 |
 |
 |
  |
||
  |
||
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
||
|
Investing in Tomorrow
The Foundation’s portfolio makes direct investments in highly innovative companies that promote important social objectives and that create jobs and are headquartered in Baltimore City. Current Investments: Below is a list of some of the current investments with links to the Companies’ websites, if available. PAICE Corporation
ThermoChem Recovery International, Inc. (TRI) TRI has developed a proprietary gasification technology that provides the foundation for the state-of-the-art conversion of biomass into green fuels, chemicals and energy. TRI's proprietary gasification process converts cellulosic feedstocks (including wood chips, bark, forest residuals, agricultural waste and energy crops) into a synthesis gas ("syngas") which can be used to replace natural gas and fuel oil, and can be converted into biofuels and biochemicals. Additionally, TRI's technology is uniquely capable of recovering energy and chemicals from spent pulping liquors. TRI licenses its proprietary gasification technology, and provides specialized equipment and engineering services to companies seeking to integrate TRI's process into their operations. Tri’s proven technology is currently in commercial operation at the Norampac Trenton mill in Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit ThermoChem Recovery International, Inc., www.tri-inc.net.
CeraTech, Inc.
BioMarker Strategies BioMarker Strategies is developing a novel automated tumor biopsy processing and testing system, called SnapPath™, that is designed to quickly test and analyze a patient’s live solid tumor sample at the point of biopsy. These functional, pathway-based, ex vivo biomarker tests will help guide an oncologist’s use of targeted cancer therapeutics. The SnapPath™ technology is also designed to reduce patient waiting times for molecular diagnostic test results from several weeks to several hours. The company is one of the first commercial tenants at the Johns Hopkins Science + Technology Park in East Baltimore developed by the Forest City-New East Baltimore Partnership. Visit the website, www.biomarkerstrategies.com. Pixelligent Technologies produces proprietary groundbreaking nanocrystal additives that can be deployed in a wide variety of commercial applications including electronics, metal coatings, lubricants and the solar market. The company is the first in the field to demonstrate the ability to scale up the nanocrystal additive materials for commercial deployment. In its initial applications to the electronic and semiconductor markets, the nanocrystal additives dramatically improve the etch resistance which is a critical step used to manufacture computer chips and enhance the efficiency and performance of digital displays and high brightness LEDs. Pixelligent is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. See www.pixelligent.com for additional information.
Lawrenceville Plasma Physics, Inc.
Botanical Skin Works Botanical Skin Works is Baltimore-based, natural and organic minority-owned skin care company offering targeted products for people with chemical sensitivities. Each product uses only natural preservatives, fresh ingredients and 100% pure essential oils. The proprietary formulas use no alcohol, mineral oil, perfumes, phthalates, synthetics or petroleum by-products. The Foundation provided capital to expand production and distribution capacity to meet growing demand for Botanical Skin Works products. www.botanicalworks.com
Baltimore BioWorks Baltimore BioWorks is a newly-created medical manufacturing company based in Baltimore City, specializing in the manufacture and distribution of medical and research supplies, and contract research. The company offers vocational training to high school graduates and low-skilled workers for entry-level positions in bioscience through hands-on laboratory, warehouse distribution, and sales experience and skill development. Baltimore BioWorks intends to develop three primary business lines and revenue generators: 1) sales of basic research and pharmaceutical products, such as gloves, test tubes, pipettes, and other laboratory equipment and reagents; 2) chemical manufacturing of solutions and reagent products, starting with generic products and eventually customizing these for specialized needs of laboratories and research institutions; and 3) a pharmacokinetics laboratory research program that would, on a contract basis, perform specialized research for product development using lab animals in a highly regulated, Federal Drug Administration-approved facility. The principal founder is John Powers, a M.D./Ph.D research scientist and founder of two successful companies that were subsequently sold.
Prior Successes Since making its first direct investment in 1995, the Foundation has invested in several early stage companies and special situations that progressed to successful commercial exits, two through initial public offerings (Guilford Pharmaceuticals and Visicu) and four through private dispositions (Learnware, Iphotonics, Carr Lowrey, Shelter Bentana). In 1996, The Foundation guaranteed a $500,000 Term Promissory Note for Elder Health, an innovative developer of nursing home facilities, including for low income elderly, in exchange for a commitment to locate its headquarters in Baltimore City. The note was repaid as due and the Foundation was never required to fund its guaranty obligation. Although the company was subsequently acquired, most recently by HealthSpring, Inc., its successors continue to maintain significant operations with approximately 700 employees in Baltimore City.
Contact Information Contact Us It is difficult to fully understand an investment opportunity based on a phone call. If you have a funding proposal for a company located or willing to locate in Baltimore City, please send us an executive summary, and an email address where you can be reached. Please send executive summaries either via email to embry@abell.org, or by mail to: Robert C. Embry Phone: (410) 547-1300
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
