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Innovation Acceleration Capital (IAC) was founded in 2014 in San Francisco, California, to create a new model for research and development (R&D) funding and monetization. The firm addresses the challenges that innovations face in transitioning from the lab to the market. IAC operates a hybrid model that integrates venture capital with intellectual property investment strategies, focusing on enhancing the commercialization of research.
As of now, IAC has not publicly disclosed specific metrics such as assets under management (AUM), fund sizes, or the number of portfolio companies. The firm collaborates with various stakeholders, including grant-funded startups, accelerators, incubators, and research universities, to facilitate corporate-sponsored investment and commercialization of research. This collaborative approach positions IAC as a unique player in the venture capital landscape.
IAC emphasizes open innovation by connecting corporations with targeted research teams from contract R&D labs, grant-funded startups, universities, and accelerators. The organization employs data analytics services to identify suitable research teams for R&D projects, facilitating co-investment opportunities with family offices and private equity funds in corporate-sponsored research projects. This model allows IAC to bridge the gap between research and commercialization effectively.
The firm engages in monetization strategies, including acquiring royalty streams from innovators and universities. This non-dilutive, non-recourse financing enables innovators to reinvest proceeds into future R&D, thereby reducing risk for both innovators and corporate sponsors. IAC's investment strategy is designed to de-risk R&D and commercialization investments, linking corporate development to startup innovation.
IAC collaborates with various entities, including grant-funded startups, accelerators, incubators, and research universities, to facilitate corporate-sponsored investment and commercialization of research. However, specific notable portfolio companies or case studies have not been publicly documented. The firm's focus on intellectual property and royalty streams rather than traditional equity investments may explain the absence of a visible portfolio.
While IAC does not provide a list of specific companies, its model emphasizes partnerships with research institutions and innovators, aiming to create liquidity for innovators through corporate-sponsored projects. This approach positions IAC as a facilitator of innovation rather than a conventional venture capital firm.
N. Darius Sankey, PhD - Co-founder and Managing Partner. Dr. Sankey has a background in research and development, focusing on bridging the gap between innovation and commercialization.
James Trueman - Partner. Trueman brings experience in venture capital and corporate partnerships, contributing to IAC's unique investment model.
Kim Brothers - Partner. Brothers has expertise in startup development and commercialization strategies, playing a key role in IAC's operations.
Greg Kisor - Partner. Kisor focuses on corporate sponsorship and investment strategies, enhancing IAC's ability to connect startups with funding opportunities.
David Ghorbanpoor, PhD - Director. Dr. Ghorbanpoor has a strong background in research and intellectual property, guiding IAC's investment strategies.
Startups interested in pitching to IAC should visit their website at iac.vc for more information. It is recommended to include a comprehensive overview of the startup, its technology, and how it aligns with IAC's focus areas in the pitch deck. Founders should also be prepared to discuss their monetization strategies and potential for corporate sponsorship.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back from the team after submitting their pitch. Warm introductions are beneficial, as they can enhance the likelihood of a favorable review.
As of October 2023, Innovation Acceleration Capital has been actively promoting its mission to enhance R&D funding and commercialization. The firm emphasizes open innovation and has engaged with various stakeholders, including corporations and research teams, to facilitate corporate-sponsored investment.
While specific recent investments or exits have not been publicly documented, IAC's focus on bridging the gap between research and commercialization continues to drive its activities in the venture capital space.
What are IAC's investment criteria?
IAC focuses on seed and early-stage investments in sectors such as biotech, fintech, healthcare, energy, AI, climate, consumer, edtech, proptech, and logistics. The firm seeks to bridge the gap between research and commercialization by connecting corporations with targeted research teams.
How can startups apply or pitch to IAC?
Startups can pitch to IAC by visiting their website at iac.vc or by emailing their team directly at dsankey@iac.vc. It is advisable to include a detailed overview of the startup, its technology, and how it aligns with IAC's focus areas.
What makes IAC different from traditional venture capital firms?
IAC operates a hybrid model that combines venture capital with intellectual property investment strategies. This unique approach allows them to provide non-dilutive financing through royalty stream acquisitions, which is not commonly offered by traditional VC firms.
What is IAC's geographic scope?
IAC primarily focuses on investments within the United States, targeting innovative startups and research teams that can benefit from corporate-sponsored investment.
What kind of post-investment involvement does IAC have?
IAC engages in securing corporate sponsors for research projects and facilitates co-investment opportunities, which helps reduce risk for both innovators and corporate sponsors. Their involvement often includes ongoing support for commercialization efforts.
What is the typical check size for IAC's investments?
While specific check sizes have not been disclosed, IAC's investment strategy includes providing non-dilutive financing and facilitating co-investment opportunities, which suggests a flexible approach to funding based on project needs.
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