October 18-20 | Tucson, AZ

The Research Institution GAP Fund and Accelerator Program Summit

The Mind the Gap Report 2018

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October 23-25, 2024 / Atlanta, GA

The annual summit for research institution gap fund and accelerator programs, including proof of concept programs, startup accelerators, and university venture funds

The Story

What it is

The Mind the Gap Report is a program development guide for current and aspiring technology and start-up gap fund managers that:

  • investigates 119 active translational research, proof of concept, startup and venture funds from 75 universities and affiliated organizations
  • establishes the need for gap funding and its positioning in the new early-stage capital continuum
  • demonstrates the impact of this funding approach for ROI, capital attraction, economic development, job creation, and innovation community development

Who it’s for

Fund managers, stakeholders, and partners at:

  • Research universities and labs
  • Tech-based economic development initiatives
  • Incubators, accelerators, and research parks
  • Corporate venture and acquisition groups
  • Angel and venture investors
  • Policy-makers and international governments

that seek a detailed program roadmap to guide, develop, and benchmark gap funding programs

What’s Inside

Focus Areas
Emerging model for early stage capital
  • Detailed assessment traditional and emerging forms of early stage capital (VC, angel, public/private funds, accelerators, and crowdfunding)
  • Introduction of an updated capital model that positions gap funding within this landscape and it’s vital role in commercializing technology
Modeling the Gap Funding Process
  • Segmentation and evaluation of the gap funds into four distinct fund types: translational research, proof of concept, business formation, and business growth
Fund Source and Sustainability Strategies
  • Actionable strategies for raising/initiating funds and future plans for sustainability
Fund Management
  • Detailed fund management structures based on type of organization and fund
  • Sample budgets and resource allocation based on funding objectives
Fund Process
  • Evaluation, selection, and decision-making criteria
  • Advisory board composition
  • Promotion and marketing strategies
Support Programs
  • Highlight support programs that are associated with gap funds that build an innovative community of students, faculty, and mentors
Fund Impact
  • Demonstrate specific impact and results of gap funding, including financial returns (ROI, leveraged capital), process indicators, economic development measures, and community engagement metrics
Success Stories
  • 4000 archived stories that showcase specific fund processes and impacts