Funding Environment for University Based Startups 

Do you have an university startup, but have no idea how to get funding to support the new venture?  Then join the Office of Technology Transfer to learn about local resources to support entrepreneurs and emerging companies.

Topics include:

• Current environment for accessing funding for university startups
• Models currently used at other institutions
• Today's overall funding environment
• Introduction to the Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network and how it supports early-stage companies in NC

Gues t Speaker:   

    Robert J. Creeden

Executive Director, Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network

In addition to more than 30 years of experience in commercializing new technologies, both as an entrepreneur and investor, Bob has more than 20 years of experience in early stage venture capital investing. He served as vice president of the Massachusetts Technology Development Corporation, an early stage venture firm that funds technology-based companies, and then as General Partner at Egan-Managed Capital, a $150 million dollar Boston-based venture fund. His 2005 appointment by Partners Healthcare, located in Boston, to establish the Partners Innovation Fund (PIF) was the culmination of his success as an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and executive. Earlier in his career, Bob gained strategic operating expertise as a COO/CFO with start-up ventures.

While serving in a leadership role on the boards of portfolio companies and developing strong relationships with co-investors from New England and across the country, Bob has reviewed more than 2,500 business plans and invested in more than 40 companies. His portfolio has included companies developing leading-edge technologies in software, telecommunications, life sciences, semiconductors, medical devices, manufacturing and advanced materials. He has extensive experience in putting together syndicates of investors, corporations and third parties to fund technology companies through investment, partnership, joint development and research agreements.

Bob holds an AB in Economics from Holy Cross College and an MBA from Suffolk University, and is a member of the faculty in the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program of the Gordon Institute at Tufts University. He is a former member of the Advisory Board for the WPI Collaborative for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and a former Chair of the WPI Venture Forum, where he currently serves on the Board. He is also the current Chair and Director of The Capital Network and a frequent speaker on entrepreneurship and early-stage investing.