Checkerspot
Alameda, US · Founded 2016 · Delaware corporation · 69 employees on LinkedIn · 6 known investors
Find your way into Checkerspot
227 people in our graph share verified history with the Checkerspot team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.
Bill Cilluffounlockedknows Charles Dimmler · together at Stanford University Graduate School of Business (overlapped)
×8knows the team · via Stanford University Graduate School of Business
knows the team · via Entrepreneurs for Impact (EFI)
×2knows the team · via Columbia College, Columbia University
Checkerspot uses microalgae precision fermentation to produce specialized lipids and fats, including a bio-equivalent source of the sn-2 palmitate fat found in mother's milk, rare bioactive fatty acids, and tropical fat alternatives. Its ingredients serve the food, infant nutrition, and health and wellness markets, with partnerships aimed at scaling and commercializing these fats and oils.
Founders & leadership
Checkerspot was founded in 2016 by Scott Franklin and Charles Dimmler.
SF
Scott FranklininCo-founder · Chief Scientific Officer2016–2025
CD
Charles DimmlerinCo-founder and CEO2016–2024Charles Dimmler is an executive with 25+ years of experience in biotechnology and sustainable materials, having led emerging growth companies and raised over $1 billion through various financing mechanisms, joint ventures, and M&A. He brings international business experience across East Asia, South America, and Western Europe, with expertise in product launches, commercial agreements, and P&L management.
JK
John KrzywickiinChief Executive Officer
LW
Layla WardinChief Financial Officer
CL
Casey LippmeierinCTO
LP
Leon ParkerinSVP, Molecular Biology
WR
Walter RakitskyinSVP, Strategic Development
CR
Chris RandallinVP, Corporate Marketing
Board
JK
James KimBoard director
WS
CM
EH
Eric HartzBoard director
Investors · 6
Baruch Future VenturesSan Francisco · $100K – $1M
Breakout VenturesSan Francisco · $500K – $6Mvia Julia (Thies) Moore · board
Cavallo VenturesSan Francisco
Builders VCreportedSan Francisco
KdT Venturesreported · 3 sourcesAustin · $500K – $3Mvia Cain McClary · board
Refactor CapitalreportedBurlingame · $1M – $2M
Reported raises · per SEC filings
Form D private placements$113.3M disclosed across 5 rounds · 2018–2026
▶$27.4MraisedAug 2026 · 18 investors · OtherRule 506(b)
▶$27.4MraisedAug 2026 · 18 investors · Other
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Walter SolomonDirector
- John KrzywickiExecutive Officer, Director
- Layla WardExecutive Officer
- Eric HartzDirector
- Offering amount
- $41.7M
- Amount sold
- $27.4M
- First sale
- Jul 2026
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$7.6MraisedDec 2025 · 6 investors · OtherRule 506(b)
▶$7.6MraisedDec 2025 · 6 investors · Other
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- James KimDirector
- John KrzywickiExecutive Officer, Director
- Eric HartzDirector
- Layla WardExecutive Officer
- Walter SolomonDirector
- Offering amount
- $10M
- Amount sold
- $7.6M
- First sale
- Nov 2025
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$40MraisedOct 2022 · 5 investors · OtherRule 506(b)
▶$40MraisedOct 2022 · 5 investors · Other
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- David GreenwoodDirector
- Scott FranklinExecutive Officer, Director
- Walter SolomonDirector
- Charles DimmlerExecutive Officer, Director
- James KimDirector
- Julia MooreDirector
- Offering amount
- $100M
- Amount sold
- $40M
- Sales commissions
- $975K
- Placement agents
- Allen & Company LLC
- First sale
- Sep 2022
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$32.9MraisedMay 2020 · 6 investors · OtherRule 506(b)
▶$32.9MraisedMay 2020 · 6 investors · Other
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- James KimDirector
- David GreenwoodDirector
- Scott FranklinExecutive Officer, Director
- Andrew Cain McClaryDirector
- Charles DimmlerExecutive Officer, Director
- Offering amount
- $50M
- Amount sold
- $32.9M
- First sale
- May 2020
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware, 2016
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
▶$5.4MraisedMay 2018 · 9 investors · OtherRule 506(b)
▶$5.4MraisedMay 2018 · 9 investors · Other
Rule 506(b)Officers, directors & promoters on the filing
- Scott FranklinExecutive Officer, Director
- Cain McClaryDirector
- Charles DimmlerExecutive Officer, Director
- Offering amount
- $6.5M
- Amount sold
- $5.4M
- First sale
- Apr 2018
- Incorporated
- Corporation, Delaware, 2016
- Federal exemptions
- 06b
Source: SEC EDGAR Form D. Amounts as filed; amended filings shown once at their latest values.
Founder mafia
2 people who came through Checkerspot went on to found or lead other companies.
In the news
Frequently asked questions
- What does Checkerspot do?
- Checkerspot uses microalgae precision fermentation to produce specialized lipids and fats, including a bio-equivalent source of the sn-2 palmitate fat found in mother's milk, rare bioactive fatty acids, and tropical fat alternatives. Its ingredients serve the food, infant nutrition, and health and wellness markets, with partnerships aimed at scaling and commercializing these fats and oils.
- Who founded Checkerspot?
- Checkerspot was founded by Scott Franklin, Charles Dimmler in 2016.
- Who are Checkerspot's investors?
- Checkerspot's investors include Baruch Future Ventures, Breakout Ventures, Cavallo Ventures, Builders VC, KdT Ventures, Refactor Capital.
- How much funding has Checkerspot raised?
- Checkerspot has disclosed $113.3M raised across 5 rounds.
- Where is Checkerspot headquartered?
- Checkerspot is headquartered in Alameda, US.