Startup Series (3/4): Deep Tech Disruptors

The Startup series on Industrial Innovation: AR/VR, Biotech, Blockchain, Clean-Tech

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Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Transformative Tech

AR and VR represent a transformative convergence of digital technology and the physical world. AR enhances real-world interactions with digital overlays, while VR transports users to immersive virtual environments.

Applications:

• Healthcare: Used for medical procedure simulation, training, patient rehabilitation, surgical planning, diagnoses, and improving overall healthcare delivery quality.

• Entertainment and Gaming: Provides immersive gaming and multimedia experiences, allowing users to interact with characters and storytelling in virtual environments.

• Hardware Providers: Develop and manufacture devices such as headsets, motion tracking devices, haptic feedback systems, and other hardware to enable immersive digital experiences.

• Social: Facilitates immersive communication and collaboration through virtual spaces.

• Training and Simulation: Offers controlled and realistic environments for practice and skill acquisition, providing cost-effective training alternatives in industries like aviation and the military.

AR and VR: Startup Profiles

SandboxVR: Pioneering in Group Virtual Reality Experiences

SandboxVR specializes in location-based group VR experiences designed for social interaction and entertainment. The company integrates haptics with full-body motion capture to create immersive entertainment experiences. It also maintains an in-house development studio for creating AAA-level experiences.

• Key Offerings:

  • Experiences: SandboxVR provides AAA-quality, arcade-style group VR experiences. As of July 2023, it offers seven different experiences ranging from futuristic immersive environments like "Amber Sky 2088" to horror experiences such as "Deadwood Mansion."

• Recent Updates:

  • May 2023: Launched a new fantasy immersive AAA experience called "Seekers of the Shard: Dragonfire."

  • Feb 2023: Collaborated with Netflix to create a VR experience based on a popular series.

• Funding Trends:

  • 2017: $3 M

  • 2019: $79 M

  • 2021: $37 M

• Key Investors:

  

  SandboxVR stands out in the virtual reality sector, offering unique and engaging group VR experiences that combine advanced technology with immersive content for entertainment and social interaction.​

  

  RealWear: Empowering Frontline Workers with Assisted Reality Wearables

RealWear is a provider of assisted reality wearable solutions designed to engage, empower, and elevate the modern frontline industrial worker, enhancing safety, efficiency, and precision. The wearables provide real-time access to information and expertise while keeping hands and fields of view free for work.

• Sub-Domain: Hardware Providers

• Key Offerings:

  • Real Wear Navigator Series: Specialized tools for frontline workers combining AR features, enabling communication with remote experts and access to IoT data.

  • HMT-1Z1: A wearable device developed for challenging environments, including wet, dusty, hot, dangerous, and noisy settings.

  • Device Software: Voice-controlled software specifically designed to assist frontline professionals in improving productivity and ensuring safety.

• Recent Updates:

  • August 2023: Launched RealWear Navigator Z1, an Intrinsically Safe (IS) headset for frontline workers.

  • January 2023: Launched RealWear Navigator 520, a rugged assisted reality headset for frontline professionals.

  • November 2022: Introduced a voice-controlled thermal camera for the RealWear Navigator 500 headsets.

• Funding Trends:

  • 2018: $22M

  • 2019: $80M

  • 2022: $ 21.5M

• Key Investors:

  

RealWear stands out in the field of wearable technology, providing innovative assisted reality solutions to enhance the capabilities and safety of frontline industrial workers across various challenging environments.​

Osso VR: Transforming Surgical Training with Virtual Reality

Osso VR offers a virtual reality-based surgical training and assessment platform for healthcare professionals. The platform provides a hands-on training environment, enabling users to practice, analyze, and assess their performance in surgical procedures. Osso VR aims to enhance patient safety, reduce the cost of surgical training, and increase the adoption of innovative medical devices.

• Key Offerings:

  • Osso Enterprise: Custom-developed VR training modules for healthcare companies and professionals, designed to accelerate learning and improve procedural workflows for medical devices or procedures.

  • Osso Academy: A virtual training library designed to educate early-career healthcare professionals, offering a curriculum of training procedures with interaction-based learning.

• Recent Updates:

  • June 2023: Launched Osso Academy, providing customized training programs for academic medical centers and residency programs.

  • November 2022: Announced a collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to develop a new immersive VR training program for cardiovascular professionals.

• Funding Trends:

  • 2017: $2M

  • 2020: $14M

  • 2021: $27M

  • 2022: $66M

• Key Investors:

  

  Osso VR stands out as a pioneer in the healthcare sector, leveraging virtual reality technology to revolutionize surgical training, enhance the skills of healthcare professionals, and ultimately contribute to improved patient outcomes.​

  

  Sensorium Galaxy: Revolutionizing Social Interaction in Virtual Reality

  Sensorium Galaxy is a VR-based social platform that empowers users to engage in various activities and interact with others through AI-powered avatars in a virtual environment. The company has also launched Sensorium DLT, a new blockchain tailored to serve the broader entertainment industry with innovative NFT types and growth-oriented business solutions.

• Key Offerings:

  • Sensorium Galaxy Digital Metaverse: Utilizing Unreal Engine 4, the platform provides lifelike characters and virtual environments. Users can choose from a variety of pre-designed avatars, with additional customization options including clothing items and unique visual effects. Avatars powered by AI learn from users, enhancing their accuracy as virtual representations.

• Recent Updates:

  • December 2020: Partnership with Black Coffee to create a custom avatar and perform using motion-capture technology. Collaboration with Mubert to launch the first performing AI DJ.

• Funding Trends:

  • 2020: $ 100M

Sensorium Galaxy is at the forefront of social VR, providing immersive and interactive experiences that leverage advanced AI and blockchain technology to redefine virtual social interaction and entertainment.

Red 6: Revolutionizing Combat Training with Augmented Reality

• Sub-Domain: Training and Simulation

  Red 6 specializes in developing AR combat training systems, transforming outdoor settings into virtual training grounds. The company's products enable users to practice maneuvers in the face of threats and engage in synthetic training environments, enhancing readiness and performance.

• Key Offerings:

  • Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS): A multi-user AR system for experiencing live, virtual, and constructive environments across various domains.

  • Augmented Reality Command and Analytic Data Environment (ARCADE): Utilizes VR to create, present, discuss, and review training environments engaged via ATARS, enabling precise specification of simulated threats and post-flight analysis and review.

• Recent Updates:

  • September 2023: Collaboration with Boeing to integrate and test AR in a TA-4J tactical aircraft, a precursor to further integrations in advanced trainers.

  • June 2023: Plans announced with Lockheed to integrate AR into the T-50 Trainer Jet.

  • November 2022: Partnership with BAE Systems to explore AR systems on Hawk Jets.

• Funding Trends:

  • 2019: $2M

  • 2021: $37M

  • 2023: $70M

• Key Investors:

  

  Red 6 stands out as a trailblazer in augmented reality, leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide unparalleled combat training solutions that enhance the capabilities and preparedness of defense personnel.

Biotech: A Convergence of Sciences for Global Advancements

Biotech represents the intersection of biology, chemistry, genetics, engineering, and data science. It holds the potential to address critical global challenges, improve human health, enhance agricultural productivity, and mitigate environmental impacts.

• Key Sub-Domains:

  • Genomics: Explores the genetic makeup of organisms, playing a crucial role in personalized medicine, genetic testing, and advancements in agriculture and biotechnology.

  • AI-powered Pathology: Integrates AI with pathology techniques for rapid and accurate analysis of medical images, enhancing disease detection and medical interventions.

  • Drug Discovery: Accelerates the drug discovery process, aiding in the design of custom molecules, understanding disease mechanisms, and streamlining drug development.

  • Regenerative Medicine: Focuses on repairing, replacing, or regenerating damaged or diseased tissues and organs, utilizing stem cell research, tissue engineering, and gene therapy.

  • Synthetic Biology: Combines biology, engineering, and computer science to design and create artificial biological systems or alter existing ones, with applications in biofuel production, bioremediation, and genetically modified organisms development.

Biotech: Startup Profiles

Paige.AI: Revolutionizing Pathology with AI

• Sub-Domain: AI-powered Pathology

Paige.AI leverages advanced deep learning algorithms to transform pathology, aiding in cancer diagnosis and research. The platform simplifies the pathology workflow, offering diagnostic insights for improved patient care.

• Key Offerings: Paige Prostate and Breast Suites for enhanced diagnosis and workflow integration in cancer pathology.

• Recent Updates: Partnerships for image-based AI model development and improving cancer diagnosis in community hospitals.

• Funding:

  • 2018: $ 25M

  • 2019: $78.7M

  • 2020: $ 20M

  • 2021: $ 280M

• Key Investors:

  

  

  Eikon Therapeutics

Eikon Therapeutics develops live-cell resolution microscopy and engineering for drug discovery to offer a novel treatment for life-threatening diseases.

The company’s proprietary technology leverages advanced engineering and high-performance computing to visualize and measure the real-time movement of proteins in living cells.

Key offerings

•Single Molecule Tracking (SMT) Technology: Allows for highly accurate measurement of how proteins behave within living cells on a large scale. The software analyzes and categorizes protein behaviors, identifying distinct groups based on factors like movement patterns, binding rates, and interaction durations with small molecules.

Recent updates

•September 2023: Eikon Therapeutics successfully incorporated TLR 7 and 8 co-agonists into its clinical development plan and plans to engage with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for future discussions in the fourth quarter.

•June 2023: Eikon Therapeutics announced that it has acquired exclusive rights to multiple early- to mid-stage assets, leveraging its proprietary Single Molecule Tracking (SMT) technology to drive strategic decisions around its new drug pipeline.

Funding Trends

• 2021: $148M

• 2022: $517.8M

• 2023: $106M

ElevateBio

ElevateBio empowers the development of innovative cell and gene therapies.

The company’s integrated technologies provide support for cell and gene therapy processes and programs. It offers various R&D technology platforms, such as Life Edit for gene editing, iPSC technology, and RNA, cell, protein, and vector engineering.

Key offerings:

•ElevateBio Basecamp: A cell and gene therapy manufacturing facility that offers discovery, development, and commercialization solutions. It includes current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing suites, analytics, and quality control (QC) laboratories, and protein engineering, virology, and immunology labs.

Recent updates:

•September 2023: Kyverna and ElevateBio announced a partnership to advance process development and manufacturing to produce Ingenui-T-derived chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies.

•November 2022: ElevateBio partnered with Affini-T Therapeutics to progress the latter’s engineered TCR-T therapies focused on Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS).

•November 2022: ElevateBio BaseCamp unveiled its LentiPeak lentiviral vector platform.

Funding Trends:

• 2019: $150M

• 2020: $170M

• 2021: $525M

• 2023: $401M

Key Investors:

Altos Labs: Exploring Cellular Rejuvenation for Longevity

Altos Labs is a biotechnology company focused on studying cellular rejuvenation programming. The company aims to improve cell health and resilience to counteract diseases, injuries, and long-term disabilities.

It was founded by a group of scientists, clinicians, and professionals from academia and industry for a common mission.

Key offerings

•Cellular rejuvenation programming research: Conducts research to improve cell health and resilience for long-term diseases. It also focuses on reversing disease and anti-aging solutions.

Recent updates

June 2022: Altos Labs announced a sponsored research agreement with Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) to foster cellular rejuvenation programming research

Funding

• 2022: $3B

SOLUGEN

Solugen is a company with a carbon-negative molecule facility that replaces petroleum-based products with plant-derived substitutes.

The company applies biotechnology and green chemistry principles to redesign the production of a range of end-use and novel chemicals. Its solutions address clean water, sustainable materials, food, and personal care sectors.

Key offerings

• Bioforge platform: A carbon-negative molecular manufacturing platform that converts biobased feedstocks into usable products without harming the environment while avoiding the formation of waste products.

Recent updates

• August 2023: Solugen announced plans to invest and build a new production facility in Marshall, Western Minnesota.

• November 2022: Solugen secured $200 million in Series D funding led by Temasek, Kinnevik, and Refactor Capital.

• March 2021: Solugen and Nanotronics announced a partnership to enable hackproof and automated biobased manufacturing mini-mills.

Funding Trends

• 2017: $4.4M

• 2018: $18.8M

• 2019: $32M

• 2020: $30M

• 2021: $350M

• 2022: $200M

Key Investors

Blockchain: A Paradigm Shift in Digital Trust and Validation

Blockchain represents a revolutionary approach to establishing and maintaining trust in the digital realm. Utilizing cryptographic principles, decentralization, and consensus algorithms, it ensures secure and validated transactions and data.

Key Sub-Domains and Applications:

• Identity Verification and Authentication: Uses decentralized and cryptographic techniques to establish and validate digital identities, leveraging public-key cryptography for a secure ledger of identity attributes.

• Digital Asset Management: Enables secure storage, transfer, and trading of various digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, tokens, and digital collectibles.

• Gaming and Gambling: Ensures transparent, secure, and verifiable transactions for in-game assets and virtual goods, supporting provably fair gambling and enhancing trust and fairness in online betting and gaming platforms.

• Payments and Transactions: Facilitates secure transfer of digital assets or information using decentralized and immutable ledger technology, reducing fraud and increasing trust and efficiency.

• Trading Platforms: Provides decentralized marketplaces for direct exchange of digital assets without intermediaries, offering enhanced security, transparency, and liquidity.

Blockchain Startup Profiles

Fireblocks: Securing Digital Assets and Operations

Fireblocks is blockchain security service provider for moving, storing, and issuing digital assets.

The company’s platform enables exchanges, custodians, banks, trading desks, and hedge funds to securely manage digital asset operations through patent-pending SGX & MPC technology.

Key offerings

• Fireblocks platform: a digital asset custody, transfer and settlement platform that offers solutions including treasury management, tokenization, payments, security and wallet as a service. Its Fireblocks network platform allows users to instantly find, connect, and move digital assets across exchanges, fiat providers, liquidity partners, and counterparties.

Recent updates:

• September 2023: Fireblocks launched a new non-custodial wallet service designed for corporations, fintech companies, and Web3 businesses, expanding its existing wallet-as-a-service solution.

• August 2023: The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) partnered with Fireblocks to expand its digital asset offerings in line with TASE's new strategic plan.

• August 2023: XYZ Teknoloji and Fireblocks partnered to launch compliant digital asset solution for banks and financial institutions.

Funding Trends

• 2019: $16M

• 2020: $30M

• 2021: $443M

• 2022: $550M

Key Investors

DAPPER LABS

Dapper Labs is a blockchain company specializing in developing digital collectibles, NFTs, and gaming software.

The company's platform harnesses Flow blockchain which allows users to access consumer applications, games, and digital assets. It also allows users to beta test blockchain games and gives users access to multiple payment options.

Key offerings

• CryptoKitties: Uses blockchain technology to allow players to buy, sell, and breed digital cats with distinct characteristics.

• NBA Top Shot: An NFT marketplace where sports fans can buy, sell, and trade basketball video clips.

• Cheese Wizards: An online game where players can summon Wizards using cryptocurrency to participate in a worldwide tournament, aiming to win the title of Big Cheese and collect and battle with unique Wizard tokens.

Recent updates

• September 2022: Zoomph partnered with Dapper Labs to monitor their brand’s social accounts and manage social campaigns with athletes, influencers, and customers.

• June 2022: Dapper Labs acquired OK Play, an app that lets three to six year olds create and share short videos.

• September 2021: Google partnered with Dapper Labs to support the development of new Web 3 products and services, including the NFT and marketplace.

Funding trends

• 2018: $33M

• 2019: $11.2M

• 2020: $13.4M

• 2021: $555M

• 2022: $5.1M

Key Investors

Certik

CertiK is a blockchain security company that offers a security-focused ranking platform to analyze and monitor blockchain protocols and DeFi projects in Web3.

The company uses AI technology and formal verification to identify vulnerabilities, offer comprehensive audits, and develop innovative tools and platforms.

Key offerings

• Smart contract audit: An expert analysis of all smart contract code to identify and fix bugs, ensuring maximum security for a blockchain project.

• Skynet: A security analysis tool that actively monitors on-chain and off-chain security parameters, identifying risks and providing necessary alerts.

• KYC: Offers identity verification and due diligence service in Web3, while maintaining the highest standards of data protection.

Recent updates

• September 2023: CertiK completed audit and partnered with Finschia Foundation to become a governance member and validator node operator within the network.

• May 2023: CertiK and Alibaba Cloud signed a partnership to provide blockchain security services to cloud-based Web3 projects.

• December 2022: CertiK announced a new partnership with KuCoin Community Chain (KCC) to streamline the onboarding process for new projects built on KCC.

Funding Trends

• 2020: $15M

• 2021: $141M

• 2022: $148M

Key Investors

CleanTech: Driving Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Future

CleanTech encompasses cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches aimed at addressing critical global challenges related to climate change, resource depletion, and pollution.

Key Sub-Domains:

• Nuclear Energy: Focuses on low-carbon energy generation through controlled nuclear reactions, with advancements aimed at improving safety, reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency of nuclear power plants.

• Energy Storage: Enables efficient capture and storage of energy from both renewable and non-renewable sources, including innovations in battery technology and advanced capacitors, crucial for transitioning to a sustainable energy landscape.

• Green Construction: Emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency in building design and construction, incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, renewable energy integration, and sustainable construction practices.

• Recycling: Involves the recovery and reprocessing of materials such as plastics, metals, and paper to create new products, reducing strain on natural resources and minimizing landfill waste.

Renewable Energy: Harnesses clean and sustainable energy sources like sunlight, wind, and hydropower to produce energy.

CleanTech Startup Profiles

Northvolt

Northvolt is a battery developer and manufacturer based in Sweden that specializes in sustainable lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. The company aims to deliver the greenest lithium-ion battery with a minimal CO2 footprint.

Key offerings:

• Cells: Offers lithium-ion cells based on its proprietary Lingonberry NMC chemistry in cylindrical and prismatic formats.

• Voltblocks: Modular building blocks designed for racks and packs, using cylindrical or prismatic cells suitable for industrial use.

• Voltpack Mobile: A flexible energy storage system for sustainable power across uses.

Recent updates:

• September 2023: Announced plans to build a Li-ion battery gigafactory in Quebec.

• August 2023: Expanded partnership with ABB to develop a battery recycling facility.

• April 2023: Launched high-mileage green battery with Scania for heavy goods vehicles.

Funding trends:

• 2017: $25M

• 2018: $12M

• 2019: $1,014M

• 2020: $600M

• 2021: $2,750M

Key investors:

Nexii Building Solutions

Nexii Building Solutions is a Canadian green construction technology company that designs and manufactures low-carbon buildings and products. It uses sustainable materials to streamline construction and save time and costs.

Key offerings:

• Nexiite: A proprietary sustainable building material alternative to concrete.

• VersiCharge XL: An EV charging structure made from sustainable, low-carbon materials.

Recent updates:

• September 2023: Published facility-based Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

• March 2023: Achieved TRUE Gold Certification for Zero Waste for its manufacturing plant.

• January 2023: Completed the Climate Smart Certification program.

Funding trends:

• 2021: $70M

• 2022: $ 35M
  

newcleo

newcleo is a UK-based nuclear energy company developing next-generation lead-cooled fast nuclear reactors and MOX fuel.

Key offerings:

• AS-200: A land-based waste-to-energy reactor utilizing lead-cooled fast reactor technology.

• TL-30: A compact 30 MW electric generator suitable for marine applications.

• MOX fuel manufacturing: Produces mixed oxide fuel combining uranium and plutonium oxides.

Recent updates:

• September 2023: Signed an MOU with National Nuclear Laboratory for collaboration on advanced nuclear R&D.

• August 2023: Acquired Pompes Rutschi SAS and Rutschi Fluid AG.

• July 2023: Signed an agreement with Fincantieri and RINA for a nuclear applications feasibility study.

Funding trends:

• 2021: $70M

• 2022: $35M

• 2023: $1,066.5M
  Has raised over $1.4 billion in funding so far.

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