By Teri Willey, executive director of IU Ventures and fund manager of IU Philanthropic Venture Fund LLC

IU Ventures is delighted to be recognized as a newly appointed member of the National Venture Capital Association. Membership furthers our ability to meet potential co-investors and introduce attractive Indiana University-related companies to the larger venture community outside our region.

The NVCA also fosters best practices in venture investing through model agreements, seminars, peer groups and more. These best practices help us address gaps in venture in our state, including helping to develop new venture associates through the VC University program offered by the NVCA. We look forward to bringing this in-person program to Indiana in cooperation with the Venture Club of Indiana, Elevate Ventures and other universities in the state.

Scott Dorsey, co-founder and managing partner of High Alpha, and Ting Gootee, chief investment officer of Elevate Ventures, served as our sponsors to NVCA membership. Their support is appreciated not just for the recognition but for the opportunity to co-invest with their funds. Syndication, or co-investment, with experienced investors is critical to the success of our fund, as it is with most venture funds.

We have two funds under our management — the Innovate Indiana Fund launched in 2010 and the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund launched in 2018. Resources like these support talented Indiana University faculty, students, staff and alumni to bring innovative ideas and research to the public through products and services provided by new companies.

You can join us in bringing the impacts of venture to Indiana for the benefit of Indiana University. We seeking founding donors to the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund in 2020. Imagine being part this evergreen initiative that ensures there is always support for IU entrepreneurs starting new companies, regardless of the other critical priorities at the university.

For more information contact me or take a look at our website.