Enhancing Market & Investor Readiness

eHuman

eHuman, and parent company Brown & Herbranson Imaging, are leading providers of 3-D interactive anatomical software applications, services and human datasets for dental, medical and consumer markets. Core products, already in use within 50% of U.S.-based dental schools, bring the latest volumetric computing, interactive visualization and learning solutions to the spatially complex field of dentistry. Based upon the educational and economic value of their initial products, they are developing the industry's first Web-based, haptics-enabled surgical simulator and digital curriculum platform, enabling a first-in-class, 21st-century dental pedagogy. Additionally, working with partners including the Stanford School of Medicine, Smithsonian and Max-Planck Institute, the eHuman.com subsidiary is developing the most comprehensive, research-class anatomical imaging, reference and digital learning library for broader health care applications.

Advanced Liquid Logic

Advanced Liquid Logic, a 2006-07 NIH-CAP participating company, was recently named a runner-up in the Semiconductors category for the 2007 Technology Innovation Awards. Based in Morrisville, NC, Advanced Liquid Logic develops products for a variety of diagnostic and other applications based on its unique droplet-based liquid handling technology. The Technology Innovation Awards is sponsored by The Wall Street Journal. More than 800 applications were submitted for this year’s awards in 12 categories and the winners were selected by an independent panel of judges.

Vcom 3D

Vcom3D participated in the 2006 Commercialization Assistance Program (CAP) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The DARPA-CAP was run by Larta and designed to assist DARPA's SBIR Phase II awardees in the commercialization of their technologies. VCom3D was one of the companies selected from the program to be featured the 2006 Venture Forum. VCom3D's technology is now set to change the intercultural communications US Army soldiers engage in every day. Whatever it be Arabic, Dari or Pashto, the wrist-worn iPod with Vcom3D software not only displays the text and plays the selected phrase but also shows a video of an avatar using sign language to clearly convey the message soldiers intend. The device is currently being tested by the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division in Iraq and it is hoped it will help bridge the language gap in the process of creating a stronger national Iraqi military.

TherMark Holdings, Inc.

TherMark Holdings, Inc., a developer of laser-marking technology, and presenter at Larta's Venture Forum, announced the completion of its $1.7 million series A round of financing led by Pasadena Angels and Tech Coast Angels. TherMark Founder and Chairman, Paul Harrison, says "Larta Institute provided a great learning experience and I'm convinced that we will deliver the projected returns (and more) to our investors. We're doing very well and keeping within reasonable variation on our sales projections and cash requirements". TherMark allows manufacturers to place photographic-quality serial numbers, part ID numbers, logos and other text on virtually any hard surface material, including glass, metal, ceramics and plastics. The company has several patents in North America and internationally. Current customers include automobile manufacturers, medical instrument makers, kitchen and bath ware makers, and companies in dozens of other industries.

XCom Wireless

XCom Wireless presented at Larta Institute's Venture Forum and raised $2.5 million in private capital from Ardesta LLC. Daniel Hyman, President and CTO, found that Larta Institute provided XCom with "…important contacts with key people and valuable workshops on starting a technology venture."

Syagen

Syagen received a $150,000 CalTIP (California Technology Investment Partnership) award through Larta Institute, attended Larta University business training courses, and presented at Larta Institute's Venture Forum. The company received $1.3 million in private funding from Athenaeum Fund. Jack Syage, president and CEO of the company, has indicated the contacts and networking opportunities made available to them through Larta Institute had a great impact on them. He also describes the Larta University courses as extremely helpful in developing skills of critiquing business plan presentations. Syagen Technology is an analytical instrumentation company that has developed leading mass spectrometry technology for conducting high-speed molecular analysis.

"I want you to know that I could never have done this without Larta Institute and The Venture Forum! I was coached by professionals (who took the time to help unknowns like me - who have always had to struggle with the nuances of fundraising, corporate organization and finance) and position me to be recognized as a "realistic" potential investment opportunity."