DURHAM – Resilient Ventures, a Durham-based investment firm that has invested in 8 companies since launching in December 2018 and raised nearly $3.5 million from dozens of limited partners, will hold the firm’s first syndication and demo day event on June 30.
On Zoom, six companies will deliver 45-minute pitch presentations at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m., and the day will conclude with a virtual networking event at 4 p.m. managed by one of the pitching companies, Mixtroz. Registration is free.
Resilient Ventures calls it “Tailwinds”, noting in an email announcing the event that “we talked before about putting a Tailwind behind African American entrepreneurs and this is what we would like to offer to you.”
The firm states on its website that its goal is to close the wealth gap by expanding access to capital, networks, and opportunity to black entrepreneurs. The website reads “we are a committed capital fund dedicated to disrupting systemic economic injustice by expanding access to capital, networks, and opportunity to companies.”
The companies
At 9 a.m., the first pitch will come from Karen Cuthrell of The Feelings Company, a Winston-Salem-based B2B consumer product company that creates social and emotional learning (SEL) content. According to the description of the event provided by Resilient Ventures, the company sells its educational program and professional development to school districts, Head Start, and private daycares. “We are the only African American evidence-based SEL company in the country and we see SEL from a unique and culturally inclusive lens,” the company provided, noting that it is raising $500,000 and is seeking introductions to district superintendents, Head Start directors, and Head Start agencies.
At 10 a.m., Jamelle Eugene will pitch Gryppers, a Raleigh company that makes wearable technology. According to the company, it sells direct to consumers and to businesses. The company is seeking a follow-on investment.
At 11 a.m., Dr. Horense Dodo will pitch on behalf of Elizabeth City-based IngateyGen, an agricultural technology company that’s developing allergen-free peanuts. The company recently received a $1 million SBIR grant, and is currently raising a $750,000 convertible note, as well as seeking support from leaders who have previous experience commercializing early-stage technologies.
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At 1 p.m., Chrissa McFarlane will pitch Patientory, an Atlanta-based company that uses blockchain technology applied to the personal health data segment.
At 2 p.m., Patrick Hines will pitch Functional Fluidics, a Detroit-based diagnostics startup company commercializing a platform technology to set the “Gold Standard” for red blood cell health. “Our technology is actively helping improve the lives of people with sickle cell disease by helping pharma develop better therapies and helping providers make better treatment decisions,” the company shared, noting it is raising a $3 million bridge round as a convertible note to expand.
At 3 p.m., Candace Mitchell will pitch Atlanta-based beauty technology company MYAVANA, which uses AI technology and virtual consultations to provide personalized hair care guidance. The company released a mobile application that allows users to upload a recent photo and receive an instant analysis of hair type and product recommendations. The company also provides a hair analysis kit and developed a patent-pending proprietary software powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning that recommends hair care products and regimens. The goal is to greater connect the hair industry ecosystem of consumers, salons, and retail stores, and the company is in the process of considering a $5 million equity crowdfunding raise later this year.
