Stephen Gilfus, co-founder of D.C.-based Blackboard Inc., has become the lead investor in a company devoted to selling outdoor gear to children.
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based Upside Over Inc. announced Gulfus has become the company’s lead angel investor, and he will serve on its board of directors. The amount of Gilfus’ investment was not disclosed. Upside Over is an online retail business that sells outdoor clothing and equipment for children, from biking helmets to climbing gear. It launched last April.
The investment from Gilfus will allow the company to expand its online presence, add additional inventory and develop affiliations with educational organizations, President Peter Dean said in a Monday statement.
Gilfus is known to the D.C. community as the co-founder of Blackboard, which schools and universities use so teachers and students can communicate with each other online.
“Mr. Gilfus is exactly the type of investor Upside Over has been looking for,” Dean said. “Beyond committing the financial resources necessary to help fuel Upside Over’s expansion, Stephen knows how to grow online companies smartly and will be a fantastic addition to our management
team.”
