We are excited to share SJF’s October 2013 Bulletin. SJF Ventures has invested in Think Through Learning and Easy Metrics. The fund also achieved an exit with B.B. Hobbs. In addition, the bulletin provides updates on portfolio companies, news on upcoming events, and a new regular feature on SJF Ventures’ investors.
SJF has invested $3 million in a Series B financing of Think Through Learning Inc. The Pittsburgh-based company provides SaaS-enhanced supplemental math instruction and practice for students. The offerings help individuals prepare for the rigors of the Common Core Standards and next-generation assessments. Think Through Learning supports more than two million students in 42 states. Arrun Kapoor led the investment for SJF. Read more.
SJF Leads Series A Financing of Easy Metrics
SJF has led a $3.3 million Series A financing of Easy Metrics, Inc. The Seattle-based company offers a SaaS-based business intelligence platform that helps companies optimize labor costs. Easy Metrics generates 40% average labor productivity improvements at a fraction of the cost charged by competitors. By measuring individuals’ productivity improvements, Easy Metrics enables cost savings sharing with employees and facilitates workforce engagement. Alan Kelley led the investment for SJF. Read more.
PORTFOLIO NEWS
SJF Realizes Exit in B.B. Hobbs
B.B. Hobbs, the leading provider of drip irrigation and liquid fertilizer systems in the Southeast, received a strategic investment from TriEst Ag Group. The partnership with TriEst will allow B.B. Hobbs to further expand its services throughout the U.S., resulting in higher yield crops and lower water and fertilizer inputs. The TriEst investment generated a positive exit for SJF Ventures.
Versify Partners with PG&E
Versify Solutions signed a six-year licensing contract with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to provide its Outage Management, Event Management and Performance Reporting solutions across PG&E’s entire generation base.Read more.
Aseptia Continues Rapid Expansion
Following a tour by North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, Aseptia (Wright Foods) was profiled by North Carolina State University, where the company’s innovative aseptic food processing technology was founded. Read more.
Vital Farms was listed as the 85th fastest growing company in Inc.‘s recent annual ranking. The company was also profiled in Perishable News, which discussed growing consumer awareness of pasture-raised food. Read more.
GroSolar Completes Two Municipal Solar Projects Developed by Community Energy
GroSolar announced the completion of two municipal solar projects in Massachusetts: a three-megawatt solar array in Berkeley and a two-megawattarray in Sterling. The projects were developed by SJF portfolio company Community Energy and will be co-owned by Canadian Solar and INDU Solar Holdings, Inc.Read more.
Optoro Expands
Optoro has expanded its operations and opened a 13,000 square foot office in Washington, D.C. The company, which focuses on providing market solutions for returned and excess goods, received a $23.5 million Series B investment led by Revolution Growth in July.Read more.
ERC Releases New Video
eRecyclingCorps has published a new video that illustrates the value of its mobile device trade-in and resell program. Watch the video.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Investors’ Circle will be hosting “Beyond the Pitch” in Washington, D.C., onOctober 22. The event will showcase 15 impact companies. Stephanie Nieman will be attending for SJF Ventures.
TBLI’s Europe conference will be held November 14 and 15 in Zurich. More information.
FEATURED SJF VENTURES INVESTOR
RS Group
SJF Ventures appreciates the support of its limited partners and their interests in advancing impact investing. As part of a new initiative to recognize one of our limited partners in each bulletin, we would like to thank RS Group for its partnership with SJF. Based in Hong Kong and focused on sustainability, this family office seeks to make investments and grants that follow a “blended value” approach to ensure that its total portfolio is working for good.
