UCalgary celebrates third year of UCeed – the largest university-based investment fund of its kind in Canada

Calgary, AB – UCeed launched in June 2020 with a goal to expand the economy and accelerate innovation in Calgary and beyond. Three years later the philanthropically-driven, commercially-minded pre-seed fund has done just that with a remarkable investment of $6.19 million in its portfolio of 44 companies.

A significant contributor to the investment and innovation ecosystem in Alberta and across the country, UCeed is the largest university-based venture fund of its kind in Canada and was recently recognized as one of the most active Canadian pre-seed and seed investors by the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (CVCA).

“When we talk about the University of Calgary being Canada’s entrepreneurial university it’s about more than just being the country’s number one startup creator and youngest top research institution. The heart of our success is about driving change. Through investments from UCeed, our researchers, innovators and startup founders have taken dozens of new technologies to market, and countless more are poised to commercialize new discoveries.”

Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, UCalgary 

By bringing research innovations to market, UCeed is making positive, transformative impact on the well-being of people while driving prosperity and diversifying the local economy. Subsequent to UCeed investment, the portfolio of companies have created 337 jobs, generated $60.8 million in combined revenue and raised a combined $68 million plus in additional capital.

Starting with two funds in 2020, UCeed now has established six funds: Health Fund, Child Health and Wellness Fund, Social Impact Fund, Haskayne Student Fund, Energy Fund and the newly created Neuro Fund which is focused on advancing research-based brain and mental health startups.

"The Neuro Fund is a significant step towards advancing ground-breaking treatments and accelerating neuroscience innovations to solve some of the most pressing health issues of our time. We are excited to help take disruptive ideas and discoveries from one stage of commercialization to the next and grow Calgary’s strong base of health-focused startups.”

Pete Santosham, MBA’06, executive director, UCeed, Innovate Calgary

UCeed’s support of seed-stage ventures is more important than ever as global health, environmental and economic needs become more complex — and as traditional budgets are under pressure. Thanks to venture philanthropy, and an evergreen funding model, evidence-based treatments and groundbreaking discoveries and innovation are driven to market.

And with returns on the investments in the portfolio companies re-invested into the funds, UCeed can continue supporting future generations of ventures.

“We are grateful for our strategic partners, investment advisors and engaged donors who are committed to our vision of solving some of the world’s biggest problems through venture philanthropy. Through their generosity and commitment, UCeed will continue to propel change now and for generations to come.”

Andrea Morris, chief development officer, UCalgary

UCeed is part of UCalgary’s commitment to building an innovation ecosystem that includes Innovate Calgary, the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, the Life Sciences Innovation Hub, Social Innovation Hub, the Energy Transition Centre, Ward of the 21st Century, IMPACT, and Creative Destruction Lab - Rockies, among other programs.

The UCeed Momentum report shares more details of the accomplishments and impacts of the funds.
 

Media inquiries

Megan Geyer
Head of Marketing and Communications
Innovate Calgary
403.270.2431
mgeyer@innovatecalgary.com

About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 35,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary.

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