The fund, first announced in October 2016, has been launched with $10m in capital to invest in spinouts and startups that emerge from the university or surrounding region.

University of California, Riverside (UCR) launched a $10m venture capital fund dubbed Highlander Venture Fund on Friday in partnership with VC firm Vertical Venture Partners.

UCR Foundation, the university’s non-profit arm that handles philanthropic donations to the institution, has put $2m into the fund.

The fund will provide seed capital to spinouts and startups set up by UCR faculty, students and alumni, as well as entrepreneurs from Riverside County.

Highlander will target companies developing technology relevant to sectors such as…