Creating and Funding University Startups
WebConference Series sponsored by NCET2
January 30, 2008 - March 19, 2008
Louisiana Tech University
LA Tech Enterprise Center
Ruston, LA

The Louisiana Tech University Enterprise Center and Technology Business Development Center hosted a series of WebConferences on Creating and Funding University Startups. This series included topics related to funding startups through SBIR awards, university alumni funds, early stage investors, and venture capitalists. There was also one session on the commercialization continuum - from developing IP to creating companies. This series featured presentations from national experts in the venture capital and investor communities, along with experienced high-growth business owners, governmental agency directors, and entrepreneurial university development directors.

This series revealed many factors of importance for successful startups. The significance of a top quality management team was emphasized in all presentations. To improve chances of success, startups need experienced leaders with great vision and strong industry connections. A large initial market with proven potential and good secondary markets were deemed necessary to attract investors. Revolutionary ideas, rather than incremental improvements, resulting in must have products that disrupt the market are key to commercial success. To attract investment, new ventures must demonstrate the ability to produce 10x returns because investors expect to maximize ROI. Startups must recognize that they need investors with the right knowledge and industry experience just as much as they need money. Engaging alumni to establish seed funds for pushing technologies across the gap that exists between concept and commercialization was offered as a successful strategy and examples were provided.

University-industry partnerships were considered crucial for transitioning from a knowledge-based economy into an innovation based economy. Collaboration and partnerships permeated all discussion in the series. In order to facilitate startups, universities were challenged to adopt project schedules that more closely match the pace of businesses while rewarding entrepreneurial behavior and alleviating conflicts of interest. University technology is coveted due to the quality of the research and IP strength. The youthful climate and population of digital natives makes the university an ideal focus group and great a validator for new technologies.

For more information about the topics covered in this series, click on the links provided below.

                                                        Topics Covered                                                           

January 30 - Funding University Startups with SBIRs

February 13 - Alumni Funded University Commercialization Funds

February 20 - What Do Early Stage Investors Really Look for in Startups (I)

February 27 - What Do Early Stage Investors Really Look for in Startups (II)

March 5 - The Commercialization Continuum - Creating IP to Creating Companies

March 12 - What Do Corporate VCs Really Look for in Startups

March 19 - What Do Early Stage Investors Really Look for in Startups (III)