ASU Enterprise Partners

Background

ASU Enterprise Partners is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Arizona State University's (ASU) mission by providing a comprehensive ecosystem of services. Its primary focus includes resource raising, real estate development, technology transfer, collaborative research, and the acceleration of educational technology innovations. The organization operates through several affiliates, including the ASU Foundation for a New American University, ASURE, Enterprise Collaboratory at ASU, ASU Outreach Hub, Skysong Innovations, and University Realty LLC.

Key Strategic Focus

ASU Enterprise Partners concentrates on supporting ASU's growth and outreach by:

Resource Raising: Facilitating philanthropic contributions through the ASU Foundation.

Real Estate Development: Managing and developing properties via University Realty LLC to generate revenue and support university initiatives.

Technology Transfer: Through Skysong Innovations, translating ASU research into commercial applications, resulting in over 160 startups and attracting more than $833 million in funding.

Applied Research: Conducting defense and security industry research through ASURE.

Educational Technology: Accelerating ed-tech innovations via RealmSpark to support universal lifelong learning.

Financials and Funding

ASU Enterprise Partners manages investment pools and programs that generate revenue through investments in education technology companies and an angel investor membership program to advance ASU-affiliated startups. In a recent fiscal year, the organization reported expenses of $17,552,340 and revenue of $1,949,237 for these activities.

Pipeline Development

The organization, through its subsidiary Skysong Innovations, has facilitated the launch of over 160 startups based on ASU innovations, attracting more than $833 million in funding from outside investors. This effort has generated substantial local economic impact and positioned ASU among the top universities worldwide in U.S. utility patents granted.

Technological Platform and Innovation

ASU Enterprise Partners leverages several proprietary technologies and methodologies:

Skysong Innovations: Manages ASU's intellectual property and technology transfer, facilitating the commercialization of research innovations.

ASURE: Conducts applied research and consulting for the defense and security industry, focusing on midrange technology-readiness-level services.

RealmSpark: Accelerates educational technology ideas and innovations to support universal, lifelong learning.

Leadership Team

The leadership team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to advancing ASU's mission:

Dan Dillon: Chief Executive Officer of ASU Enterprise Partners, overseeing the organization's strategic direction and operations.

Gretchen E. Buhlig: Chief Executive Officer of the ASU Foundation for a New American University, leading fundraising efforts and donor relations.

Augustine V. "Augie" Cheng: Chief Executive Officer and Chief Legal Officer of Skysong Innovations, managing ASU's intellectual property and technology transfer.

Virginia "Ginny" DeSanto: Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, responsible for financial operations and oversight of affiliate organizations.

Gina Miller: Chief People Officer, leading human resources functions and organizational culture initiatives.

Meridith Rentz: Chief Enterprise Partners Officer, setting and driving organizational vision and operational strategy.

Jeff Mindlin: Chief Investment Officer, managing the ASU Foundation's diversified investment assets.

Matt Hulver: Interim Managing Director of ASURE, leading strategic vision and operational approaches for applied research and development.

Samantha Bradley: Managing Director of RealmSpark, overseeing ASU's corporate venture capital group.

Ann Toca: Managing Director and Chief Outreach Officer of ASU Outreach Hub, leading outreach initiatives.

Mac Woods: General Counsel, providing legal counsel to ASU Enterprise Partners and its affiliates.

Leadership Changes

In 2021, Gina Miller joined ASU Enterprise Partners as Chief People Officer, bringing a focus on enhancing organizational culture and employee engagement.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

ASU Enterprise Partners operates within the nonprofit sector, focusing on higher education support services. The market includes organizations dedicated to university advancement through fundraising, real estate development, technology transfer, and research initiatives.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include other university-affiliated nonprofit organizations that provide similar services, such as fundraising foundations, technology transfer offices, and research enterprises. These competitors focus on supporting their respective universities' missions through resource generation and innovation commercialization.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

ASU Enterprise Partners collaborates closely with Arizona State University and its various departments to align its initiatives with the university's goals. Through its affiliates, the organization partners with industry leaders, investors, and community stakeholders to advance research commercialization, real estate development, and educational technology innovations.

Operational Insights

The organization's distinct competitive advantages include its comprehensive approach to university advancement, integrating multiple services such as fundraising, real estate development, and technology transfer under one umbrella. This integrated model enables ASU Enterprise Partners to effectively support ASU's mission and adapt to evolving needs.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

ASU Enterprise Partners aims to expand its impact by:

Enhancing Technology Commercialization: Continuing to support the translation of ASU research into market-ready innovations through Skysong Innovations.

Expanding Real Estate Ventures: Developing and managing additional properties to generate revenue and support university initiatives via University Realty LLC.