the Gates Foundation, we’re harnessing our global phage database with the goal of improving human and environmental health and providing a critical alternative to traditional antibiotics.”
March 18, 2024 - In the realm of retail security, maintaining a balance between robust protection and seamless user experience is paramount. Hemi portfolio, Alcatraz AI offers five key strategies to bolster security measures without impeding employee productivity, including enhanced inventory access control, utilization of access control for warehouses, implementation of multi-factor authentication, review of access roles, and adoption of biometric authentication for access points. The company's facial recognition solution, Alcatraz AI Rock, stands out for its ability to provide personalized and frictionless security integration into existing systems.
March 11, 2024 - Hemi portfolio Point One Navigation has announced a successful case study with Faction, a company focused on developing autonomous last-mile delivery systems. Faction's CEO, Ain McKendrick, detailed the choice of Point One Navigation for GPS location services and outlined plans for the future, emphasizing the need for affordable and accurate GPS solutions in scaling autonomous delivery fleets. State of the art sensor fusion techniques and a proprietary network of sensors enable Point One to determine location with unrivaled precision and cost. McKendrick praised Point One's cost-effective and reliable system as a key factor in making driverless delivery vehicles both safe and profitable on a large scale.
March 4, 2024 - Congratulations to Phase Genomics, a Hemi portfolio, for receiving the 2023 "Metagenomics Innovation of the Year" award in the BioTech Breakthrough Awards program. The award recognizes Phase Genomics for its breakthrough ProxiMeta™ metagenomics platform fueling discovery across microbiology research and global health at unprecedented speed and scale. Bryan Vaughn, managing director of BioTech Breakthrough, praised Phase Genomics' metagenomics solution as a "rapid, scalable, resource-efficient" tool that brings significant advancements to global, public, and environmental health. Ivan Liachko, Phase Genomics' founder and CEO, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the company's commitment to addressing biology's blind spots and continuously developing genomic methods for discoveries in research, industry, and clinical applications.
February 26, 2024 - Hemi portfolio Ample has joined forces with Stellantis to deploy its modular battery exchange technology, set to kick off in 2024, initially launching in Europe. The collaboration aims to integrate Ample's battery-swapping solutions into Stellantis electric vehicles, offering users the ability to swiftly replace fully charged batteries at swapping stations. The pilot program, slated for Madrid in 2024, will employ a fleet of 100 Fiat 500e on Stellantis’ Free2Move car-sharing service. This innovative approach not only addresses charging infrastructure challenges but also significantly reduces charging time to under 5 minutes. Khaled Hassounah, CEO of Ample, highlighted the importance of making electric vehicles accessible to all so that the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions can be effectively met.
February 19, 2024 - Phenomic, a Hemi portfolio, has partnered with Astellas Pharma, facilitated by its subsidiary Xyphos Biosciences, to collaborate on the development of solid tumor cell therapies. Phenomic will leverage its scTx single-cell transcriptomics platform for advancing a first-of-its-kind approach to solid cancer drug discovery and development. The collaboration will explore the potential of antibodies designed by Phenomic, targeting a novel tumor stroma identified through its scTx platform to enhance cell therapy strategies for treating solid tumors.
February 12, 2024 - Hemi portfoloio, MemryX Inc. achieved a significant breakthrough by showcasing its MX3 AI accelerator chip on the Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra desktop PC at CES 2024, marking a collaboration that leverages the CPU, GPU, and discrete neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced high-performance computing. The integrated system boasts a configuration supporting up to 40 TFLOPs, enabling seamless execution of various AI-centric applications. The Lenovo ThinkCentre neo Ultra is slated for release in Q2'24, offering a powerful platform for diverse industries, backed by MemryX's edge AI processing solutions.
February 5, 2024 - Precision positioning platform Point One Navigation, a Hemi portfolio, has expanded its Polaris™ Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) location network to South Korea, providing centimeter-accurate location services for businesses and application developers in the region. The Polaris™ network, known for its accuracy in challenging environments, employs compact base stations to reduce position uncertainty and integrates inertial measurement, wheel odometry, and additional sensors through the FusionEngine software. CEO and Founder Aaron Nathan highlighted the network's versatility, stating, "The Polaris™ network will provide comprehensive coverage throughout S. Korea. Existing Polaris customers can immediately utilize the S. Korea integration."
January 30, 2024 - Reflecting on a remarkable year, Hemi is thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of our portfolio companies in 2023. From groundbreaking innovations to unprecedented growth, our partners have demonstrated resilience and success in navigating the dynamic landscape of the tech industry. Click to read Hemi’s Year in Review.
January 29, 2024 - Hemi's portfolio, Alcatraz AI, has unveiled a comprehensive report outlining the anticipated trends that will shape the biometric access control landscape in 2024. Tina D’Agostin, CEO of Alcatraz AI, emphasizes the transformative potential of biometrics in access control, driven by advancements in technology, a heightened focus on individual privacy, and the growing demand for streamlined solutions. The report highlights key trends for the upcoming year, including the spotlight on ethical artificial intelligence, the integration of sustainable technology in biometric access control, and the imperative adherence to data privacy and compliance regulations. Request a free copy of the report here.
January 22, 2024 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio, Phenomic! The Canadian powerhouse, keeping a low profile since 2020, is now making waves with a groundbreaking partnership. Teaming up with Boehringer Ingelheim in a $500M+ collaboration, Phenomic is set to revolutionize cancer therapy. Targeting the tumor stroma, a crucial structure for cancer cells, Phenomic's scTx platform holds the key to new therapeutic horizons. With a dataset of 24 million cells, the biotech is on a mission to unveil novel drug targets that could transform cancer treatment. Beyond the current collaboration, the company is advancing its own drug candidate and promises more revelations in 2024.
January 15, 2024 - Point One Navigation, a Hemi portfolio, has extended its precision location solutions to cover all of Great Britain, enhancing its mission to deliver precise location globally. With the integration of Ordnance Survey's (OS net) base stations into the Polaris Network, Point One offers cm-level accurate GNSS positioning, benefiting industries like ADAS, robotics, and mapping. The integration allows existing Polaris customers immediate access to the UK, without extra costs. Aaron Nathan, CEO of Point One Navigation, emphasized, “Point One Navigation wants precise location to be available everywhere. The expansion to the UK is another significant step in realizing this goal.”
January 8, 2024 - Hemi portfolio, Apprentice.io unveils its 7.2 release of the Tempo Manufacturing Cloud, offering life science manufacturers a flexible approach to digital maturity amidst budget constraints. The update introduces three new offerings—Tempo Digital, Tempo Core, and Tempo Pro—enabling companies to start small and scale according to their needs on a unified platform. Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO & Co-founder of Apprentice, emphasized the company's commitment, stating, "We hear from our customers that they want to maintain their digital initiatives despite tighter 2024 budgets. So we're redefining our offerings to help our customers find a low-risk start to their digital journey and then grow into the full features of our unified platform."
January 1, 2024 - As we stand on the cusp of a new year, Hemi urges all rebel entrepreneurs to reflect upon the milestones and breakthroughs of this past year. Embrace our triumphs and glean insights from challenges to fuel our mission as we reshape industries with cutting-edge technology in 2024. Let this upcoming year be defined by pursuing progress over perfection, relishing each achievement on our path to success. Wishing you a wonderful New Year from the Hemi rebels!
December 25, 2023 - Season's greetings to all of the rebel entrepreneurs pushing boundaries in their industries. Your dedication throughout the year has been remarkable; pause now to reflect on your achievements. As the festivities unfold, may your days be filled with cherished moments alongside loved ones. Hemi sends heartfelt wishes to everyone for a joyous holiday season surrounded by family and friends.
December 18, 2023 - Ample, a Hemi portfolio, is set to revolutionize EV charging in partnership with Stellantis, parent company of Chrysler. The collaboration involves integrating Ample's swappable battery technology into Stellantis' rental EV fleet to alleviate concerns about range and extended charging durations. Ample's automated process allows EV owners to swiftly replace depleted batteries with fully charged ones at its stations, with the initial program launching in Spain in 2024 using a fleet of 100 Fiat 500e models within Stellantis' Free2move car-sharing service. “At Ample, we believe in the importance of making electric vehicles accessible to everyone without compromises, which is the only way that we will make a significant impact on lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Stellantis’ ambitious electrification goals, its range of electric vehicles, and the commitment of its leadership, make Stellantis a perfect partner in achieving our goals,” said Khaled Hassounah, CEO of Ample.
December 11, 2023 - Hemi portfolio, Point One Navigation, has unveiled the Atlas inertial navigation system, described as a significant advancement in real-time precision location technology. The system's user-friendly interface, on-device data storage, and compatibility with smartphones, tablets, and in-car displays make it easily configurable for field engineers. With an accessible starting price of $6,500, Atlas eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming post-processing workflows, providing ground-truth level accuracy in real time for autonomous vehicles, mapping, and other applications. Aaron Nathan, CEO and cofounder of Point One, emphasized the revolutionary impact of Atlas, stating, "It’s a revolution that will redefine what’s possible in the world of precision location."
December 4, 2023 - Phase Genomics, a Hemi portfolio, unveiled groundbreaking data from its OncoTerra cytogenomics platform, presented on the cutting-edge AVITI next-gen sequencing system, marking a revolutionary stride in rapid risk stratification for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The platform addresses the limitations of traditional cytogenetics, offering a streamlined alternative that detects previously undetected structural alterations in AML samples, opening avenues for targeted therapies and personalized medicine. Founder and CEO, Ivan Liachko, emphasizes the potential of OncoTerra on AVITI, describing it as a "major stride toward accelerating cancer diagnoses and improving patient outcomes," showcasing its efficacy in a retrospective study of 32 AML patient samples.
November 27, 2023 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Apprentice.io, a leading tech provider for life sciences manufacturers, on its partnership with Minaris Regenerative Medicine, a top CDMO in cell and gene therapies. Minaris has chosen Apprentice's Tempo MES to digitize commercial manufacturing in North America and Japan. "Our technology has the unique features needed to break down the barriers that have held back commercial-scale cell and gene therapy manufacturing," said Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO and Co-founder of Apprentice.io. "We are excited to partner with a pioneer like Minaris, whose mission is to eliminate the roadblocks between patients and the life-altering therapies they need."
November 22, 2023 - Hemi extends warm wishes for a joyous Thanksgiving holiday spent with loved ones, relishing not only the delicious feast but also the priceless moments shared together. Amidst the festive whirlwind, make sure to carve out a moment to express gratitude for the blessings in your life. A touch of thankfulness has the power to radiate joy and positivity in our surroundings. At Hemi, we are grateful for the rebel entrepreneurs bravely reshaping industries despite the persistent challenges.
November 20,2023 - Persephone Biosciences, a Hemi portfolio, and Ginkgo Bioworks have successfully concluded their collaborative effort by developing a reusable Bacteroides anaerobic engineering toolkit, a breakthrough in synthetic biology. This toolkit, comprising generalizable genetic tools for rapid Bacteroides engineering, provides both companies with versatile applications. Stephanie Culler, CEO of Persephone Biosciences, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration's results, stating, "The resulting technology offers us previously unimaginable in-house scale that promises to save us valuable time as we seek to rapidly generate therapeutics from our oncology biomarker studies."
November 13, 2023 - Hemi portfolio, Point One Navigation, has just launched its innovative GraphQL API, revolutionizing integration and observability for GNSS-powered devices. According to Aaron Nathan, CEO of Point One Navigation, "We are excited to launch an API that vastly simplifies both integration and operations for RTK-enabled products." Real-time applications are now a breeze with GraphQL subscriptions, allowing developers to create reactive, event-based systems without the hassle of timers and polling intervals. Nathan emphasizes, "We look forward to seeing the innovative products developers will create with this unprecedented technology."
November 6, 2023 - Exciting news from Hemi portfolio Mythic Therapeutics, Inc. on receiving Fast Track designation from the FDA for its groundbreaking ADC therapy MYTX-011, targeting cMET in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Brian Fiske, Chief Scientific Officer, expressed a commitment to addressing the unmet needs of cMET-positive NSCLC patients, stating, "We are proud of this significant milestone as it highlights the potential of MYTX-011 to expand ADC therapy to more NSCLC patients." Fast Track designation aims to expedite the development of drugs for life-threatening conditions, allowing more interactions with the FDA for clinical trial discussions.
November 1, 2023 - The Mobility Innovators Forum is back, live and in person, at Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA. Hemi Ventures' Amy Gu will be speaking on a panel discussing Strategies for the Next Era of Intelligent Investments on Thursday, November 2nd from 2:15 - 2:55 pm. Join us as the brightest minds in the mobility ecosystem impart their valuable insight on emerging mobility innovations and highlight why now is the crucial moment to reevaluate the visions and values of the modern day to generate a greater significant impact in the industry.
October 30, 2023 - Apprentice.io, a Hemi portfolio, has unveiled a major release of its Tempo Manufacturing Cloud, emphasizing the enhancement of product capabilities for modern commercial manufacturing. Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO and co-founder of Apprentice.io, stated, "With the 7.0 release, we're building the technological innovation that will directly reduce cost, increase speed, and maximize yield of commercial manufacturing so that lifesaving medicines get to patients in need." This release offers new features, including a visual step builder, kitting, automatic step execution, remote assistance, conditional step navigation, new integrations, and web execution. Additionally, Apprentice's new product, the Connected Manufacturing Network (CMN), provides tools to streamline the drug production lifecycle by consolidating data, optimizing recipe management, facilitating external collaboration, and enabling tech transfer.
October 23, 2023 - Recent regulatory approvals highlight the potential of microbiome-based therapies in the treatment of recurrent C. difficile infection. Stephanie Culler, CEO of Persephone Biosciences, a Hemi portfolio, noted, "Now that there's an approval, that means there's a clear regulatory path... it is a step forward for the entire community." The microbiome field has shown promise in cancer therapy as well. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in human health, and disruptions have been linked to diseases like cancer. While the microbiome field is progressing, more standardized trials and research are needed for widespread adoption, especially in cancer therapy. Experts anticipate the use of microbiome-based products to enhance both cancer treatment and prevention in the future.
October 16, 2023 - Mythic Therapeutics, Inc., a Hemi portfolio, is taking a groundbreaking approach with their antibody-drug conjugate, MYTX-011, aiming for higher tolerability and a broader range of target expression. As Mythic's CSO Brian Fiske puts it, "We want to be able to take much larger sets of patients who express intermediate and low levels of [the target] and have them respond, too." The company's FateControl platform is all about delivering more of the drug payload to tumor cells while sparing normal cells, and early preclinical data looks promising. The KisMET-01 trial is in progress, and the future of ADCs for a wider patient population is looking bright.
October 9, 2023 - Hemi would like to congratulate Fergus Chan for being named a Silicon Valley Business Journal 2023 40 Under 40 honoree. This year’s 40 under 40 event honors the rising entrepreneurs, influencers, creators, and executives who have shaped the Bay Area—and are paving the way for what comes next. A serial entrepreneur, Chan co-founded Hemi portfolio Epinomics - Part of 10x Genomics alongside two esteemed Stanford University professors. Together, they harnessed the power of analytics to revolutionize cancer treatment within the field of genomics cloud technology. Chan says that he will continue to drive impact through innovation and entrepreneurship.
October 2, 2023 - Congrats to Apprentice.io, a Hemi portfolio, for making it onto Forbes' list of The Next Billion-Dollar Startups for 2023. With more than 50,000 venture-backed startups in the U.S., only the tiniest fraction will ever reach a $1 billion valuation, and Apprentice made it to the top of the list. The company launched in 2014 to help manufacturers adopt the latest technologies to make breakthrough therapeutics available to all. Business took off during the pandemic as the importance of speeding up vaccine making became clear. “We work so hard for the patient,” shared Angelo Stracquatanio (CEO), “but the patient will never know us.”
September 25, 2023 - Hemi portfolio Phase Genomics is on the cutting edge of cancer diagnostics with $2.5 million in grant funding. The funds will go toward developing the Chromosomal Aberration in Oncology Score (ChAOS), a groundbreaking tool for guiding treatment decisions and assessing risks in certain cancers. Phase Genomics’ CEO Ivan Liachko shared, " The new funding will help us deliver a rapid assay that combines the collective power of today's common cytogenetic solutions at a fraction of the cost and with added predictive power." Their ChAOS score, built on proprietary technology, has the potential to provide more accurate cancer diagnostics.
September 18, 2023 - We're still navigating the complex world of our microbiomes and the incredible potential for microbiome-based therapies, from fighting infections to enhancing cancer treatments. While researchers are learning more every day, Hemi portfolio Persephone Biosciences is taking a unique approach. Founder Stephanie Culler, a microbiome guru, is leading groundbreaking research focused on infants. "Over half of U.S. infants lack essential microbes, and we need to change that," Culler explains. Factors like C-sections and antibiotics can disrupt the natural microbiome "seeding" process, but Persephone Biosciences is on a mission to genetically engineer beneficial bacteria to restore crucial microbes in babies.
September 11, 2023 - Exciting news from Hemi portfolio, Alcatraz AI! They've just unveiled the Rock M, a cutting-edge face biometrics scanner designed for seamless integration into various applications. The Rock M boasts a compact size, making it ideal for setups with limited space. It runs on powerful Quad-core ARM Cortex A76 and A55 processors, offering a significant processing boost. Plus, it comes with 2D and 3D sensors for reliable liveness detection, even in challenging lighting conditions. One of its standout features is an authentication range of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet), perfect for both 1:1 and 1:N applications. The Rock M is poised to revolutionize access control, time and attendance tracking, kiosks, data centers, ATMs, automotive systems, and more.
September 4, 2023 - MemryX Inc., a Hemi portfolio, distinguishes itself in the AI/ML space with its MX3 Edge AI Accelerator chip featuring an innovative "at-memory" architecture. Unlike traditional setups, the MX3 executes AI/ML models without relying on external DRAM, making it ideal for real-time data processing in embedded edge devices. Its dataflow design is optimized for continuous-stream data like video and sensor-generated information. By storing all required weights within its on-chip memories, the MX3 ensures only data input and results output, reducing the burden on the host processor. Remarkably, MemryX's accelerator can execute numerous trained models through a 1-click compilation process, streamlining model adaptation and implementation.
August 28, 2023 - We would like to congratulate Hemi portfolio, Smart Radar System, on a significant milestone as the company took a leap into the public market last week. Smart Radar System successfully debuted on the KOSDAQ, marking a momentous occasion in its journey of innovation and growth. This strategic move will enable the company to accelerate its global expansion plans, further research and development initiatives, and continue delivering groundbreaking radar solutions to clients worldwide. SRS has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the radar technology landscape with cutting-edge solutions designed to redefine safety and efficiency across various industries. Leveraging state-of-the-art radar technology, the company has developed a suite of products that encompass automotive safety, industrial automation, smart infrastructure, and beyond.
August 21, 2023 - Hemi portfolio Ample is set to introduce its modular electric vehicle battery swapping technology to Mitsubishi Fuso's electric trucks, marking its first foray into larger vehicles after previously deploying the tech for ride-hail vehicles in San Francisco and Madrid. Collaborating with Mitsubishi and Japanese energy company Eneos, Ample plans to deploy multiple swapping stations for the Fuso eCanter trucks in Kyoto, enhancing last-mile delivery capabilities. While EV battery swapping is less common in the US, Ample's expansion aligns with a global trend, as seen in China's adoption of the technology to support electric vehicle growth.
August 14, 2023 - Congratulations to Hemi portfolio, Smart Radar System, which announced that it will be going public next week. Hemi was one of the first investors who believed in SRS’s vision and invested in SRS because of its team of rebel entrepreneurs and their unparalleled expertise in radar technology. The company is a pioneer in radar vision technology, helping customers use radar sensors in diverse industries and applications, providing RF antenna design, hardware module fabrication, radar signal processing algorithms, and software.
August 7, 2023 - Point One Navigation, a Hemi portfolio, and Septentrio have expanded their precision location solutions, including Point One's Polaris correction network and Septentrio RTK receivers, throughout Western Europe. Polaris, an innovative correction network, offers high-precision GPS and computer vision-based localization, enabling customers to choose the best performance and price point for their applications. Point One's FusionEngine software, which integrates cameras and sensors, ensures precise positioning even without satellite signals. Aaron Nathan, CEO & Co-founder of Point One Navigation, praised Septentrio's GNSS receiver technology for its quality, robustness, and resilience against jamming and spoofing, which has been instrumental in their success in the autonomous vehicle space.
July 31, 2023 - Hemi portfolio, Persephone Biosciences, was recently mentioned in an article by Precision Medicine Online about microbiome‑based cancer treatments. In the article, Persephone's CEO, Stephanie Culler, discussed how the company is developing new tools to genetically engineer the microbes in our guts. Culler envisions Persephone's microbiome therapeutic will comprise prebiotics — natural fibers that feed specific beneficial gut microbes — as well as a consortium of engineered microbes to deliver the response across a wide population of cancer patients. The machine-learning platform will be a key tool in Persephone's efforts to genetically engineer microbes.
July 24, 2023 - Ivan Liachko, co-founder and CEO of Phase Genomics, a Hemi portfolio, was interviewed at the recent GeekWire Awards, where he was a finalist for Startup CEO of the Year. In his interview, he shared that one of the biggest opportunities AI offers in the biotech space is the ability to move from a diagnostic, analytical model to a more prognostic predictive model to head off diseases before they happen. The company has its sights on discovering new therapeutics and therapeutic targets, including “druggable” mutations in cancer genomes and therapeutic viruses. Listen to the full interview here.
July 17, 2023 - During the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, cancer researchers and clinicians gathered to discuss the latest research and how to ensure that all people receive the cancer care they need. Among the data presented was Mythic Therapeutics, Inc.’s trial in progress on the company’s investigational cMET-targeting Antibody-drug Conjugates (ADC), MYTX-011 for the treatment of patients diagnosed with locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MYTX-011 leverages Mythic’s innovative FateControl™ technology that's designed to help ADCs actively navigate inside cells to potentially increase delivery of anti-cancer agents to tumor cells with less impact on healthy cells. This breakthrough approach takes the next step beyond linker-payload technologies and is designed to improve ADC efficacy against a broad set of molecular targets and patient profiles.
July 10, 2023 - The KOSDAQ Market Division of the Korea Exchange announced that it has approved the preliminary examination for listing Hemi portfolio, Smart Radar System. Daeshin Securities will be in charge of the listing underwriting. Smart Trader System is a pioneer of radar vision technology for automotive and industrial applications, developing 4D imaging radar for mobility and non-mobility purposes. The company is committed to helping customers use radar sensors in diverse industries and applications, providing RF antenna design, hardware module fabrication, radar signal processing algorithms, and software.
July 3, 2023 - On Independence Day, we celebrate the rebel spirit that has fueled the growth and prosperity of our nation, as entrepreneurs contribute to economic development, job creation, and innovation. Just as our forefathers fought for independence, Hemi's rebel entrepreneurs continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, driving progress, building rising technologies, and reforming industries to shape a brighter future for generations to come. May this Fourth of July be a celebration of freedom, unity, and the enduring spirit that makes our nation great.
June 26, 2023 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Apprentice.io for being named as a Visionary in the 2023 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). The company was recognized as a Visionary for its Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute. Apprentice's Tempo Manufacturing Cloud improves operations at the site level by coordinating the materials, equipment, recipes, and personnel needed to plan, execute, test, and release a batch from one shared system. "We are building our Tempo Manufacturing Cloud to go beyond the traditional boundaries of MES and deliver on the vision of convergent technology that accelerates the entire supply chain," said Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO & Co-founder of Apprentice.
June 19, 2023 - When it comes to EVs, there's no question that charging currently takes a little bit longer than fueling up a gas-powered car at a gas station. Hemi portfolio, Ample, lets drivers get a fully charged electric car battery in minutes while sparing cities the expense of installing fast charging stations. When low on power, a driver can park their vehicle inside the Ample battery-swapping station. Operated through an app, a platform then lifts the vehicle to facilitate the mechanical swap. Once the batteries are charged, and the driver is ready to go, the EV is brought back down to street level. "This essentially means that a driver buys an electric vehicle but subscribes to the battery," shared Ample CEO, Khaled Hassounah. Several Ample stations have been deployed across the Bay Area, and the company has tested its swappable batteries with Uber and Sally drivers.
June 12, 2023 - Recent studies show that digital gut-directed hypnotherapy resulted in greater improvement in abdominal pain and stool symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome compared with digital muscle relaxation. These findings support the work of metaMe Health, a Hemi portfolio and pioneer in prescription-based therapeutics utilizing hypnosis. metaMe Health’s initial digital solutions aim to relieve the pain and disruption of everyday life experienced by millions suffering from gastrointestinal disorders. By allowing patients to be prescribed treatment confidentially and to undergo treatment privately at home, metaMe Health offers non-drug options that provide relief in a familiar, comfortable environment.
June 5, 2023 - Hemi portfolio, Phase Genomics, announced details of their first collaboration leveraging its proprietary OncoTerra™ cytogenomics platform and the Element AVITI System for next generation sequencing (NGS). Phase Genomics’ OncoTerra platform is the first offering to deliver the value of scalable cytogenomics for solid-tumor malignancies in the research setting. “We’re extending the application of our core technologies into the oncology space, ensuring Phase Genomics’ next-generation cytogenomic tools deliver unparalleled precision, speed, and efficiency. We’re excited by what we’re seeing as a result of this recent work with Element,” said Ivan Liachko, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Phase Genomics.
May 29, 2023 - This Memorial Day, as we remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, let's also celebrate the indomitable spirit of the rebel entrepreneurs who continue to reshape the human experience. Like our fallen heroes, entrepreneurs embody resilience, courage, and a relentless pursuit of their dreams. Hemi's rebel entrepreneurs push boundaries, disrupt industries, and continue building rising technologies to reform industries. So, as we enjoy this day of remembrance, let's celebrate the heroes we've lost and the entrepreneurs who keep their legacy alive through their ingenuity and dedication.
May 22, 2023 - Access control provider Alcatraz AI is adding web-based, mobile enrollment and privacy consent management to its flagship facial authentication product, the Rock, to enhance building security and ease employee and visitor registration. The Rock includes an edge device installed near the doors to buildings and secure areas, using 3D facial mapping and machine learning analytics for facial authentication. This all-in-one device offers next-level access control and features a range of compliance and security tools, including real-time event log monitoring, customizable data retention schedules, and hard data deletes. With the two new enhancements to the Rock, Alcatraz AI expects to reduce the overall cost and complexity of the enrollment process and also enable corporate compliance with privacy laws.
May 16, 2023 - Congratulations to MemryX Inc. on its strategic partnership with Nota.ai to streamline the development, testing, and deployment of AI models on MemryX’s advanced AI accelerator chips. MemryX’s edge AI chips have broad applications in the transportation, Internet of Things (IoT), robotic, industrial, and edge computing industries. Developers can now use Nota.ai’s software platform to search, compress, and automatically deploy artificial intelligence models on MemryX edge AI processors. Keith Kressin, president and CEO of MemryX, shared, “Nota.ai’s optimized and compressed AI models targeted to run on our AI accelerators deliver a cost-effective and highly-performant solution. We’re thrilled to partner with Nota.ai because they have a proven solution stack, and together, we can enable the next generation of edge AI solutions.”
May 8 , 2023 - Congrats to Mythic Therapeutics, Inc. on its announcement that the first subject has been dosed in the Phase 1 KisMET-01 clinical trial of MYTX-011. MYTX-011 is being investigated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. It leverages Mythic’s innovative FateControl™ technology, which allows ADCs (antibody-drug conjugates) to actively navigate inside of cells to potentially increase delivery of anti-cancer agents to tumor cells with less impact on healthy cells. "Our first subject dosed represents a significant step towards increasing the number of lung cancer patients eligible for treatment using ADCs," said Brian Fiske, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Founder at Mythic Therapeutics. "At Mythic, we are focused on our vision of unlocking the full potential of MYTX-011 as well as our broader pipeline of ADCs.
May 1, 2017 - Congratulations to Ivan Liachko, CEO of Phase Genomics--a Hemi portfolio, for being nominated as a finalist for the GeekWire Startup CEO of the Year. Liachko and his startup took on “one of the largest blind spots in biology” when they set out to catalog the diversity of viruses that infect bacteria in samples from the human gut and wastewater. The aim is to determine which viruses infect which bacteria worldwide and create a database that can be used to develop new therapeutics and potentially build a surveillance system to detect microbial threats and respond to them. Phase Genomics' vision is to establish proximity ligation as a routine component of genomics projects, to provide more comprehensive answers to pivotal questions in research and medicine.
April 24, 2023 - Entrepreneurs face numerous challenges and setbacks as they build their companies, but believing in oneself is essential to overcome these obstacles. It is important to have a growth mindset and to view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Having a strong support system can help entrepreneurs stay focused on their goals and maintain their self-belief. Hemi encourages entrepreneurs to prioritize self-care, both physical and mental, to maintain their well-being and resilience. These practices can help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, maintain their focus and resilience, and ultimately achieve success in their endeavors. Click here to read the full article.
April 17, 2023 - The Center for Data Innovation spoke with Jakub Dryjas, CEO of Tensorflight, a Hemi portfolio. In the interview, he discusses property intelligence, insurtech data, and Tensorflight’s partnership to help rebuild Ukraine since the onset of the war. What differentiates Tensorflight from other organizations in the property intelligence space is that Tensorflight combines ground-level, aerial, and the highest commercial resolution satellite imagery available on the market to generate the most accurate property data. Dryjas shared, "We are a leader in the safe, ethical use of property data, and our global platform features comprehensive coverage of millions of properties across North America, Europe, Great Britain, Australia, and Southeast Asia."
April 10, 2023 - The California Energy Commission has recommended that Ample, a Hemi portfolio, be awarded a grant from the state to scale up its manufacturing capabilities in the Bay Area. Currently, Ample operates 12 battery swapping stations in the San Francisco Bay area, mainly with Uber rideshare vehicles. The $15 million grant will go towards expanding capacity at its Brisbane, CA module plant to better serve a growing customer base. “So now, as we are about to start launching with OEMs, what that means is we need to supply them with all these batteries, and that means we need to invest in our own ability to manufacture them at a higher rate and in larger quantities,” said Ample founder and CEO Khaled Hassounah. “All of that money is going to go towards the expansion of our manufacturing capacity so we can meet that demand.”
April 3, 2023 - Congratulations to Apprentice.io, a Hemi Portfolio, for raising an additional $65M in funding, bringing the company's total funding to $207M. Apprentice will focus this new investment on expanding the sales, marketing, and customer success functions needed to help companies make the transition from traditional on-premise providers to its Tempo Manufacturing Cloud. This financing caps off a stellar year for the company, with 3.4x year-over-year Tempo revenue growth, 218% net customer retention, inclusion in Gartner’s Manufacturing Execution System Magic Quadrant, and recognition on the Inc. 5000 and Deloitte Fast 500 as one of the fastest-growing companies in America.
March 27, 2023 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio, MemryX Inc., on its partnership with Edge Impulse to streamline the development, testing, and deployment of AI models on MemryX's advanced AI accelerator chips. MemryX's edge AI chips have broad applications in the transportation, IoT, robotic, industrial, and edge computing industries. They feature high-performance and low-latency AI processing using a proprietary at-memory computing and dataflow architecture. Developers can now leverage Edge Impulse's platform to develop, test, and seamlessly deploy models and algorithms on MemryX edge AI processors. This partnership will allow both companies to accelerate the development and deployment of AI solutions.
March 20, 2023 - Congratulations to Alcatraz AI, a Hemi portfolio, on receiving certification from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for its flagship biometric access control device, the Rock. The BIS certification follows Alcatraz AI achieving ISO 2700, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 in the last two months. Enterprise organizations in India can now reduce friction and make access points more secure by easily adding facial authentication to their access control solution with a BIS-approved biometric solution. Alcatraz AI continues to expand its global footprint and provide unparalleled facial authentication solutions to enterprise customers around the world.
March 13, 2023 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Mythic Therapeutics, Inc. on their collaboration with Nona Biosciences to advance next-gen biotherapeutics innovation. Through the collaboration, Nona Biosciences will provide Mythic Therapeutics access to its proprietary fully human heavy chain only antibody (HCAb) transgenic mice platform and antibody generation services to serve as input for Mythic Therapeutics' proprietary FateControl™ antibody engineering approach to generate next-generation ADCs for a wide range of cancers. Mythic Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on the development of antibody-drug conjugate-based (ADC) therapies for the treatment of a wide range of cancers.
March 6, 2023 - In collaboration with Persephone Biosciences, a Hemi portfolio, Kroger Health is actively recruiting for the ARGONAUT clinical study to identify microbiome-based biomarkers indicative of colorectal cancer. The study is being run by Persephone to advance the understanding of gut and immune health and how it can be applied to various disease areas, like CRC. The goal is to learn more about how CRC can be treated and prevented. Data will be collected from people to develop medicines and genetic indicators of cancer that may help guide future treatment decisions. The collaboration will help optimize the patient experience to improve healthcare delivery and maintain continuity of care while expanding the frontiers of care and treatment.
February 27, 2023 - Congratulations to metaMe Health, a Hemi portfolio, on its recent deal to license a new gut-directed hypnotherapy protocol designed to treat functional dyspepsia. Though impaired digestion is believed to affect as many as 1 in 10 adults, treating functional dyspepsia can be a challenge due to a lack of reliably effective therapies. “With a product pipeline that includes digital hypnotherapy PDTs for heartburn and ulcerative colitis, and with Regulora for IBS pain already FDA-cleared and commercialized, developing an FD (functional dyspepsia) intervention fits perfectly with our focus on gastrointestinal health and our expertise in bringing PDTs from concept to market,” shared Tim Rudolphi, chief executive of metaMe Health.
February 20, 2023 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio, MemryX Inc., on the opening of its engineering center in Bangalore, India. The Bangalore site complements existing MemryX engineering capabilities in Taipei, Hsinchu, and Ann Arbor. MemryX offers a differentiated high efficiency, low power, and scalable Edge AI solution that is easy to deploy, benefitting both designers and end users. "The Edge AI hardware market will continue to grow at a fast CAGR for the foreseeable future, and MemryX is poised to capitalize on this growth with our leading-edge AI accelerator," said Keith Kressin, MemryX president and CEO. "Our expansion into India allows us to tap into the regional talent pool with a lot of semiconductor experience and is rapidly growing capabilities in artificial intelligence."
February 13, 2023 - At CES, MarketScale had an opportunity to look at the top products and companies getting the most buzz while on the show floor this year. Aaron Nathan shared details about the status of Point One Navigation as a team sponsor at the CES Indy racing challenge. The team from Hawaii used the company's positioning technology on their vehicle. Nathan was excited to be providing students the opportunity to experience future technology early in their careers. The program and the technology are important in the development of safer vehicles.
February 6, 2023 - Congratulations to Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO and Co-founder of Apprentice.io, a Hemi portfolio, on his recent invitation to join the Forbes Technology Council. The Council committee invited Angelo to join the elite group of tech leaders based on the depth and diversity of his experience and knowledge as a senior-level technology executive. Angelo looks forward to driving the adoption of modern technology in life sciences manufacturing by sharing his deep industry insights featured in Forbes articles and collaborating with fellow Council leaders on expert panels.
January 30, 2023 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Alcatraz AI on publishing a new e-book, “4 Biometric Access Control Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2023.” The e-book covers topics such as the ongoing importance of frictionless solutions and the emergence of legislation impacting how security technologies can be used. It goes on to examine the growth of multi-modal authentication, the adoption of cloud-based IT systems, and the acceleration of edge computing. These are undeniably important trends, not only in access control but in a range of other security applications.
January 23, 2023 - For a founder to be successful as a leader of a fast-growth company, they need to recognize that their job will keep changing—at every phase, the job and what’s required changes. In general, founders shouldn’t settle for the first VC partner who offers a term sheet. Instead, focus on finding firms with a long-term vision that complements your own. Founders will always be on the front lines of building their companies, but partnering with the right VC firm can help accelerate your chances of success. The bottom line--look for a VC firm that can provide support in the areas you lack. Hemi does more than just write checks; we roll up our sleeves and offer value beyond cash.
January 16, 2023 - Congratulations to Point One Navigation, a Hemi portfolio, on the launch of its FusionEngine software that is compatible with ST’s TeseoAPP (Teseo ASIL Precise Positioning) GNSS Chipset. Point One’s FusionEngine is a trusted, tightly coupled positioning solution built on the company’s proprietary self-calibrating sensor-fusion algorithms. It combines data from multiple sensors, including ST’s TeseoAPP multi-band GNSS receiver, to assure the high accuracy, safety, and integrity required for higher levels of autonomous vehicles. Aaron Nathan, Point One Navigation's CEO, shared, “Building on the foundation of ST’s TeseoAPP, we are enhancing safety in production automotive applications."
January 9, 2023 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Smart Radar System on being named in the CES 2023 Innovation Award list, honoring outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology. The company was also honored as one of the 2022 Top 19 Technology Performances announced by NAEK (the National Academy of Engineering of Korea). Smart Radar System specializes in developing high-resolution 4D imaging radar, and its Smart Guard technology is the world's first mmWave plug-and-play safety guard package that serves as an industrial and infrastructure safety guard with easy installation for all users.
January 2, 2023 - Before we look at the year ahead, Hemi encourages all of the rebel entrepreneurs out there to look back at everything they achieved in 2022. Let's celebrate our successes and learn from our mistakes so that we can continue to transform industries with innovative technology in 2023. Let this new year be the year we go after progress over perfection and savor every victory we make along the way to our goals. Happy New Year from the Hemi rebels!
December 26, 2022 - Congrats to Apprentice.io, a Hemi portfolio, on the recent release of new functionality to its Tempo Manufacturing Cloud. Apprentice helps life science manufacturers get treatments to patients faster by providing one platform to turn molecules into medicine. This latest release expands the Laboratory Execution System package, introduces new features to more easily build scalable procedures and batches, and adds robust integrations. With these enhancements, Tempo can better serve the earlier preclinical and clinical stages of manufacturing and the production of new cell and gene therapies.
December 24, 2022 - The holidays are a perfect time to look back at the year and reflect on everything you've accomplished. Hemi wants to thank our rebels for all they do to transform their industries. Take a moment to appreciate your work and your families while you relax and celebrate. Hemi wishes everyone a holiday filled with joy and cheer!
December 20, 2022 - The NACgraft developed by BioAesthetics, a Hemi portfolio, is a cell-free, biologically-derived nipple and areola graft that, once applied by a surgeon, will allow the patient’s own body to integrate the NACgraft. The first woman to benefit from this breakthrough procedure recently shared how this life-changing technology has dramatically improved her quality of life. Nicholas Pashos and Billy Heim founded BioAesthetics, driven by the goal of transforming lives with biomaterials with a focus on quality-of-life products, like grafts for prolapsed pelvic organs, third-degree burns, and pressure ulcers.
December 12, 2022 - Congrats to Apprentice.io as it continues to be recognized as one of the fastest-growing software companies. Most recently, Apprentice was recognized as the 71st fastest-growing company within the software & services industry on the 2022 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list. Apprentice was recognized for its 1,159% revenue growth as it continues to scale its Tempo Manufacturing Cloud platform for Life Sciences. Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO & co-founder of Apprentice, shared, "Our mission is to deliver one unified modern manufacturing platform to bring pharma into the cloud era. Our growth rate reflects the life science industry's recognition that modern technology is critical for their future."
December 5, 2022 - Persephone Biosciences, a Hemi portfolio, recently announced the enrollment of the last subject in its proprietary My Baby Biome™ study of infant gut health. The My Baby Biome™ observational study will follow participants for 7 years and is designed to help define a healthy infant microbiome using real-world data and inform the development of live biotherapeutics. "We are excited by the response to our enrollment drive, which by far exceeded our expectations. We believe this response is a testament to the concern that parents have for the health of their children in the near- and medium term, as together we try and solve the growing prevalence of health problems such as allergies, insufficient immunological response, declining overall health and treatment response,” said Stephanie Culler, CEO and Co-founder of Persephone Biosciences.
November 28, 2022 - Hemi portfolio Apprentice.io was recently featured in an article by The Medicine Maker, sharing tips on how companies can improve their hiring tactics. Keith Bowen, Laboratory and Manufacturing Execution Systems at Apprentice.io, shared that the labor market is short on resources and today’s applicants have high expectations. Companies need to meet them to attract and retain talent. Today’s workforce is looking for modern, flexible ways of working. He recommends that companies engage with social media platforms, such as YouTube and Twitter, to respond to the day-to-day questions potential recruits may have about roles. Companies can also get involved with universities and students prior to graduating so that they understand the potential opportunities out there. Apprentice helps manufacturers adopt the latest technologies to make breakthrough therapeutics available to all.
November 23, 2022 - This Thanksgiving, Hemi wishes you a blessed day with your family and friends as you enjoy the best of the meal and best of the moments with them. Hemi knows it's easy to get caught up in the festivities, but don't forget to take some time to share what you are grateful for. As we reflect on our blessings, Hemi is thankful for the rebel entrepreneurs who are working hard to transform industries despite the many challenges we continue to face. Remember, a little gratitude is all we need to spread happiness and positivity around us.
November 21, 2022 - Dr. Karen Horton, from San Francisco Plastic Surgery, was recently interviewed by KRON4 about taking part in a 12-month-long study involving the NACgraft developed by BioAesthetics, a Hemi portfolio. The NACgraft is a cell-free, biologically-derived nipple and areola graft that, once applied by a surgeon, will allow the patient’s own body to integrate the NACgraft. This process uses the patient’s own natural ability to heal, resulting in a real and living nipple unique to and uniquely a part of the patient. BioAesthetics is a biotech company focused on transforming lives through advancements in biomaterials. In addition to the NACgraft, it has a product pipeline focused on acellular regenerative grafts for advanced wound and reconstructive care.
November 14, 2022 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Ample on the announcement of their strategic partnership with Next.e.GO to introduce a unique, fast, and convenient automated battery swap. e.GO has developed a new compact commercial last-mile urban delivery electric vehicle, the e.Xpress. The e.Xpress aims to address the main focus areas for commercial fleet managers including uptime, charging speed, and residual value by offering a unique and universal battery swap solution. The solution is a result of a strategic cooperation between e.GO and Ample – an American technology and energy solution provider that uses autonomous robotics and modular battery structure to enhance energy delivery for electric transportation. Thanks to Ample, the swapping can quickly be completed “within a few minutes.”
Khaled Hassounah John de Souza https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/german-electric-vehicle-manufacturer-nextego-mobile-se-makes-several-announcements-at-the-paris-auto-show-including-the-introduction-of-a-new-compact-zero-emission-commercial-last-mile-delivery-vehicle-the-express-301650954.html
November 7, 2022 - Congratulations to Dr. Gilles Gallant, Chief Development Officer at Mythic Therapeutics, Inc., a Hemi portfolio, for receiving the George R. Pettit Individual Input to the Field Award for 2022. The award serves to recognize recent successes, long-term commitment to the field, and those who have gone above and beyond to ensure the continued success of the ADC field and bring more life-changing drugs to patients’ hands. "The George R. Pettit Award is a wonderful recognition of Gilles's contributions to the field of antibody-drug conjugates, and we are fortunate that he is leading the clinical development of our lead program in lung cancer as well as our broader product pipeline," said Brian Fiske, Ph.D., Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer. Mythic Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on the development of antibody-drug conjugate-based therapies for the treatment of a wide range of cancers
October 31, 2022 - Persephone Biosciences, a Hemi portfolio, has enrolled its first participant in the ARGONAUT clinical study to determine the impact of gut microbiome composition and function on the immune system and the efficacy of cancer treatment. "I am thankful to the participants enrolling in our ARGONAUT study who are helping Persephone achieve our ambition of better understanding the human gut microbiome and its role in cancer development and treatment outcomes," said Stephanie Culler, CEO and Co-founder of Persephone Biosciences. ARGONAUT is a longitudinal, prospective, and observational study that will enroll up to 4,000 advanced-stage cancer patients of various racial and ethnic backgrounds to collect data for the development of precision microbiome medicines and for the identification of companion diagnostics to guide therapeutic decisions.
October 24, 2022 - Hemi portfolio metaMe Health recently licensed the rights to the commercialization of Regulora® in Canada to Launchit Ventures, Inc. This global partnership will bring Regulora® to the Canadian market for the treatment of abdominal pain due to IBS. metaMe’s Regulora® is the first U.S. FDA-authorized Prescription Digital Therapeutic specifically for abdominal pain associated with IBS in adults. It provides self-administered Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy through a convenient app that can be used at home along with other IBS treatments. Until now, the availability of Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy has been limited, as it required in-person administration by specialized therapists. Tim Rudolphi, CEO at metaMe Health, says, “We’re excited to expand the availability of our first Prescription Digital Therapeutic, Regulora® outside of the U.S. It is great to have a trusted partner like Launchit Ventures to manage the complexities of the Canadian commercialization and regulatory processes required to take Regulora® to market.”
October 17, 2022 - Hemi portfolio Ample was recently mentioned in a Forbes article about battery swapping for electric vehicles. Ample has invented modular battery swapping stations in which depleted EV batteries are automatically exchanged for fresh, fully-charged batteries. By using an interface tray about the same size as the original factory battery, the carmaker doesn’t have to re-engineer the battery design. Khaled Hassounah, co-founder and CEO of Ample, shared, "Ample stations occupy the space of just two parking spots and a single station can be deployed in a matter of days and an entire city can be equipped in weeks." Modular battery swapping opens up the electric vehicle market to tens of millions of commuters, delivery vehicles, rideshare drivers, and more.
October 10, 2022 - Congratulations to Apprentice.io, a Hemi portfolio, on the unveiling of their Augmented Work Instructions (AWI) package which is designed for life sciences companies taking the first step in moving their processes to a digital system. AWI adds new capabilities within the company's Tempo Manufacturing Cloud. Customers can start with AWI and grow into Tempo's fully featured manufacturing execution system as their digital journey progresses. "Going digital is no longer optional," said Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO & Co-founder of Apprentice. "Our Augmented Work Instructions package makes shifting to a digital fast and simple with purpose-built features to convert paper documents to digital workflow."
October 4, 2022 - In a recent New York Stock Exchange Floor Talk, Stephanie Culler, Co-Founder and CEO of Persephone Biosciences, discussed how her company makes sustainable medicines. These are medicines made with synthetic biology through fermentation in a carbon-neutral fashion. Persephone develops medicines that target the gut microbiome focusing specifically on repairing damaged microbiomes that have been linked with cancer and other diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's. Click here to see the full interview.
September 26, 2022 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Apprentice.io on ranking as the 60th fastest in the software industry. Today, Inc. revealed that Apprentice.io ranks 542 on the annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Apprentice's ranking in the top 10% on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list represents a 1,157% growth rate since 2021. "We are honored to receive this recognition," said Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO & co-founder of Apprentice. "Our phenomenal growth is a direct reflection of our mission to help pharma manufacturers get medicine to patients faster. It illustrates how the life sciences industry is increasingly turning to modern technology to bring revolutionary therapeutics to market."
September 19, 2022 - Congratulations to Persephone Biosciences, a Hemi portfolio, on the launch of its My Baby Biome™, a study of infant gut health. “We are excited to begin enrollment of our My Baby Biome study as we seek to improve infant gut health outcomes to the benefit of juveniles and adults alike,” said Stephanie Culler, CEO and Co-founder of Persephone Biosciences. The My Baby Biome observational study is designed to help define a healthy infant microbiome using real-world data and inform the development of live biotherapeutics so that eventually, all babies can develop a healthy gut microbiome.
September 12, 2022 - Hemi portfolio, BioAesthetics, announced an additional clinical study for the BioAesthetics® NACgraft™ Acellular Allograft that will investigate its performance in subpopulations of breast cancer survivors and other individuals needing nipple reconstruction. This new study will investigate the use of the NACgraft in male and female patients, breast cancer survivors with or without radiation treatment, and patients who have not had breast cancer. “There are several patient populations who could benefit from the NACgraft in addition to female breast cancer survivors who have received autologous reconstructions. We are excited to make the NACgraft available for these patients as well,” shared Nicholas Pashos, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of BioAesthetics.
September 5, 2022 - Point One Navigation, a Hemi portfolio, announced its partnership with Faction, a developer of self-driving micro-logistics and vehicle-on-demand transportation. Point One delivers precise positioning technology that stands out in terms of performance and cost for scalable driverless fleet needs. Together they will bring driverless delivery and transportation solutions to the mass market. Aaron Nathan, CEO and Co-founder of Point One Navigation, shared, “We are proud to be working with a partner such as Faction who is pioneering the commercialization of driverless micro-logistics and mobility."
August 29, 2022 - Pursuing a career as a female entrepreneur can be challenging because leadership gender disparity remains stubbornly high. Successful women leaders possess common traits found in all good leaders — assertiveness, action-mindedness, risk-taking, and problem-solving abilities. However, they must also acquire other qualities to succeed and overcome the many obstacles they face at home and in the workplace. You need consistency, determination, and a refusal to give up in order to take your business to the next level. Here are eight qualities that can help drive your success as a female entrepreneur. Click here for more advice.
August 22, 2022 - Bigger Than Us recently interviewed John de Souza, co-founder and president of Hemi portfolio Ample, on their podcast. The company was founded with the goal of creating an infrastructure that would lead to the wide adoption of EVs. "We wanted to come up with a solution that has the ease of gas but at the same time was quick to deploy and cost-effective," shared de Souza. The company created battery swapping stations that use a combination of computer vision and secure wireless communication to identify the exact location of each battery module to be swapped. Once discharged battery modules are removed from the car, they are placed on shelves so that they can be charged and ready for the next vehicle. Listen to the full interview here.
August 15, 2022 - Venture investors expect a widespread reset in investment activity as the market shifts to favor sustainability over growth. Hiring freezes and layoffs have already begun to help startups conserve more cash, even those that are well capitalized. But refocusing on profitability will come at the expense of growth, which will necessarily lead to cuts in valuations as startups revise their growth rates. While the downturn will likely hurt many startups, many investors remain optimistic that the current market environment will be more short-lived than previous crises. Read the full article here.
August 8, 2022 - Persephone Biosciences recently closed on a $15 million seed financing round so they can continue their work on building a precision map of the entire gut biome. There’s historically been insufficient data to answer questions like how the microbiome affects disease progress, the effectiveness of therapeutics, the development of the immune system. The company has trained machine learning models on large datasets it has compiled itself through the collection of stool samples from a large number of people, both healthy and suffering from various conditions. Stephanie Culler, CEO and Co-founder of Persephone, shared, "Machine learning is an efficient way of sorting through that kind of noisy dataset, and it identified both patterns worth investigating and “superheroes” among the microbes."
August 1, 2022 - John de Souza, co-founder and president of Hemi portfolio Ample, was recently interviewed by The Sunday Times’ tech correspondent Danny Fortson. Ample is the first company to credibly propose modular swappable batteries. De Souza discusses how he decided to start a company for EV charging, getting the car companies to buy into swappable batteries, and why superchargers aren’t enough. "The part of the EV industry that was broken and no one was working on, was charging," de Souza shared. Ample's goal was to create a solution that worked across different cars. Last year, the San Francisco-based startup unveiled its modular battery swapping technology that uses robots and is at least three times faster than traditional charging solutions. Listen to the interview here.
July 25, 2022 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Persephone Biosciences on closing a $15 million seed financing round.“We plan to deploy this capital to further expand our research and clinical programs across a range of therapeutic areas, as well as pursue new collaborations,” said Stephanie Culler, CEO and Co-founder of Persephone Biosciences. The company was founded to leverage a unique understanding of the microbiome as a therapeutic approach for a number of indications, including infant health and oncology. Persephone is currently building an end-to-end platform to industrialize the development of engineered cells that restore health to damaged human ecosystems.
July 18, 2022 - Phase Genomics, a Hemi portfolio, recently announced $5.5MM in funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The funding will allow the company to leverage its world’s largest phage-bacteria interactome repository to power the development of a unique AI-driven predictive engine for therapeutic phage discovery. The goal is to identify phages that can be used in therapeutic settings such as C. difficile infections, Ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. This technology will also empower improved monitoring of wastewater for resistant pathogens. “We are truly at the frontier of a new understanding of how to improve the human condition,” said Ivan Liachko 🇺🇦, PhD, founder and CEO of Phase Genomics.
July 11, 2022 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Apprentice.io for being placed in the 2022 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), recognized for its ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision. "Our mission is to bring modern technology to life sciences manufacturing," said Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO & Co-founder of Apprentice. "We believe that a new type of MES is critical for companies to remain competitive and existential to manufacturing advanced therapies. We will be that vendor for our customers."
July 4, 2022 - Like the founders of America, Hemi's rebel entrepreneurs show the grit to bend reality to their will to see their ideas build rising technologies and reform industries that make our lives better. We hope you have a great 4th of July holiday, celebrating our nation's freedom and independence.
June 27, 2022 - Emerging trends are accelerating both the accessibility and equitability of venture capital. Big strides are being made on all fronts, from pulling young, diverse people into the ecosystem, propelling a new generation of diverse fund managers, and opening up new avenues for underrepresented groups to gain exposure and prominence in the space. This is exactly what the founder community needs and is going to fundamentally shift the way venture capital looks, works, and feels over the next decade. Hemi actively strives to be part of the momentum pushing accessibility, equity, and inclusion in venture capital. Read the full article here.
June 20, 2022 - Hemi portfolio, Persephone Biosciences is a partner with Curebase to search for methods of prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer using decentralized clinical trials. The decentralized clinical trial model ensures more diverse studies because unique populations – which typically are underrepresented in clinical trials – can be included. Dr. Stephanie Culler, co-founder and chief executive officer of Persephone Biosciences, said of the partnership, "Together, I believe we are well-positioned to better understand the role of the gut's microbiome in patient response to cancer therapies and, just as importantly, potentially to help create more equitable treatment outcomes for patients."
June 13, 2022 - Streamlining the process of charging an electric vehicle is critical to the new energy car's adoption, which is why Hemi portfolio Ample offers a battery swapping service that is as efficient as stopping for gas. Because Ample's batteries are smaller and lighter, the company can build much smaller and more economical facilities with lower-cost robotics to manipulate and charge the batteries. It can also install the batteries in different car geometries. Ample targets its charges at 10-20% less than a gallon of gasoline's price. Ample is also working with Japanese energy company ENEOS, Singapore’s public transit operator SMRT, and EV fleet operator Sally, which launched the first yellow taxi EV fleet in New York City.
June 6, 2022 - Congratulations to Hemi portfolio Alcatraz for being selected as one of six companies to join the Endeavor network at the 25th Virtual International Selection Panel (vISP). “At Alcatraz AI, we could not be more proud to join Endeavor and their impressive network of innovators,” said Vince Gaydarzhiev, President and Founder of Alcatraz AI. As part of Endeavor’s network, Alcatraz AI will gain access to comprehensive, strategic, global support services, including introductions to local and international business mentors, investors, and volunteers from Fortune 500 consulting firms. Using the power of machine learning (ML), Alcatraz AI provides a touchless and autonomous access control solution that lets authorized users enter secured spaces quickly, and prevents those that don’t belong from gaining access.
May 23, 2022 - To spot impending disruptive innovation, look for four agents: the incumbents, the customers at the top of the market, the customers at the bottom of the market, and the disruptors entering with simpler, easier, cheaper, and more accessible products. There is a slow feedback loop in venture capital between investment and payoff, so VCs go by the past to determine what will be the most profitable investments in the future and they’re ignoring those they believe to be the “bottom of the market.” These are founders who don’t match the pattern, who are so used to hustling without help that they can do a lot with very little. All they ask for is a chance, a check, and a good word with other investors. As mainstream funds focus their time and dollars on the least amount of risk, Hemi is looking for rebel entrepreneurs that can transform industries.
May 16, 2022 - Ample, a Hemi portfolio, is the first company to credibly propose modular swappable batteries. The startup developed modules the size of a shoebox that can fit any electric car. To use these modules, the vehicles either have to be adapted or come from the factory with that compatibility. Whenever you needed to travel, you could add more modules to your car. The range they offer will always depend on the efficiency of the vehicles they equip. John de Souza, Ample’s co-founder and president, stated, “Using fewer modules has no adverse impact versus using all the modules because the connectors and unfilled space are within the trays and are not exposed to the elements.”
May 9, 2022 - The typical venture capital model is based on a few home runs and a lot of strikeouts. There have been more than 40,000 venture capital investments in the U.S. alone over the past three years, according to PitchBook. About half of all startups that raise a Series A round fail to raise a Series B, per Crunchbase. Not all companies that don’t raise a Series B are doomed to fail; they just might not be the right fit for the traditional venture capital model. Instead of flooding founders with money and turning them loose to try things and fail fast, strategic VCs like Hemi collaborate closely with management, with an eye toward building a sustainable business. Read the full article here.
May 2, 2022 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio, Persephone Biosciences on their collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks to develop novel therapeutics based on the bacterial genus Bacteroides. Persephone is pioneering the use of synthetic biology for the development of microbial products that impact patient and infant health, which requires the ability to engineer Bacteroides strains for therapeutic applications. "This collaboration not only provides Persephone with critical engineering capabilities, but also sets the stage for us to further partner with Ginkgo, and access its platform's scale, on additional future projects," said Stephanie Culler, Persephone's co-founder and CEO.
April 25, 2022 - Recent data indicates investing in early-stage companies is decreasing rapidly. This is happening at a time when there has been a record rate of new business creation. Venture capital is about investing in risk to help the most innovative, transformative ideas get from concept to a flourishing enterprise. But the VC industry at large is avoiding risks with new companies to invest where the concept is proven and companies have momentum. We can’t know the future, but with AI, machine learning, and a new generation of semiconductors and materials, VCs need to continue to invest at inception. That's why Hemi is committed to supporting innovative, early-stage companies. Read the full article here.
April 18, 2022 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio, metaMe Health for raising $2.2M in funding in a bridge round to bring Its IBS solution to market. The funds will go towards the launch of Regulora, which provides relief to patients suffering from IBS through Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH), available conveniently through a smartphone app. With Regulora, patients can access treatment privately from anywhere at any time, empowering them to improve their quality of life without hassle or fear of stigma. Tim Rudolphi, CEO of metaMe Health, shared, “We believe that Regulora is poised to change the lives of the millions of Americans who suffer from IBS."
April 11, 2022 - Hemi portfolio MemryX Inc. announced the appointment of semiconductor industry veterans Puneet Singh, who will serve as vice president of engineering, and Roger Peene, who will be vice president of product and business development. MemryX Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company that designs edge AI processing solutions powered by proprietary compute-in-memory technology and data-flow architecture. The company uses a unique approach that combines high performance and efficiency with low latency and low power consumption. MemryX’s innovative solution was architected with the customer in mind, offering a software stack for extremely efficient implementation. It will begin sampling its third-generation design in the second half of 2022.
April 4, 2022 - Farms are greatly improving productivity by applying automation to fundamentals such as planting and weeding. Hemi portfolio Point One Navigation is helping farmers automate some of their processes by taking an available positional signal, generally accurate only within meters, and then applying one or more correction techniques to improve its accuracy. Improved accuracy is important for tasks like planting, which requires high precision for the location of seeds. "Point One relies on GNSS, which it improves by means of RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) solutions to provide positioning that can be accurate to within centimeters," explained CEO Aaron Nathan. As the company continues to innovate and develop new partnerships, they are moving beyond automotive and into many other vertical markets, such as micro-mobility and smart agriculture.
March 28, 2022 - A recent study provides compelling insights into how venture-backed companies are America’s resilient job engines. In 2020 employment at VC-backed companies grew at a pace eight times that of employment at non-VC-backed companies. Resilience is another striking attribute of venture-backed jobs - when the economy goes through cycles, it's important to have companies that continue to grow employment even in difficult times. The big takeaway from these findings is that venture capital plays an incredible role in fueling robust job growth that has been vital to the U.S. economy. VCs like Hemi are addressing world challenges while playing a key role in our economy. Read the full article here.
March 21, 2022 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Ample for being named one of the Top Most Innovative Companies in Transportation in 2022 by Fast Company. Last year, San Francisco-based Ample unveiled a modular battery swapping technology that uses robots and is at least three times faster than current charging solutions. Currently, the company is working with Uber to electrify half of its rides in major cities. Ample is also working with Japanese energy company ENEOS, Singapore’s public transit operator SMRT, and EV fleet operator Sally, which launched the first yellow taxi EV fleet in New York City.
March 14, 2022 - Tanvas, Inc., a Hemi portfolio, has teamed up with one of the world’s leading display suppliers. Together, the companies are advancing surface haptic technology with a flexible AMOLED screen ideal for a broad range of applications, including automotive, home automation, commercial displays, and mobile devices. The proprietary haptic technology facilitates tactile textures and effects to be felt as fingers swipe over the surface of the display. The absence of mechanical motors and complex moving parts make this technology a great match for adding haptic effects to these versatile displays.
March 7, 2022 - Hemi portfolio Apprentice.io recently shared its revolutionary technology for personalized medicine during an episode of Fox Business. Angelo Stracquatanio III, CEO of Apprentice.io explained that the company's intelligent software platform helps pharma companies eliminate paper-based processes and more effectively manage the production of therapies for all types of diseases, from COVID to cancer. Throughout the pandemic, Apprentice.io helped produce approximately 370 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
February 28, 2022 - Many VCs still use imprecise, overly simplistic evaluation methods that apply better to corporate than entrepreneurial contexts. Savvy investors need to devise the best tools to seek out those individuals ahead of the competition. Success in entrepreneurship is about the ability to outgrow quicker than the rest, yet almost all personality evaluations focus on how founders show up at one fixed moment in time. For this reason, proactive, forward-thinking VCs are developing evaluations that are tailored to their unique requirements. Read the full article here.
February 21, 2022 - Hemi portfolio BioAesthetics takes donated human nipples and puts them through a decellularization process that strips away the original DNA and cells from the tissue. This donated tissue works as the building block for a patient’s own cells to build around, allowing the graft to become a living structure. Over the past few years, BioAesthetics has built momentum and received grants to begin research into pelvic organ prolapse reconstruction, pressure ulcer reconstruction, and third-degree burn grafts. Learn more here.
February 14, 2022 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Persephone Biosciences on their collaboration with Janssen Research & Development, LLC, (Janssen) for the colorectal cancer (CRC) arm of Persephone's ARGONAUT study. The results of the ARGONAUT study could provide a better understanding of the gut microbiome's role in patient response to cancer therapies. "We are delighted to be working with Janssen in ARGONAUT's colorectal cancer arm in this important new area of therapeutic research," said Stephanie Culler, CEO and Co-founder of Persephone Biosciences.
February 7, 2022 - Hemi portfolio Tanvas, Inc. is partnering with Distec to offer finished industrial touch monitors with software-defined tactile textures and haptic effects on the touch surface. As the industrial application market moves to support lighter, thinner, and more flexible displays, haptic technology must also advance. TanvasTouch enables the use of different zones on the same surface and can also work in conjunction with force haptic technology as a way to avoid unwanted operation or action. TanvasTouch will be available on Distec’s POS-PRO monitors and panel PCs from February 2022.
January 31, 2022 - When entrepreneurs understand a city's strengths and weaknesses as a start-up hub, they can determine which community will best support their businesses. Technology start-ups can thrive in any city with a strong regional industry, an educated, diverse workforce, and tech-friendly resources. Hemi knows that learning from other entrepreneurs is important, but so is sharing your own knowledge. Learn more here.
January 24, 2022 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio Apprentice.io on their Series C financing of $100 million in funding for augmented reality tech that helped drug plants work during the pandemic. To date, the company's technology has helped facilitate the manufacturing of 370 million COVID vaccine doses. Apprentice.io was ideally suited to meet the demand for digitization and augmented reality with kits that provided the capability of connecting remotely.
January 17, 2022 - The path to market for Hemi portfolio Ample relies on contracts with fleets wherein Ample’s battery chemistry-agnostic modular battery packs can be swapped into and out of any vehicle. Ample already has deployed seven swapping stations in the Bay Area for participating Uber drivers and plans to launch in Europe, starting with Madrid next year. When asked by TechCrunch what it takes to go after an idea most people say won’t work, Ample co-founder John de Souza said, "To create something takes time. You need to go through the process, and as long as you’re creating value, you actually want to see the realization.” Read the full interview here.
January 10, 2022 - Hemi portfolio, Point One Navigation, announced that Ligado will provide pervasive, high-performance satellite capacity to support Point One’s Polaris GNSS correction service. Point One’s Polaris unlocks better than 10cm absolute accuracy for a broad range of mobile assets with a coast-to-coast footprint in the USA and coverage across Europe. Aaron Nathan, CEO of Point One Navigation said, “Ligado’s unique beamforming capabilities have enabled us to offer a cost-effective mass-market solution.”
January 4, 2022 - It may sound a bit unusual, but Persephone Biosciences is looking for donations of dog poop for medical research. A dog's microbiome has more than 60% in common with the human microbiome. "We've now realized dogs have cancer at the same rates that humans do. And we can potentially understand cancer in dogs to better our treatments in humans," shared Stephanie Culler, founder of Persephone Biosciences.
December 27, 2021 - This past year has been exceptionally disruptive, dramatically altering the way we work and interact, which is changing the VC landscape. Technology is no longer a nice-to-have component of businesses, it’s a must-have. As meetings shift to video calls, a remarkable leveling of the field has also occurred for startups looking for funding. VCs are currently laser-focused on discovering the leaders driving the next generation of innovation, whether they are based in San Francisco, Miami, or anywhere else. Read more here.
December 20, 2021 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio, Mythic Therapeutics, Inc., which has announced its Series B round of funding and come out of stealth mode with $103 million. Co-founders Alex Nichols and Brian Fiske believe that antibody-drug conjugates are at the right inflection point to become a new standard of care for cancers and, potentially, other serious diseases. The new financing will bankroll the first-in-human clinical trials of its lung cancer program and further build out the pipeline.
December 12, 2021 - AI is one of the most disruptive technologies in the pharmaceutical sector. "AI tools have been around for a long time now and have repeatedly delivered success," stated Dr. Sam Cooper, co-founder and CEO of Phenomic, a Hemi portfolio. Founded in 2017, Phenomic deploys deep-learning tools to automate the analysis of single-cell RNA data as a key, new data source for target identification and patient stratification. Dr. Cooper went on to tell BioSpectrum, "The recent wave of hype really sits on top of a massive expansion in the amount of biological data being generated. Overall, newer computational tools combined with the ability to generate large amounts of biological data are already improving the way we discover drugs."
December 6, 2021 - Congratulations to metaMe Health, a Hemi portfolio, on its clearance from the FDA for Regulora®, a digital tool used to treat IBS-related abdominal pain. This is the first FDA-authorized treatment of any kind specifically for abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults. Regulora is a smartphone app that delivers behavioral therapy based on gut-directed hypnotherapy to alleviate IBS pain. “We are eager to expand access of this proven therapy to patients with all three subtypes of IBS,” said Tim Rudolphi, CEO of metaMe Health.
November 29, 2021 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio, Ample, for being named as one of Time's Best Inventions of 2021. The company’s big breakthrough, says co-founder John de Souza, is a patented design that allows Ample’s batteries to work with cars from any manufacturer, in terms of both physical and chemical compatibility. Ample is already operating six stations in its hometown and is working with five major automakers.
November 25, 2021 - This is the time of year for sharing what you’re thankful for. As we spend time with family and friends, let's reflect on our blessings. At Hemi, we are thankful for the rebel entrepreneurs who are working hard to transform industries despite the many challenges we continue to face. Let's all give thanks with a grateful heart today and every day. #HemiVC
November 22, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, Point One Navigation, announced that it has launched out of stealth mode and closed a $10 million Series A round of funding. The company’s technology enables centimeter-level global accuracy by combining augmented GNSS, computer vision, and sensor fusion in a powerful yet easy-to-use API compatible with a wide variety of existing platforms. “Point One Navigation’s full suite of offerings enable precise location on anything that moves in the real world," said Aaron Nathan, CEO and Co-founder.
November 15, 2021 - Ample, a Hemi portfolio company, has raised another $50 million, putting the company at a valuation of over $1 billion as it takes its battery swapping business to Europe. Ample’s concept is to outfit vehicles with its modular battery packs, which can be swapped out at dedicated stations. The new funding will go toward the funding will go toward scaling operations--expanding production, deployment, and support functions. Ample currently has partnerships with Uber and Sally, reflecting the startup’s focus on fleet companies, for whom time spent recharging an EV battery is time wasted.
November 8, 2021 - With the prevalence of cell phones, entrepreneurs in all industries should remember that the future is mobile. If you're looking to improve your marketing, you need to meet users on their mobile devices. Mobile technology has a lot to offer consumers, and Hemi knows that the rebel entrepreneurs who find innovative ways to build their businesses are the most successful. Learn more here.
November 1, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, Ample, has announced a collaboration with Electric Last Mile Solutions, a pure-play commercial electric vehicle company focused on redefining productivity for the last mile. Through the partnership, the companies plan to introduce a bundled offering that would pair Ample's modular battery swapping technology with the ELMS’ Urban Delivery Class 1 commercial EV. The companies also announced plans to explore a full Mobility-as-a-Service bundle that would allow customers to forgo vehicle ownership entirely and pay for usage by the mile.
October 25, 2021 - Despite the pandemic, 4.4 million new companies launched last year, and investment in US startups continues to grow. The biggest areas of investment are focused on information technology, business and financial services, and healthcare. Much of the investment is going to companies developing technology that proved its value during the pandemic as the world changed how it worked, traveled, communicated, and shopped. Hemi knows that the rebel entrepreneurs who build rising technologies and reform industries will continue to thrive as they work hard to make our lives better. Read the full article here.
October 18, 2021 - Congratulations to Hemi portfolio, Sense Photonics, on their acquisition by Ouster, a market leader across auto and non-auto industry verticals. Co-founded five years ago by veteran optical telecoms executive Scott Burroughs, Sense Photonics has developed a digital lidar platform based around vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) and single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs). When the acquisition closes, Ouster plans to establish Ouster Automotive, a new functional division of the company focused on driving mass-market adoption of digital lidar in consumer and commercial vehicles.
October 12, 2021 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio, Plus, on the recent announcement of its collaboration with Teledyne FLIR, LLC on a development project to explore the addition of thermal cameras to the sensor stack used with Plus's Level 4 autonomous driving technology. The planned research pilot will not only assess the technical performance but will also consider cost and scale requirements in order to potentially add this to the company's product roadmap.
October 4, 2021 - As businesses look past COVID, a contrast in access to external capital is emerging. During the pandemic, there was historic capital growth for high-growth tech startups, while small businesses closed at alarming rates. As these trends continue to persist in 2021, industry and policy leaders are looking for the long-term implications of a number of shifts, from the changing makeup of main street businesses to the increased digital reliance of consumers and workers. COVID-19 has affected entrepreneurial funding in ways that will shape the economy for years to come but Hemi knows that the rebel entrepreneurs will push through the challenges to realize new opportunities.
September 27, 2021 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio, Persephone Biosciences, on the announcement of their collaboration with Janssen Biotech, Inc. Under the collaboration, Persephone will analyze stool samples collected as part of a Janssen oncology clinical trial using Persephone’s proprietary stool collection kit, and the company will have exclusive licensing rights to any biomarkers discovered. “We are excited for this collaboration as it will provide us with an opportunity not only to further our understanding of the microbiome’s role in disease but also to build upon the growing body of evidence highlighting the microbiome’s role in influencing patient treatment outcomes,” said Stephanie Culler, CEO and Co-founder of Persephone Biosciences.
September 20, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, Tanvas, Inc., was recently featured by DealMakerz for their TanvasTouch product that gives designers precise control over creating surfaces that look different when touched. With TanvasTouch and its intuitive code environment, designing surface textures and effects are as easy as drawing a picture. This means that surface touch is a technology that has now given everyone who makes products with a built-in screen the opportunity to integrate.
September 13, 2021 - Congratulations to Hemi portfolio, Plus, for achieving a significant milestone with their completion of a driverless Level 4 truck demonstration on a highway. The demonstration was performed without a safety driver, teleoperator, or any other form of human intervention. Plus expects to launch pilot operations of a fully driverless truck for use in a dedicated environment in 2022.
September 7, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, Sense Photonics, was recently recognized by All About Circuits for their flash LiDAR technology for OEMs. Sense Photonics' LiDAR platform offers a compact approach to autonomous sensing with a unit that is designed to fit behind the windshield or within vehicle headlamps. The company has partnered with a major auto equipment manufacturer to bring its products to mass-market cars. Sense Photonics aims to make its short-and-medium range sensors cost-effective for suppliers worldwide.
August 30, 2021 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio, BioAesthetics, on the grant it has received from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to further develop its platform technology of enhanced biologically derived grafts for burn victims. The work supported by this grant aims to provide proof-of-concept that an acellular biologic graft infused with a drug delivery system has the potential to reduce infection rates and act as a scaffold for skin regeneration, thus speeding wound healing and recovery. “Through the NIH I-CORPS grant, we will be able to receive user, patient, and physician feedback ensuring that we address the pain points early on in product development,” commented Nicholas Pashos, Founder and CEO of BioAesthetics.
August 23, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, Ample has raised their largest round of funding with a $160 million Series C to scale its battery swapping service. Ample is rethinking how we use electric vehicles with their automated charging pod locations where drivers can swap out their depleted batteries for ones that are fully charged. The swapped-out batteries are then recharged in the pod so they can be reinserted into another vehicle. Looking to the future, Ample is focused purely on scaling: deploying with large customers in new cities.
August 16, 2021 - Congrats to Hemi portfolio, Nebula Genomics, on their acquisition by ProPhase Labs, Inc., a diversified medical science and technology company. Nebula’s whole genome sequencing services will be integrated with the robust clinical diagnostic testing services already offered at ProPhase’s CLIA-certified molecular testing laboratories. The goal is to make personal genome sequencing more accessible at a lower cost while providing people with important and comprehensive genetic insights. Read more here.
August 9, 2021 - Ample, a Hemi portfolio with an automated Modular Battery Swapping service, recently announced its partnership with Sally, an electric vehicle (EV) fleet operator. This partnership will provide rapid refueling to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles with EV service stations where drivers can quickly change the battery of their vehicle and rest before getting back on the road. "Working with Sally fits perfectly into our mission to electrify fleets and ultimately get one billion EVs on the road," shared John de Souza, Ample President and co-founder.
July 26, 2021 - While there are no set rules for building successful startups, having a solid marketing plan shouldn't be forgotten. There are a few key marketing best practices that rebel entrepreneurs must take into consideration in order to avoid some of the most common mistakes when it comes to promoting themselves. Hemi knows that the most successful startups start marketing early and consider it a long-term proposition. Learn more here.
July 19, 2021 - Amazon recently placed an order for 1,000 autonomous driving systems from Hemi portfolio, Plus. The company is the first autonomous trucking developer to start mass production. PlusDrive, will improve the lives of truck drivers around the world while saving lives lost to heavy truck-related accidents and making our world greener through reduced carbon emissions. Plus recently announced plans to go public via a reverse merger with a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC.
July 12, 2021 - Sense Photonics, a Hemi portfolio, recently announced their development of a system called MultiRange™ that delivers high-resolution long-range capability and a mid-range capability with a wider field-of-view (FoV) simultaneously in a single shot using a single sensor. MultiRange™ capability allows a vehicle to detect the road profile, road debris, and lane markings at long distances and also detect traffic in adjacent lanes without requiring multiple sensor heads. "By delivering ultra-high resolution point clouds across multiple fields of view with a single sensor, we allow companies a comprehensive solution for both short and long-range sensor needs at a fraction of the cost," explained Sense CEO Shauna McIntyre.
July 6, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, Phase Genomics, recently announced the launch of their new platform for discovering viral genomes in complex microbiome samples. This cutting-edge technology will help researchers identify new phages and their bacterial targets in complex environments and will aid in a wide range of new and unique applications in the phage therapy and infectious disease fields. "We believe that this technology will bring significant improvements to phage therapy, synthetic biology, and numerous areas of biological research,” said Ivan Liachko, CEO of Phase Genomics.
June 28, 2021 - For entrepreneurs trying to keep their startups going, a cash injection can make all the difference in launching a critical product. However, founders who don’t scrutinize investors’ relationships might later find themselves relinquishing their ventures to a larger acquirer or facing the glare of earnings expectations as a publicly-traded company. Founders should understand the pros and cons of each of their options and know where they want to take their companies before committing to VC funds. Learn more here.
June 21, 2021 - The venture capital industry is working hard to become more inclusive. While progress can be slow, recent surveys show evidence that diversity is increasing in some areas, even as other areas have unfortunately not seen the same pace of change. If the industry can continue to build upon this momentum and commitment around DEI efforts, we can reach a tipping point that will translate to meaningful progress. Hemi strives to ensure diversity, equality, and inclusion as we work with rebel entrepreneurs who are reforming industries.
June 14, 2021 - OpenARC, a precise positioning hardware and software platform, is being used in the development of off-road autonomous applications in the agricultural and construction markets. The OpenARC positioning platform combines Point One’s Polaris GNSS correction service with Aceinna’s OpenRTK330 hardware and software system. Point One Navigation, a Hemi portfolio, is a leading supplier of precise positioning technology tailored for autonomous systems including self-driving vehicles, commercial drones, and other robotic applications where robust and high integrity localization is required. Learn more here.
June 7, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, BioAesthetics, was recently recognized by the Triangle Business Journal as one of the winners of the 2021 Life Sciences Awards. BioAesthetics was awarded the title of Best Medical Device Company for its inaugural product, a decellularized skin allograft of the human nipple-areolar complex (NAC) intended to replace the NAC when lost due to mastectomy or other procedure.
May 31, 2021 - Smart Radar System uses radar at a cost of 20% of competing lidar systems to create level 5 vehicle autonomy. The company is a global leader in radar technology, allowing customers to excavate and visualize real-time 3D data of objects, which can be used across a variety of industries. Hemi invested in SRS because its team of rebel entrepreneurs has a clear vision and unparalleled expertise in radar technology. The company was recently mentioned in a Forbes article about Korea's Smart City Ecosystem.
May 24, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, MemryX, recently announced that it has raised Series A funding to further develop novel, in-memory chips to enable AI applications in edge devices. The company uses a radically new in-memory computing architecture with deterministic data flow to enable low-power edge performance to enable high-value AI applications. With the new funding, the company now plans to scale the commercialization of its patented Memory Processing Unit (MPU) architecture and sample product-level chips to leading OEMs across the automotive, edge-computing, and security sectors.
May 17, 2020 - Generation Z is set to overtake Millenials as the most entrepreneurial generation. Disruption is in this generation’s DNA, and we can expect a greater deluge of creative ideas and businesses in this decade. These young entrepreneurs have built some staggering businesses wholly on existing social media platforms, and some have even built such expansive businesses that link throughout a number of these platforms. Hemi knows that these Gen Z rebels will be the next wave of entrepreneurs reforming industries with rising technologies in the years to come. Read more here.
May 10, 2021 - While some startups are cutting jobs as a result of COVID-19, other entrepreneurs are turning toward climate tech as an industry that will persevere despite economic disruption. Climate tech encompasses advances in carbon capture and sequestration, combined heat and power systems, crop waste recycling, building automation, and biofuels. Hemi knows that it's rebels like these, who pivot and adapt, that will continue to build rising technologies that will reform industries.
May 3, 2021 - The key to a successful autonomous vehicle environment is to make it better than human perception—flawless in decision-making. At a recent webinar hosted by Partners for Automated Vehicle Education, Hod Finkelstein, chief technology officer of Sense Photonics, shared, “The job of the perception engine is to take the various inputs from those sensors and to fuse them into an understanding of those surroundings." A Hemi portfolio, Sense Photonics is developing the next generation of LiDAR and 3D sensor solutions. Read the full article here.
April 26, 2021 - SF Express has selected Hemi portfolio, Plus (formerly Plus.ai), for China’s first commercial freight pilot to demonstrate how supervised autonomous trucks improve logistics operations. With two new test routes in China, Plus will demonstrate the full potential of its autonomous driving system to improve safety, reduce fuel cost, enhance driver comfort, and lower carbon emissions.
April 19, 2021 - Phase Genomics, a Hemi portfolio, was awarded a $1.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The company will use the funds to develop a reagent kit and accompanying analytical software for the culture-free assembly of viral genomes from metagenomic samples and associate these viruses with their microbial hosts. The platform is expected to be commercially available by mid-2021.
April 12, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, Nebula Genomics, recently published a paper in Nature Computer Science about how to preserve privacy in genomic information. Their proposal is a citizen-centric approach that combines cryptographic privacy-preserving technologies, such as homomorphic encryption and secure multi-party computation, with the auditability of blockchains. This system would alleviate widespread privacy concerns and encourage data access sharing with researchers.
April 5, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, Persephone Biosciences, plans to collect stool and blood samples from volunteers before and after they receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The CA biotech trying to figure out why coronavirus vaccines work better for some people than others by studying the community of bacteria living in the gut. “In people who do not respond to vaccines, or who do not respond to the latest cancer drugs, what we’re finding is a very severely damaged gut microbiome,” said Stephanie Culler, CEO of Persephone.
March 29, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, Point One Navigation, has partnered with ACEINNA to offer an affordable, accurate, and easy-to-use complete positioning solution for autonomous vehicles. “Point One’s highly adaptable Polaris network is now fully deployed coast-to-coast, supporting many precise positioning and autonomous applications,” said Aaron Nathan, CEO and Co-Founder at Point One.
March 22, 2021 - Recent studies are evaluating whether disruption of gut microbiota could be linked to the development of severe Covid-19 symptoms as a result of inflammation. Hemi portfolio, Persephone Biosciences, has been working on an artificial intelligence (AI)-derived microbiome therapeutic to prevent and treat Covid-19. Persephone uses its proprietary Decode.Design.Cure technology platform, which applies a combination of AI and next-generation genome sequencing technologies, to develop novel microbiome therapeutics and diagnostics.
March 15, 2021 - Some of the biggest direct-to-consumer DNA sequencing companies are busy monetizing their large-scale genomics databases. Experts say the increased interest in genomics poses new threats to DNA donors. Dennis Grishin, co-founder of Hemi portfolio Nebula Genomics, advocates a model that gives people ownership of their DNA but allows them to participate in the scientific process by asking them survey questions and giving them the choice to voluntarily submit associated medical data. Read more here.
March 8, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, Ample, uses Modular Battery Swapping for EVs to deliver a fully charged battery in under 10 minutes, 3 times faster than charging. Drivers can sit in the car or get out and stretch their legs while the swap is completed. The company has made headline news from Forbes to CNBC and TechCrunch with their official worldwide launch last week. Co-founders John de Souza and Khaled Hassounah said swapping should enable used electric vehicles to stay on the road, performing perfectly for longer, rather than turning into e-waste. The rebel entrepreneurs at Ample are building technology to get us closer to a carbon-neutral world.
March 1, 2021 - Hemi portfolio, Sense Photonics, recently demonstrated a successful 200-meter detection with its proprietary global shutter flash LiDAR system. This industry-first was achieved using the company's proprietary emitter and SPAD sensor technologies. The innovative flash architecture from Sense Photonics is already capturing the interest of automakers, AV companies, and Tier 1 suppliers. Learn more here.
February 22, 2021 - Silicon Valley is a hub of ingenuity. When the pandemic hit, many startups found themselves moving home to work out of the garages and living rooms so they could keep innovating. In spite of the challenges this posed, entrepreneurs said it forced them to learn how to pivot quickly and become more efficient. That is the type of entrepreneurial spirit that Hemi looks for in its rebel engineers who are working hard to build rising technologies.
February 15, 2021 - Early-stage entrepreneurs have many decisions to make and few people to consult with. While there are no right or wrong answers, these choices can impact the success or failure of a business. Hemi's goal is to help our rebel entrepreneurs understand the implications of their strategies as they build rising technologies that will reform industries. Read more about the entrepreneurial balancing act here.
February 8, 2021 - Being an entrepreneur is about persevering when faced with adversity. If you want to make it in the world of startups, you need to be ready to take criticism and learn from your mistakes. Hemi looks for rebel entrepreneurs who are fueled with determination. Click here to learn about four famed entrepreneurs who credit getting fired from a job with helping them achieve business success.
February 1, 2021 - Even though this year CES 2021 was held virtually, it did not disappoint. Some of the highlights included a wireless charging dock, a flying car, and a robot that played the piano. There were also a number of companies that showcased technology designed to address the global pandemic. In today's uncertain times, Hemi continues to invest in rebels like these who build rising technologies that will reform industries.
January 25, 2021 - With the economy struggling as the country continues to battle COVID-19, many states are taking steps to encourage startups and recharge their local economies. Following a lead from MA, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is introducing a $10MM program aimed at supporting climate technology startups while building back the state’s economy. Hemi knows that climate tech innovation is critical for the long-term survival of our planet.
January 18, 2021 - Earlier this year, startups were warned to conserve cash and be prepared for limited funding. With the recovery of public markets after the Federal Reserve and lawmakers took actions to flood markets with liquidity, funds are once again flowing throughout the venture ecosystem. Hemi knows that this increased VC activity will continue to move the country to a full economic recovery. Read more here.
January 11, 2021 - Despite the decline in corporate activities due to COVID-19, Smart Radar System has succeeded in raising over $10MM in investments. The company is committed to developing the most advanced and superior radar image technologies for use in a variety of industries. Hemi invested in SRS because their team of rebel entrepreneurs has a clear vision and unparalleled expertise in radar technology. Their fast execution is a testament to their potential to become the market leader.
January 4, 2021 - As we enter the new year, let's take a few minutes to look back at the fast-growing companies that won the CEE Scaleup Challenge. Congratulations to Hemi portfolio, Tensorflight! It uses aerial, street view, and satellite imagery to automate commercial property inspections, underwriting, and help in better risk modeling. Hemi looks forward to a new year with our rebel entrepreneurs continuing to reform industries with their award-winning technologies.
January 1, 2021 - Hemi welcomes the new year to start fresh and put the troubles of the past year behind us. We encourage our rebel entrepreneurs to learn from the mistakes of 2020 and set new goals for 2021. Happy New Year, everyone!
December 28, 2020 - Entrepreneurs might have old bananas like unfinished projects, unpaid invoices, and unwritten articles. If you don't take action, these things begin to rot and take up mental and physical space. With the new year approaching, it's time to decide which items you'll actually move forward with and which items you'll toss. Read more here.
December 25, 2020 - Happy holidays to all of the rebels who are working hard to transform industries, despite the many challenges we faced this year. It's time to take a break, relax, and appreciate everything you’ve accomplished. Hemi wishes everyone a joyous holiday season.
December 21, 2020 - Hemi Portfolio, Nebula Genomics, sets itself apart from other DNA testing companies because they can quickly decode 100% of your DNA. This provides you with more information about your medical history and your ancestry. Nebula Genomics is currently partnered with Global Genes to donate 10% of all net proceeds to the testing of people with rare diseases. Click here for more information.
December 14, 2020 - Venture capital is helping to confront the challenges our country is facing with the pandemic by investing in companies that are pivoting or ramping up their efforts to combat COVID-19. VCs have doubled down on remaining engaged in the venture ecosystem as the economic cycle bears itself out. This increased VC activity will help the country on the road to economic recovery. Read more here.
December 7, 2020 - Hemi Portfolio, BioAesthetics, will begin a clinical study of its nipple reconstruction graft performed at Stanford Medicine in 2021. The company hopes the NACgraft will improve the quality-of-life for those choosing to undergo breast reconstruction. BioAesthetics is a biotechnology company focused on transforming lives through advancements in biomaterials.
November 30,2020 - Hemi portfolio, Apprentice.io, announced a $24M Series B round as they continue to assist customers in ramping up production of COVID-19 vaccines. The company expects customer expansions to dramatically increase as more global life science organizations look to adopt Pharma 4.0 manufacturing solutions for greater reliability and speed to market. Apprentice pledges to help their customers not just survive the pandemic but to establish a system that's built for the future.
November 26, 2020 - Thanksgiving is a time to eat delicious food, spend time with family, and reflect on our blessings. We are thankful for our rebel founders, not just on this day of thanks but all year long. Their rising technologies are reforming industries and reshaping the human experience.
November 23, 2020 - With no end in sight for quarantines and work from home, there has been a surge in new business applications. Working from home has accelerated a trend where coprorate employees are turning to entrepreneurial opportunities to cement their independence and provide financial security for their families that is within their control. Read more here.
November 16, 2020 - With the economic and social disruptions caused by the pandemic, it might be surprising to hear that there has been a rise in new startups. This increase in entrepreneurship can be a catalyst for sustained economic growth. Rebel entrepreneurs who can pivot in the face of adversity to bring motivation, fresh ideas, and new solutions are exactly what Hemi looks for when investing in startups. Read more here.
November 9, 2020 - After many delays, SpaceX's first operational astronaut launch for NASA is only five days away. Just like entrepreneurs, these space rebels have faced setbacks and been forced to pivot quickly in order to ensure a safe and successful mission. Hemi invests in rebels who aren't afraid to face challenges to build rising technologies that will reform industries.
November 2, 2020 - Hemi portfolio, Phase Genomics, announced a partnership with QIAGEN to sell EpiTect Hi-C kits in the United States. Phase Genomics will provide a comprehensive suite of analytic services for Hi-C data analysis to EpiTect Hi-C Kit customers. Hemi believes this partnership is a great example of how a small business can benefit from collaborating with a larger, more established organization. The right partnership can expand your financial resources, connections, and skillsets.
October 26, 2020 - Last year, most VCs reported that they shied away from remote companies, but things are changing with so many companies embracing the new normal. This is good news for most early-stage companies that usually operate with limited employees and are often without formal offices. Without a physical office requirement, companies are more likely to hire geographically diverse candidates — and spend less money. Hemi invests in the rebels who build rising technologies that will reform industries whether they work in an office or remotely. Read more here.
October 19, 2020 - Hemi portfolio, Phenomic AI, announced the official launch of the company with US$6 million seed financing. The company uses machine-learning tools to process and extract information from the interactions between different cell types to power drug discovery. We invested in Phenomoic in 2018, believing that it will advance novel antibodies that could improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment.
October 13, 2020 - Join Hemi’s Amy Gu and genomics startup founders and investors on Oct. 14 for Genome Startup Day 2020! Through interactive panel discussions and presentations, we’ll explore and share personal insights, lessons, and reflections on making the leap from academia to genomics commercialization. This virtual event is for postdocs, graduate students, researchers, startup founders, service providers, investors, and advocates who share a commitment to supporting the next generation of leading genomics entrepreneurs. Get details and register here.
October 12, 2020 - Hemi portfolio, Phase Genomics, announced the receipt of two NIH grants totaling $3.9M. The funds will be utilized to develop new, highly-scalable methods for detecting chromosomal rearrangements in diverse human samples. This technology promises to bring significant improvements to both research and clinical efforts in fertility, cancer, and genetic disorders through an improved understanding of genome dynamics and related disease states. Read more here.
October 6, 2020 - Hemi portfolio, BioAesthetics, announced that it has surpassed its Series A funding goal of $2.5 million. BioAesthetics is preparing to launch a nipple-areolar complex (NAC) graft for patients undergoing breast reconstruction. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Companies like BioAesthetics inspire hope by giving breast cancer survivors a new option for replacing the nipple and areola after a mastectomy. Learn more here.
October 5, 2020 - Join us virtually for this year's TC Sessions: Mobility 2020. There will be informative panels, provocative one-on-one interviews, networking opportunities, and a pitch-off competition for early-stage mobility companies. Hemi's Amy Gu will be part of a panel debating the uncertain future of mobility tech and whether VC dollars are enough to push the industry forward.
September 28, 2020 - Hemi will be hosting the Harmony of the Spheres exhibition by Leo Villareal at the Pace Gallery on October 1st. Villareal's collection includes a series of LED panels that draw upon a history of practices engaged with mass imagery, mechanical reproduction, and the materiality of light. This exhibit is particularly meaningful because who couldn't use a little more light in their life right now?!
September 21, 2020 - Join us tomorrow at 10:35 AM PDT for the virtual @AAAIM annual conference. Hemi's Amy Gu will be part of a panel discussing how Millenials are making it big in the VC world. Hear about her journey as a minority female fund manager and how she founded Hemi Ventures in her 30s. Click here for more information about the conference.
September 14, 2020 - The venture-backed startup ecosystem had been on an upswing until the recent economic recession, which resulted from the global pandemic. Despite this, deals are still being made, and good companies are still getting funded, although the investment cycle has lengthened. Hemi knows that the startups who will make it are the ones who are able to adjust their expectations and adapt their businesses to the new normal. Read more here.
September 9, 2020 - Hemi portfolio, Ample Inc, has announced its partnership with Uber to extend attractive offers on electric vehicles to drivers. Founded by John de Souza and Khaled Hassounah, Ample offers a robotic alternative to EV battery charging, Uber is working with companies like Ample to take the important steps needed to aggressively tackle the challenge of climate change and reduce their environmental impact.
September 8, 2020 - Even though this year's TC Sessions: Mobility will be virtual next month, it will be filled with informative panels, provocative one-on-one interviews, networking opportunities, and a pitch-off competition for early-stage mobility companies. TechCrunch reporters and editors will interview some of the top leaders in transportation to tackle topics such as scaling up an electric vehicle company, the future of automated vehicle technology, micro-mobility, building an AV startup, and investing in the industry. Catch Amy Gu on stage at TCMobilty on October 6 at 9:55 am. Get discount tickets here.
September 7, 2020 - Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions of American workers and celebrates their achievements. On this day, Hemi also wants to show gratitude to the American rebels who build rising technologies and reform industries to make our lives better.
August 31, 2020 - This year's AAAIM annual conference is going virtual. Hemi's Amy Gu will be part of a panel discussing how Millenials are making it big in the VC world; many are raising funds before they turn 40. Join us for this and more on September 22 to hear from investment managers across major asset classes and learn from insightful leaders. Register for the event here.
August 24, 2020 - Hemi portfolio, Persephone Biosciences, is developing an immune-boosting microbiome therapeutic to help prevent and fight coronavirus. They are also working on a stool-based diagnostic designed to identify patients at high risk for developing severe complications and mortality from COVID-19. Persephone's microbiome therapeutic will be developed to enhance the immune system and may be used for other viral applications including the seasonal flu and future pandemics. Learn more here.
Auguts 17, 2020 - In 1995, Steve Jobs was interviewed by the Santa Clara Valley Historical Association. Even though the advice he offered on embracing life is from 25 years ago, it’s still relevant in our current environment. Jobs felt that many people live the life they are told to live. However, he felt it was important to shake off this notion of living a life you are given in order to create your best life. Hemi agrees and looks for this entrepreneurial spirit in rebels who are changing technologies to make the world a better place.
August 10, 2020 - Hemi portfolio, Plus.ai, will be putting their trucks to the test. The Transportation Research Center (TRC) in Ohio is set to begin rigorous testing of the Plus.AI Automated Driving System (ADS) in realistic conditions. There will be a variety of tests including multi-vehicle scenarios. This is the first public announcement of the independent testing of automated trucks. Click here to learn more.
August 3, 2020 - PitchBook-NVCA Venture Monitor recently published the 2020 Q2 report with three key highlights. The top 15 funds raised in H1 2020 totaled $22.7 billion, making up over half of all VC fundraising in the year so far. Now that funds are taking longer to liquidate and have higher proportions of unrealized value, the length of the pandemic’s effect will be crucial for the VC exit environment. Overall deal counts dipped while late-stage financings sustained strength in aggregate capital investment.
July 27, 2020 - After COVID-19 forced many people out of their cubicles and into home offices, looking forward, startups are moving away from traditional offices. Companies are shifting from their kitschy perks like foosball tables and nap-pods to offering remote work as a recruiting perk that is also a cost-saver. Even before COVID, Hemi was an early adopter of virtual meetings, investing in multiple portfolios without meeting with them in person before the investment.
July 20, 2020 - As NASA patiently waits to launch its next Rover to Mars, we should be reminded of the importance of flexibility and perseverance. The mission will only be successful if the Rover is launched during the right conditions, which means the launch date must be fluid. Hemi has found that the most successful rebel entrepreneurs are those who embrace change and persevere through challenges. During the recent economic setbacks, our rebels will adapt and continue to build rising technologies that will reform industries. Follow the Perseverance Rover here.
July 16, 2020 - Hemi's Amy Gu was recently included in The TechCrunch List, a directory of the most active and engaged investors in the VC industry today as recommended by founders. The TechCurnch List is a verified, curated list of investors who have demonstrated a commitment to first checks and leading rounds from seed through growth. Hemi is listed in the Mobility Software vector offering funding for Pre-seed and Seed Early Stage rounds. Hemi also invests in Healthcare and Enterprise AI. Click here to see the list.
July 15, 2020 - Nicholas Pashos, Founder and CEO of BioAesthetics, a Hemi portfolio, was recently featured in an interview on Nasdaq.com. Pashos shared that it's important to keep the big picture in mind and stay focused. He elaborated, “Experiments fail, that’s science; investors pass on deals all of the time, that’s fundraising, but the bigger picture is the mission of the company - transforming lives through the advancement in biomaterials.” Hemi knows that this is the type of attitude that is the foundation for successful rebel entrepreneurs. Read the full article here.
July 13, 2020 - The global startup economy is valued at close to $3 trillion, but it’s not immune to economic effects related to COVID-19. Startups are seeing declines in both consumer demand and VC funding. In the first three months of the year, VC investments were down 20% globally, with the automotive sector down 43% and AI/Big Data down 30%. Hemi believes that rebel entrepreneurs should not be disheartened by these numbers. This is a time of change and those who are able to adapt to the changes will not only survive but they will thrive. Click here to read more about COVID-19’s impact on the global startup scene.
July 6, 2020 - As the US emerges in stages from coronavirus quarantines, many people who have been working from home are being called back to their offices. For those companies that continue to adopt an in-office work environment, many changes will need to be made to keep employees safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now issued guidelines for reopening offices while maintaining social distancing. Hemi knows these are trying times for businesses and their employees, but if we take the proper precautions and work together, we will get through this. You can find the CDC recommendations for offices here.
June 29, 2020 - The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what graduation looks like at high schools and colleges across America. It's also changed the job outlook for recent graduates. Because of the hardships this generation of graduates will endure, they are likely to be happier and more appreciative of their future careers. Hemi looks forward to a new generation of rebels that will build rising technologies to reform industries. Learn more here.
June 22, 2020 - As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, its economic impact is being felt by all businesses, particularly early-stage startups. Pre-revenue companies need to focus less on funding and more on new ideas and evaluating their business models. Hemi knows that successful rebel entrepreneurs are the ones who pivot and don’t panic in the face of a crisis. Read more here about how entrepreneurs are using their own inventiveness to respond and adapt.
June 15, 2020 - Despite the quarantines that have slowed down many businesses, Hemi rebel portfolios are still busy driving rising technologies. Alcatraz has unveiled its new Alcatraz Rock 3D Facial Authentication Platform in a partnership with Boon Edam. Tanvas, Inc. received the 2020 Display Component of the Year award from the Society for Information Display (SID) for its TanvasTouch surface haptic technology. metaMe Health recently was recognized by Bootcamps as one of the “Top Startups to Watch in Chicago 2020.”
June 8, 2020 - If your business is relying on a PPP loan, you need to make sure you have a solid plan in place for spending that money so that your business can not only survive but thrive. Not only do you should it go toward ensuring the future health of your business, but it must also adhere to federal guidelines. Hemi knows that the rebel entrepreneurs that succeed are the ones with the ability to plan for the long term. Click here to read more.
June 1, 2020 - World Environment Day is this Friday and scientists have noticed some dramatic side effects from the recent travel restrictions and quarantines -- there has been a noticeable improvement in air quality around the world. As we recover from the pandemic, it's important to work to preserve a cleaner environment. Hemi supports rebel entrepreneurs who are working to create sustainable sources of energy and cleaner modes of transportation. #HemiVC
May 25, 2020 - As we remember our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, we honor their sacrifice with gratitude and celebrate that they are the reason our flag still flies as a symbol of hope and courage. Rebel entrepreneurs rely on the same hope and courage to build rising technologies that will reform industries.
May 17, 2020 - What better way to celebrate International Museum Day than by visiting a museum? With much of the country still in quarantine, you may think a museum tour is out of the question, but technology has changed that. Take a moment today to celebrate the museums that preserve the works of entrepreneurs around the world with a virtual visit from the comfort of your home. Here are some of Hemi's favorites.
May 11, 2020 - While the Payroll Protection Program is the most talked-about aid available to startups, there are a number of other resources out there. Covidcap is an interactive database where entrepreneurs can search for cash relief. The Local Initiatives Support Corporation is especially interested in funding women- and minority-owned businesses. The Lawyers for Good Government Foundation and the SBA SCORE program are both offering free consultations. Hemi understands the energy and effort that goes into an entrepreneurial business and we hope that all founders are taking advantage of the resources that are available during these trying times. Click here for more information.
May 4, 2020 - With no definitive end to the quarantine in sight and the US falling into a recession, start-ups and small businesses are fighting to stay afloat. When Gravity chief executive Dan Price was faced with bankruptcy or layoffs, he turned to his employees for an alternative solution. Everyone was willing to make a sacrifice to keep Gravity in business and avoid layoffs, but since everyone's financial situation is different, each employee determined what they could sacrifice financially in terms of a pay cut. This is a great example of the emotional intelligence that Hemi looks for when selecting portfolios. Click here to learn more about Dan Price and his unique solution to save his company.
April 27, 2020 - COVID-19 has created a shift in small businesses and startups, moving their focus from profitability to merely survival. Venture capitals have also had to re-evaluate their strategies. Commitments have slowed as they assess their financial conditions based on the impact the pandemic has had on their portfolio companies. Hemi knows that venture capital is a long game, and together, we’ll get through this. Read more here.
April 20, 2020 - The $349 billion stimulus program to help small businesses during the pandemic has run out of money. The program administered by the Small Business Administration through participating banks saw an overwhelming demand, leaving many businesses still in need of help. Although the SBA is no longer accepting applications for the Paycheck Protection Program or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), there may still be some debt relief options available, such as SBA Bridge Loans and SBA Debt Relief. Find more information on the SBA website.
April 13, 2020 - Around the world, COVID-19 is causing disruption with lock-downs, struggling industries, and businesses trying to adapt to this unprecedented crisis. Investors and entrepreneurs are also coping with the Coronavirus uncertainty. While VCs are exercising caution, solid early-stage startups may be better placed for funding from VC firms than their more established counterparts. For more guidance for startups during COVID-19, click here.
April 6, 2020 - As we continue to do our part with social distancing and self-quarantines, rebel scientists are working hard to develop drugs and vaccines that can treat and prevent COVID-19. These treatments range from repurposing existing drugs, creating antibodies to treat those currently infected, and producing vaccines to prevent future seasonal outbreaks. Stay informed and stay safe. The Milken Institute is currently tracking the development of treatments and vaccines for COVID-19 here.
March 30, 2020 - On Friday, the House passed a $2 trillion stimulus plan to provide economic relief for those affected by COVID-19. $350 billion has been allocated to small businesses, including start-ups, as part of the Paycheck Protection Program, and loans will be available to companies with 500 or fewer employees. Congress could also extend further tax relief to support small businesses. Click here to learn more.
March 23, 2020 - With the global number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 above 200,000, people have now realized the seriousness of this pandemic. While many businesses have been forced to close their doors and employees are working from home, Hemi’s rebel entrepreneurs are still hard at work, contributing technologies to help stop COVID-19. Learn more about what they are doing here. We will make it through this together.
March 9, 2020 - Renogy is a Los Angeles-based renewable energy company that prides itself on supplying the best solar products on the market. Hemi believes that tech rebels who are building rising technologies, like Yi Li, will make the world a better place to live. Renogy’s goal is to make a difference in the world by building solar energy solutions that will make the earth greener. To learn more about Renogy, click here.
March 2, 2020 - At the MOVE: Mobility Re-imagined Summit in London last month, Hemi’s Amy Gu delivered the keynote speech on “How Startups Can Scale Up Their Business.” She shared the three main areas that Hemi uses to measure a startup's potential growth: market, business model, and team. Using Amazon, Uber, Ample Inc, and Plus.ai as examples, Amy demonstrated how these startups were able to capitalize on their strengths in these areas to become leaders in their markets.
February 26, 2020 - Hemi recently invested in Phase Genomics, the biotech leader providing proximity ligation solutions for genome and metagenome assembly. Hemi’s mission is to support breakthroughs in biotechnology that will lead to cures for devastating diseases, unlock personalized medicine, and demystify the human genome. We're proud to support pioneers like Shawn Sullivan, Ivan Liachko, and University of Washington professors Jay Shendure and Maitreya Dunham. Learn more about Phase Genomics here.
February 10,2020 - In the U.S., only one-tenth of decision-makers in venture funds are women. Amy Gu, managing partner at Hemi Ventures, was recently on air with Selina Wang on Bloomberg LP Equality. "It's important to show up as a minority woman," said Amy, as she discussed her experience of being a female executive and investor, as well as her views on trending technologies and geopolitical implications on global growth. Watch the full interview here.
February 3, 2020 - Next Wednesday, Feb 12th, Hemi’s Amy Gu will travel to London for the MOVE: Mobility Re-imagined Summit to give a keynote speech on “How Startups Can Scale Up Their Business.” Hemi always stands at the forefront of the industry around the globe, looking for the most advanced technology, and the most rebellious entrepreneurs.
January 27, 2020 - Hemi's own Amy Gu will be speaking at the Cleantech Forum in San Francisco tomorrow at 4:15 pm. This year's theme revolves around the question: Who will lead the transformation we’re all waiting for? Amy will attempt to answer that question with the panel on Urban Mobility: Lessons Learned and Future Innovative Solutions.
January 13, 2020 - This week, our rebels will be at the J.P. Morgan 38th Annual Healthcare Conference. Join us as industry leaders, innovative technology creators, and members of the investment community come together to share innovations in the healthcare industry.
January 6, 2020 - It’s the official start of another year at the International Conference on Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas! If you’re attending CES #2020, stop by and meet our five portfolio companies. Join us for an exclusive opportunity to connect and network with our founders, who will be announcing partnerships, holding private meetings, and conducting demos.
December 16, 2019 - Hemi recently hosted a private party where tech rebels met art rebel to celebrate the Pace Gallery's exhibition of "Seeing Picasso, Maker of the Modern." The exhibition traced the breadth and range of Pablo Picasso’s innovative practice, serving as the bedrock of modern art. Just as Picasso’s innovative practice radically altered the trajectory of art, Hemi’s rebel entrepreneurs are building rising technologies that will reform industries. Read about the event here.
December 9, 2019 - Hemi announced our Series A investment in Heroic-Faith Medical Science, the only AI-powered real-time auscultation monitor in the world that supports critical care medical practitioners. Hemi has been dedicated to supporting innovative, rising technology that will reform the healthcare industry. Fushun Hsu, CEO of Heroic Faith, spoke with Hemi about his perspectives and outlook on the development of medical technology. Click here for the full interview.
December 2, 2019 - We are thankful for our rebel founders, not just during this holiday season, but all year long. Their rising technologies are reforming industries. Congratulations to our rebel entrepreneurs who have recently been recognized forinnovation in their industries! To learn more, click here.
November 25, 2019 - metaMe Health's Regulora is the first digital implementation of a behaviorally-focused treatment to address the cognitive, behavioral, and affective drivers of IBS. This is noteworthy because more than 30 million Americans suffer from IBS. Hemi recently invested in the company's $3.8M seed round. metaMe's CEO, Tim Rudolphi, spoke with Hemi Ventures about his experiences developing new digital therapeutic treatments. Read the interview here.
November 19, 2019 - Hemi's Amy Gu will be speaking at the Barclays Investment Bank Global Automotive Conference tomorrow in New York. This is the premier annual conference for the automotive sector where the world's largest automotive companies present to Barclays' investors. Amy will be speaking on the VC panel Wednesday afternoon with partners and directors from SoftBank Group International, Lux Capital, and Mobility Impact Partners LP. Together they will discuss the timeline to autonomous, investment opportunities, data return, shared mobility, and next-gen players.
November 14, 2019 - Today, Hemi announced its investment in X-37, together with DCVC Bio and Alpha Intelligence Capital. Founded by Atomwise's Abraham Heifets and a team of experienced pharmaceutical developers from Velocity Pharmaceutical Development led by CEO David Collier, X-37 uses AI to discover better medicines and bring them to market quickly by screening vast libraries of chemical compounds against high-value pharmaceutical targets. Welcome to our portfolio, David and X-37. Learn more here.
November 4, 2019- Radar sensors are an important part of automotive safety, helping to reduce blind spots and prevent collisions. Smart Radar System (SRS) is a leader in automotive and industrial radar vision solutions, and their 4-D image radar is expected to be in mass production by the end of 2020. In this article, SRS CEO, Paul Yonghwan Kim, spoke with Hemi Ventures about his experiences as an entrepreneur in a competitive industry.
October 28, 2019 - Hemi recently participated in the Series A funding round for Smart Radar System. The company is transforming the analog radar world into the digital revolution so that anybody can apply digital image processing techniques to radar images. Hemi invested in SRS because we believe in the team’s vision and unparalleled expertise in radar technology. Their fast execution is a testament to their potential to become the market leader. Click here to learn more.
October 21, 2019 - Sense Photonics is developing the next generation of LiDAR and 3D sensor solutions. Hemi recently invested in the company's $26M series A round together with Shell Ventures, Samsung Ventures, and others. Sense Photonics CEO, Scott Burroughs, spoke with Hemi Ventures about his experiences working with this dynamic and revolutionary LiDAR technology. Read the interview here.
October 14, 2019 - For Hemi's Annual Summit we partnered with world-class technology leaders to identify upcoming trends. Not only do we need to be aware of how technology will shape our future, but we also need to nurture its progression into mainstream acceptance. Hemi Ventures’ perspective on these rising technologies will be to continue to foster mentorship and provide support to the world-class entrepreneurs who have the responsibility to positively transform the ecosystem.
October 7, 2019 - We would like to thank everyone who joined us at our third annual summit. From the rising trends to our cutting-edge speakers, from the great chats to the intimate networking, and of course the exquisitely paired wine and food, the event was a tremendous success. We are already looking forward to seeing you at our next summit!
October 3, 2019 - Hemi would like to raise a glass and thank all of our generous sponsors who supported our third Hemi Annual Summit: 2020 Top 10 Rising Technologies & Wine pairing: MagStone Law, LLP, Morrison & Foerster LLP, BACA Zinfandel, Hall Napa Valley, and Walt Wines.
October 2, 2019 - Daniel Cohen is an associate partner at McKinsey & Company, focusing on management consulting in digital health, medical products, and global public health. Daniel also did his biology research at Princeton, New York University, and Cancer Research UK. Sip some wine selected by our sommelier as you listen to Daniel speak on the future of digital health.
October 1, 2019 - Dr. David Collier is the CEO of Velocity Pharmaceutical Development, LLC and Managing Director at Presidio Partners. As CEO of VPD since its inception in 2011, David has been pioneering a new business model for the development of promising drug candidates. David joined Presidio Partners to focus on investments in biotechnology companies developing drugs through clinical trials across many different therapeutic areas. David will be one of Hemi's esteemed speakers at this year's annual summit.
Septemer 30, 2019 - Georgia Institute of Technology professor and founder of Ritmo Mobility, Pascal Van Hentenryck is focused on developing methodologies, algorithms, and systems to improve mobility, energy systems, resilience, and privacy. He started the Socially-Aware On-Demand Mobility (SOM) project in Atlanta and was the earliest contributor of the CHIP programming system, the foundation of all modern constraint programming systems. Join us at Hemi's annual summit for a glass of wine and to hear about the latest on-demand multi-modal transit system.
September 26, 2019 - Today we want to wish a Happy Investment Anniversary to Polysync Technologies, CEO Greg Drew, and the team! We're on a journey together to develop cost-effective, safety-critical technology for the rapid development and deployment of autonomous vehicles.
September 25, 2019 - Enjoy a perfectly paired wine as you listen to Marc Ausman speak about air mobility. Marc was the Chief Strategist for Airbus' Vahana eVTOL project and the founder and president of Vertical Power, which was acquired by Astronics Corporation (ATRO). A pilot himself, Marc was also responsible for introducing digital systems to replace older mechanical technology in small aircraft. To hear Marc speak, reach out to us for a ticket to Hemi's annual summit.
September 24, 2019 - Professor Anshul Kundaje's lab specializes large-scale computational regulatory genomics to improve detection and interpretation of natural and disease-associated genetic variations. Previously as a postdoc at Stanford University and a research scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Anshul was the lead computational analyst of the ENCODE Project and the Roadmap Epigenomics Project. Reach out to us for a ticket, and hear Kundaje speak at Hemi's annual summit where each topic is thoughtfully paired with a featured wine.
September 23, 2019 - Hemi portfolio Epinomics - Part of 10x Genomics was 10x Genomics' first acquisition a year ago. Now, 10x Genomics just had its splashy debut on the Nasdaq that raised $390 million outright and accelerated 48% over the day. We believe the acquisition will help to accelerate further research in epigenomics, paving the way for a new understanding of disease, diagnostics, and therapeutics. In this interview, Epinomics founder, Fergus Chan, shares his perspectives and outlook on the future of frontier healthcare and precision medicine.
September 19, 2019 - Happy investment anniversary to Nicholas Pashos, Billy Heim, and the entire team at BioAesthetics. BioAesthetics is focused on transforming plastic and reconstructive surgeries through regeneration, with an inaugural product of the nipple-areolar complex graft for mastectomy patients.
September 18, 2019 - Dr. Paul Yonghwan Kim, CEO of Smart Radar System, began his engineering career at Cisco Systems and AT&T Lab. At Hemi's upcoming annual conference, Kim will discuss digital democracy in image radar and the transformation of the analog radar world into a digital revolution. Don't miss this exciting event where our sommelier will pair award-winning wines with rising technologies.
September 17, 2019 - Mark Stefik is a Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) research fellow and currently manages the Human-Machine Collaboration area. He is also principal investigator for PARC’s DARPA-funded Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) project, COGLE (COmmon Ground Learning and Explanation). Sip some award-winning wine at our annual conference as you listen to Stefik discuss productive starting points in psycholinguistic concepts like “common ground” and significant barriers.
September 16, 2019 - As the global car industry faces slumping sales, Hemi's Amy Gu feels that the mindset about the auto industry needs to change. In a recent interview, Amy shares her perspectives as a tech VC, stating, "Automakers need to pay more attention to the whole mobility ecosystem." Read about the interview here.
September 12, 2019 - Today we want to wish a Happy Investment Anniversary to Angelo Stracquatanio III, Gary Pignata, and the Apprentice.io team! Together, we are on a journey to build multi-tech systems using augmented reality, computer vision, and machine learning to empower scientists, engineers, and manufacturers who operate in complex, compliance-driven environments.
September 10, 2019 - Jen Dionne from Stanford University became a member of the Stanford faculty at 28 and was listed on Oprah's "50 things that will make you say 'Wow!'" Join us for some wine while learning more about how Dionne develops new optical materials and microscopies to detect early disease and drug sensitivity testing.
September 9, 2019 - At Hemi's annual conference, Professor Wei Lu from the University of Michigan will share his research on brain-inspired computing. An entrepreneurial scientist, Prof. Lu is an expert in RRAM, memristors and other emerging electrical devices, as well as the co-founder of Crossbar Inc. Lu's talk will be paired with an award-winning wine curated by our sommelier. Don't miss this exciting event to learn about rising technologies.
September 5, 2019 - Happy investment anniversary to Aaron Nathan, Bryan Galusha and the entire team at Point One Navigation. Point One delivers an accurate, cost-effective localization solution that scales. Hemi share's their belief that tomorrow’s vehicles require precision to be safe and effective in the real world.
September 4, 2019 - Want to glimpse the future of technology while tasting some award-winning wines? Prof. John Rogers from Northwestern University is the author of 650 papers and inventor of over 100 patents. If you're interested in the rising trend of in-brain electronics, apply for a ticket to hear from one of the most prolific scientists of our time.
September 3, 2019 - Our annual conference, to be held on October 3rd in San Francisco, will feature the top 10 rising technologies of 2020. Each year, we gather 10 research pioneers to help us produce an insights report, read by over 10,000 people in the industry. This year, we will identify the trends in frontier technologies such as neuromorphic computing, explainable AI, next-gen sequencing, and other advanced solutions that have the potential to transform the world.
August 28, 2019 - Hemi portfolio, Scotty Labs, a teleoperations company working on enabling remotely controlled self-driving cars, has been acquired by DoorDash. Since the beginning, Hemi has supported disruptive technology in the entire ecosystem of autonomous vehicles and mobility. We share Scotty's mission to bring much-needed safety innovation to the sector. Congratulations go out to co-founders Tobenna Arodiogbu and Usman Ghani, and the entire team at Scotty. Read more about the acquisition here.
August 26, 2019 - Hemi portfolio PlusAI, Inc. approaches the close of a $200 million round that would value the company at more than $1 billion, according to Bloomberg. From the start, Hemi has been on the journey with Plus to develop autonomous driving solutions with a goal to mass-produce autonomous trucks for commercial use. Learn more here as Plus.AI Founder and CEO, David Liu, shares his thoughts on how autonomous trucking can change the future.
August 19, 2019 - BioAesthetics is focused on transforming lives through advancements in biomaterials. Hemi has been supporting these biotech rebels since their seed round, helping them get to market as fast and as effectively as possible. Their upcoming clinical study will be a critical milestone as they prepare to launch their first product, a nipple/areola graft for mastectomy patients. Learn more on how the company is transforming nipple reconstruction in Hemi’s Q&A with Nick Pashos.
August 12, 2019 - We have invested in metaMe Health’s seed round. metaMe develops FDA-cleared digital therapeutics for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. Hemi believes that together with rebels like metaMe, we can find cures for devastating diseases, unlock personalized medicine, and demystify the human genome. Click here for more details.
August 6, 2019 - Happy investment anniversary to Epinomics - Part of 10x Genomics and founders Fergus Chan and Paul Giresi. After their acquisition by 10x Genomics, we are excited to see Epinomics continue being a pioneer in the growing epigenetics space. We look forward to a future where decoding the human genome helps drive more personalized medicine.
August 5, 2019 - With a focus on bringing new technologies like electrification, self-driving cars, connectivity, and artificial intelligence to the automotive sector, Hemi partner Honda Innovations partners with a variety of companies from startups to global giants in order to design and deliver cutting edge products and services. Managing Director of Honda Innovations, Dennis Clark, recently spoke with Amy Gu about the importance of relationships and collaboration in the competitive transportation space. Read the full interview here.
July 29, 2019 - Hemi's Investor Prize will go to the five winners of the Start-up Stadium competition at the BIO International Convention in Philadelphia. Congratulations to EndObetes, MNI, ClostraBio, Inc, ChromaTan, and Kaydence Pharma. The prize for these outstanding startups includes an advisory discussion with Hemi to learn from their experiences helping entrepreneurs. We look forward to working with these innovative rebels in healthcare!
July 22, 2019 - Happy investment anniversary to Skymind.ai. Hemi believes that deep learning has the potential to be a major component for enterprise services, which is why we chose to back Skymind and their AI infrastructure that retrains machine learning workflows. Skymind helps to accelerate time to value, bridging the gap between data science, DevOps and the big data stack.
July 16, 2019 - Happy first investment anniversary to Nebula Genomics and founders Kamal Obbad, Dennis Grishin, and George Church. Together, we are on a mission to build the world’s largest, most trusted genomic and health data marketplace.
July 15, 2019 - In October 2017, we led the seed round for Tensorflight, with Amy Gu joining its board of directors. Two years later, we are excited to see Tensorflight grow into the first risk assessment service to integrate different data on-demand for commercial property insurers and raise a new round. Tensorflight co-founder, Zbigniew Wojna, spoke with Hemi about his experiences transitioning from academia to startup in this article.
July 9, 2019 - Happy first investment anniversary to Ample Inc and founders Khaled Hassounah and John de Souza. Together we are building the future of electric vehicles on one of the most economical, rapidly deployable, and widely accessible platforms.
July 8, 2019 - We are very excited to continue backing Tensorflight's new $2M financing round, together with ff Venture Capital, Hudson Structured Capital Management, Nephila, and others. "We believe Tensorflight has developed a first-class product that can disrupt the property insurance space,” said Hemi's Amy Gu. Click here to learn more about Tensorflight.
July 1, 2019 - The Hemi team works together with UPS Ventures to help startup companies hit scale. Amy Gu recently spoke with UPS's Todd Lewis about his strategies to drive value for UPS. Todd shared, "It’s our goal to have a more global perspective on how we can plug ourselves into opportunities earlier so we can help the founders and help ourselves to drive those technologies upstream." Click here to read the interview.
June 25, 2019 - As we celebrate our second anniversary together, congratulations go out to Paladin Cyber and CEO Han Wang. Together with Lightbank and Argo Ventures, we are backing the world's first cyber protection company for independent businesses.
June 24, 2019 - Hemi rebel Nebula Genomics recently announced their partnership with EMD Serono, Inc., Merck's biopharmaceutical business. During an exclusive interview with Hemi, CEO Kamal Obbad shared, "Hemi always stands out as one of the most proactive ones in helping portfolio companies." As an early investor, we're excited to see this collaboration pioneering a new business model in personal genomics. Read the full interview here.
June 17, 2019 - Hemi Ventures has invested in Sense Photonics' $26M series A round, together with Samsung Venture Investment, Royal Dutch Shell Ventures, and others. Hemi rebels Scott Burroughs and Russell Kanjorski are building the only flash LiDAR that enables high resolution without compromising frame rate. Learn more here.
June 10, 2019 - Last Sunday, Hemi hosted “Bring Silicon Valley to Philly: Forward Thinking Trends in Healthcare” in Philadelphia at the BIO International Convention 2019. With a packed house of nearly 100 thought leaders from the healthcare industry, Hemi founders shared the latest trends in AI, Blockchain, Nano Technology, Next-Gen Sequencing, Digital Therapeutics, and Epigenetics. Read all about this exciting event here.
June 3, 2019 - Hemi invested in Apprentice in autumn 2017 when there were only the two founders. Since then, Apprentice has grown into the leading enterprise AR provider for all lab, line, and suite environments in pharma and biotech industries. Apprentice.io co-founder and CEO, Angelo Stracquatanio III, spoke with Hemi about his experiences and the future of manufacturing and human-robot collaboration. Read the interview here.
May 29, 2019 - With technology at the forefront of our everyday lives, data-driven treatment options are now taking center stage in patient health. Speaking on this topic at BIO will be Tim Rudolphi, CEO of metaMe Health, which is committed to developing FDA-approved prescription digital therapeutics for the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions. To join us, RSVP at hemibio2019.splashthat.com.
May 28, 2019 - Scientists are working to decode the programming of our genome to drive personalized medicine and leverage big data analytics. Fergus Chan is the co-founder and CEO of Epinomics - Part of 10x Genomics, a pioneer in the growing epigenetics space and the creator of ATAC-seq technology. To hear Fergus speak at BIO, RSVP at hemibio2019.splashthat.com.
May 23, 2019 - Hemi's Amy Gu received a special (and fun) UNI-CUB demo at Honda Xcelerator with Dennis Clark, Managing Director at Honda Innovations. The UNI-CUB is the world's first omni-directional driving wheel system. Click here to see a picture.
May 21, 2019 - Blockchain is emerging as the next must-have technology because of its robust privacy design and interoperability that can be applied to a wide range of healthcare needs. Come join us on June 2nd to hear founders of Nebula Genomics share how they're enabling consumer genomics data-sharing through blockchain. RSVP now at hemibio2019.splashthat.com.
May 20, 2019 - As nanotechnology advances, it is breaking down barriers in biological systems. Hemi portfolio NAVAN Technologies, Inc. developed NanoStraw technology to optimize intracellular access. On June 2nd, CEO Michael Nowak will preview how Navan is shifting the paradigm to enable durable, effective cell & gene therapies. RSVP now at hemibio2019.splashthat.com.
May 16, 2019 - Hemi and our portfolio BioAesthetics want to make an impact on breast cancer treatment. The team has been active in the breast cancer community. This past weekend BioAesthetics participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
May 15, 2019 - Hemi portfolio, Starsky Robotics, continues to push the boundaries of autonomous trucking. They are in conversations with the Louisiana House committee to set up the legal and regulatory framework for driverless trucks. This will allow their autonomous trucks, which have already been operating in FL, to pass state lines. Learn more here.
May 14, 2019 - AI tools have incredible potential to impact biopharma. At BIO, we will showcase how novel algorithms are changing the way we treat data. Hemi invests in a variety of cutting edge biotechnologies including Phenomic AI. Sam Cooper will share his work on AI-guided phenotypic screening.
May 13, 2019 - At BIO, Hemi will present how the next generation of sequencing technologies are revamping high-throughput biology. Speaker Nate Cira and co-founders developed Mendo in Stephen Quake’s lab at Stanford, creating the first truly portable and scalable electrically-actuated microfluidic valve. Mendo is just one of Hemi's portfolios making sequencing lighter, cheaper, powerful, and portable.
May 9, 2019 - Happy investment anniversary to the PlusAI, Inc. team led by Hemi rebels David Liu and Hao Zheng. Thanks for all of your hard work to bring autonomous driving technology to the trucking industry in China.
May 8, 2019 - Hemi's recent biotech investments include experts in cell and gene therapy like NAVAN Technologies, Inc. Dr. Nowak will be presenting their NanoStraw transfection technology at the 2019 Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mediterranean.
May 7, 2019 - Hemi portfolio Skymind.ai was recently listed as one of the top investments in AI by Analytics Insight. Find out how AI can help humanity move through a very uncertain future in our interview with Skymind co-founder and CEO, Chris Nicholson.
May 6, 2019 - We are bringing the Silicon Valley to Philly with forward-thinking trends in healthcare. We'd like to invite pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and academics to join us on June 2nd for an exciting afternoon before the BIO International Convention to network with peers and industry leaders who are shaking up Biotech and Healthcare. Click here for more details.
May 2, 2019 - Biotech is a vast frontier with untapped potential. That's why Hemi backs great scientists like George Church and Nebula Genomics. Our shared goal is to get enough people's genome sequenced for free to end inherited disease. Learn more here.
May 1, 2019 - Hemi portfolio Point One Navigation's Aaron Nathan thinks that the future of autonomous vehicles is in specialized applications. Read this interview with Aaron to find out why autonomous vehicles will be responsible for reshaping how we plan and build cities and suburbs.
April 30, 2019 - We will go to Philadephia soon to judge the Start-Up Stadium at the BIO International Convention with the mission to evaluate and vote for the most cutting-edge bio-tech companies of tomorrow.
April 29, 2019 - We have invested in NAVAN Technologies, Inc.'s seed round, together with Amgen Ventures and High-Tech Gründerfonds. Navan’s NanoStraw platform technology can speed up medical and biological research and could one day improve gene therapy for diseases of the eyes, immune system, and cancers. Read more here.
April 25, 2019 - Unicorn startups are proving their worth. With Pinterest and Zoom ending with shares sharply higher on IPO Day, more investors are willing to take on the risks of the latest crop of tech startups. Click here to see what we look for in the next generation of such frontier technology.
April 24, 2019 - Hemi was an early investor in Point One Navigation, one of our self-driving portfolios. The New York Times featured how Point One broke into the field of self-racing cars with an event record and is the only team this year to complete an autonomous lap. Read more about it here.
April 23, 2019 - What do savvy investors read? On World Book Day, Hemi's Amy Gu recommends reading Principles by Ray Dalio. Building a great VC and a great startup both take a strong commitment to principles. Hemi is committed.
April 22, 2019 - The investor prize at the Bio Exhibition this year offers a chance for five winners to have an advisory discussion with Hemi. This is an amazing opportunity to dialogue with Hemi and learn from their experiences helping entrepreneurs. We look forward to working with these innovative rebels!
April 18, 2019 - As we celebrate our investment anniversary, congrats go out to Tanvas and Hemi rebels Ed, Greg, and Mondher. We are advancing the best haptic technology from Northwestern University.
April 17, 2019 - Hemi portfolio, Alcatraz AI, is working to replace office badge readers with facial recognition camera systems. Alcatraz was selected as one of the Top-10 booths to visit at ISC West, the largest US security event.
April 16, 2019 - Hemi portfolio, Apprentice.io, had an all-star presence at Interphex, one of the largest biopharma manufacturing conferences. Angelo Stracquatanio III, gave a keynote speech on "The Evolution of EBR: Augmented Batch Records." It was standing room only!
April 15, 2019 - Hemi invested in Nebula Genomics with the belief that genomic sequencing is for everyone, and everyone should own their data. Nebula works with Hemi “because Hemi always stands out as one of the most proactive investors,” said Dennis Grishin, co-founder of Nebula. Cick here to read how Nebula plans to wipe out inherited disease.
April 11, 2019 - Hemi backed Cypre's 3D cell culture platform early on and was excited to see Cypre Inc.'s Kolin Hribar speak at the American Association for Cancer Research track about their immune exclusion in vitro model.
April 10, 2019 - Congrats to Bob Crutchfield for launching their new philanthropic impact fund, BrightEdge Ventures with the American Cancer Society, the largest private source of funding for cancer research in the U.S. We know our contribution to this partnership will be making a difference in many lives.
April 9, 2019 - Skymind was the first company we invested in, and we just tripled down on their latest round. Hemi's Amy Gu shares the backstory for the first time. Thanks, Chris Nicholson and Adam Gibson, for trusting us and the new fund three years ago, as much as we trusted you from the beginning of this journey. Click here to read the story.
April 8, 2019 - Hemi knows that having the right team is one of the keys to success. Scotty Labs has put together a stellar team in a short amount of time and recently added Terry Fong, Chief Scientist at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration to the team. Should we expect a Scotty Exploration Rover soon?
April 4, 2019 - At Hemi, we’re all about working hard, but we know the value of taking a time out to get to know our founders better. We recently mingled with founders at our Spring Happy Hour.
April 3, 2019- Hemi sees a strong future in the autonomous trucking industry to not only make our roads safer but to bring more jobs. Our portfolio company, PlusAI, Inc., is highlighted in NVIDIA's kickoff video for solving one of the greatest challenges of our time. They are finding safer paths for cross country delivery. Watch the video here.
April 2, 2019 - With our investments in life-changing technologies, Hemi hopes to also be a part of history someday. It's our honor to join founding fathers of venture capitals at the Computer History Museum. Bill Draper from Draper International, Pitch Johnson from Asset Management, and Dick Kramlich from New Enterprise Associates (NEA).
March 28, 2019 - Could the microbiome be the key to new cancer treatments? Here's the answer featuring Stephanie Culler and Steve Van Dien from Persephone Biome, in an article by Smithsonian Magazine.
March 25, 2019 - Hemi tripled down on Skymind.ai - Deep learning for the JVM, our fund's first investment, in the new $11.5 million round. As our first bet, Skymind and Hemi have been growing together -- we're glad to share the journey with rebels Chris Nicholson and Adam Gibson.
March 13, 2019 - Congrats to our portfolio company Nebula Genomics for winning the 11th annual SXSW Pitch, for double crowning as the "Best In Show" winner and blockchain category winner. Way to go George Church, Kamal Obbad, and Dennis Grishin!
March 12, 2019 - Are you wondering what pieces of the software stack Tier 1s will build vs. buy? Or maybe you're curious about how to run autonomous workloads in the cloud? Hemi was looking for answers at the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Auto Tech Day. Thanks to Bain Capital Ventures partner Sarah Smith and principal Kevin Zhang for highlighting Hemi portfolio company Scotty Labs for their teleoperation solution, and glad to hear AWS's new EC2 initiative from Principal Sales Shyam Kumar, Director Jon Jones, and Worldwide Lead Stephen Purpura.
March 7, 2019 - Hemi is proud to back Nebula Genomics for contributing to World Rare Disease Day with their free genomic sequencing platform. There is a tremendous need for more genomic data with 95% of rare diseases still lacking FDA-approved treatment. We back rebels who are changing our shared future in a significant way, like the Nebula team, Kamal Obbad, Dennis Grishin, and Ilana Jacqueline.
March 5, 2019 - Hemi believes that acquisitions can help extend the R&D capabilities of corporates. A great M&A team is a must for big corporates. With the acceleration of the M&A activities, we would like to see more collaboration between our portfolios and our corporate partners. We saw this in action with our exits of Epinomics - Part of 10x Genomics to 10X Genomics. With expertise in M&A activities and partnership with corporate networks, we're bullish about our companies having a strategic plan for the future. Learn more about 2019’s M&A market here.
February 28, 2019 - Hemi was thrilled to be invited to London's fashion week where we witnessed a new generation of designers who shared a spectacular combination of fashion and imagination as the gorgeous models strutted down the catwalk. Their creativity truly inspired us as we want to invest in the most inspiring startups as well. Watch the models strut their stuff here.
February 27, 2019 - Hemi is proud to have backed Starsky Robotics for the past two years. Starsky Robotics was one of our earliest investments in self-driving and they are now perfecting autonomous driving in Florida where they have one of the more progressive policies for testing. Fox 13 recently tagged along with Starsky Robotics as they tested one of the autonomous trucks on the highway. Congrats to Hemi rebels Stefan Seltz-Axmacher and Kartik Tiwari! Watch the video here.
Febrauary 13, 2019 - Happy second anniversary to Kolin Hribar, CEO, and the rest of the Cypre Inc. team. Cypre is helping companies build predictive 3D assays at high throughput and we are proud of what they've achieved.
February 7, 2019 - Congrats to Hemi rebels Angelo Stracquatanio III and Gary Pignata, on Apprentice.io's launch of Tandem 4.0, a premier augmented reality-enhanced collaboration tool. Hemi is excited to see how Apprentice helps our pharma and manufacturing partners perform life-saving research and meet strong production fulfillment.
January 31, 2019 - As we celebrate our first anniversary together, congratulations go out to Scotty Labs and Hemi rebels Tobenna Arodiogbu and Usman Ghani. Together with Google's Gradient Ventures and Horizon Ventures Inc, we are backing the future of driverless cars.
January 29, 2019 - Hemi worked with 12 leading experts in fields such as autonomous driving, biotechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence to select the 10 best future technologies. This report, 2019 Top 10 Emerging Technologies, is the result of an intensive curation process to provide a glimpse of what the future holds. Thank you to the entrepreneurs and academics who contributed to this project: David Gunning from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Professors Chun Jimmie Ye and Marina Sirota from University of California, San Francisco, Stephanie Culler from Persephone Biome, Paul Giresi and Fergus Chan from Epinomics - Part of 10x Genomics, Alexei Marchenkov from Bleximo Corp., Kevin Quinn from Nebula Genomics, Yao Zhai from Life Dynamap, and Ed Colgate from Tanvas.
January 24, 2019 - Harvard University geneticist, George Church, co-founder of Hemi's portfolio company Nebula Genomics, together with Nobel Physics Laureate Takaaki Kajita and other leading innovators, were selected as part of "The Creative Class of 2019" by Newsweek. Hemi is proud to back innovators like George who have developed creative solutions to the problems our world faces—pollution, economic disparity, war, discrimination, and more.
January 22, 2019 - Being optimistic technologists, we believe in a better future; being venture investors, we know we have a long way to go from identifying the technologies to help them benefit more people. In a recent Medium article, Amy Gu shares how Hemi helps entrepreneurs to cross the chasm by encouraging them to dream big and build new technologies and businesses that will shape the future. Read the full article here.
January 17, 2019 - We have always believed that rapid adoption of facial recognition is one of the biggest upcoming trends. Hemi is happy to see our portfolio company Alcatraz AI, led by Vince Gaydarzhiev, featured in the OODA Trends 2019 as one of the startups using novel approaches for building access control and as a more secure replacement for traditional access cards. Here is the full list of OODA Trends 2019.
January 16, 2019 - Having seen the development of DriveKit from the very beginning, Hemi is excited to share that our portfolio company PolySync is adding Chrysler Pacifica to its flagship DriveKit Lineup. Congrats to Greg Drew and his team on this important milestone. Learn more here.
January 15, 2019 - As one of our earliest self-driving investments, Hemi is proud to announce that Starsky Robotics is the first company to publish a VSSA specific to automated trucks. Congratulations to our rebel founder, Stefan Seltz-Axmacher and Director of Safety Policy, Walter Stockwell. Check out this Business Insider feature of Starsky's plan to use remote control drivers to deploy automated trucks for long-haul shipping.
December 26, 2018 - The latest QYResearchReports show that the Deep Learning Market is expected to be worth US$18Billion by 2023, growing at a rate of 41%. Hemi's portfolio company, Skymind is featured in the report as a leading player in the market. Skymind was our very first portfolio company and is now one of the only AI startups to be listed alongside giants like Google, Microsoft, and IBM. More information about the report can be found here.
December 20, 2018 - We’re interested in the Global Blockchain in Healthcare Market because we think personal genetic data is one of its best use-cases. Our investment in Nebula Genomics came from our shared vision in customers claiming ownership of their genetic information. We’re glad to hear that this global market research study listed Nebula as one of the top key players and that their recent product launch has received attention from NPR, Forbes, MIT Tech Review, Wired, Bloomberg and more. Learn more about Blockchain in Healthcare.
December 19, 2018 - Hemi has invested in the autonomous trucking industry and we believe that when done right, it will improve the safety of the public. Our portfolio company, Starsky Robotics, was featured in an article by Wired, together with Waymo, Uber, and Zoox about their investments in safety. Rebel founder of Starsky Robotics, Stefan Seltz-Axmacher, stated, “In the world of aviation and wider automation, safety engineering is a real discipline.” Read the full article.
December 18, 2018 - Chris Nicholson, co-founder and CEO of portfolio company Skymind.ai, shared in a recent interview, “Skymind was Hemi’s first investment. We’ve benefited from the numerous introductions that Hemi has made for us, and the events they’ve held. That’s helped us raise our visibility and start conversations with other companies involved in AI.” Read the interview here.
November 28, 2018 - Congratulations to our portfolio company PlusAI, Inc. and rebels David Liu and Hao Zheng who have raised Series A led by Sequoia Capital and established strategic cooperation with FAW Group, Full Truck Alliance (FTA) and NVIDIA on large-scale deployment of self-driving trucks in China starting in 2021. Hemi is proud to have supported their vision since the very beginning and excited to see such an important milestone achieved in 2018.
November 21, 2018 - Congratulations to the Alcatraz team and CEO Vince Gaydarzhiev on our second year of partnership. We’re glad to see the team expand and the company continue to grow. Alcatraz is on a mission is to make authentication secure and frictionless.
November 15, 2018 - Our portfolio company Nebula Genomics just launched their platform live at www.nebula.org. We’re proud of the three visionary rebels George Church, Dennis Grishin, and Kamal Obbad for achieving another important milestone in democratizing genomic data.
November 7, 2018 - 10x Genomics, which recently acquired Epinomics, one of Hemi’s portfolio companies, was ranked number one among the Bay Area’s 100 fastest-growing private companies of 2018 by San Francisco Business Times. Via the acquisition, Epinomics will give researchers and drug-development companies a better tool to uncover the biological mechanisms of the epigenome.
October 29, 2018 - The New Jersey Tech Council recently selected our portfolio company Apprentice.io as the recipient of the 2018 Outstanding Technology Award for its innovation and leadership within life science industries. The New Jersey-based startup has tripled in size and customer reach, adding numerous top Fortune 100 clients across the U.S., Asia, South America and Europe.
October 25, 2018 - We are happy to celebrate our second anniversary with Robert Kozikowski, Zbigniew Wojna, and the entire Tensorflight team. Tensorflight specializes in automated analysis of satellite and street view imagery for the insurance industry.
October 22, 2018 - Forbes recently asked Amy Gu what single trait makes her business competitive. Amy responded, “The team is something we pay a lot of attention to — particularly how passionate they are.” She went on to explain, “Sometimes ideas come from a random thing in your life. But that random idea will somehow become a big idea if you have the right people with the right passion.” Read the full article here.
October 17, 2018 - Persephone Biome, one of our portfolio companies, is working hard to understand the human microbiome. If you are currently a cancer patient, you can help advance cancer research by donating your stool sample. Learn more here.
October 16, 2018 - Our portfolio company Paladin Cyber, a protection and insurance firm, raised $3.6 Million seed round. Paladin also announced the launch of its insurance product in Arizona, which will soon be followed by Oregon, Colorado, and Nevada. Hemi continued to participate in this round and looks forward to watching this tech rebel company continue to disrupt the industry. Read the article here.
October 11, 2018 - Congratulation to PolySync, Greg Drew (CEO), Ken Keiter (CTO) and the entire team on our second year together. We’re excited about their DriveKit development platform for autonomous vehicles.
October 10, 2018 - Sam Cooper, co-founder of Phenomic AI, has always had a passion for math and technology, so it’s no surprise that this windsurfer has become a tech rebel. In his interview with Hemi, Sam shares how Phenomic AI is breaking boundaries in the biotech industry to accelerate drug discovery with AI and deep learning. Read the full interview here.
October 9, 2018 - Hemi’s Amy Gu shares her experiences as one of the few female founding partners in the industry in an interview with VC Experts Blog. Amy is passionate about helping rebels follow their dreams to change the world. Read the article here.
October 4, 2018 - Congratulations to Starsky Robotics and co-founders Stefan Seltz-Axmacher and Kartik Tiwari on our 2nd Anniversary together. We invested in Starsky when it was just a 4 person team in San Francisco, and we’re proud to see how the team has grown.
September 25, 2018 -Hemi’s portfolio company Paladin announced their partnership with Boost Insurance as their first insurtech partner, taking next step in reshaping the insurance industry. Together with the exciting news, Paladin also appointed Josh Riley as head of insurance. The company will continue to develop risk management services with risk transfer to help clients manage complex cyber-related exposures. Read the press release here.
September 18, 2018 - Our portfolio company Apprentice.io raised $8M Series A for the first conversational AR and AI Platform. Hemi participated in the Series A and looks forward to continuing the journey with these tech rebels as they change the way humans work. Read the press release here.
September 17, 2018 - Hemi’s Amy Gu was featured as part of NVCA’s VentureForward initiative, Rising Stars in VC, a blog series that showcases individuals in the venture industry. In her interview, Amy said, "I am one of the few female founding partners in the industry, and this is by far the most challenging work I’ve ever had. I hope by seeing my success, people will realize that there are great female investors that can bring tremendous value to the table, not because of their gender, but because of their strength." Read the full interview here.
September 11, 2018 - Hemi’s Amy Gu has been featured by both the San Francisco Business Times and Silicon Valley Business Journal as one of the Upstart 50, together with other leading investors including Laura Deming, founder of The Longevity Fund, Steven Hoffman (Captain Hoff), Chairman and CEO of Founders Space, and Joseph Huang, CEO of StartX. Learn more about Upstart 50.
August 29, 2018 - Hemi announced their new investment in Nebula Genomics, the startup that wants to put the entire human genome on the blockchain. Nebula announced the raise of $4.3 million in Series A. Get the details here.
August 28, 2018 - Our portfolio company Epinomics made headline news with CNBC when they announced their acquisition by 10x Genomics. The company was founded by a team of professors and graduates from Stanford University including Paul Giresi, Fergus Chan, Howard Chang, and William Greenleaf. Learn more here.
July 2, 2018 - Our portfolio company Starsky Robotics continues to make headlines. They were recently featured in an article by Peggy Fisher about how the trucking industry is bracing for technology disruption. Click to read the article.
June 28, 2018 - Congratulations to Tanvas for winning Gold at the Festival of Media Global Awards with MediaCom Global for the Tanvas Touch enabled app 'Gillette BabyFace.' Learn more about the project here.
June 25, 2018 - Skymind is taking part in a documentary film about AI. “Standing at the Forefront of Chinese Artificial Intelligence” is currently shooting in China and is expected to be released at the end of this year. While you’re waiting, you can catch Chris Nicholson, CEO of Skymind in a previous documentary, "Road to A.I.”
June 18, 2018 - Starsky Robotics is mentioned in this article about the future of autonomous trucking. They are currently running autonomous trucks on the highway, using remote operation for the first and last mile.
June 13, 2018 - Paladin Cyber launched their cyber tools which are now live in Product Hunt. Learn more about Paladin Cyber here.
June 11, 2018 - Our portfolio company, Skymind, is partnering with ePlus, a long time Cisco Gold Partner, to provide a Machine Learning starter kit based on Cisco HyperFlex and Skymind Intelligent Layer (SKIL) software. Click here for more details.
June 11, 2018 - Our portfolio company, Polysync is proud to announce the appointment of Greg Drew as their new Chief Executive Officer.
May 16, 2018 - PolySync, was featured in an article about the growing ecosystem of mobility companies in the Ann Arbor area. PolySync's DriveKit vehicle control interface can turn your vehicle into a remote-control car with a simple one-hour installation.
May 9, 2018 - Starsky Robotics is mentioned in this article that discusses how the terminology in the self-driving car industry is too vague, causing many of the problems we’ve seen recently. At Hemi, we believe the companies we’ve invested in, like Starsky, will help to make the industry safer.
May 7, 2018 - Have some fun with this Deeplearning4j trivia from our portfolio company, Skymind, and Jaxenter!
May 5, 2018 - Congratulations to founders Aaron Nathan and Bryan Galusha and everyone at Point One Navigation on being named a TiE50's Top Startup.
May 1, 2018 - BioAesthetics, a company transforming plastic and reconstructive surgeries through regenerative medicine, closed a financing round led by Hemi Ventures. Hemi is excited to join the BioAesthetics team on their journey to innovate patient care through regenerative medicine. Read more here.
Mar 28, 2018 - Scotty Labs, a tele-operations company that is working on technology to enable people to remotely control self-driving cars, has raised a $6 million seed round from Gradient Ventures with participation from Hemi Ventures and Horizon Ventures.
Mar 28, 2018 - "How A VC Managing Partner Identifies Truly Innovative Ideas" Amy Gu’s latest interview with Fast Company, shared her thoughts around mentoring founders to help them build innovative ideas into businesses.