The Status of VC and Angel Funding for University Start-ups During the Pandemic: Overcoming Current Challenges and Preparing for the Future

Program agenda:

• 2020 data on how university start-ups are faring
• Observations and lessons learned by individual university start-ups that are raising capital during the pandemic
• The latest trends in start-up capital, and how it can inform your strategy
• Insights into the ways university start-ups are successfully closing financings in this unprecedented environment

In the COVID-19 era, VC and angel funding for university start-ups is more of a challenge than ever for most ventures.

For some, however, the technology needs associated with the pandemic have actually increased investor interest. Telehealth and other COVID-related businesses are prime examples of potential unicorns for investors, yet many university-based start-ups have been stalled to clear the way for emergency projects. Others lack leadership and business mentors, making them riskier investments. At the same time, there’s plenty of money on the sidelines, but will it be deployed – and when, and to what sectors?

In all the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and the struggling economy, the bottom line is it’s hard to know where you stand, what the prospects are for funding, and how to proceed with your university’s start-up plans.

Our presenters will cut through the confusion to provide you with supporting data and guidance on what to expect from angel and venture capital investors now and in the coming months as conditions change.

We’ve teamed up with Bryn Rees, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research & Innovation and Managing Director of Venture Partners for the University of Colorado Boulder, and Kirsten Leute, Partner in charge of University Relations with Osage University Partners (OUP), to bring you this critical program.

Join us in this expert-led discussion, and gain important insights into how you can shake loose investment dollars for your promising new ventures and prepare them for long-term success.

Program Leaders