We connect investors
to entrepreneurs
in our communities
Where innovative minds meet
InvestU supports the entrepreneurial ecosystem forged at Arizona State University, bringing together affiliated startups with accredited investors. Linked to the #1 most innovative university and a top research institution, the network will give ASU and Thunderbird supporters unique access to investment opportunities and resources for startups that arise from our students, faculty and the more than half a million alumni around the world.
Our Goals
InvestU is a premier angel investment network that leverages Arizona State University’s vast network of resources to create unparalleled value for entrepreneurs, investors, and the university.
Connect
Connect ASU-affiliated entrepreneurs with capital and resources that accelerate their growth
Engage
Engage a diverse network of investors, innovators, and advisors through unique programming and thoughtful connections
Teach
Provide a best-in-class learning experience that trains the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors
*Among universities with no medical school
We're home to:
- Domestic and International Network
- Academic Expertise
- Student Engagement
- Investing
- Future Funding
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
$750M+ capital invested and 120+ startups launched
World-renowned faculty and community experts
Top students involved in startup research studies
Domestic and international investment deals
Access to financial firms for future funding rounds
Access to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and resources at ASU
How it works
InvestU supports the global ASU community with an investing platform and process that leverages the power of the university’s robust network of world-renowned faculty, exceptional students and innovative resources. Curated deal flow, detailed investment reports, and quarterly pitch events enable investors to make informed decisions in a timely manner. Plus, InvestU companies enjoy access to a community of investors, mentors, and advisors that support their growth well beyond pitch day.
Deal Sourcing
InvestU’s Operations Team sources and screens the best companies from ASU’s global ecosystem of alumni, faculty, and programs
Deal Review Meeting
Semifinalists pitch to the Deal Review Committee, a group of experienced members who selects the top companies for diligence
Due Diligence
Company and market research studies are led by select graduate students and experienced investors on the Diligence Committee
InvestU Pitch Event
InvestU hosts four pitch events per year that bring together our network of entrepreneurs, investors, students, and partners
Investment Decisions
Interested investors can participate in group diligence calls to dig deeper before making an individual investment decision
Support & Follow-on
InvestU companies enjoy access to our curated network of investors, advisors, and ASU resources throughout their growth cycle
Invest with us
If you’re interested in joining a group of experienced and diverse leaders who care about investing and supporting affiliated early-stage startups, we’d love for you to join our entrepreneurship ecosystem. These vetted startups are prepped, well studied, and ready to talk to you about their unique business opportunities.
Criteria
Members of the community interested in investing in affiliated companies
An accredited investor
Unique investment opportunities
Access to an online platform to manage your investments
Student and founder engagement
Investor meetings and entrepreneurial events
Exposure to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and resources at ASU
Angel Capital Association membership, workshops, and events
Membership types and fees
InvestU Venture Club
$50,000 + for lifetime membership
Someone who wants to be a lifelong investor at InvestU and support the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors from ASU. Your generous upfront commitment will accelerate the program’s goals and amplify the impact of ASU’s global entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Active Member
$1,000 annually
You’re passionate about entrepreneurship and investing in startups. As an active InvestU member, you will have access to curated deal flow, unique engagement opportunities, and a network of innovative entrepreneurs and investors.
Affiliate Member
$500 annually
Discounted membership is offered to active participants on an ASU Foundation board, including President’s Club, Women & Philanthropy, or the Next Generation Council for your dedication to supporting ASU. If you are interested in learning more about the ASU Foundation, please visit this link.
Member benefits
| InvestU Venture Club | Active Member | ASU President's Club | |
|---|---|---|---|
Lifetime InvestU Membership* Donations of $50K or more to the InvestU Venture Fund receive lifetime membership. This is limited to 40 seats. | Yes | – | – |
Investing Ability Ability to invest in InvestU startups | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pitch Events Startups presenting their companies to InvestU | Yes+ Two Guests | Yes+ One Guest | Yes+ One Guest |
Company Summary Information Overview of the startups business model, solution, and metrics | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Company Research Studies Detailed faculty and student-led company study detailing: team, product, market, strategy and distribution plan, and financial information | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Online Investment Platform Access Enables investors to view detailed company information and portfolio management | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Livestream Access Virtual stream and recording of startup pitches | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Angel Capital Association Membership National angel investing organization that hosts conferences, trainings, and provides resources to investors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mentoring Opportunities Ability to mentor students and founders throughout the InvestU process | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Committee Participation Ability to join one or more member committees: Deal Review, Diligence, and Investment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
InvestU Investor Training Faculty or community-led training on entrepreneurship and investing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ASU Entrepreneurship Events University-wide entrepreneurship-related events | Yes | Yes | Yes |
InvestU Founding Member Plaque Dated InvestU plaque will be hung at the future Thunderbird School of Global Business downtown campus for your contributions to supporting university-affiliated entrepreneurs | Yes | – | – |
InvestU Guest Speakers Prominent figures in the entrepreneurship community presenting on special topics, trends, and their experiences | Yes+ Two Guests | Yes+ One Guest | Yes+ One Guest |
Social Mixers Dinners, happy hours, or other social events to foster community within InvestU | Yes+ One Guest | Yes | Yes |
ASU Sporting Event Tailgate & Suite Events Invitations to ASU President tailgates and a ticket to at least one suite at an ASU sporting event annually | Yes | – | – |
Exclusive Donor Events Invitation to university designated donor events | Yes | – | – |
InvestU Memorabilia Ongoing InvestU branded materials | Yes | - | - |
Cost | $50,000 or more* | $1,000 annually | $500 annually |
Supporting venture success
We’re more than just a traditional angel network, we're invested in the success of your business every step of the way
There are a few things we’re looking for in our startups. Your company needs to have a tie to ASU or Thunderbird School of Global Management. Companies should also be at a more mature stage — currently generating revenue.
InvestU will be funding companies seeking to raise between $100K-$2M. The minimum check size from an investor is typically $25K. If you are seeking for InvestU to syndicate with your current or new institutional lead investor, you are also encouraged to apply. If you think you fit our criteria below, we’d love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at InvestU@asuep.org with any questions you may have.
Startup Criteria
An executive, board member, or investor affiliated with ASU or Thunderbird
Local, U.S. or international startups welcomed to apply
Venture is currently revenue generating
Raising $100K-$2M OR Seeking later-stage equity financing syndication with a current or new institutional lead investor
Our innovative team
We’re innovators, investors, academics, and an entrepreneurial community who support startups every step of the way. Our team draws from the Phoenix venture community as well as many dimensions of Arizona State University – from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and W. P. Carey School of Business to the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Skysong Innovations and ASU Enterprise Partners.
Operations Team
InvestU is a strategic initiative of RealmSpark, a business unit of ASU Enterprise Partners that serves as an umbrella for strategic venture investment and support. The operations team includes a full-time director and supporting staff who provide the following services for the InvestU network: sourcing and screening proprietary deal flow, facilitating the diligence and investment process, managing events and other network operations, and making thoughtful introductions across our community of innovators, investors, and partners.
Louise Hardman
Director, RealmSpark & Investor Engagement, ASU Enterprise Partners
Samantha Bradley
Managing Director, RealmSpark, ASU Enterprise Partners
Katie Cross
Special Projects Coordinator, ASU Enterprise Partners
Kyle Petrie
RealmSpark Student Fellow
Hunter Stephan
RealmSpark Student Fellow
Committee Members and Advisors
The InvestU operations team is supported by investor members and ASU partners who are experienced in analyzing, investing in, and advising early-stage ventures. InvestU members are encouraged to join one or more committees to get involved in the process and share your expertise with peers, students, or founders. To volunteer for a committee, contact InvestU@asuep.org.
Deal Review Committee
Selects the top companies for diligence and pitch events
Molly Iarocci
Senior Vice President - Private Investments & Advisory at DCA Asset Management, Inc.
Rebeca Hwang
Experienced venture capitalist and entrepreneur, Professor of Practice at Thunderbird School of Global Management, Senior Director for Thunderbird’s Center for Global Entrepreneurship and Family Business
Jeff Mindlin
ASU Enterprise Partners CIO, ASU Sustainability in Investing Faculty, Former CIO of First Allied
Charlie Lewis
SkySong Innovations Senior VP of Venture Development, Former Partner of Two VCs
Diligence Committee
Mentors student analysts and leads diligence process
Jim Waldrop
Former Executive VP of Pulte Homes, Founder of HomeSphere, and CEO of Cathay Global Investments, Serial Entrepreneur and Investor
Steve Lockard
Managing Partner at Good Work Capital, Chairman of the Board at TPI Composites
Rahul Poddar
Angel Investor, Former Executive at Honeywell and UTC Aerospace Systems
Investment Committee
Advises founders and tracks portfolio company progress
Gary Gibbons
Academic, Fund Manager, Venture Capital Investor
Chris Yoo
CEO at Yoo & Co Accelerators, Managing Director at Xcellerant Ventures
Hello! We'd like to hear from you!
At ASU, we like to keep our relationships personal. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at InvestU@asuep.org with any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!