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.
LiU Invest operates as a venture capital unit within LiU Holding AB, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Linköping University in Sweden. Founded to commercialize knowledge derived from the university, LiU Invest plays a pivotal role in supporting innovative businesses that enhance the university's value and the attractiveness of the region. The organization focuses on very early-stage companies, providing essential funding to help startups develop their ideas and technologies.
Currently, LiU Invest manages a portfolio that includes one company, HPViCo, and has a total investment capacity of up to 1,000,000 SEK (approximately $100,000) per startup. The firm emphasizes collaboration with other public VCs and private investors, encouraging co-investment to maximize the potential for success among its portfolio companies. LiU Invest is located in Linköping, Sweden, and operates within a broader commercialization infrastructure that includes business incubators and technology transfer offices.
LiU Invest primarily targets companies that aim to commercialize research and innovative ideas stemming from Linköping University's educational and research activities. The organization typically invests up to 500,000 SEK (approximately $50,000) in initial funding, with the possibility of an additional 500,000 SEK in follow-up rounds. This investment strategy positions LiU Invest as a crucial source of early-stage capital for startups in the region, particularly those that enhance the university's value.
The firm focuses on very early-stage investments, acting as a public actor to fill the capital gap at the pre-institutional-VC stage. LiU Invest welcomes co-investment opportunities with other public VCs and private investors, fostering collaboration and enhancing the potential for success among its portfolio companies. The investment horizon typically spans 3 to 7 years, allowing for adequate time for startups to develop and achieve exits.
LiU Invest's portfolio currently includes the following company:
Johan Lilliecreutz: CEO of LiU Invest, Johan has a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship. He has been instrumental in guiding the firm’s investment strategy and fostering relationships with startups emerging from Linköping University.
To pitch to LiU Invest, founders should submit their proposals through the official website. It is essential to include a detailed business plan, an overview of the technology, and its connection to Linköping University's research. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are encouraged but not mandatory.
As of March 2026, LiU Invest continues to support its portfolio company, HPViCo, which is developing innovative materials for mobile technology. The organization has been actively involved in promoting the commercialization efforts of startups emerging from Linköping University.
What are LiU Invest's investment criteria?
LiU Invest primarily invests in companies that commercialize ideas, inventions, or research results from Linköping University. The focus is on very early-stage startups that can benefit from initial funding to develop their technologies.
How can I pitch to LiU Invest?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the LiU Invest website. It is recommended to include a clear business plan, details about the technology, and how it relates to research from Linköping University.
What makes LiU Invest different from other VCs?
LiU Invest acts as a public actor filling the capital gap at the pre-institutional-VC stage, specifically targeting startups emerging from academic research. This unique positioning allows them to support companies that may not yet attract traditional venture capital.
What is the typical check size for investments?
LiU Invest typically invests up to 500,000 SEK (approximately $50,000) in initial funding, with the potential for an additional 500,000 SEK in follow-up rounds, totaling up to 1,000,000 SEK (approximately $100,000).
What is the investment horizon for LiU Invest?
The investment horizon for LiU Invest typically spans 3 to 7 years, allowing startups sufficient time to develop their products and achieve exits.
Does LiU Invest provide support beyond funding?
Yes, LiU Invest provides access to a network of resources, including business incubators and technology transfer offices, which can be invaluable for startups in their early stages.
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.