Should Universities Get Involved In Venture Capital? Forbes Opinion Piece

The StarTribune noted recently that the University of Minnesota is rethinking its venture capital strategy. Is this smart? I don’t mean to single out one university, because I find similar thinking at some other universities. So it might be useful to bring this into the open and see if the above strategy makes sense. Essentially […]

12 Northeast Ohio companies win $42.3 million from Ohio Third Frontier

Twelve, young companies receive over $42M in support from the state’s economic development engine, Ohio Third Frontier (OTF). OTF has led the nation as an example of what a robust approach, via both funding and support programs, can do for technology and start-ups. Their model works closely with partnering corporations and investors to expand the […]

New VC firm to target technologies and start-ups from UCSD

A group of alumni from UC San Diego has created an early stage venture capital fund that will target startup companies created by university students, faculty and graduates. The modest, roughly $8 million Triton Technology Fund unveiled late Wednesday expects to provide capital to entrepreneurs looking to commercialize technology developed at the university.

FundersClub fills void for start-up investors

A fast-growing Indianapolis start-up called TinderBox is days away from securing its second investment from the nation’s first online venture capital fund, FundersClub. Just like a year ago, when the sales and marketing software company became the first non-Silicon Valley start-up to raise funds through the site, the money fills a gap in a region […]

Venture capital firm goes to Midwest for next big thing in tech

Chris Olsen believes the next great tech firm could emerge right here from the heartland. Sure, Silicon Valley is home to most huge tech household names (Apple, Facebook, Twitter, eBay and so many more), with New York (Tumblr) and Boston (Trip Advisor) creeping up, but as he sees it, why not Ohio or Michigan? Hundreds […]