Ben Franklin Technology Partners invests $400,000 in two companies

The Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania Board of Directors recently approved investing $400,000 in two early-stage companies that support regional economic development.

The companies are Grovara and Vessel Health. Both companies received $200,000 and were launched in Ben Franklin TechVentures in Bethlehem.

Grovara will use the funding to expand a web-based marketplace platform. The platform connects international wholesalers and retailers with “Made in USA” natural foods, beverages, and health and wellness retail brands. The tool will give brands and buyers more options and flexibility and make international trade faster and more cost-effective and efficient.

The company provides end-to-end foreign market distribution and international brand management solutions, which lower the barriers for smaller U.S.-based manufacturers to engage in global trade.

Grovara began with two people and now employs 23. It represents more than 80 brands in 30 countries.

Vessel Health will use the funding to develop its in-home wellness tracker. The tracker measures 10 chemistries, including vitamin and mineral levels, ketones, and pH levels, from the user’s urine via a test strip.

A subscription-based mobile app provides results and makes recommendations to improve future results. It also provides wellness coaching.

The pandemic and other factors have caused the demand for in-home diagnostics to grow rapidly.