Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
CU Ventures, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with the Concordia University System. Established at Concordia University Wisconsin, CU Ventures aims to promote ideas, concepts, inventions, and products that can evolve into viable business opportunities. This initiative benefits entrepreneurial founders, investors, and university partners alike.
Currently, CU Ventures manages a portfolio of eight companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting innovative ventures. The organization is actively building its Concordia Angel Network to facilitate investments in products that align with its mission. This network serves as a platform for reviewing and selecting investment opportunities, allowing CU Ventures to connect with promising startups.
CU Ventures emphasizes the importance of aligning investments with Christian values, focusing on free-market enterprises that support its mission. The organization regularly evaluates potential investments and presents selected companies at its Concordia Angel Network meetings.
CU Ventures focuses on funding free-market enterprises that align with Christian ideals. The organization seeks investment opportunities in products that support its mission, which includes promoting health, education, and consumer products. CU Ventures is actively building its Concordia Angel Network to achieve these investment goals, facilitating connections between investors and entrepreneurs.
The organization regularly reviews investment opportunities, selecting a few companies to present at its Concordia Angel Network meetings. This approach allows CU Ventures to maintain a selective investment strategy, ensuring that each investment aligns with its core values. The check sizes typically vary based on the specific needs of the startups, but CU Ventures emphasizes a commitment to supporting innovative ventures that resonate with its mission.
CU Ventures has invested in several notable companies, including:
Daniel S. Sem, Ph.D., MBA, JD: President of CU Ventures. He has a diverse background in academia and business, holding multiple degrees and extensive experience in entrepreneurship.
Curtis C. Gielow, MHA: Director of CU Ventures. Curtis brings expertise in healthcare management and has a strong focus on supporting ventures that align with the organization's mission.
Janet Mushall: Business Manager and Executive Assistant. Janet plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of CU Ventures, ensuring smooth communication and organization.
To pitch CU Ventures, founders should use the contact emails provided on their website. It is recommended to include a comprehensive business plan and a clear explanation of how the startup aligns with CU Ventures' mission. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back regarding their proposals after the organization reviews them.
CU Ventures has been actively expanding its Concordia Angel Network, focusing on building connections between investors and university-connected entrepreneurs. The organization regularly reviews investment opportunities and selects companies to present at its network meetings.
As of October 2023, CU Ventures maintains a portfolio of eight companies, demonstrating its commitment to supporting innovative ventures that align with its mission. No recent exits or fund raises have been publicly reported.
What are CU Ventures' investment criteria?
CU Ventures invests in free-market enterprises that align with Christian ideals. The organization focuses on products that support its mission and regularly reviews investment opportunities.
How can I pitch to CU Ventures?
Founders can pitch to CU Ventures by submitting their proposals through the contact emails provided on their website. They should include a detailed business plan and how their venture aligns with CU Ventures' mission.
What makes CU Ventures different from other investors?
CU Ventures is unique in its commitment to funding ventures that align with Christian values. This focus on ethical investment sets it apart from traditional venture capital firms.
What is the geographic scope of CU Ventures?
CU Ventures primarily focuses on startups connected to the Concordia University System, which spans multiple locations across the United States.
What is CU Ventures' post-investment involvement like?
CU Ventures actively engages with its portfolio companies, providing support through its Concordia Angel Network and facilitating connections with other investors and resources.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, CU Ventures emphasizes a commitment to supporting innovative ventures, which suggests a flexible approach based on the needs of each startup.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.