The University of Minnesota announces plans for two funds to invest in both spin-outs and US-based startups.

US-based University of Minnesota (UoM) has announced plans to launch both a $20m fund to invest in licensing University technology and a $50m fund that will invest in Stateside start-ups. The $20m fund will make seed-stage investments in UoM startups over a 10-year period, according to the UoM president Eric Kaler, who announced the fund at the Mid America Healthcare Forum today. A fund for $50m to invest in startups outside the University was also announced, for which the University will seek additional investment from private capital, and is pencilled in for a launch in July next year. Some details of the two funds remain unclear. UoM’s board of regents are yet to approve the funds, and Kaler did not disclose the names of firms partnering with the University to create the funds. However, Kaler told attendees at the Forum that he expects the funds to pay off for the University, and will demonstrate the institution’s commitment to entrepreneurs. Both funds will be managed by Dr Brian Herman, the new vice-president of research for the University. UoM has avoided such funds in the past, with Kaler comparing previous investment policy to a bug curling up in a ball in the summer time. “It’s time to unwind,” said Kaler. “I think the Board will see that it is a prudent investment from a financial sense and also sends a strong institutional message about the importance of entrepreneurship.”

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