UCeed marks four years of driving prosperity with investments in 62 companies

Calgary, AB – In just four years, UCeed has established itself as a unique and dynamic contributor within the Canadian innovation ecosystem. No other fund of this scale in Canada combines philanthropic support with a mandate to accelerate research and foster entrepreneurship in the community. Since launching in 2020, UCeed has invested $9.21 million across its portfolio of 62 companies, making UCeed one of the most active pre-seed investors in Canada as noted by the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

“UCeed-supported startups have already created a powerful multiplier effect. These companies have generated economic activity and created jobs while changing lives with their innovations.”

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

With six specialized funds: Child Health & Wellness, Energy, Health, Neuro, Social Impact and the Haskayne Student Fund, UCeed bridges the critical funding gap that exists between early stage research and market readiness. Each fund is tailored to support startups tackling unique challenges, from health to social entrepreneurship.

“UCeed offers not only financing, but also mentorship, networks and community. The companies in our portfolio are advancing game-changing solutions, generating 337 jobs in the past four years, and building a cadre of people with invaluable experience gained within thriving startups.”

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

An Investment Advisory Committee (IAG) oversees each fund to ensure impactful investment decisions. The Haskayne Student Fund is a unique fund within UCeed, with students working to select the investments for consideration by their IAG. Over the past four years, 183 students have engaged in real-world entrepreneurial learning through UCeed, gaining insights into startup financing and investment evaluation.

“We’re thankful for the diverse range of support that has fueled UCeed over the past four years – from committed donors to skilled investment advisors and ecosystem collaborators. The philanthropic foundation of UCeed’s investment capital has created an incredible, evergreen funding source that helps researchers become innovators.”

Andrea Morris, vice-president, Development and Alumni, UCalgary

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

The 2024 UCeed Momentum report offers an in-depth look at each fund’s accomplishments and UCeed’s growing impact on Alberta’s economy and innovation landscape.

The Calgary-based energy company’s contribution will strengthen five existing UCalgary initiatives through Writing Symbols Lodge, the Schulich School of Engineering, the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, Innovate Calgary, and the Haskayne School of Business.

Media inquiries

Karen Perl-Pollard
Development Strategist
University of Calgary
Cell: 403.620.7260
karen.perl-pollard@ucalgary.ca

Sean Myers
Senior Communications Specialist
Media, Issues and Outreach
University of Calgary
Cell: 403.561.7405 
sean.myers2@ucalgary.ca

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 37,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. UCalgary is the top start-up creator among Canadian universities over the past five years. Start something today at the University of Calgary.

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