University of Auckland Inventors Fund

The University of Auckland Inventors' Fund is an investment fund managed by UniServices, the university's commercialisation arm. It was set up in 2016 to turn university research, intellectual property and student ventures into growing companies.

Products and services

• Pre-seed and seed investment: aims to be the first investor in University of Auckland spin-out companies.
• Co-investor partnerships: works early with co-investors who share its aim of building companies from intellectual property.
• Evergreen structure: returns are reinvested into later companies and technologies.
• Idea disclosure: founders send in an idea through a secure online form, which opens a discussion on eligibility.

Who it serves

Current University of Auckland researchers and students, and academics with research to commercialise.

Key facts

• Founded: 2016
• Manager: UniServices
• Fund type: Open-ended and evergreen
• Eligibility: Current university researchers and students