Campus-Born Ventures are among today’s most under-appreciated asset classes.
Why campus, why now
Across the globe, colleges and universities are rapidly improving their ability to help students, faculty, and alumni launch investor-ready ventures. Innovation is thriving on campus — but funding remains a major obstacle.
Dr. Tom Duening founded the International Collegiate Angels Network after more than 30 years of building university-based entrepreneurship ecosystems. He observed a consistent pattern: while the support systems for venture creation were growing stronger every year, access to early-stage capital had not kept pace.
ICAN connects ventures to the investors, mentors, and infrastructure they need to succeed. By syndicating investment opportunities, hosting Investor Days, and supporting a global deal room, ICAN mobilizes capital for the world's most promising — but often overlooked — asset class: Campus-Born Ventures.
What is a Campus-Born Venture?
A Campus-Born Venture is any startup founded by:
- A current student (undergraduate or graduate)
- A faculty member or staff researcher
- A recent alumnus (within 3 years of graduation)
- A participant in a campus-based accelerator, incubator, boot camp, or innovation studio
- A venture that emerged from tech transfer or entrepreneurship center programs
If your venture began on campus, you belong in the ICAN community.
