Investor Meeting Highlights – January

January 19, 2018

Author: Dennis Ensing

Yesterday morning, we had an amazing turnout for our January Investor meeting. In addition to 20 investor members and several sponsors and community partners, three guests were also present to experience first hand our core activity in action as they considered membership.

Two companies presented their investment opportunity to the collected group.

Christine Haas of Renix Inc., an existing portfolio investment of 10 of our SWO Angels members or former members, updated us on their recent successes and focus on closing several exciting commercialization opportunities. Renix uses its technology to purify valuable materials and de-contaminate products and waste streams. RenixUIX™ is the world’s only steady state ion exchange system, which offers cost and operating advantages over traditional systems, using patented technology that turns an inefficient batch process into a steady state process. Their current raise is a follow on investment led by existing investors.

Then, Gerry Bleau, CEO at AutoServe1, spoke about their mission to both create customer trust and increase profits in automotive garages and car dealer service centres. With their cloud based user friendly software using tablets and smartphones, they take actual photos and videos of recommended repairs on a customer’s vehicle. These photos and videos are texted or emailed to the customer improving clarity and understanding. When customers believe that the work is legitimate and necessary, they authorize more work. The company already has significant annual recurring SaaS revenue and a couple of significant US distribution partnerships pending.

Lina Bowden also updated the group on Verge Capital’s current drive to close their Breakthrough Fund, a $2 million unit trust available to impact investors to invest collectively in affordable housing, community real estate and established social enterprises. They have $375,000 left available – if you are interested in more information, please get in touch with me.

Our next meeting is February 15. Please contact me if you are an accredited investor and interested in attending. You will also be eligible to attend the first of our 2018 Education Series at a Lunch & Learn the following week. This one will be led by Ivey Business School’s Dr. Mary Crossan on “Character matters: Character dimensions’ impact on leader performance and outcomes”.