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IU Ventures is a 501(c)(3) affiliate of Indiana University, established to support the advancement of high-potential new venture opportunities for IU students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The organization has its roots in the Advanced Research and Technology Institute (ARTI), founded in 1997, and evolved into the Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation (IURTC) in 2007. In 2017, it was rebranded as IU Ventures, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the Indiana University ecosystem. With a fund size of $11 million, IU Ventures is dedicated to building a prosperous and innovative Indiana through various initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and support early-stage startups.
IU Ventures primarily invests in early-stage startups that have strong connections to Indiana University. This includes companies founded by IU alumni or those that leverage IU technology. The organization manages three main investment programs: the IU Angel Network, the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund, and the Innovate Indiana Fund. The IU Angel Network enables members to invest their own capital in promising early-stage companies, while the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund, established in 2018 with $11 million, focuses on investing in startups closely tied to Indiana University. Additionally, the Innovate Indiana Fund, launched in 2010, has fully invested $10 million in high-potential technology companies affiliated with IU. Through these programs, IU Ventures aims to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture within the IU ecosystem and support startups that demonstrate significant potential for growth and innovation.
IU Ventures manages several investment programs that contribute to its diverse portfolio. The IU Angel Network is a platform that sources deals for its members, allowing them to invest their own capital in early-stage companies. The IU Philanthropic Venture Fund (IU PhV), established in 2018 with a fund size of $11 million, specifically targets early-stage startups connected to Indiana University. Furthermore, the Innovate Indiana Fund (IIF), which launched in 2010, has successfully invested $10 million in high-potential technology companies affiliated with IU. Additionally, the Shoebox Fund supports student startups developed within the Shoebox incubator, which is in partnership with the Shoemaker Innovation Center. This diverse portfolio reflects IU Ventures' commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship within the Indiana University community.
To pitch IU Ventures, founders should visit their website at iuventures.com and submit their proposals. It is recommended to include a detailed business overview, market analysis, and information on how the startup connects to Indiana University. Warm introductions are preferred, but cold applications are also accepted.
Recently, IU Ventures has been active in promoting its initiatives, including the announcement of the 2026 IU Founders & Funders Network Venture Summit. Additionally, the IU Angel Network has made an investment in the startup Homefield, showcasing their ongoing engagement with the entrepreneurial community and commitment to supporting IU-affiliated ventures.
IU Ventures focuses on early-stage investments, specifically in the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. This allows them to support startups at critical points in their development.
Founders interested in pitching to IU Ventures can submit their proposals through their website at iuventures.com. It is advisable to provide a clear overview of the business model, market potential, and connection to Indiana University.
IU Ventures primarily invests in startups that have strong ties to Indiana University, particularly those founded by alumni or based on IU technology. This includes a wide range of sectors, especially those that align with the university's research strengths.
While specific check sizes can vary, IU Ventures typically invests through its various funds, with the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund having a total fund size of $11 million to allocate across multiple startups.
IU Ventures primarily focuses on investments within North America, specifically targeting startups based in the United States that have connections to Indiana University.
The application process for IU Ventures involves submitting a pitch through their website. Founders should ensure that their startups have a clear connection to Indiana University to align with the firm's investment focus.
IU Ventures offers various forms of support to its portfolio companies, including access to a network of resources, mentorship opportunities, and connections within the Indiana University ecosystem to help startups grow and succeed.
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