MSU Research Foundation’s Captive Venture Funds Close 26 Investments

EAST LANSING, Mich. (Oct. 22, 2025) — The MSU Research Foundation announced 26 new investment and purchase order financing transactions in startup companies through its Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise investment subsidiaries between July and June of 2025.

“These investments highlight the dept and diversity of innovation happening across Michigan,” said Jeff Wesley, Executive Director of Ventures at the MSU Research Foundation. “We’re seeing strong companies emerge in every corner of the state, from health tech and sustainable materials to AI, automation, and clean mobility, each contributing to a stronger, more resilient innovation economy.”

The Red Cedar Ventures Pre-Seed Fund supported the following companies:

• Advertent Bio (advertentbio.com) – Develops biological therapeutics that support muscle repair and recovery.
• Augie Bones (augiebones.com) – Manufactures plant-based, biodegradable chew toys that are tough, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.
• AuthSnap (authsnap.ai) – Automates appeals for denied medical insurance claims, helping hospitals recover lost revenue and reduce administrative work.
• Blooma (bloomagrows.com) – Helps gardeners grow confidently with smart tools, visual guides, and a supportive online community.
• BRCE (brce.shop) – Creates lightweight sports gear and accessories using strong, flexible materials and advanced design technology.
• IOPRO – Develops contact lenses that monitor eye pressure to help doctors detect and manage glaucoma and other conditions.
• KISS (mykissapp.com) – A mobile app working to eliminate sexually transmitted infections through early detection and prevention tools.
• Side Door (sidedoorapp.com) – A real estate app that guides home buyers and sellers through a transparent, lower-cost process.
• Vetr Health (vetrhealth.com) – Offers in-home pet care, vaccinations, testing, and 24/7 telehealth support for pet owners.
• Xmore AI (xmore.ai) – Uses artificial intelligence to detect cybersecurity threats automatically and minimize risk across digital systems.

Michigan Rise supported these companies:

• Arborsense (arborsense.com) – Creates wearable health monitors that continuously track alcohol consumption through advanced, non-invasive sensors.
• Advertent Bio (advertentbio.com) – Develops biological therapeutics that support muscle repair and recovery.
• Aries Financial (aries.com) – Aries is the world’s first open-source, infra-first brokerage, purpose-built for the programmable finance era.
• AuthSnap (authsnap.ai) – Automates appeals for denied medical insurance claims, helping hospitals recover lost revenue and reduce administrative work.
• CircNova (circnova.com) – Uses artificial intelligence to unlock the potential of circular RNA for new therapies.
• ContratAI (constrat.ai) – Helps construction contractors track costs, manage cash flow, and forecast profits in real time.
• Kind Katch (kindkatch.com) – Helps brands send personalized short videos via email or text to engage audiences and tell stories.
• Protera Health (proterahealth.com) – Provides physician-led digital musculoskeletal care that improves outcomes and lowers healthcare costs.
• Spintech MRI (spintechmri.com) – Provides advanced imaging software for diagnosing and treating brain trauma and neurological diseases.
• SwishBx (swishbx.com) – Enables automated product sampling by adding free, full-size items to online grocery orders.
• Voltaic Marine (voltaicmarine.com) – Developing a fully electric, high-performance aluminum sport boat for cleaner recreation.

The Foundation also supported the following companies with access to working capital through the Michigan Rise Purchase Order Financing program:

• ArcPath Automation (arcpathautomation.com) – Builds custom automation and robotics systems that help industrial and automotive clients streamline production and improve efficiency.
• Civilized Cycles (civilizedcycles.com) – Designs compact electric vehicles for sustainable urban transportation of people and cargo.
• EcoG (ecog.io) – Develops software and controllers that optimize performance in public fast-charging stations.
• GildForm (gildform.com) – A jewelry manufacturing platform that lets creators design and produce custom pieces on demand.
• LiveRoad Analytics (liveroadanalytics.com) – Delivers real-time, high-resolution road condition data to improve safety, efficiency, and mobility.

“Purchase order financing gives us another way to help startups grow when it matters most,” Wesley added. “It bridges the gap between receiving an order and having the capital to fulfill it, helping founders scale production and meet demand without slowing momentum.”

The Red Cedar Ventures and Michigan Rise investment funds provide critical support to tech startups at various stages of development. Red Cedar Ventures’ Pre-Seed Fund offers early-stage funding to help startups launch and secure additional investment, while the Opportunity Funds I and II provide follow-on funding as portfolio companies grow. The MSU Research Foundation established the Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), offering funding, coaching, and grant assistance to Michigan-based tech startups. Together, these funds deliver comprehensive financial support and resources to startups throughout their journey in the technology sector.

For more information about the MSU Research Foundation’s investment funds and portfolio companies, visit msufoundation.org/venture-funds.