Rice University

Rice University, established in 1912 and located in Houston, Texas, is a private research institution primarily focused on undergraduate education. The university comprises eleven residential colleges and eight academic schools, including the Wiess School of Natural Sciences and the George R. Brown School of Engineering. It offers graduate programs through various schools, such as the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business and the School of Architecture. Rice is recognized for its strong emphasis on applied science, particularly in fields such as artificial heart research and nanotechnology, and it has received accolades for its materials science research. The university enforces a strict Honor Code through a student-run Honor Council, fostering a culture of integrity. With approximately 3,900 undergraduates and 2,600 graduate students from diverse backgrounds, Rice University is a member of the Association of American Universities and is noted for its entrepreneurial activities and business incubation efforts.

Jaime Aguirre

Investment Director, Private Equity and Venture Capital

Alan Arnold

Investment Director, Real Estate

Ceci Arreola

Investment Manager, Real Estate

Kate Butler

Investment Manager, Private Equity and Venture Capital

Scott Butterfield

Investment Manager, Real Estate Operations

Kathy Collins

Vice President for Finance

Bryant Gil

Investment Associate

Scott Irby

Senior Investment Associate, Real Estate

John Lawrence

Investment Director, Natural Resources and Public Equities

Morgan Lera

Senior Investment Associate, Real Estate

David Levin

Senior Investment Associate

Cindy Melton

Treasury and Operations Director

Claire Dwyer Nelson

Associate Treasurer

Larry Perez

Associate Treasurer

George Randt

Investment Associate

Kirsten Roberts

Associate Investment Manager

Allison K. Thacker

President and Chief Investment Officer

4 past transactions

RANDIAN

Seed Round in 2019
RANDIAN LLC operates an innovative interactive shopping network that allows users to engage with shows while purchasing clothing items worn by their favorite characters. The platform features a patented technology that enhances videos and shows by integrating e-commerce capabilities, enabling users to click on clothing items to view descriptions and add them to their shopping carts. This unique approach not only enriches the viewing experience but also facilitates direct sales for various brands. Based in Sherman Oaks, California, RANDIAN serves a diverse clientele, including brands, content creators, and investors, positioning itself as a forward-thinking player in the intersection of entertainment and retail.

OncoResponse

Series B in 2018
OncoResponse Inc. is an immuno-oncology company based in Houston, Texas, focused on discovering new cancer immunotherapies and therapeutic antibodies. The company collaborates with MD Anderson Cancer Center to utilize the I-STAR™ platform, which analyzes the human memory B-cell repertoire of patients who have demonstrated exceptional responses to immunotherapy, referred to as "Elite Responders." By studying these patients, OncoResponse aims to harness the human immune system to identify fully human monoclonal antibodies and novel targets. This approach is intended to facilitate the development of innovative antibody-derived therapeutics for cancer treatment.

Medical Magnesium

Seed Round in 2017
Medical Magnesium develops metallic bioabsorbable implants for orthopedic and trauma surgery. The implants are mechanically stable and physiologically degradable after fracture healing. A second surgery to remove the implants becomes needless. Our goal is to offer surgeons and patients tailor-made, highly functional magnesium-based solutions. We want to contribute to a next generation of implants, which make more and more single-surgery therapies possible. Metal removal is no longer necessary using innovative bioabsorbable implants. As a startup from RWTH Aachen University, we bring results from interdisciplinary research in engineering and medicine into surgical practice. The material technology has been developed and extensively tested as the basis for first implant products.

OncoResponse

Series A in 2016
OncoResponse Inc. is an immuno-oncology company based in Houston, Texas, focused on discovering new cancer immunotherapies and therapeutic antibodies. The company collaborates with MD Anderson Cancer Center to utilize the I-STAR™ platform, which analyzes the human memory B-cell repertoire of patients who have demonstrated exceptional responses to immunotherapy, referred to as "Elite Responders." By studying these patients, OncoResponse aims to harness the human immune system to identify fully human monoclonal antibodies and novel targets. This approach is intended to facilitate the development of innovative antibody-derived therapeutics for cancer treatment.