Dickson & Main’s Post

🌟 2024: Was a Landmark Year for University Spinout Funds 🌟 University venture funds are playing an increasingly undeniable role in driving innovation and supporting the commercialization of academic research. According to Thierry Heles’ Global University Venturing article, 2024 Marks Flurry of University Spinout Fund Launches, this year has seen a surge in university-affiliated investment funds worldwide. These funds are catalyzing innovative research as well as reshaping the startup landscape across diverse sectors. 🎓 At Georgetown Tech Ventures (GTV) within the Georgetown's Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC), we are proud to be part of this global movement, positioning Georgetown University at the forefront of innovation in the DMV and beyond. On November 20th, 2024, Georgetown's Office of Technology Commercialization celebrated a milestone event, marking the success of the Gap Fund and the launch of GTV. 🌎 The Global Expansion of University Venture Funds • In the U.S., new funds like the Dickson & Main Fund I at the University of Arkansas are fostering state-wide innovation. • Europe has seen major launches such as Imec.xpand Fund II in Belgium, raising €300M for deep tech and health tech startups. • Australia and Asia are also expanding their ecosystems, with IP Group Australia securing A$435M and Singapore’s Live Ventures focusing on medtech spinouts. 📈 Diverse and Innovative Models 📈 • Funds like the UK’s SETsquared/QantX, targeting a £300M goal, demonstrate collaborative investment strategies across multiple universities. • Emerging funds emphasize specialization, such as KHP Ventures in the UK, focusing on mental health solutions, and Denmark’s PSV Hafnium, prioritizing sustainability and climate tech. 🏛️ The DMV Advantage 🏛️ The DMV region’s robust infrastructure, federal collaborations, and dynamic innovation culture make it an ideal ecosystem for university spinouts. Georgetown University’s central location and strategic initiatives enable startups to thrive in this global network of transformative funding. Read Thierry Heles' illuminating article: https://lnkd.in/eav8djts What do you see as the most exciting trend in university-affiliated venture funding? Let’s discuss below! ⬇️ #Innovation #UniversityVentureFunds #TechStartups #GeorgetownUniversity #GTV #OTC #Spinouts

Great article on academic venture funds on the rise-according to Global Venturing spin outs tend to increase when universities support early stage funding of #startups from #research. At Tulane University we are among one of the U.S. universities who have ventured into investing to support founders-we established Tulane Ventures through the ESO Tulane University Innovation Institute. #startup #ecosystem #nola

The Magnificent Grants, founded by Barend Van den Brande in 2023, is a fellowship designed to disrupt conventional pathways and accelerate the impact of extraordinary young innovators under 25. Annually, the program selects 10 exceptional pioneers to receive a $100,000 grant, encouraging them to leave their current educational or professional engagements to dive fully into their innovative projects. This support extends beyond financial assistance; it includes a unique two-year mentorship journey free from the traditional influence of academia or investor agendas. The Magnificent Grants is a comprehensive support system that includes regular meet-ups, collaborative events, and ongoing interaction with a community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. This fellowship aims to cultivate an environment where fellows can launch ambitious ideas, network with peers, and receive guidance from some of the world’s leading seed investors. Key to the fellowship is the trustees’ expertise in recognizing non-traditional excellence. Trustees include Barend Van den Brande, who has a proven track record with Hummingbird Ventures; Sidar Sahin, entrepreneur who sold Peak for $1.8B; and Salar al Khafaji, leader in robotics and data science. Their collective experiences ensure that fellows receive mentorship from those who have themselves challenged and overcome the status quo. This team also supports Eclipse Grants from Moth Fund, early-stage-focused venture capital firm. Magnificent Grants positions itself uniquely by focusing on the edge cases of innovation—those daring enough to question and redefine the boundaries of existing systems. This approach is predicated on the belief that the most significant societal advancements arise not from following the trodden path but by venturing into uncharted territories with a blend of creativity, critical thinking, and courage.

Venture capital firms continue to unveil new nine-figure funds ready to invest across the spectrum of technologies bringing innovation to healthcare. But venture dollars aren’t the only source of financial support for startups. Emerging companies can also tap into a funding source of $1.3 billion, a pot of cash that’s replenished annually. It’s funding from U.S. government. The National Institutes of Health’s small business programs are congressionally mandated to spend this money. The funding, awarded through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, supports small businesses and R&D efforts that offer the promise of public benefit. Do you want to learn how to present yourself in raising capital for your IP? Schedule a time with me here by choosing a specific date and time that works for you: https://lnkd.in/gWRRBArp

More than 40% of Europe’s top universities have a venture #fund to invest in their #spinouts — including the University of Oxford which boasts the world’s largest university venture fund, Oxford Science Enterprises, with more than £850m ($1.1bn). It puts Europe ahead of the US, where just 34% of the top research universities have access to a dedicated fund. But it's not as straightforward as that. Europe has more venture funds that involve two or more institutions (think Qbic Fund | Venture Capital, VIVES Funds, Northern Gritstone, Atlantic Bridge-managed University Bridge Fund or i&i Biotech Fund). 💶 Do more funds mean more companies? Not quite — yet. European universities spun out 677 startups in 2021 (the most recently available figure), putting it behind the US (996 that same year). So Europe is still lagging, but that 677 was a marked increase from the previous year (612) whereas in the US, the number dropped from 1,117 in 2020 to 996 in 2021. Find out more in our in-depth analysis below. And make sure to fill out our survey so we can bring you more analyses soon: https://lnkd.in/eMGVti4w

"The venture capital institutions of the United States convert ideas into functioning businesses. The founders, equipped with ideas and willing to work hard for little current return, take their plans to venture capitalists. A fraction of them receive funding, at which point they enter our data. Once funded, the founders will receive $21 million on the average from the ultimate sale or public listing of their company. Venture capitalists, who screen many 30 proposals for each one they fund, then help guide the company as it develops, receive $8 million per company for their services. Large pools of funds are potentially available to the companies that qualify for venture financing. Our results are compatible with the view that the managers of these funds—from endowments, pension funds, other financial institutions, and wealthy individuals—provide them to venture capitalists perfectly elastically at the risk-adjusted rate of return. We find that the average return over the past 20 years has exceeded the risk-adjusted benchmark by the considerable margin of 7 percent per year, but recent results have been closer to the benchmark." Robert E. Hall + Susan E. Woodward, "The Quantitative Economics of Venture Capital", Hoover Institution and Department of Economics + Stanford University + National Bureau of Economic Research 2007 + Sand Hill Econometrics, Inc. , 11, 30-31. Indulge in proper content here on Linkedin

Scientifica Venture Capital has launched Scientifica Fund 1 (SF1), a €200 million fund dedicated to fostering innovation in fields such as quantum computing, smart materials, advanced industry, and environmental technologies. This ambitious fund, slated for launch in the first half of 2025, represents a significant step toward bridging scientific research and venture capital for impactful global advancements. Founded by two visionary family offices, Scientifica Venture Capital has cultivated a culture of trust and collaboration. This foundation has attracted robust interest from private investors and family offices, particularly among younger entrepreneurs eager to drive sustainable innovation. The launch of SF1 marks a critical milestone in Scientifica’s industrial project. With over 100 professionals, new research infrastructures, and partnerships, this initiative aims to create a seamless pipeline between scientific excellence and venture capital investment.

🎉 We just completed First Close of our $15M Oxford Alumni Venture Fund III 🚀… and have rebranded to Oxonian Ventures. Since 2016 we have invested in 30+ early stage companies founded by Oxford alumni, across two funds. Fund III is now open to U.S. accredited investors who have studied at the University of Oxford. Why the new name? Wondering what is the meaning of Oxonian? 👨🎓 👩🎓 Oxonian refers to a student or member of the University of Oxford. Our new name, Oxonian Ventures, reflects our unique focus on investing in early stage Oxonian founded companies, using investment capital from Oxonians. We're super excited at the companies Oxford Alumni are building and looking forward to now beginning investments from Fund III. Read more on our news>> https://lnkd.in/gj8UDBXq Thank you to our Oxonian investors, portfolio company founders, and ecosystem partners for being part of this journey 🚀 ... AOA Dx, Avela, biotx.ai, Bloom Labs, BLUUMBIO, Cityline , CNote, Copper Books, Deep Planet, Forte, ExcepGen, Granza Bio (YC W24), Kadeya, Louisa AI, Mote, OpenSponsorship, PingThings, Probably Genetic, Proof, Rancho Santa Fe Bio, Inc. , The Beans, The Companion, Uncanny.gg, Uprise - Embedded Financial Advisory, Valink Therapeutics, Walker Brothers , Oxford Entrepreneurs Network, EnSpire Oxford, Oxford Seed Fund, Oxford Science Enterprises, Oxford University Innovation, Entrepreneurship Centre at Saïd Business School #innovation #venturecapital #oxford

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐢: Philipp Kopp 🌟 We had the pleasure of speaking with Philipp, who is based in Berlin working as a venture capital investor at bmp Ventures. Holding a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Freiburg and as a program alumni, Philipp shared valuable insights about his journey from science to the business world. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞? Philipp explained that the BBIP program gave him a solid foundation in understanding business plans and key questions to ask when evaluating startups. “As a venture capital investor, I sit on the other side of the table, asking the same questions when startups pitch to me. Understanding the basics of science, like molecular interactions, is crucial for my initial assessments, but the business understanding acquired through the master plays a vital role in assessing the potential of the start-ups. For more complex cases, I rely on external experts, as I can’t be an expert in every field I cover,” he noted. 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐁𝐈𝐏 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬-𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞? “Absolutely! The program provided a structured transition from a scientific to a business-oriented role. One course that stood out was on advanced biotechnology and intellectual property rights. It was a bit technical, especially the IP part, but it equipped me with essential skills that are vital in my work today,” As Philipp highlighted, the program gave him the necessary tools to transition into the industry. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐬? Philipp expressed his confidence in the program’s potential: “I have no regrets about joining BBIP. It’s a unique program that combines scientific knowledge with business insights, which is invaluable in the life sciences industry. Once people understand our specialized education, they’re usually very interested in our profiles.” 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫? “For those still exploring their options, the BBIP program is perfect for individuals who are undecided about their future and need more exposure to various possibilities in the life sciences industry. It can inspire ideas for professional roles, whether in pharma, startups, or academia,” he explained. 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝: Philipp’s journey highlights the transformative power of interdisciplinary education. He remains committed to navigating the innovation landscape in venture capital, demonstrating that a unique blend of skills can lead to exciting opportunities. Thank you, Philipp, for sharing your insights and inspiring future professionals!    #CBSBIO #Alumni #VentureCapital

VC 101: Why Every Technion Student Should Understand Venture Capital Ever wondered how groundbreaking technologies become world-changing companies? The answer often involves Venture Capital. 🤔 What is VC? Venture Capital is more than just funding - it's the engine that transforms innovative ideas into market-leading companies. VCs are professional investors who: - Invest in early-stage startups - Provide strategic guidance - Open doors to valuable networks - Help scale businesses rapidly 📊 Why Should Technion Students Care? 1. Many successful startups begin at university 2. Technical expertise is crucial for deep-tech ventures 3. Understanding VC helps whether you want to: - Found a startup   - Join an early-stage company   - Become a venture capitalist   - Drive innovation in any field 💡 Did You Know? - Many successful Israeli founders started their journey during their studies - Technical backgrounds are increasingly valued in VC firms 🔑 Key VC Concepts: - Equity: Ownership share in the company - Rounds: Different stages of funding (Seed, A, B...) - Due Diligence: In-depth company evaluation - Term Sheet: Investment agreement outline - Exit: Acquisition or IPO 🌱 Starting Your Journey Understanding VC is crucial whether you're: - A Computer Science student dreaming of founding a startup - An Electrical Engineering student interested in deep-tech - A Biomedical student exploring health-tech innovations - Any student passionate about turning ideas into reality Want to learn more? The Technion VC Club is launching soon! Follow us for: - Exclusive insights from successful founders - Hands-on experience with venture capital - Access to mentors and industry leaders - Networking with like-minded students Stay tuned for our upcoming launch event announcement! 🚀 Technion - Israel Institute of Technology | Technion Alumni