Category: News

Algus Packaging (“Algus”) released a new video this month highlighting its machinery’s advanced capabilities for secure, shelf-ready, and sustainable folded paper packaging solutions. The equipment utilizes high-capacity chutes and heat-sealed corners to ensure efficient production runs and maintain structural integrity in transit. It also allows customized options for product off-loading and secondary package features such as product locators, inserts, labels, and RFID.

Algus’ custom paper folding machine—designed, engineered, and built in the USA—demonstrates the company’s technical prowess and its ability to meet the evolving demands of customers looking for alternative and environmentally-friendly packaging solutions. We congratulate the talented team of engineers who delivered this win for Algus and can’t wait to see what they create next.

See for yourself how Algus is advancing the future of packaging: Custom Paper Folding Machine | Eco-Friendly Packaging by Algus

Texas-based Swish Dental (“Swish”) kicked off 2025 with the successful launch of its East Village location, marking the Company’s sixteenth location in the greater Austin MSA. This expansion brings Swish’s total footprint to seventeen locations across the Austin-Houston corridors.

Building on strong momentum in 2024, including the launch of Houston Heights—its first location in the greater Houston MSA—Swish continues to target and execute on highly-desirable locations that cater to the growing, affluent communities of Austin and Houston.

Founded in 2017 by renowned dental practitioner Dr. Viraj Desai, Swish is a leading dental services organization dedicated to providing excellent clinical care in a tech-enabled, spa-like environment. Since Mereo’s investment in October 2021, Swish has expanded from nine to seventeen locations, with plans to continue growth across the greater Austin, San Antonio, and Houston MSAs.

Integrated Foot and Ankle Specialists (“IFAS”)—one of the preeminent provider networks in the mid-Atlantic region for comprehensive lower extremity care—started 2025 with the acquisition of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Center of South Jersey (“CFAC”). CFAC is a multi-location practice with three highly respected podiatrists working out of offices in Voorhees, Cherry Hill, Atco, and Turnersville. IFAS is thrilled to welcome Dr. John Girimonte, Dr. Kathryn Stoedter, and Dr. Emily Rose to its family of podiatric care providers.

The acquisition of CFAC brings the IFAS platform to a total of 15 practices and 27 locations and meaningfully expands IFAS’s presence in New Jersey. As its growth continues, IFAS looks forward to partnering with its network of podiatrists to deliver outstanding clinical care and a streamlined patient experience across the full continuum of services in the foot and ankle space.

IFAS welcomes referrals for further acquisitions. If you or a podiatrist you know might be interested in joining our platform, we encourage you to learn more about what IFAS can offer at https://integratedfootandankle.com/join-our-network/.

Aechelon Technology Inc. announced today the first-of-its-kind Image Generator direct interface for 3WAVES, Luna Labs’ 3-Axis Wearable Adaptive Vestibular Stimulation System to induce virtual motion sensations of yaw, pitch, and roll.

This innovative system, the result of a close engineering collaboration between Aechelon Technology and Luna Labs, will be publicly demonstrated for the first time on December 2, 2024, at the I/ITSEC 2024 conference, Aechelon’s Booth #1101. The demonstration will feature an F-16 cockpit system utilizing maximum resolution and frame rate capabilities of the Varjo XR-4 Secure Edition headset, integrated with Aechelon’s highest-performance image generator and databases. The system is specifically tailored to support U.S. Government evaluations of Luna Labs’ advanced vestibular stimulation technology.

Luna Labs USA, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, developed the state-of-the-art technology, and when paired with Aechelon’s interface, the 3WAVES system reduces cybersickness by aligning visual and vestibular inputs. Users experience lifelike sensations of roll, pitch, and yaw motions, thanks to Luna Labs’ patent-pending electrophysiology techniques. 

The demonstration system integrates Aechelon’s Mixed Reality (MR) Station with a high-resolution worldwide 3D visual and sensor database, which includes extensive coverage of domestic and foreign areas of interest. This global database is already operational in other Department of Defense (DoD) programs, ensuring seamless compatibility and commonality with existing U.S. DoD devices employing Aechelon image generators. Demonstrations at the conference will spotlight these revolutionary advances in simulation fidelity, realism, and usability, addressing critical training needs for military and aerospace applications.

About Lunalabs US

Luna Labs is a preeminent product development company, working with leading blue-chip companies and key government agencies to solve critical problems. With small business agility and large business capabilities, the company accelerates transformative solutions from concept to product launch for defense and healthcare markets. Information about 3WAVES is available here: https://lunalabs.us/product/3waves/

For additional information, contact: info@lunalabs.us

About Aechelon Technology

Aechelon Technology, Inc. is a leading provider of real-time computer graphics solutions for training, simulation, and commercial markets. The company specializes in COTS-based, high-resolution, multi-channel, geo-specific image generators, out-the-window (OTW) displays, correlated worldwide sensor databases, and comprehensive integration services. Aechelon delivers top-tier solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, allied governments, and prime contractors in commercial applications. Its image generators are field-proven, fully supported with logistics, and accompanied by comprehensive documentation. Aechelon Technology is ISO 9001:2015 certified and is headquartered in South San Francisco, CA. Visit www.aechelon.com for more information.

Aechelon Technology’s pC-NOVA Nucleus is a registered trademark of Aechelon.

On October 9^th, 2024, Mereo Capital Partners welcomed our limited partners to our second Annual Investor Conference at Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyne, PA. The event highlighted Mereo’s investment activity since inception, as well as strategic initiatives and value creation efforts at our portfolio companies. We extend our sincere thanks to Rod MacNeille, CEO of Algus Packaging; James Garrett, CEO of Luna Labs; and Teresa Ciaccio, President of Integrated Foot and Ankle Specialists for their insightful presentations. We are very pleased with the progress of our four platform investments and look forward to continuing to build great companies and create value for our investors.

Linwood Podiatry joins the IFAS family

Integrated Foot and Ankle Specialists (“IFAS”) is excited to start the fourth quarter with the acquisition of Linwood Podiatry, a single-location practice in Linwood, New Jersey, led by Dr. Charles (“Chuck”) Murphy. Dr. Murphy brings extensive expertise in foot and ankle surgery and is highly respected within the podiatry community. He is on the medical staff of Shore Medical Center and Access Surgicenter and is an active member of APMA and NJ Podiatric Medical Society.

Linwood Podiatry’s integration into the IFAS network strengthens IFAS’s presence in New Jersey and reinforces its standing as a leading provider of comprehensive lower extremity care in the Mid-Atlantic region. With 11 practices operating across 19 locations, IFAS remains committed to enhancing patient care in podiatry through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. If you are interested in exploring opportunities to join our expanding network, visit our website to learn more about how IFAS can support your practice: https://integratedfootandankle.com/join-our-network/.

Phil Cooke joins Mereo Capital Partners as Senior Associate

We are pleased to announce that Phil Cooke has joined Mereo Capital Partners as a Senior Associate after interning with Mereo in the summer of 2023. Phil recently completed his MBA at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honors and was recognized on the Director’s List (top 10% of class). Prior to his MBA, he worked at Binnacle Capital Services, a family office, and served as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Elsevier and Director of Corporate Affairs of RELX Group, Elsevier’s parent company. Phil grew up in the Philadelphia area and is a graduate of Princeton University.

Integrated Foot and Ankle Specialists (“IFAS”) began the third quarter with the successful acquisition of Brandywine Foot & Ankle Associates (“Brandywine”). We are pleased to welcome Dr. DeAngelis, Dr. Pongia, and Dr. Miller to the IFAS family as we continue our rapid network expansion of podiatrists and practices.

Brandywine is a multi-location practice with three providers based in Coatesville, Limerick, and West Chester, Pennsylvania. Each provider is well-experienced in the medical and surgical care of foot and ankle disorders and holds a strong reputation in the podiatry community, especially as mentors to surgical residents in the greater Philadelphia area.

With 11 practices and 19 locations operating across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, IFAS has established itself as one of the preeminent provider networks in the region for comprehensive lower extremity care. Building on its 2023 momentum, IFAS continues to see the positive impacts of consolidation both on doctor ability to focus on patient care and on patient experience navigating scheduling, managing billing, and accessing the full continuum of care in the foot and ankle space.

IFAS is actively seeking referrals for further acquisitions. If you are interested in joining us and integrating your podiatry practice with IFAS, we encourage you to learn more about what IFAS can offer at https://integratedfootandankle.com/join-our-network/.

Mereo Capital Partners (“Mereo”) is pleased to announce the addition of two summer interns to our team.  Griffin Chulik (Griffin Chulik | LinkedIn) is a rising Junior and Economics major at the University of Pennsylvania.  Harshini Nuti (Harshini Nuti | LinkedIn) is a rising Junior and Statistical Science & Data Analytics major at Temple University’s Fox School of Business.  We are excited to have these talented students learn more about the private equity industry and contribute to Mereo’s growth and success.

We are pleased to announce that Drake Goolsby has joined Luna Labs (“Luna” or the “Company”) as its Chief Commercialization Officer. Drake will lead the Company’s strategy to monetize an expansive portfolio of medical device and training products, pharma technologies, protective coatings, and corrosion management systems, as well as bring many more solutions to diverse markets.

Drake comes to Luna with extensive commercialization experience, most recently with Battelle where he was VP for Commercial Strategy and Business Development. In this role, he led Battelle’s global commercial business to build long-term pipeline value and revenue. He also served as Battelle’s Director of Intellectual Property Commercialization focusing on developing high-value commercial pathways across Battelle’s portfolio of technology and intellectual property.  

Drake earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Louisiana Tech University, an MHA in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University, and is a graduate of the Stanford University Executive Program.

We look forward to the impact Drake will have in driving positive outcomes in the commercialization of Luna’s robust technology and product portfolio.

Texas-based Swish Dental (“Swish”) ended April with the successful opening of its Houston Heights location. Houston Heights marks the Company’s first location in the greater Houston MSA, expanding Swish’s footprint to sixteen total locations covering the Austin/Houston corridors.

Swish has shown continued momentum with multiple location openings from Q4 2023 into early 2024, notably including the additions of Kyle and Hutto in November and December of 2023. These new openings position Swish to further capitalize on the growing affluent demographic of Austin and Houston.

Swish is a leading dental services organization founded in 2017 by a prominent female dental practitioner, Dr. Viraj Desai. Swish provides its patients with the highest-quality clinical care in a tech-enabled, spa-like experience. Since Mereo’s investment in October 2021, Swish has grown from nine to sixteen locations and expects to continue to expand in the greater Austin, San Antonio, and Houston MSAs.