Vanderbilt Venture Partners (VVP)

Our Mission

The Venture Partners Program is designed to provide greater and more meaningful interactions between faculty and staff entrepreneurs, their startup companies, and qualified seed and Series A investors looking for the latest tech-enabled market opportunities.   

Interested In Learning More?

Contact: Cameron Crain, Venture Acceleration Manager

Illustration of Vanderbilt Venture Partners connecting academic innovation to the investor marketplace, featuring a bridge over a divide with researchers and business professionals, scientific equipment, charts, and a plant symbolizing growth, alongside the Vanderbilt Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization logo.

VVP Program Elements

  • Build relationships with venture investors
  • Align investment interests with Vanderbilt startups
  • Facilitate introductions between investors and founders
  • Advise Vanderbilt Portfolio Companies
  • Coach scientific founders through the commercialization process

 

 

Mutual Value Creation

Image of investors speaking

Vanderbilt Venture Partners will receive:

  • Exclusive Access & Tailored Investment Opportunities: Engage with Vanderbilt research-funded technologies and receive curated investment pitches that align with your interests, driving mutual success.
  • Collaborative Co-Investment: Partner as a co-investor on handpicked deal flow sourced from the Innovation Investment Committee (Seed Fund), ensuring you have access to the most promising opportunities.
  • Enhance Regional Presence: Take advantage of opportunities to judge, present on panels, join committees, and co-sponsor prestigious pitch events, significantly boosting your visibility on campus and within the regional startup ecosystem.s
Image of Founders

Vanderbilt inventors will receive:

  • Access to Capital & Coaching: Gain crucial access to funding and expert guidance that can help turn your innovative ideas into viable businesses.
  • Market Feedback & Mentorship: Receive valuable insights from experienced professionals and industry veterans who can help refine your product and market strategy.
  • Ecosystem Exposure: Immerse yourself in a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem that offers networking opportunities, resources, and potential partnerships to elevate your startup journey.
Image of one of VVP's founders at SVS 2025

Vanderbilt Venture Partners:

  • Provide financial support.
  • Build strong, meaningful relationships with visionary scientific founders.
  • Share a vision that aligns with Vanderbilt's technological goals.
  • Engage with projects from the early stages.
  • Offer insights and feedback on market trends.
  • Connect skilled individuals and teams.

Why Now? 

  • $1.2B+ in annual research expenditures
  • 18 startups facilitated (16 in FY25)
  • Unparalleled culture and commitment to Entrepreneurship and venture building
  • Dedicated venture professional team with combined 50+ years of experience
  • Top 20 research university + top tier academic medical center

 

Ready to bridge the gap and bring your research to market? 

Contact Cam Crain, Venture Acceleration Manager, to learn more about the Vanderbilt Venture Partners program.