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GRA Venture Fund, LLC is a public-private venture capital fund established around 2009 to support research-driven startup companies in Georgia. The fund is backed by the State of Georgia and private investors, focusing on enterprises that emerge from the state's research universities. GRA Venture Fund aims to foster innovation by investing in technology and life sciences companies, leveraging university-affiliated intellectual property to drive commercial success.
As of now, GRA Venture Fund manages a total of $25 million, with a portfolio that includes approximately 12 active companies. The fund has catalyzed over $460 million in outside venture capital, demonstrating its effectiveness in leveraging state funds to attract additional investment. The fund's headquarters is located at 270 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 2200, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.
GRA Venture Fund primarily invests in early-stage and seed companies based in Georgia that have a strong research component. The fund targets sectors related to science and technology, including biotech, healthcare, AI, fintech, energy, consumer, edtech, commerce, climate, and robotics. GRA Venture Fund emphasizes startups that can demonstrate a high-tech component and a connection to Georgia's research institutions.
The investment strategy is centered on bridging the gap between academic research and commercial viability. GRA Venture Fund seeks to support innovation and growth in these fields, particularly in healthcare and biotech, by investing in companies that emerge from Georgia's research universities such as Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia.
GRA Venture Fund's portfolio includes notable companies such as:
All portfolio companies are research university spinouts from Georgia, showcasing an impressive four-year survival rate of 88%, significantly higher than the national average of 44%. The fund supports approximately 12 active portfolio companies, all of which are focused on leveraging research to create commercial products.
To pitch GRA Venture Fund, founders should visit their website at graventurefund.org. It is recommended to include a comprehensive business plan in the pitch deck, highlighting the research component and potential market impact. The fund prefers warm introductions but will consider direct applications through their website.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process given the fund's focus on research-driven startups.
As of 2022, GRA Venture Fund has catalyzed over $460 million in outside venture capital, achieving a leverage ratio of 20:1 on fund capital. The fund's overall venture development program has reached a milestone of $2 billion in total economic impact. Every dollar invested by Georgia via GRA generates $37 in outside venture capital, showcasing the fund's effectiveness in attracting additional investment.
What are GRA Venture Fund's investment criteria?
GRA Venture Fund invests in early-stage and seed companies based in Georgia that have a strong research component. The fund targets sectors related to science and technology, particularly those with a high-tech component and a connection to Georgia's research institutions.
How can startups apply or pitch to GRA Venture Fund?
Startups can pitch to GRA Venture Fund through their website at graventurefund.org. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and highlight the research component of the startup.
What makes GRA Venture Fund different from other venture capital firms?
GRA Venture Fund focuses exclusively on Georgia-based startups that are research-driven, leveraging university-affiliated intellectual property. This unique focus allows the fund to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial viability effectively.
What is the geographic scope of GRA Venture Fund?
The fund exclusively invests in startups located in Georgia, emphasizing those that emerge from the state's research universities.
What is the typical check size for investments?
GRA Venture Fund typically invests between $200,000 and $1,000,000 per investment, depending on the specific needs and potential of the startup.
What kind of post-investment involvement does GRA Venture Fund have?
The fund adds value to its portfolio companies by providing access to a network of resources, mentorship, and support aimed at bridging the gap between academic research and commercial viability.
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