UH forges new partnerships with Houston Angel Network and Houston Exponential to create community of early-stage investors

The University of Houston announced a groundbreaking new partnership with the Houston Angel Network and Houston Exponential that will create investment and mentorship opportunities for UH alumni who want to be part of the growing innovation community of the University.

The partnership, which brings together a leading academic institution, a strong regional innovation organization and one of the country’s leading angel investor groups, will not only help activate accredited early-stage investors and capital, but will also provide an accelerated pathway for UH alumni and the broader community. to learn more and interact with start-ups too.

“We are excited to partner with Houston Angel Network and Houston Exponential to continue to grow what is already one of the region’s strongest startup communities,” said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, vice president of energy and of innovation at UH. “Investors play a vital role in the startup ecosystem and this initiative allows our alumni to quickly become angel investors. Our vision is to attract more investors with strong ties to UH and who support world-class innovation in our community and beyond.

UH’s Technology Bridge will serve as a foundation for collaboration, Houston Exponential will provide ecosystem and entrepreneurship support, and Houston Angel Network will bring more than two decades of investment expertise to hundreds of startups in the fields of technology, energy, life sciences, consumption. and the aerospace sectors. The organizations will work together on programming, education and engagement opportunities for investors and the broader innovation ecosystem.

“This relationship demonstrates the collaborative spirit of Greater Houston’s business and academic communities,” said Mitra Miller, vice president of the Houston Angel Network. “By leveraging the combined expertise and resources of our three organizations, we can increase the flow of early-stage capital into our region to support great innovators and high-growth companies.”

“An active, educated investor base is an essential part of a thriving startup ecosystem,” said Natara Branch, CEO of Houston Exponential. “We are delighted to partner on this cutting-edge initiative which promises to be a roadmap for investment education and support for future investors and entrepreneurs. »

Tech Bridge is Houston’s premier community for technology commercialization, industry partnerships and startup development where research and innovation thrives. In seven of the last eight years, UH has ranked among the top 100 global universities in the number of utility patents issued. UH is also home to the nation’s top-ranked undergraduate entrepreneurship program, the Cylvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship.

“Our founders are launching many exciting new companies, but they need better access to capital,” said Tanu Chatterji, associate director of startup development at UH. “This partnership will help us mobilize angel investors who want to support these innovators with knowledge and financial resources. »

UH alumni interested in becoming angel investors should contact Tanu Chatterji at [email protected] for more information.