Venture Center
At the Venture Center, we take the ideas and technology that stem from University research, prepare them for the market, and launch new businesses around them.
Since 2006, we have launched more than 115 startup companies based on University technology, marking a milestone in the U’s efforts to assist faculty and staff in commercializing their inventions.
- Three out of four startups are based in Minnesota.
- Of all the startups, 78 percent are still active today, well above the national average.
- The companies have raised more than $397 million in investment capital total.
See a complete list of the U of M startup companies we have launched and the University Startup Pipeline of companies we are working to launch.
Service Offerings
We team up with University researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors to provide services to help establish new companies, including:
- Recruiting a management team and board of directors
- Evaluating and assisting with business plans and executive summaries
- Structuring and negotiating investment terms for a University license
- Preparing presentations to investors
- Introducing company founders to interested investors
Startup Process
We assess every University-based technology that comes through our office to develop a fitting commercialization plan. As part of the process, we consider whether the technology has potential to succeed as a startup company.
Learn more about the startup process for University researchers and for external entrepreneurs.
Business Advisory Group
The Business Advisory Group helps us find resources to launch University startups.
Members of the group:
- Actively participate in bimonthly meetings
- Help to find entrepreneurs, investors, and CEOs
- Make connections with other key stakeholders and industry experts
- Provide technical and market advice
- Correspond outside of regularly scheduled meetings
- Sign a nondisclosure agreement