The StartUP Fund

A Penn-led seed stage investment fund providing the initial funding for promising Penn start-up companies.

Overview

The StartUP Fund provides vital seed capital investment to qualifying start-up companies founded by Penn researchers and based on innovations and promising ideas created at the University. The program is funded by the University and managed by the Office of the Chief Innovation Officer, is open to all technology sectors, and is available to applicants across all twelve of Penn’s schools.

Eligibility

Company must be based on Penn technology, know-how, or ideas
At least one company founder must be a Penn-affiliated faculty member or researcher
Company commits to follow use of proceeds guidance provided by the fund’s investment advisory committee
Company must be established as its own separate legal entity (or will be established as such prior to receiving funds)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application, review and decision-making process?

Applications are submitted via the StartUP Fund page on the OCINO site and screened by OCINO staff to confirm eligibility. Eligible applicants are invited to submit a detailed investment proposal for review by the fund’s external advisory committee which is comprised of investment professionals. The advisory committee provides recommendations to the Fund Executive Committee for final funding decisions. Investment proposals are accepted on a rolling basis with funding decisions made quarterly.

How much will the fund invest in a startup company?

The StartUP Fund will make investments up to $250K in the form of a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) investment vehicle.

What are the fund’s investment criteria?

The StartUP Fund will consider investments in companies emerging from all twelve schools and all research/technology sectors of Penn. Investment opportunities with the strongest commercialization and technology advancement potential will be prioritized.

What are the goals of the fund?

The StartUP Fund is intended to enable the early stages of Penn start-up company creation, foster entrepreneurial experiences and engagement across the Penn community, and serve as a catalyst for the entire Penn technology advancement ecosystem.

The fund provides the initial seed capital to help promising Penn start-up companies achieve key milestones, that in turn will allow them to secure future financing from professional/institutional investors e.g., Series A funding round.

For any additional questions related to the fund or submitting your company’s investment proposal, please send email to ocino@upenn.edu or submit a question.