Celebrating Women-Led Startups
March is Women’s History Month, and we’re celebrating the extraordinary women founders in Ideaship’s portfolio who are reshaping industries with groundbreaking innovations. These innovators are not only leading cutting-edge companies but are also balancing roles as mothers, sisters, partners, friends – finding time to run, hike, garden, and give back to their communities.
Tricia Clemans, Director of Ideaship and Global Technology Transfer Group, remarked, ‘The resilience and brilliance these women show every day as innovators and founders of growing tech companies, while also juggling all the other facets of everyday life is nothing short of inspiring. They are super humans.’ At Ideaship, we’re honored to support their journeys as investors and by providing the strategic patent expertise and guidance to help them thrive.
Aja Labs is rethinking materials for beauty and self-expression, developing sustainable, high-performance fibers that put environmental responsibility first. Founder and CTO Osahon Ojeaga has a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. She is pioneering dermotextiles and cosmetic textiles to address concerns in the synthetic hair fiber industry. In her spare time, Osahon enjoys experimenting with sustainable fashion.
Alvee Health is tackling health equity by making social determinants of health (SDOH) data more actionable, ensuring that healthcare reaches those who need it most. Founder Nicole Cook, an expert in digital health, holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. She’s dedicated to using AI to break down barriers and create more accessible care solutions. Nicole is an avid runner and participates in local community outreach programs.
Aeroshield is transforming energy efficiency in buildings with high-clarity silica aerogel, a material developed at MIT that is twice as insulating as air and lighter than a marshmallow. Founder Elise Strobach, who earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, is passionate about eliminating barriers to the adoption of pivotal energy-efficient technologies. Outside of Aeroshield, Elise enjoys writing and performing music with her band, Veisty, as well as creating artwork and jewelry. She is also dedicated to mentoring others, particularly in technical communication and graphic design.
Beginly Health is redefining how clinicians find job opportunities that fit their skills and lifestyles. Co-founder and CEO Stephanie Grein holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology and Chemistry, with 15 years of experience in Healthcare SaaS. She has worked with global Fortune 100 companies and has a proven track record of building companies through to exit and driving technology innovation. Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Kristi Olsen has a Master’s in Healthcare Management from Oregon Health & Science University and over 15 years of experience in healthcare recruitment, including leading a team of 60+ recruiters at Providence Health & Services. Together, they’re creating an intuitive and personalized platform for medical professionals. Stephanie is an active angel investor fostering growth in emerging industries, while Kristi is an avid skier and enjoys being a mother to her two young boys.
Community Energy Labs (CEL) is making smart energy management accessible to building owners with AI-driven automation. Under her leadership, CEL is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in energy consumption. Tanya is an enthusiastic urban gardener and advocates for community-based renewable energy projects.
Tricia Clemans, Director of Ideaship and Global Technology Transfer Group, remarked, ‘The resilience and brilliance these women show every day as innovators and founders of growing tech companies, while also juggling all the other facets of everyday life is nothing short of inspiring. They are super humans.’ At Ideaship, we’re honored to support their journeys as investors and by providing the strategic patent expertise and guidance to help them thrive.
Droplet Biosciences is pioneering the use of lymphatic fluid to develop new cancer diagnostics that inform adjuvant decisions. Co-founder Theresa Tribble holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and has focused her career on clinical impact. Outside of work, Theresa enjoys cooking, hiking and camping with her family.
Edulis Labs is transforming the way the world colors hair, using bio-inspired technology that eliminates harsh chemicals and allergens. Co-founder Dr. Nina Warner, a chemist and entrepreneur, earned her Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge before bringing her vision to life in San Francisco. A lover of literature, fitness, and the arts, she blends creativity with scientific innovation in her approach to revolutionizing the hair care industry.
Gadusol Laboratories is a UV protectant engineering and manufacturing company based in Corvallis, Oregon. Their gadusol-based sunscreen additive is entirely natural, safe for humans, and has no negative impact on oceanic ecosystems. Founder Katie Pettinger has a decade of experience with technology commercialization, working with researchers to bring their innovations to market. Her experience spans university tech spinoffs, investment organization technology scouting, and business development at the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory. In her free time, Katie enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and camping with her family and two cuddly Dobermans.
Arcaea is pioneering the future of beauty through biotechnology, recently acquiring Gadusol Laboratories to further its mission of developing innovative, sustainable ingredients. Under the leadership of Jasmina Aganovic, a trailblazing entrepreneur with a degree in chemical and biological engineering from MIT, Arcaea is expanding the possibilities for cosmetic formulations. By integrating Gadusol’s breakthrough UV-protectant technology – an entirely natural, ocean-friendly sunscreen additive – Arcaea continues to push the boundaries of science-driven beauty. Aganovic’s vision is to unlock new ingredient functionalities that align with evolving consumer values and sustainability goals, shaping the next generation of beauty products.
InVivo Biosystems is a biotechnology company that provides innovative solutions for genetic research and drug discovery. Since earning her Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Oregon, CEO Dr. Kat McCormick has dedicated herself to increasing the translation of academic science to human health. She is proud to lead the company today toward a vision of discovering and commercializing cutting-edge therapeutics for patient populations in need. She is also incredibly proud to be a colleague and friend of the other fantastic women who make up 60% of IVB.
At Ideaship, a venture capital firm by Global Technology Transfer Group, we don’t just invest in patents – we invest in the visionaries behind them. We are committed to supporting all entrepreneurs, with a special focus on celebrating women-led startups during Women’s History Month. Our Mission is to empower founders from all backgrounds as they build groundbreaking companies and bring patentable technologies to market.
Magpie simplifies inventory and sales management for collectors and dealers. Founder Kathryn Harrison, a former IBM executive, holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo. She combines her deep knowledge of blockchain and alternative assets to create smarter, more efficient inventory tracking solutions. In her spare time, Kathryn enjoys collecting vintage vinyl records.
mpathic is a trusted leader in expanding human understanding in healthcare and life sciences by combining human communication and behaviors with AI-driven insights. Dr. Grin Lord, a licensed clinical psychologist and entrepreneur, holds a PsyD from Antioch University – Seattle. She’s passionate about closing the gap between technology and human connection, ensuring more effective and compassionate interactions in critical industries. In her free time, Dr. Lord enjoys karaoke and rollerskating.
Perfect Company is driving innovation in smart kitchen and precision cooking technology. Co-founder and COO Miriam Kim brings a unique blend of big company and startup experience to building and leading highly impactful technology teams. After a 12-year tenure at Intel, Miriam built company operations from inception for Ensequence, assembling a team of 40+ employees and overseeing their first product release. Miriam was named one of Profiles in Diversity Journal’s 2021 Women Worth Watching.
Sylvatex is leading the way in sustainable battery technology, reducing the cost and environmental impact of lithium-ion battery material production. Founder Virginia Klausmeier holds advanced degrees in Chemistry andEngineering from the University of Oregon. She’s committed to accelerating energy resilience with innovative manufacturing solutions. Virginia is a dedicated climate tech entrepreneur, community builder and parent.
Wonderfil is tackling plastic waste with smart refill stations for liquid and cream products. Co-founder and CEO Amelia Eichel holds a BA in Religious Studies from Lewis & Clark College, while co-founder and CTO Shiloh Sacks has a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of California, Santa Cruz. These childhood friends are committed to making sustainable packaging the new standard. Amelia is an avid rock climber, and Shiloh enjoys tinkering with electronics in her free time.
Investing in the Future of Innovation
At Ideaship, a venture capital firm by Global Technology Transfer Group, we don’t just invest in patents—we invest in the visionaries behind them. We are committed to supporting all entrepreneurs, with a special focus on celebrating women-led startups during Women’s History Month. Our mission is to empower founders from all backgrounds as they build groundbreaking companies and bring patentable technologies to market.
By aligning patent strategy with business growth, we help ensure long-term success and meaningful impact for innovators across the spectrum. Here’s to the innovators leading the way—the women we’ve celebrated this month, and all the visionaries who are shaping the future of technology and business. Together, we’re building a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem that benefits everyone.