UAVenture Capital and DVI Equity Partners announce a spin- off of FreeFall Aerospace and ED2 to form a new 5G company: Freefall 5G

UAVenture Capital (UAVC), the Tucson-based firm that invests exclusively in University of Arizona science and technology, and DVI Equity Partners, the technology investment arm of Tucson’s Diamond Ventures, today announced that two of their portfolio companies, Freefall Aerospace and ED2, have come together to create a new company called FreeFall 5G to capitalize on the explosive growth of the 5G market.

Freefall Aerospace was one of UAVC’s first investments in 2018 and has rapidly developed antenna systems designed to revolutionize communication both in space and on Earth. Freefall has demonstrated an ultra-lightweight inflatable satellite antenna, steerable balloon-borne communications, and low-cost fixed and mobile ground-based systems. UAVC’s investment thesis believed that many of Freefall’s patented designs could also lead to new antenna systems for the 5G industry.

“This new company has the potential to be a tremendous success, particularly as the importance of 5G technology grows,” said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. “I am very proud to see this kind of partnership grow out of innovative thinking from the University of Arizona, and I am grateful to UAVenture Capital for their leadership in making sure this outstanding technology will be available to the public. I am looking forward to seeing what Freefall 5G will accomplish.” ED2 which is focused on “Making 5G Happen TM” was DVI Equity Partners first Tucson-based investment. ED2’s implementation of the FreeFall Aerospace antenna concept led to the prototype unveiled at 5G Mobile World Congress last year, and that system will now be enhanced for commercial demonstration this summer. The new FreeStar5G antenna will have greater range and flexibility than any 5G antenna system currently on the market yet draws significantly less power and is about the size of a desktop computer.

“We believe this small and powerful antenna will revolutionize 5G communication”, said Fletcher McCusker, CEO and Founder of UAVenture Capital. The original concept was developed by Dr. Chris Walker along with Dr. Marwan Krunz, who in addition to their work at FreeFall are also professors at the University of Arizona. FreeFall teamed with ED2 in 2018, and under ED2’s leadership the two companies were able to bring the concept to reality. “Based on what we all felt was a game changing technology for 5G, it made sense to form a spin-off to operationalize the antenna” said Bob Griffin Managing Partner at DV Equity Partners.

“We always knew that by working closely with the exceptional technical team at ED2 we could go farther, faster than we could on our own. Fielding an improved industrial-ready FreeStar5G that provides state-of-the-art capability will help achieve our vision of revolutionary connectivity for people, places, and things through our novel antenna solutions. The new product development and license agreements now in place with ED2 make FreeFall 5G well-positioned to enter the global 5G race.” – Doug Stetson, CEO of FreeFall Aerospace.

“Amazing that two small companies, from Tucson, Arizona, can transform the way 5G communication gets rolled out and by default make us a 5G technology region.” Sergio Cardona, CEO of ED2.

About FreeFall Aerospace

FreeFall is developing revolutionary new antenna technology for ground, air, and space. Their innovative spherical antennas are drawing interest from a wide variety of commercial and government organizations, offering wide field of view, electronic steering, and low mass to dramatically simplify and improve satellite communications. The company’s unique antennas for the coming 5G wireless world, now transitioned to FreeFall 5G, are unlike anything else on the market and enable high-frequency, steerable communications for Smart Cities, connected vehicles, and the Internet of Things. FreeFall was founded in Tucson as a spin-off from the University of Arizona and maintains a close connection with UA faculty and supporters. FreeFall Aerospace was named as "Innovator of the Year – Start-Up Company" during the 16th annual Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards presented in Phoenix Arizona by the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority. The Innovation category is awarded to a company that has achieved “significant success, technical innovation or scientific achievement in the past calendar year.”

www.freefall5G.com

About ED2

Electronic Design and Development Corporation (ED2), founded in 2018, builds 5G infrastructure hardware for next generation telecommunications. ED2 products include integrated 5G wireless solutions, 5G filters and custom radio frequency electronics. Our mission is to give wireless network providers the critical and cost-effective components required for expansion and competitiveness. The company has 100+ combined years of radio frequency (RF) radio, radar, software and wireless systems experience.

https://www.ed2corp.com/

About UAVC

Formed in 2017 to invest exclusively in University of Arizona led technology, products and science, UA Venture Capital (UAVC) is an early stage investment fund designed to advance and commercialize U of A led inventions. UAVC and the U of A partner with faculty, students, and alumni to bring to market new technologies that will advance communication, science, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, sustainability, software and engineering industries. Founder Fletcher McCusker is a U of A graduate, alumnus of the year and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2015. Michael Deitch and Fletcher McCusker were the CEO and CFO team that led the privatization of SinfoniaRx, one of the first companies launched by Tech Launch Arizona.

https://www.uaventurecap.com/

About DVI

DVI Equity Partners LLC (DVI) was founded in spring of 2018 with a singular mission of investing in early stage, emerging technology companies specializing in disruptive technology with an emphasis on companies founded and led by women and minorities. The firm evaluates emerging technology companies that create business-to-business (B2B) value in areas including national security, enterprise software, artificial intelligence, and data storage and analysis. Visit dviequitypartners.com for additional information.

http://www.dviequitypartners.com/

About the University of Arizona

Under President Robert C. Robbins, UArizona is leading the west in initiatives to enhance on-campus innovation, invention, research, and commercialization. Established in 1885, the University of Arizona, the state's land-grant university with two medical schools, produces graduates who are real-world ready through its 100% Engagement initiative. Recognized as a global leader in research, the university brings in more than $684 million in research investment each year and ranks in the top 20 research institutions among all public universities. UArizona is advancing the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships and is a member of the Association of American Universities, the 62 leading public and private research universities. Tech Launch Arizona is the office of the University of Arizona that creates social and economic impact through commercializing inventions stemming from UA research. The office builds connections between talented UArizona faculty, researchers and staff and experienced entrepreneurs and investors, all strategically linked to create an ecosystem that refines ideas that start in the lab and grows them into new products and thriving businesses that benefit society.

https://techlaunch.arizona.edu/

UAVenture Capital Fund Invests in Laser-Based Missile Counter Measure

UAVenture Capital (UAVC), a Tucson-based venture capital fund dedicated to the University of Arizona commercialization of discovery products, technology and services, today announced its fifteenth portfolio investment in just over two years.

The Fund has invested in CMLaser Technologies, Inc, a Wyant College of Optical Sciences technology that intends to commercialize laser-based counter measures for both military and non-military aircraft.

The invested funds from UAVC will be utilized to further University of Arizona patented technologies designed to provide aircraft-based counter measures capable of detecting and defeating a missile born attack.

Dr. Nasser Peyghambarian is the inventor of the technology, currently operating from the University of Arizona Tech Park.

"Dr. Peyghambarian is a true superstar, and the Wyant College of Optical Sciences has an incredibly strong tradition of innovation in technologies that contribute to our national security and public safety," said University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. "I am very glad to see the potential of this invention continue to develop with the support of an outstanding partner in UAVenture Capital."

About UAVC:
UAVenture Capital Fund II, LLC is a Tucson based investment fund designed specifically to help finance University of Arizona connected enterprises including the commercialization of faculty led innovations originating at the University of Arizona. The fund provides early stage capital to companies where the science or service array was pioneered by faculty members, students and/or colleagues at the University of Arizona, one of the top research universities in the world.

About University of Arizona James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences:
The University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences is one of the world's premier educational and research institutions in optics and photonics. Its focus is on educating outstanding students with a broad foundation in all areas of optics and on providing practical experience while developing highly competitive technical skills. The research programs include optical engineering, fundamental optical physics, photonics, and image science. The College provides unique opportunities to pursue cutting-edge applications of optics in real-life systems. Graduates become professors, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, working in academia, industry, government and business around the globe.

Meet Fletcher McCusker, one of the champions that made Forge possible!

Editors Note: This article originally appeared in the Forge Newsletter on January 16, 2020. You can sign up for the newsletter or learn more about Forge.

On this important week, we are honoring one of our champions, Fletcher McCusker, by sharing a bit of his story and the critical role he has played in making Forge possible. 

Fletcher is no stranger to Tucson’s business and entrepreneurship community. He has worn many hats in this remarkable professional journey, from a lengthy career in healthcare management, to founding Providence, and later SinfoníaRx, to most recently launching UAVenture Capital Fund (UAVC). 

A Tucson native, and first-generation college graduate, Fletcher calls everything in his life a “happy accident.”

But if there is one word that captures his legacy, it’s impact. 

After a few early pivots, Fletcher found his passion in the healthcare field, where he saw he could really make a difference. After two decades helping to build organizations around the country, Fletcher took this mission of service to the next level when he came home to Tucson and launched his first company in 1996, Providence.

After only 8 years, Providence went public, with 350 locations and 11,000 employees.

Fletcher is now retired, but that hasn’t slowed him down at all. Among many ways he supports the local community, he has made many financial contributions to UA projects and gained notoriety after being asked to serve as the business driver to the first university spin-off, SinfoníaRx, a pharmaceutical venture that started as a research project by Dr. Kevin Boesen.

Within 20 months of launch, the company was servicing 65 million patients which caught the eye of Tabula Rasa HealthCare, and ultimately led to the sale of the company in 2013. 

In reflecting on what this moment signified, Fletcher explained that “to create an exit was hugely important for the university. It demonstrated that not only did we have projects that were investable, but projects that other people would be interested in putting their money.” 

That same summer, President Robert Robbins arrived at UA with a resume that included 20 years at Stanford, where faculty partnering with startups was the expectation, not the exception. In their first meeting President Robbins encouraged Fletcher to keep this entrepreneurial effort going and help the university’s research, largely dependent on grant funding, be amplified through commercialization. 

And with this, Fletcher and his co-founder, Michael Deitch, became what he affectionately called “accidental venture capitalists.” UAVC launched their first fund in 2017, and have made 12 investments to date, with another 8 in the pipeline. 

The funds are designed specifically to help finance UA connected enterprises, because as Fletcher explained, “we have countless patents that have never been given the opportunity to commercialize. The missing link is money.” 

Around this same time in 2017, Fletcher was invited by a group of UA leadership, including President Robbins, on a trip to Colorado State to visit The Powerhouse, a unique university-led entrepreneurial hub focused on energy innovation. 

Everyone agreed that it was critical to build a similar innovation anchor in Tucson, and coincidentally, this very idea was already top of mind with then Mayor Jonathan Rothschild. He introduced Fletcher and the UA team to Brian Ellerman, who brought years of experience leading corporate innovation and partnering with startups, incubators, and accelerators around the world, and he was ultimately hired to lead Forge. 

Fletcher admits that while the process took longer than most imagined, UA leadership always insisted that the time is now. And now it’s real! Pima County has stepped up to support Forge through the use of the historic Roy Place building and Startup Tucson will activate the space with critical programming for entrepreneurs.
"The whole community has risen around the startup ecosystem. You couldn’t have scripted a better coming together of energy. And our fund has become a large part of that ecosystem.” 

But Fletcher sees his role as being much bigger than writing a check. He engages meaningfully as a strategic partner and encourages the ventures he supports to stop talking about money, and instead “talk about the impact you’re going to have, the value of what you’re doing, and the legacy you’ll leave behind.”  
“All of us are doing this on behalf of something that is much bigger than ourselves.” 

For Fletcher, Forge is part of a larger vision of seeing Tucson become a vibrant and innovative city that is competitive in the fourth industrial revolution. 

Join us in welcoming our first cohort of startup teams and thanking Fletcher McCusker for his unwavering support of this project. 


- Forge Team

UAVenture Capital Fund Invests in Sleep Apnea Treatment Technology

UAVenture Capital Fund (UAVC), a Tucson-based venture capital fund dedicated to the commercialization of University of Arizona discoveries, products, technologies and services, today announced its thirteenth investment.

The Fund has invested in StimAire, Inc. where breakthrough technology may revolutionize the treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). StimAire replaces today’s surgically implanted neural stimulation devices with a small wearable and a tiny injectable device. The technology will eliminate major surgery and associated complications, risks, and costs. The total market opportunity for StimAire’s neural stimulation is tens of billions of dollars and includes treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), bladder control, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and central and peripheral pain.

Dr. Abhay Sanan, a neurosurgeon with the Center for Neurosciences and Clinical Assistant Professor in both the Division of Neurosurgery and the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Arizona is the company’s Chief Medical Officer.

Professor Sairam Parthasarathy, MD, Chief of the University of Arizona Division of Pulmonology, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, is the Principal Investigator of the company’s human clinical studies.

Tarek Makansi PhD, President and Chief Technology Officer of StimAire said “As a serial entrepreneur, I’m thrilled to be part of the UAVC funding that is making a pivotal advancement in our startup economy. StimAire will now develop therapies that can decimate costs and simultaneously benefit millions. The Tucson metro area, anchored by the University of Arizona, has what we need to carry out our ambitious plans: world-class medical professionals, sleep laboratories, clinical facilities, and top engineers and scientists”.

 “We are pleased that UAVenture Capital continues to engage with our faculty to help create an ecosystem of research, innovation, invention and commercialization”, said President of the University of Arizona Robert C. Robbins. “Our College of Medicine, founded in 1966, is just one of our many centers of excellence within our University.  We are delighted that Dr. Parthasarathy will lead the human clinical studies for StimAire beginning in early 2020.”

“This unique medical device is one of the most important and topical inventions we have seen.  Millions of sleep apnea patients are non-compliant with CPAP and are at risk every night.  StimAire has developed a unique and innovative solution that will provide restful sleep and OSA prevention for countless apnea sufferers”, stated Fletcher J. McCusker, UAVenture Capital Founder and CEO.

About UAVC:

UAVenture Capital Fund II, LLC is a Tucson based investment fund designed specifically to help finance University of Arizona connected enterprises including the commercialization of faculty led innovations originating at the UofA. The fund provides early stage capital to companies where the science or service array was pioneered by faculty members, students and/or colleagues at the University of Arizona, one of the top research universities in the world.

About the University of Arizona College of Medicine:

At the UA Department of Medicine, there are more than 250 faculty physicians on staff spread across 14 divisions representing all subspecialties in internal medicine and related research. The college participates in the education of about 500 medical students in Tucson, Arizona offering clerkship and sub-internship opportunities for third and fourth years, with an interest in internal medicine and rotation electives in all of our subspecialties. In addition to the many medical students we teach, our faculty physicians train more than 130 resident physicians in our two Internal Medicine Residency Programs (Tucson and South Campus) and our Dermatology Residency Program.

The college also trains about 70 fellows in various subspecialties in our 17 fellowship programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). In addition, graduates of our Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, through the UA Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, are eligible for board certification from the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM).

About the University of Arizona:

Under President Robert (Bobby) Robbins, the UofA is leading the west in initiatives to enhance on- campus innovation, invention, research and commercialization.  Established in 1885, the University of Arizona, the state's land-grant university with two medical schools, produces graduates who are real-world ready through its 100% Engagement Initiative. Recognized as a global leader in research, the university brings more than $684 million in research investment each year, and ranks in the top 25 research institutions among all public universities. The UofA is advancing the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships and is a member of the Association of American Universities, the 62 leading public and private research universities.

For further information contact: 

Fletcher J. McCusker, CEO 

(520) 400-9934

fjmccusker@uaventurecap.com

UAVenture Capital Fund Invests in New High Power Laser Technologies

UAVenture Capital Fund (UAVC), a Tucson-based venture capital fund dedicated to the commercialization of University of Arizona discoveries, products, technologies and services, today announced its tenth, eleventh and twelfth investments.

The Fund has invested in DeUVe Photonics, Inc. whose deep-ultra-violet short-wave-length technology will address an unmet need in the 230-400 nanometer wavelength range with unmatched performance in power, reduced size and efficiency. The technology will enable the company to become a major player in existing and developing deep UV laser markets. Significant commercial opportunities for this technology exist in numerous industries such as: 1) in the defense industry to detect biological and chemical substances in a battlefield, 2) in the mining industry to detect the presence of dangerous gases and to survey underground mines, and 3) in the semiconductor industry for chip inspection on a much broader scale than exists today.

The Fund also invested in CThru Lasers, Inc. which is developing several technologies including multi-color-multi-wavelength lasers, visible lasers, and near-infrared lasers all of which have superior capabilities and efficiencies at substantially lower costs than those currently available. The technologies will target a multitude of tunable-laser market commercialization opportunities such as extremely large light displays in sports venues, underwater and space communications, and medical 3D imaging.

In addition, the Fund invested in Wavelength Unlimited Technologies, Inc. whose new technology utilizes near-to-far infrared lasers to scan for “spectral fingerprints” or to “see inside” substances. The technology has commercial application in the medical industry to detect the purity of drugs and in the security industry by using “infrared vision” to screen for hazardous materials.

Dr. Mahmoud Fallahi (Professor of Optical Sciences) and Dr. Chris Hessenius (Assistant Research Professor of Optical Sciences) are the inventors of these technologies. Both professors are nationally known experts in laser technology applications.

“Mahmoud and Chris have been working together for several years and have developed commercial applications for laser technologies far superior to anything available today. Both professors are researching and developing state-of-the-art products that are world-changing”, said Fletcher McCusker, CEO and founder of UAVenture Capital.

Tech Launch Arizona Assistant Vice President Doug Hockstad said, “TLA has been working with Chris and Mahmoud for several years on their technologies. The launch of these new ventures is the culmination of that work, and a testament to the world-class, impact-focused research being conducted at UA.”

“We are pleased that UAVenture Capital continues to engage with our faculty to help create an ecosystem of research, innovation, invention and commercialization”, said President of the University of Arizona Robert C. Robbins. “The Wyant College of Optical Sciences leads the world in the creation of new technology at the frontiers of optics and photonics. With the help of UAVC we will bring these technologies to the world”.

About UAVC:

UAVenture Capital Fund II, LLC is a Tucson based investment fund designed specifically to help finance University of Arizona connected enterprises including the commercialization of faculty led innovations originating at the UofA. The fund provides early stage capital to companies where the science or service array was pioneered by faculty members, students and/or colleagues at the University of Arizona, one of the top research universities in the world.

About Tech Launch Arizona:

The University of Arizona is a place of learning, invention and discovery, and Tech Launch Arizona helps to bring those discoveries to the world through commercial pathways. Our primary focus is on ensuring that technologies and innovations originating with UofA researchers find meaningful application.

About the University of Arizona James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences:

The UofA James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences is one of the premier educational and research institutions in optics and photonics worldwide. The college focuses on educating outstanding students with a broad foundation in all areas of optics and on providing practical experience and highly competitive technical skills. Research programs span from optical engineering to fundamental optical physics, from photonics to image science, and provides unique opportunities to pursue cutting-edge applications of optics in real systems in the real world. Graduates become professors, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, working in academia, industry, government and business around the globe.

About the University of Arizona:

Under President Robert (Bobby) Robbins, the UofA is leading the west in initiatives to enhance on- campus innovation, invention, research and commercialization. Established in 1885, the University of Arizona, the state's land-grant university with two medical schools, produces graduates who are real-world ready through its 100% Engagement Initiative. Recognized as a global leader in research, the university brings more than $684 million in research investment each year, and ranks in the top 25 research institutions among all public universities. The UofA is advancing the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships and is a member of the Association of American Universities, the 62 leading public and private research universities.

For further information contact:

Fletcher J. McCusker, CEO

(520) 400-9934

fjmccusker@uaventurecap.com

UAVenture Capital Fund Invests in Automatic Eyeglass Prescription Technology

UAVenture Capital Fund (UAVC), a Tucson based venture capital fund dedicated to the University of Arizona commercialization of discovery products, technology and services, today announced its seventh portfolio investment and the second investment from Fund II.

The Fund has invested in iCrx, Inc. a Wyant College of Optical Sciences technology that will introduce a compact automatic phoropter utilizing laser technology designed to instantly determine a required eyewear prescription.  The phoropter is the common name for an ophthalmic testing device, also called a refractor, invented in 1921.  It is still commonly used by eye care professionals during a prescription eye examination and contains different lenses used for refraction of the eye during sight testing.  Such testing measures an individual's refractive error and determines his or her eyeglass prescription.

The new iCrx invention is a hand-held device that can produce an objective and accurate eyeglass prescription in approximately 20 seconds without any subjective input from the viewer.

The invested funds from UAVC will be utilized to further develop and miniaturize the technology into a commercial product to be used in kiosks and/or in rapid screening of large patient populations especially in developing countries that lack sufficient facilities and specialist doctors.

Dr. Gholam Peyman, an ophthalmologist, retinal surgeon, and professor of both Clinical Ophthalmology and Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona invented the original iCrx technology.  Dr. Peyman is also the Research Director for the Department of Ophthalmology and is best known for his invention of LASIK eye surgery.  University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences faculty Dr. Nasser Peyghambarian and Dr. James Schweigerling, co-inventors of the technology, have been designing the compact phoropter prototype.  Several students at the University of Arizona are also working on the project.

For further information contact:

Fletcher J. McCusker, CEO

fjmccusker@uaventurecap.com

UAVenture Capital

607 North Sixth Avenue

Tucson, Arizona 85705

About UAVC:

UAVenture Capital Fund II, LLC is a Tucson based investment fund designed specifically to help finance University of Arizona connected enterprises including the commercialization of faculty led innovations originating at the University of Arizona. The fund provides early stage capital to companies where the science or service array was pioneered by faculty members, students and/or colleagues at the University of Arizona, one of the top research universities in the world.

About University of Arizona James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences:

The University of Arizona College of Optical Sciences is one of the world’s premier educational and research institutions in optics and photonics.  Its focus is on educating outstanding students with a broad foundation in all areas of optics and on providing practical experience while developing highly competitive technical skills. The research programs include optical engineering, fundamental optical physics, photonics, and image science.  The College provides unique opportunities to pursue cutting-edge applications of optics in real-life systems.  Graduates become professors, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, working in academia, industry, government and business around the globe.

UAVenture Capital Fund, LLC, a University of Arizona dedicated venture capital fund, closes its fourth investment

UA Venture Capital Fund, LLC (UAVC), the Tucson based venture capital fund dedicated to University of Arizona commercialization of discovery products and services, today announced its fourth portfolio startup company investment.

The Fund has participated in funding a seed round of growth capital for Qwick, Inc. (www.qwick.com). Qwick connects hospitality businesses to dependable, reliable and highly rated workers in real-time.  Qwick has developed a technology platform which allows hotels and restaurants to locate temporary staff instantly by posting an open shift.  

Qwick offers the hospitality professionals on the platform flexibility and control over their schedules, and the ability to choose who they want to work for. Businesses benefit by being able to fill shifts in real-time with a qualified and vetted workforce at a fraction of the cost of traditional staffing agencies.  Launched in Phoenix less than a year ago, the company has already registered over 4,000 hospitality professionals and over 130 hotels, catering companies, event venues, restaurants, and bars. The invested funds from UAVC will be utilized to continue Qwick’s expansion into additional markets.

Blaine Light, the company’s COO and co-founder, is a University of Arizona College of Engineering graduate (Summa Cum Laude) and a McGuire Entrepreneurship Program graduate.  He previously helped launch Uber in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. “I'm enjoying applying what I learned at Uber to the Food and Beverage space. I'm inspired by all the people we are helping, and I love hearing about the extra income they are earning in their downtime." said Blaine.

Jamie Baxter, a former Global Technology Director for a publicly traded international advisory firm is the company’s CEO and founder. “We are pleased to have UAVenture Capital Fund as local financial investors and mentors.  What UAVC is doing for the University of Arizona commercialization efforts is remarkable and much needed. We are proud to be a part of their investment portfolio.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to be involved with Qwick”, said Fletcher McCusker, CEO and founder of UAVenture Capital Fund.  These are the kinds of extremely bright and intelligent young entrepreneurs with disruptive technologies that we want to help keep in Arizona.”

For further information contact:

Fletcher J. McCusker

UA Venture Capital Fund, LLC

fjmccusker@uaventurecap.com

(520) 400-9934

About UA Venture Capital, LLC

Formed in 2017, UAVC is a venture capital fund founded by Fletcher J. McCusker and Michael N. Deitch, and dedicated to the commercialization of University of Arizona innovation.  The fund makes early stage investments in emerging and disruptive technologies formulated by UofA researchers, faculty and students (www.uaventurecapital.com).