University of Georgia entrepreneurship

The University of Georgia (UGA) has been instrumental in fostering startup growth and venture capitalism through several initiatives. UGA’s Innovation Gateway, a program to turn university research into products, has been key in this ecosystem. Since its establishment, it has successfully helped launch over 150 companies based on university technology. These startups have raised more than $1.4 billion in private investment since 1999.

UGA's commitment to entrepreneurship is also evident in its robust educational programs. The university offers a certificate in entrepreneurship that students from all fields can pursue. Students are not just taught about entrepreneurship, they are also given the chance to live it through experiential learning programs such as the Student Entrepreneurship Program.

On the subject of startups, a noteworthy success story is the biotechnology company, BresaGen, founded in 2000 by UGA's researcher Steven Stice. The company focuses on stem cell research and has successfully raised significant venture capital funding over the years. Another commendable example is the educational technology company, Curricula, founded by UGA alumnus Nick Santora. His startup is aimed at making cybersecurity education interactive and memorable. Ever since its inception, Curricula has raised millions of dollars in funding and continues to grow.

Diagnose My Skin, a dermatology-related mobile app developed by current and former UGA students, recently secured $1.5 million in seed funding. Additionally, UGA Alum David Cummings co-founded the marketing automation solution company Pardot, which was acquired by ExactTarget for nearly $100 million. It showcases the ability of UGA alumni to create and lead successful startups.

In terms of venture capital, UGA has fostered many successful people in this field. One such person is Thad Morris, a UGA graduate who is currently a partner at the Atlanta-based venture capital firm, TechOperators. Morris has more than 20 years of experience investing in and operating technology companies, proving how UGA creates successful individuals in the venture capital industry.

UGA’s culture of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit fosters a thriving, collaborative community of startups and investors, preparing its students and graduates for the competitive and rapidly-evolving business landscape.