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Kirsh Helmets, Inc., and Impact Technologies LLC, creators of the World’s Lowest–Profile, Toughest–DOT certified Motorcycle Helmet, have successfully closed their seed funding round in an oversubscribed offering. Collectively, the affiliated companies have accepted combined investment transactions exceeding $1 million in aggregate value, with the largest portion closed in early July.
Kirsh Helmets, with its focus on the motorcycle helmet vertical, is commercializing the technology developed by Impact Technologies LLC. With the investment proceeds in place, Kirsh Helmets is positioned to disrupt an industry that hasn’t seen major innovation in decades, the company’s executive said. Kirsh is gearing up to dominate its competition in the motor-vehicle crash helmet category; starting with the lowest profile, toughest, and most effective half-shell motorcycle helmet on the market.
“Style, safety, comfort and improved performance. That’s what Kirsh Helmets represents,” said Jason Kirshon, the inventor of the underlying technology, as well as founder and CEO of both Kirsh Helmets and Impact Technologies LLC. “With this first round of funding, and the support of our local startup community, we’re ready to take to the streets, and deliver the best riding experience possible.”
“This will allow us to ramp up production to meet growing demand, and increase marketing efforts across the United States”, said Don DeVito, President and COO of Kirsh Helmets.
Kirsh Helmets, located in the New York BizLab business accelerator in Schenectady, NY, kicked off the funding round with the BizLab’s VirtualFund Network of investors.
The $1MM in aggregate investment into the affiliated companies came from various investors; among them was Square Peg Ventures LLC, an early stage fund established by local startup attorneys Eric Leander and Matthew Wagoner of The Wagoner Firm PLLC. The Wagoner Firm is also members of the BizLab’s BizHub, in-house advisers at the the accelerator.
“This is a category killer,” said Leander, Managing Member of Square Peg Ventures LLC, and a founding partner at The Wagoner Firm. “We put our money where our mouth is; Square Peg was the first money in. We recognized the market potential of Jason’s technology immediately.”
The Wagoner Firm, itself, serves as general corporate counsel to both Kirsh Helmets, Inc. and Impact Technologies LLC. The firm represented the companies in the recent negotiation and closing of their latest (and single largest) capital investment from an undisclosed investor.
“All hurdles surrounding the negotiations, documentation, and closing of this deal were eliminated by the adept negotiations, creative suggestions and collaborative approach of our attorneys,” added DeVito.
“We are firm believers that early stage investors need to bring more to the table than just money. We were happy to step up and provide Kirsh and Impact Technologies with the legal horsepower they deserved,” said Matthew Wagoner, Managing Partner of The Wagoner Firm. Businesses like this can firmly establish the Capital Region as both a technology, and entrepreneurial hub. The region needs more entrepreneurs like Don and Jason, and we’re just doing our part to support the tech ecosystem.”
BizLab founder and President Antonio Civitella said Kirsh Helmet is a great addition to the BizLab ecosystem and this funding demonstrates the value of being connected to a startup community like the BizLab.
“Having Jason and Don as members of the BizLab has been a rewarding experience. It’s our mission to connect local entrepreneurs with the resources needed to grow smart and grow fast. They are adding to the rich history of our city, and we look forward to continuing to assist them on their journey,” said Civitella.
“Support from the community has been overwhelming, people are eager to help us succeed,” DeVito added. “We’re looking forward to growing this company, bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., and having a positive impact on the technology sector in the Capital Region.”