Arizona State University entrepreneurship

Arizona State University (ASU) has fostered a significant startup and venture capital ecosystem. Through inclusive initiatives such as Venture Devils and the ASU Innovation Open, the university supports student entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding opportunities, and workspace resources.

Success stories include Picmonic and Hüify. Picmonic, an education technology startup founded by ASU alumnus Ron Robertson, offers an audiovisual learning platform that helps students memorize difficult concepts. The venture has raised approximately $5 million in funding. Hüify, a digital marketing agency founded by ASU alum Josh Harcus, was acquired by global firm ServiceSource in 2017.

The university's commitment to innovation is further exemplified by its Skysong Innovations wing, a technology transfer organization that commercializes faculty research for societal benefit. Since its establishment in 2003, the group has launched over 120 startups, which collectively have raised more than $600 million in external funding.

Additionally, several important investment players are ASU alumni. For instance, Elie Finegold, an ASU alumnus, is a recognized venture capital and real estate investor who served as the Global Head of Innovation and Business Intelligence for CBRE, the largest commercial real estate services company in the world.

ASU also implements students’ exposure to entrepreneurship and innovation as an institutional priority. This is demonstrated by the introduction of entrepreneurship-focused degree programs and the creation of the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute that provides support for entrepreneurship across the university and for all students, irrespective of their major.

Therefore, through its various initiatives and alumni successes, Arizona State University has established itself as a vibrant player in the startup and venture capital ecosystem.