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Ben Franklin Technology Partners Drives Innovation with Strategic Investments in Eight Promising Startups

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA (Ben Franklin CNP) continues its mission of catalyzing innovation and fostering growth in the technology sector with its recent investments in eight dynamic companies. These strategic investments totaling one million dollars are poised to propel these startups toward significant milestones, empowering them to revolutionize their respective industries.

At the recent June board meeting, Ben Franklin CNP approved investments in the following companies:

Atlas Biotech (Atlas Biologics, LLC) – Penn State Affiliated: Atlas Biotech is a research tool company specializing in the development and deployment of in vitro assays for the evaluation of targeted anticancer therapies. This innovative approach is set to make significant contributions to cancer research and treatment. Learn more here.

Boostpoint, Inc.: Boostpoint is a recruitment marketing B2B SaaS platform that helps companies source and engage with qualified candidates through targeted social media advertising and automated SMS campaigns. This platform is designed to streamline the recruitment process and improve hiring outcomes. Learn more here.

BowlNow, Inc.: BowlNow assists in the reservation and payment process for bowlers through an application that streamlines the customer’s journey by filtering locations from a global database of bowling centers. This innovation enhances the bowling experience, making it more convenient and enjoyable. Learn more here.

FIXED-HHS LLC: FIXED delivers a convenient and reliable handyman experience to homeowners and provides a source of referrals for handyman businesses. The company’s proprietary software, developed by an Erie-based technology company, addresses the pain points that both customers and technicians experience within the current service industry. Learn more here.

Forma Medical, Inc.: Forma Medical is a medical device company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and commercial distribution of surgical products for foot and ankle orthopedic procedures. Their first device targets hammertoe correction surgery, promising to enhance surgical outcomes and patient recovery. Learn more here.

Magnitude Instruments (Nanospec Instruments, LLC) – Penn State Affiliated: Magnitude Instruments provides high-performance, nanosecond, transient absorption spectrometers to researchers at the forefront of materials, biological, and chemical sciences. Their disruptive technology offers instruments that are simpler to operate, more robust, smaller, and more affordable than existing options, while significantly improving performance. Learn more here.

Vision Solutions AR (Fire Solutions Group, LLC): Operating under a DBA designation as part of the consulting firm Fire Solutions Group, LLC, Vision Solutions AR has developed an easy-to-use and cost-effective augmented reality (AR) content management system. The company aims to become a leader in developing AR software applications, focusing on sales and marketing to museums, zoos, aquariums, art galleries, historical sites, and other tourism-centered businesses. Learn more here.

West Arete Computing, Inc. – Penn State Affiliated: West Arete enhances research information management ecosystems, enabling institutions to conduct more research more effectively. Their specialized software smooths the way for groundbreaking research and education. Learn more here.

More than just financial support, Ben Franklin CNP is dedicated to nurturing the ambitions of promising startups, providing invaluable guidance and resources to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology. The funding provided by Ben Franklin serves as a springboard for rapid development, enabling startups to accelerate product innovation, expand their teams, and scale their operations.

About Ben Franklin Technology Partners: The largest seed investor in our region, Ben Franklin Technology Partners (an initiative of the PA Department of Community & Economic Development and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority) has been providing investment capital, business support services, and operational assistance to emerging tech-startups and small manufacturers for nearly 40 years.