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IU Ventures

IU Ventures has established two different funding channels for IU entrepreneurs: the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund and the IU Angel Network.

Bloomington, IN, USA

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Description

IU Ventures is the venture capital arm of Indiana University (IU), based in Bloomington and Indianapolis, Indiana. It serves as a comprehensive "capital ecosystem" for IU-affiliated startups, managing multiple investment vehicles and an angel network to drive economic impact through university innovation. 
  • Seed & Series A: This is the primary investment window.
  • Early-Stage Technology: They focus on ventures with high-growth potential that are commercializing intellectual property or being led by university-affiliated talent. 
  • Method: Founders apply through the IU Ventures "Submit a Pitch" portal.
  • Investment Vehicles:
    • IU Philanthropic Venture Fund: An evergreen fund that invests in high-potential IU-affiliated startups.
    • IU Angel Network: Connects founders with accredited IU-affiliated alumni and "friends of the university" for direct investment.

Eligibility

  • IU Affiliation Required: To be eligible, the startup must be founded by an IU alumnus, faculty member, student, or staff member, OR be a company commercializing IU-licensed technology.
  • Geography: While they have a strong focus on Indiana, they invest in IU-affiliated founders located anywhere in the world.
  • Sectors: Industry-agnostic, with significant activity in Life Sciences, B2B SaaS, AgTech, and Fintech.

Process

  1. Vetting: Internal investment professionals review submissions for IU affiliation and commercial viability.
  2. Due Diligence: A rigorous 4–8 week process reviewing team, technology, and market potential.
  3. Member Presentation: For the Angel Network, selected startups pitch to the membership via virtual or in-person forums.
  4. Closing: Investments are typically structured as SAFEs, convertible notes, or priced rounds. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

  • Direct Capital: Access to funding from the university’s own venture fund and the broader IU Angel Network.
  • Strategic Mentorship: Direct coaching from the IU Ventures team and successful alumni executives.
  • Talent Pipeline: Connections to IU’s student and research talent for internships and full-time hiring.
  • Ecosystem Access: Introductions to follow-on VC firms and corporate partners globally through the IU alumni network.