The Business Accelerator is not a physical incubator, but a platform of scalable information management systems and core services including legal, IP assessment, finance/accounting, HR, IT and marketing support. This platform, leveraged across all portfolio companies, saves money for each company and enables them to get things done right the first time. This allows management to focus on the most critical business issues: customers, products or services, market share and revenue ramp-up, which when executed efficiently and effectively, create value for shareholders.

Products launched the wrong way, or to the wrong market, often require reworking later at a huge cost of time, capital and equity. Without experienced people, effective systems, proven processes and predictable capitalization, far too many mistakes are made and potentially great companies fail before they have a real chance to succeed. A significant percentage of the resources within the startup are consumed with the effort needed to raise multiple early fund raising rounds and acquire experienced people. These activities detract from the very task that is most essential – the development of the technology and the business.

IP is the primary asset for many corporations, but it is often not well defined or understood. The University Funds deploys patent analytics and very experienced people to extend the research so the Fund will have the best possible understanding of the patent landscape for technologies/science it is considering, as well as gaining insights into the IP needs of our corporate partners.

The Accelerator’s General Counsel provides daily legal counsel to our Portfolio Companies, and oversee creation of the initial formation and early operational legal documents for those companies. The objective is to provide standardized, one-stop, basic legal services for Portfolio Companies. This promises efficiencies and cost savings for the Fund, and insures all legal instruments are properly constructed.

Financial models and budgets are integrated using robust and centrally managed accounting software. This approach provides clear financial reporting and cash-flow information, and facilitates auditing for individual Portfolio Companies and for the Fund overall. The correct accounting system and processes will insure that early stage companies look and act like well managed companies. Financial models and accounting systems are vetted with the Funds CPA firm (Deloitte & Touche) for accuracy and to simplify the audit process.

HR for the Accelerator and our Portfolio Companies will be managed via an outsourced HR consulting firm which offers an efficient means of managing all of HR at a dramatically reduced overall cost. This Partner firm has the hosted systems and deep HR management experience to provide all management services and documentation for start-up and follow on services, including healthcare, benefits and payroll.

Hosted systems in the cloud are becoming the norm. The University Funds Accelerator team has experience deploying centrally managed solutions such as email/communications, accounting, document management, CRM, sales management, and project planning. The Accelerator delivers a consistent, clear view into the workings of each Portfolio Company and a common board reporting system that will assist management and provide oversight to The University Funds and our Limited Partners.

Marketing material, branding, packaging design, web sites, online marketing, press releases and revenue development campaigns can be centrally enabled, coordinated and managed. Marketing strategy, PR and Advertising programs, and Sales Support campaigns can be customized to a Portfolio Company’s needs, then closely monitored by Accelerator Marketing Specialists to deliver the highest value for dollars allocated.

The Business Accelerator executives have over $100 million in successfully written grants to their credit. Early stage investments by the Fund facilitate grant acquisition as an available and attractive funding option. The University Funds aggressively focuses on the multitude of government grants and other federally sourced capital. Where available, such grants will leverage the Fund’s capital investment.

Any company that operates within a controlled industry, such as medical devices or aerospace, faces significant hurdles for setting up their quality control systems and addressing regulatory requirements. In addition, any company seeking ISO 900x, ISO 13485 certification, or that must address safety and EMC performance requirements, has the need to understand and comply with multiple government regulations. Regulatory and quality control resources available through the Accelerator provide expert guidance and regulatory submittal assistance and consultation.

Consistent and effective Company Governance is a clear priority for The University Funds and for our Fund Limited Partners. Representation on the Portfolio Companies’ Board of Directors and their Technical Advisory Boards will be provided by the University Funds management and/or the Business Accelerator Executive Team, ensuring high quality, competent guidance.