Venture Partners at CU Boulder Research Report

Overview

Venture Partners at CU Boulder operates as the commercialization arm for the University of Colorado's Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Denver campuses. Widely recognized as a facilitator of "tech transfer" or "research translation," the organization is dedicated to bridging the gap between the university's talented creators and the broader business, startup, and entrepreneurial communities, with a mission to transform groundbreaking solutions into significant economic and social impacts.

Key Metrics and Impact

Capital Raised: Portfolio companies linked with Venture Partners have raised an impressive $426 million.

Revenue from Commercialization: Since 2019, the commercialization efforts have generated $32 million in revenue for CU Boulder.

Innovation and Licensing: Facilitated 94 license and option agreements and trained 63 NSF I-Corps™ teams.

Startup Launches and Exits: Launched 36 startups with 20 exits recorded since 2000.

Economic Impact: Between 2018 and 2022, the organization's initiatives resulted in contributions of $8 billion to the national economy and $5.2 billion to the statewide economy.

Leadership Team

Bryn Rees

Position: Associate Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Partnerships

Responsibilities: Oversees entrepreneurship training, mentorship, programming, NSF I-Corps Hub partnerships, the Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator, Lab Venture Challenge, intellectual property management, and strategic partnerships.

Involvement: Co-Principal Investigator of the Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine, member of the Buff Venture Fund, and board member of the Colorado Bioscience Association.

Background: Joined CU in 2009 with a focus on disease genetics and pharmacogenetics research. Holds degrees in biochemistry, biotechnology, and counseling psychology.

Amy Dodenhoff

Position: Director of Venture Development

Role: Leads venture development initiatives, manages mentor and investor networks, and directs programs like Destination Startup and Embark Deep Tech Startup Creator.

Previous Experience: A former patent attorney with expertise in intellectual property strategy, having practiced at Cooley LLP and Chadbourne & Parke LLP.

Education: Brown University graduate with degrees in mechanical engineering and innovation management, and Fordham University School of Law alumna, admitted to law practice in Colorado and New York.

Contributions to Innovation and Climate Initiatives

Venture Partners at CU Boulder plays a significant role in fostering regional and national innovation ecosystems. A prime example of this is the Colorado-Wyoming Climate Resilience Engine, an initiative aimed at promoting ventures for climate change adaptation. Their efforts support broader campus goals for innovation and societal influence, encouraging faculty and student growth and development.

Strategic Initiatives and Programs

The organization supports key programs including the NSF I-Corps Hub, Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator, and Lab Venture Challenge. These initiatives aim to propel entrepreneurship and innovation within and beyond the university environment, ensuring that the latest research and creative endeavors reach the market effectively.

Competitor Profiling

BlueTree Allied Angels

Based in Pennsylvania, BlueTree Allied Angels is a key player in the venture capital space, focusing on early-stage investments in the high-tech sector since 2003. Their investment strategy involves regional opportunities that minimize risks while targeting substantial financial returns.

Boomtown Accelerators

Situated in Boulder, Colorado, Boomtown Accelerators delivers bespoke programs transforming startup ideas into scalable businesses. Their offerings cover various stages of the startup lifecycle, combining strategic management with co-investment opportunities to mitigate investor risks.

Launchpad Venture Group

Active in the Boston area, Launchpad Venture Group consists of a network of angel investors concentrating on early-stage, technology-driven startup investments. With over $125 million invested in over 150 startups, the group stands as a leader in providing financial and mentoring support to emerging companies.

Strategic Insights

For organizations or investors looking to collaborate with Venture Partners at CU Boulder, it is vital to recognize their commendable reputation in nurturing and funding technology-driven ventures. Collaborators have the potential to leverage Venture Partners' expansive network of researchers and access to a diverse and substantial portfolio of innovations poised for commercialization. In alignment with a proven entity like Venture Partners, partners may gain strategic advantages within the swiftly advancing tech entrepreneurship and innovation landscape.