Jonathan Barada has joined IU Ventures as vice-president and his focus will include the firm’s Philanthropic Venture Fund.

Jonathan Barada has joined IU Ventures, the fund management affiliate of Indiana University (IU), as vice-president.
His responsibilities will include the strategic development, stakeholder engagement and fundraising coordination for the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund.
The evergreen vehicle was launched in 2018 to provide equity financing to IU-linked companies and is managed by Teri Willey. It has invested $7.9m in 18 startups to date.
Barada was previously president and chief executive of healthcare provider Bloomington Health Foundation since 2013.
He said: “As a state, Indiana has seen consistent venture capital growth over the past 10 years, and Indiana University, via IU Ventures, has an increasingly important role to play in this growth.
“Advancing our state’s startup ecosystem creates new jobs, attracts talent and provides critical early investment in ideas that increase the quality of life for Hoosiers and the world.
“Advancing programs like the IU Angel Network and the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund contributes to the economic development of our state, builds the global IU network of venture expertise, provides commercialization support to IU faculty and students, and raises the profile of IU’s strong heritage of entrepreneurs.”
Tony Armstrong, president and CEO of IU Ventures, added: “Jon’s success as a leader building teams focused on addressing the challenges facing our community is a great asset to IU Ventures.
His long history with IU and his personal network will be instrumental in helping us as we continue to build our programs that serve our state, nation and world. He will be a huge help in deepening our connections within the IU network, as well as in partnering with the IU Foundation and IU schools and departments in their efforts to engage alumni.”
­– Photo courtesy of Indiana University, taken by Chelsea Sanders, Blueline Media

Thierry Heles

Thierry Heles is the former editor-at-large of Global University Venturing and Global Corporate Venturing, and was the producer and host of the Beyond the Breakthrough podcast until December 2024.