Innosphere’s Actuator program to help startups prep for early exits

FORT COLLINS — The nonprofit tech-incubator Innosphere in Fort Collins is helping three Boulder-based startups prepare for early exits.

The Innosphere, through its recently launched Actuator program, helps clients by offering specialized support to connect with investors who wish to partner with or acquire a startup.

The program is a partnership of the Innosphere and Boulder-based Covalency LLC. Founded by Rob Gellar, Covalency is a group of executives who have spent their careers building technology companies. The Actuator program has been up and running for the past 45 days.

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The group is helping Vairex Air Systems, Leo Technologies and Yonomi in their efforts to be acquired.

Companies accepted into the Actuator program must be Innosphere clients. They pay $5,000 annually to be a client and will pay the incubator and Covalency a fee when an exit event occurs, said Emily Wilson, communications director for the Innosphere.

Vairex Air Systems, the trade name for Victori LLC, is led by chief executive Ski Milburn. The firm develops and manufactures air-management systems for fuel cells used for telecom backup, electric forklifts, distributed generation and electric vehicle range extenders.

Leo Technologies, led by CEO Steve Adams, is developing a sensor the size of a dime that monitors how well a person is hydrated and can relay that information to devices such as iPhones and watches. Gellar serves as the company’s chief financial officer.

Yonomi, headed by Kent Dickson, is developing a mobile app to be used to connect electronic devices wirelessly to remotely control door locks, lights, televisions and music equipment in the home.

Innosphere supports entrepreneurs who are building companies in clean tech, software, biosciences and digital health. Innosphere’s incubation program focuses on mentoring, capital, strategy and growth.