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Maroon Venture Partners Fund is a for-profit venture fund established in January 2024, succeeding Maroon Venture Partners Fund I, LP, which launched in January 2017. The fund is dedicated to supporting early-stage companies that have strong ties to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. By providing initial outside equity funding, typically ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, the fund aims to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship within the UMass Amherst ecosystem.
As of now, Maroon Venture Partners Fund has deployed approximately $5 million across 13 companies in its first fund. The fund operates from the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship located at 121 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA 01003. The investment committee consists of experienced professionals who serve on a volunteer basis, aligning their incentives with the mission of the university.
Maroon Venture Partners Fund emphasizes investments linked to UMass Amherst, indicating a strong geographic and institutional focus. The fund's investment strategy is not limited to specific industries but often involves technology and innovation, reflecting its commitment to fostering local entrepreneurial talent.
Maroon Venture Partners Fund focuses on investing in early-stage companies that have a strong connection to UMass Amherst. The fund seeks opportunities with significant commercial potential, market differentiation, and capable management teams. Investments are primarily in the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, with check sizes typically ranging from $100,000 to $300,000.
The sectors of interest include consumer products, healthcare, artificial intelligence, fintech, biotech, commerce, edtech, energy, and industrial. The fund aims for venture capital-like returns while requiring transparency and regular reporting from its portfolio companies. This approach ensures that the fund maintains a close relationship with its investments, fostering a supportive environment for growth and innovation.
Maroon Venture Partners Fund has a diverse portfolio of 13 companies, showcasing its commitment to supporting early-stage ventures linked to UMass Amherst. Notable portfolio companies include:
The fund has deployed approximately $5 million across these companies, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation within the UMass Amherst community.
Charlie Johnson - Investment Committee Member and Managing Director. He has a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, with experience in leading investments in early-stage companies.
John L. Brooks, III - Investment Committee Member. He brings expertise in business development and has a strong network within the UMass Amherst community.
Mike Masterson - Investment Committee Member. He has a background in technology and innovation, contributing valuable insights to the investment process.
Ameeta Soni - Investment Committee Member. She specializes in healthcare investments and has experience working with startups in the biotech sector.
Steve Willis - Investment Committee Member. He has a strong background in finance and investment management, providing strategic guidance to portfolio companies.
Nancy Confrey - Investment Committee Member. She has experience in entrepreneurship and supports the fund's mission of fostering innovation within the UMass Amherst community.
In January 2024, Maroon Venture Partners Fund launched its second fund, Fund II, which is currently open for additional investments. The fund continues to focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the UMass Amherst community.
The latest known investment was made in August 2025 in florrent, a company operating in the electrical equipment sector. Initial investments from Fund II included Myrias Optics, specializing in all-inorganic printed meta-optics, and 88 Acres, known for its allergen-friendly protein bars and butters.
What are the investment criteria for Maroon Venture Partners Fund?
The fund invests in early-stage companies with strong ties to UMass Amherst, focusing on those with significant commercial potential and market differentiation. They look for capable management teams and require transparency and regular reporting from portfolio companies.
How can companies apply for funding?
Companies seeking funding can submit applications through the fund's website. The fund is open for additional investments and encourages startups linked to UMass Amherst to apply.
What makes Maroon Venture Partners Fund different from other venture funds?
This fund is uniquely focused on the UMass Amherst community, sourcing deal flow exclusively from within the university. The investment committee members serve on a volunteer basis, aligning their incentives with the university's mission rather than traditional LP returns.
What is the geographic scope of the fund?
Maroon Venture Partners Fund primarily invests in North America, specifically targeting companies with connections to UMass Amherst.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The fund typically invests between $100,000 and $300,000 in its portfolio companies, often serving as their first outside equity funding.
What kind of post-investment involvement does the fund have?
The fund adds value by leveraging its strong connections to the UMass Amherst community, providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to its portfolio companies.
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