IU Ventures

IU Ventures serves as the dedicated venture capital arm of Indiana University, strategically designed to cultivate and support entrepreneurial endeavors emerging from the university's robust ecosystem. Its core mission revolves around providing crucial capital and strategic guidance to startups founded by IU students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This unique affiliation allows IU Ventures to effectively leverage the university's intellectual property, research innovations, and a deep pool of talent, fostering a direct pathway from academic discovery to commercial success.

Operating through several key initiatives, including the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund and the IU Angel Network, IU Ventures demonstrates a strong commitment to its mandate. The IU Philanthropic Venture Fund, initially launched with $15 million, has since expanded its target to $50 million, signifying a substantial increase in its capacity to invest. This fund primarily targets early-stage companies, spanning from pre-seed to Series A rounds, across a diverse range of sectors that align with Indiana University's research strengths, such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and various technology verticals.

Since its inception, IU Ventures has played a pivotal role in stimulating economic growth within Indiana and beyond, having invested in over 70 companies by early 2024. The typical first check size deployed by IU Ventures can vary, reflecting the specific stage and capital requirements of the startup. For very early-stage seed investments, the firm's initial commitments often range from $50,000 to $250,000. However, for companies in later seed or early Series A rounds, especially when participating in syndicated deals, IU Ventures is capable of deploying larger amounts, potentially up to $1 million or more. By early 2024, the total capital deployed across its portfolio exceeded $20 million, underscoring its active and impactful role in nurturing university-affiliated ventures.