UT Horizon Fund

The UT Horizon Fund is a distinctive strategic venture capital fund established by the University of Texas System. Launched with a significant commitment, its primary mission is to foster innovation and commercialization by investing in early- and middle-stage companies that demonstrate a direct connection to one of the UT System's institutions. This unique mandate positions the fund not merely as a financial investor but as a strategic partner aiming to leverage the vast intellectual capital and research capabilities residing within the UT System's universities and health institutions.

The fund's investment strategy is deeply rooted in supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem emerging from the University of Texas. It specifically targets companies founded by UT faculty, students, or alumni, as well as ventures that are commercializing intellectual property licensed from UT System institutions. While sector-agnostic in principle, this focus naturally leads to investments in areas where UT excels, such as life sciences, deep technology, software, and advanced materials. The fund seeks companies with high growth potential, aiming to provide not just capital but also strategic guidance and access to the extensive UT network.

Financially, the UT Horizon Fund was established with a substantial $300 million allocation from the UT System's Permanent University Fund, underscoring the System's long-term commitment to this initiative. This capital enables the fund to make meaningful investments that can significantly impact a company's trajectory. Typical initial investments from the UT Horizon Fund range from $1 million to $5 million, with the flexibility and capacity to participate in subsequent funding rounds as portfolio companies scale. This approach ensures sustained support for promising ventures, contributing to both their success and the broader economic development within Texas and beyond.