SWAN announces investment in VesprSolar

SWAN Investors are pleased to announce an investment in VesprSolar, an Oklahoma-based startup pioneering the future of solar panel installation.

VesprSolar’s V-Clamp™ Panel Attachment System is a high-performance, integrated fastener and rail system designed for security, simplicity, speed, and cost-effectiveness. The system enables tool-free installation in under 30 seconds per module—while completing grounding and attachment in one step.

Built to withstand 900 pounds of uplift force, the V-Clamp™ addresses one of the major challenges in solar installation: security during high-wind events. Its design also improves load distribution across panels, helping reduce stress and degradation over time.

SWAN announces investment in Raya Power

SWAN is pleased to announce an investment in Raya Power, which is working to expand access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for low- and moderate-income communities.

Raya Power’s utility-free, easy-to-install solar solutions help low- and moderate-income families reduce energy costs and increase energy resilience. Their non-roof-mounted systems run critical appliances during outages and require no utility permits or electrical work — making clean energy accessible, even for renters and those without roof access.

 

 

SWAN announces investment in Vessl Prosthetics

SWAN is pleased to announce an investment in Vessl Prosthetics, which creates affordable, adaptive prosthetic sockets that automatically adjust to limb changes, offering bionic-level functionality and greater comfort for wearers.

Vessl has developed a new prosthetic socket designed specifically for amputees who have struggled to find a good fit with traditional sockets or who have felt that affordable options were not available to them. Vessl’s socket is the only socket that automatically adjusts as amputees’ legs change size. Custom panels maintain a consistent, clinician-set level of pressure on the leg even as the leg shrinks and swells. This socket is compatible with standard connectors, so prosthetists can easily integrate the Vessl socket with any shank and foot they choose. Vessl’s socket can be worn every day without pain or the need for prosthetic socks.

SWAN announces investment in AiM Medical Robotics

SWAN is pleased to announce an investment in AiM Medical Robotics, a company advancing neurosurgical precision and outcomes through real-time MRI-guided robotics.

AiM Medical Robotics is a neurosurgical robotics company that is working to bring high levels of precision, automation, and efficiency to the complex environment of neurosurgery. They are developing a portable MRI compatible surgical robot for use in the MRI Suite and the Operating Room. Their mission is to improve outcomes for patients undergoing neurosurgery for Functional brain disorders (Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, etc.) and cancer, while providing cost savings to hospitals by eliminating errors and reducing procedure time by up to 50%.

SteamaCo and Shyft Power Solutions merge to Ignite Africa’s Digital Utility Transformation

SteamaCo, a UK-based leader in energy revenue management, has merged with current SWAN portfolio company Shyft Power Solutions, a Nigerian innovator known for its digital energy and community-metering solutions. The merger, alongside a funding round led by Equator VC with participation from Praetura Ventures and KawiSafi Ventures, brings together decades of expertise in African and climate-tech investments.

This union combines SteamaCo’s advanced metering infrastructure, used across 20 African countries, with Shyft’s cloud-based energy management and FlexView metering solutions. Together, they aim to expand into grid-connected markets, enhance customer service, and accelerate access to reliable energy across the continent.

Read the press release

SWAN announces investment in Little Feet Packaging

SWAN is pleased to announce an investment in Little Feet Packaging, which provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to single-use bubble wrap using recycled, compostable material.

Little Feet Packaging develops innovative, sustainable solutions to replace single-use plastic packaging. Their flagship product, Pubble, is a patented material made from 100% recycled paper that provides cushioning and thermal protection while being compostable and cost-effective. Through a unique model, Little Feet supplies production equipment directly to third-party logistics companies and large customers, enabling scalable adoption of eco-friendly materials. This approach helps businesses meet the growing demand for sustainable practices while reducing shipping costs and conserving warehouse space.

Announcing Suresh Sundarababu as SWAN’s new Executive Director

After a thoughtful search, the SWAN Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Suresh Sundarababu will become SWAN’s Executive Director on November 1st.

Suresh is well qualified for the role. He is one of SWAN’s most active angels and Board members, and in the last year has spearheaded a Board committee that has been charged with planning for the future growth of the Network.

Suresh combines deep experience in growing corporate businesses with leadership of non-profits that focus on supporting underserved communities. He is also one of SWAN’s most frequent leaders of detailed funding due-diligence efforts.

Suresh shared, “I’m honored and privileged to take on this leadership role of a group whose core value is create a positive impact and change the world that we touch. We thank Bob for his passionate leadership and vision of SWAN over the last 9 years, and I am looking forward to working with our Angels, Associates, Partners and Portfolio companies to scale and cement his legacy.”

Retiring Executive Director Bob Bridge reflected on the transition, “I am absolutely thrilled that Suresh has accepted this role. SWAN could not find anyone more qualified. Suresh and I have been working closely for the last few months to insure a smooth transition. And while I personally derive energy from starting organizations, Suresh derives energy from scaling organizations”.

Bob will remain a SWAN angel and a member of the Board of Directors.

SWAN announces follow-on investment in Pecos Wind Power

SWAN investors are proud to support a follow-on investment in Pecos Wind Power, a company developing and manufacturing community-scale wind turbines that enable low-cost, on-site power generation—ideal for rural and agricultural markets. Pecos was named a recipient of the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2024 Competitiveness Improvement Project (CIP) award, part of a $3.2 million initiative supporting distributed wind deployment in farming communities. This award aligns with the USDA and DOE’s new RAISE initiative, designed to reduce market barriers and drive clean energy adoption in rural America. Read more about the CIP program and this year’s awardees here.

SWAN investors first backed Pecos Wind Power in 2022.

 

 

SWAN’s 2023 Impact Report: Change in Action

Since 2015, SWAN Impact Network has been dedicated to uniting angel investors and visionary entrepreneurs to drive significant change by tackling the world’s most pressing challenges. We invest in innovative companies focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, education, and social equity. We are proud to now announce the publication of our first-ever impact report, showcasing our success in supporting companies that are addressing critical United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in addition to also championing founders who are historically underrepresented.

As a 501(c)(3) organization, SWAN continues our mission through education and mentorship for the companies that apply to us. We also engage our members and the general public with informative webinars and speaking engagements, fostering a community of learning and growth.

This report marks an important milestone in our journey, reflecting the tangible impact of our collaborative efforts. Please reach out to us at associate@swanimpact.org if you’d like to learn more about how SWAN is igniting change.

 

Click here to read the report:

*A special thank you to SWAN Director of Impact Reporting, Meagan Packard, for crafting the report framework; SWAN Dallas Chapter Lead, Heather Gilker, for spearheading its development; SWAN Administrative Director, Jenny Garcia, for coordinating and organizing; and SWAN Second Day intern, Sophia Montoya, for designing the 2023 Impact Report.

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