Since 1985, more than 200 companies have formed by licensing technologies from the University of Florida. UF Innovate | Ventures seeks to fuel consistent growth in the number and quality of technology-based startup companies. These startups move UF inventions out of the lab and into the marketplace for the global good. Ventures supports startups by developing entrepreneurs, connecting companies to potential investors, and making equity investments.

UF Innovate | Ventures has a $2 million venture fund per fiscal year. Ventures will assist UF startups in preparing for a financing round and may participate in financings after review and approval by the Investment Committee. Ventures will act as a co-investor with an accredited third-party investor acting as the lead investor of a financing round.

In addition, Ventures oversees an Entrepreneurs in Residence program throughout the state of Florida. With EIRs strategically located throughout Florida in major urban centers, these seasoned entrepreneurial experts will connect UF startups with experienced executives in various industry sectors across the state. Also, the EIR program will connect UF startups to private capital, elevating the probability of success for these new enterprises.

UF Innovate | Ventures will:

• Invest in breakthrough technologies
• Connect startups with seasoned entrepreneurs to provide guidance and access to capital
• Build partnerships between UF innovators, corporations, foundations and investors
• Suggest available technologies in specific areas of interest that have commercial potential
• Prepare in-depth financial data analyses for potential investments
• Work closely with angel groups and other investment funds
• Develop entrepreneurs

How can Ventures help your startup?

If you have a company that has licensed or optioned UF technology and you think it’s fundable, please submit your pitch deck to bit.ly/UFVentures.

What your startup should have:

1. An active license or option agreement for any UF technology
2. A viable idea for a product or service
3. Strong IP
4. Large market size
5. A need for investment

Submit your pitch deck, and we’ll review it, give you some feedback, and connect.