This project will design the structure and operational plan for the university’s first evergreen venture fund, focused on investing in high-growth, tech-enabled startups and promising entrepreneurial projects originating from UMKC students, faculty, and other ventures affiliated with UMKC.
Project Goals
- Expand capital access for student and faculty-led ventures.
- Foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation across the university.
- Create a self-sustaining fund model with reinvestment potential.
- Attract co-investment from alumni, corporate, and philanthropic sources.
Key Areas of Focus
- Fund formation (legal structure, governance, risk profile).
- Investment strategy and due diligence frameworks.
- Integration with UMKC innovation infrastructure (e.g., E-Scholars, Bloch, Law, CERI).
- Use examples of other funds at other universities like NYU and Stanford.
