A new venture capital firm launched last week by announcing an investment into a deep-tech startup on the coast.
Orlando-based Phase Shift Ventures leaders said Tuesday that they had participated in the AI machine vision startup Rapta’s $2.7 million seed round. The company is based in Portland but has operations in Cocoa Beach.
“Deep tech startups are attracting investment capital at levels not seen since the aftermath of the dot-com bust when VC investment shifted to consumer internet and SaaS startups,” said Dennis Pape, managing partner for Phase Shift Ventures. “In undercapitalized regions with significant deep tech opportunities and talent, innovative startups are attracting capital to scale. We are building Phase Shift Ventures to serve these regions and startups.”
Pape said the VC firm wants to send a message of support and backing for engineering innovations and scientific discoveries. Rapta, founded in 2021, started as an idea to augment human workers and alleviate quality control burdens.
CEO Aaron Brown has experience with Stanley Black & Decker.
“With major defense primes expanding their factory footprints across Florida, Rapta’s growing presence in the Space Coast region positions it strategically to support emerging production and quality needs,” he said.
Rapta works with manufacturers, including defense contractors and medical device companies across the U.S., to improve quality control.
The company has been selected for the 2025 Northrop Grumman Technology Accelerator, which could mean a future collaboration with the industry giant.
Phase Shift Ventures represents the latest entry in Orlando’s tech investment ecosystem, a boost to what is recognized as a relatively small community.
“This is exactly the kind of deep tech company we are building Phase Shift Ventures to support – companies that bridge commercial and government markets with innovative solutions that reshape industries,” Pape said. “We’re proud to back their growth in Florida’s Space Coast region.”