The world is becoming increasingly digitalized, and these startups are leading the charge. We've got a digital replacement for cash tipping, software that brings you face-to-face with Mario and Luigi, and even an app that connects users with virtual help during police interactions.

Take a break from real life and dive into digital. Real estate crypto, workouts apps and the Metaverse await. 😉

Tech Companies 🤖

Uptip – Efficient replacement for cash tipping.

• Partnered with Hilton Garden Inn, Hyatt House, and AC Hotel by Marriott.
• Tipping is a $18B business in the US, and ripe for disruption in an increasingly cash-free world.

ABC FinTech – Digital tokens for investing in commercial real estate.

• Closed $3M of commercial real estate in 2021.
• Tokens backed by hard assets, and listed on multiple secondary exchanges to allow for liquidity.

SimGraphics – Bringing brands into the Metaverse.

• Developed software for Nintendo's Rockefeller Store to allow guests to interact with Mario.
• Clients include Walt Disney Imagineering, Nintendo, Fox Studios Australia, BBC News, and Dreamscape.

Legal Equalizer – App for connecting with legal help during police encounters.

• Hopes to promote safe police interactions; 350K+ downloads and 215K registered users.
• Featured on Dr. Oz, Huff Post, Forbes and more.

Civic – Social network for social impact.

• 1.4K events posted to the platform in NYC alone.
• 12 major non-profit and activist groups are already registered.

Arbol – Connecting low-income students with financial support.

• 15 students currently in beta programs and 2 funded with $9K in contributions.
• Graduated from Founder Institute and accepted to 2 accelerator programs.

Proof in Recovery – Digital treatment for substance abuse disorders.

• Led by professionals in the healthcare and tech industries, including a PhD, LCSW and MBA.
• Received grant from the National Institute of Drug Abuse.

(Closing Soon!) MySwimPro – Workout app for swimmers.

(Closing Soon!) Qinta – High-yield savings wallet to democratize wealth building.

Tech Webinars 💻

PADL – Self-service paddle rentals. RSVP here.

PRANOS – Converting car windows into high-def display systems. RSVP here.

Startup of the Week 🌠

Vampr – LinkedIn for creatives. Raised $674K.

• 1M signups in 190 countries; 7M connections made between aspiring artists and industry professionals.
• $3.2M raised from music industry executives, VCs, angels and 2.5K crowd investors in prior rounds.
• Award-winning platform including Apple's Best of the Year and Music Week 2021 Consumer Innovation.

Most Raised 🚀

Hempitecture – First US manufacturing facility for hemp insulation.

EnGen Bio – Creating a universal flu vaccine.

BeatBox – The world's tastiest party punch ($1M invested by Mark Cuban!).

Tap – The input technology for the Metaverse.

Atom Limbs – Bionic prosthetics to end disability.

Other new deals to check out 👊

Arqlite – Recycling complex plastics at scale.

• Uses plastics to create "Smart Gravel," which is 3x lighter and 10x better insulating than mineral gravel.
• 46% month-over-month growth on retail channels; $3M raised in prior round from investors like Cemex and Coca-Cola.

necoTECH – Recycles waste for large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Products have proven military applications and have been awarded 6 Air Force contracts.
• R&D Agreements with the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Air Force, and NASA.

NYCE's Temple II – Own smart-home powered housing complex at Temple U.

• Acquired 1,500 apartments during COVID; Featured in Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC, TechCrunch and more.
• NYCE has helped 5K+ first-time investors of color own a piece of prime real estate.

Zero Carbon – Converts waste to hydrogen energy.

• Funded by the German government with multiple patents pending.
• Featured on CNN, Forbes, and Fast Company.

ZEUS – Extraordinarily efficient electric motors.

• 20% more efficient than commercial motors at low speed, and less expensive to manufacture.
• Product is fully developed, patented, and ready to manufacture.

Ramshackle – a film exploring themes of imprisonment and addiction, all while set in a used car dealership.

• There are only 9 films ever made with a focus on car dealerships and the people that work at them.
• Award-winning team comprised of unique voices with 30+ years of collective experience.

(Closing Soon!) The Spice Route Co. – Globally recognized restaurants elevating Indian cuisine.

(Closing Soon!) Urbie – Eco-friendly air purifiers.

(Closing Soon!) KGAY Radio – Radio with LGBTQ+ investors and owners.