Startups working on social gaming, a meal-planning app, a sports video publishing platform and medical technology and devices are among nine early-stage regional companies approved for a total investment of $975,000 from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania (BFTP/SEP)
BioDetego, LLC of Philadelphia will receive $50,000 to further develop VASPfore, a new biomarker test for selecting cancer treatment protocols. BioDetego predicts that the VASPfore will save millions of dollars a year by reducing total treatment costs.
Essential Medical in Chester County has been awarded $75,000 (Ben Franklin previously invested $500,000) to develop X-SealTM and MANTATM, two innovative vascular closure devices. These devices are used to close incisions in the leg artery after cardiac catheterizations.
Fitly, Inc. of Philadelphia will receive $50,000. The company's web app allows customers to personalize weekly meal plans featuring healthy recipes in less than five minutes; the necessary ingredients and cooking instructions are then delivered to the diner's door.
Grand Round Table of Philadelphia has been awarded $50,000. GRT has developed an innovative clinical decision support tool integrated into the electronic health record. GRT helps hospitals and clinics save time and money by directing doctors to appropriate solutions faster, reducing the number of unnecessary tests, ineffective treatments and consultations that patients receive.
HealthQx in Montgomery County will receive $250,000 (Ben Franklin previously invested $150,000). This healthcare technology company delivers a big-data driven SaaS solution to healthcare payers, providers and partners on the leading edge of the shift from fee-for-service to transparent, value-based healthcare payment.
MemVu in Bucks County has been awarded $50,000. This social gaming company delivers an innovative and engaging brain fitness gaming platform that facilitates the involvement of families and caregivers in the care, socialization and stimulation of loved ones suffering from a brain health condition such as Alzheimer’s.
NETMINDER in Montgomery County will use its $150,000 to increase the sustainable efficacy of saltwater nets, traps and related equipment — their products dramatically decrease underwater fouling by using nontoxic coatings.
SideCar in Philadelphia has been awarded $100,000 (Ben Franklin previously invested $385,000). The company is positioning itself as a name-brand powerhouse in the world of big data marketing solutions by combining paid search, comparison shopping, on-site personalization and personalized email.
SilverLine Global in Philadelphia will receive $200,000. A digital video publishing platform for the endurance sports industry, the company enables endurance sports events to leverage digital video directly on their websites and social media.
Source: BFTP/SEP
Writer: Elise Vider