UT Ventures, the University of Tennessee’s angel investment network and an initiative of the University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF), has announced its inaugural investment in Solaris Endovascular, a Dallas-based medical device company developing next-generation vascular technologies.
The investment supports Solaris Endovascular’s oversubscribed $5 million convertible bridge round and reflects UT Ventures’ mission of connecting University of Tennessee alumni and supporters with high-growth companies that have strong university ties.
According to Maha Krishnamurthy, President and CEO of UTRF:
“Solaris Endovascular was among the first companies to present to our angel network, and the response from our members was immediate. Solaris Endovascular is a leader in the medical device space, and the technology they are developing has real potential to change outcomes for patients.”
Strategic Relevance for GAP Leaders
UT Ventures illustrates an emerging model for university commercialization ecosystems by extending institutional support beyond traditional technology transfer and proof-of-concept funding.
Rather than functioning as a university venture fund, UT Ventures mobilizes alumni and affiliated investors to provide early-stage growth capital for companies connected to the university. This approach expands available funding while strengthening alumni engagement and creating additional commercialization pathways for future ventures.
For GAP leaders, alumni angel networks represent an increasingly valuable complement to institutional GAP funds, helping companies bridge financing rounds, build investor syndicates, and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems without relying solely on university capital.
Innovation & Technology
Founded in 2024, Solaris Endovascular is developing a platform of covered stents and drug-eluting vascular technologies designed to improve treatment for patients with dialysis access complications and peripheral artery disease.
Its lead product, Solaris DE, is a sirolimus-eluting covered stent designed to reduce restenosis and improve long-term durability of dialysis access procedures while providing a platform for broader vascular applications.
Clinical progress has been encouraging:
The company’s DEScover Trial has completed enrollment, with interim six-month results demonstrating:
• 95% target lesion primary patency
• 100% patency in arteriovenous graft patients
• 91% patency in arteriovenous fistula patients
• No device-related serious adverse events through 30 days
Solaris DE also received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2026, further validating its commercial and clinical potential.
Potential Market Applications
Solaris Endovascular – Solaris DE Drug-Eluting Covered Stent
University Connection: John Reviere (UT Knoxville alumnus), Vice President of Clinical & Quality Operations
Investor: UT Ventures (University of Tennessee Research Foundation)
Market Applications
• Dialysis access interventions: Drug-eluting covered stents designed to improve long-term patency and reduce repeat procedures for patients requiring hemodialysis access.
• Peripheral artery disease treatment: Next-generation endovascular devices addressing vascular blockages with improved durability and reduced restenosis.
• Advanced vascular intervention platforms: Drug-device combination technologies supporting broader cardiovascular and peripheral vascular procedures.
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Related Topics
university angel networks, alumni investment, medical device commercialization, university venture funds, endovascular innovation, translational medicine, venture development
