University Venture Fund

University Growth Fund, established in 2001 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is the largest student-managed venture capital fund in the United States, with a capital base of $18.2 million. It operates as an independent venture fund, engaging students from various universities, including Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, in the venture capital process. The fund focuses on early-stage investments across a diverse range of industries, including consumer products, software, biotechnology, and healthcare. By promoting entrepreneurship, University Growth Fund provides students with unique opportunities to collaborate with experienced venture capitalists on due diligence for start-up investments. The fund only co-invests with reputable institutional investors and has collaborated with notable venture firms, enhancing its ability to identify high-growth and stable investment opportunities. Additionally, the fund hosts the University Private Equity Summit, fostering knowledge exchange among business students from across North America.

Jun Song

Senior Associate

25 past transactions

BeeReaders

Seed Round in 2023
BeeReaders is a digital platform dedicated to enhancing literacy skills among Spanish-speaking K-12 students. The platform provides personalized learning experiences through original Spanish content presented in a game-like format. It includes an español placement test and a proprietary leveling system that ensures culturally relevant material is accessible to users. Additionally, BeeReaders offers a supplemental program designed to support hybrid instruction, allowing students to monitor their progress, generate reports, and advance their academic success effectively.

BeeReaders

Seed Round in 2022
BeeReaders is a digital platform dedicated to enhancing literacy skills among Spanish-speaking K-12 students. The platform provides personalized learning experiences through original Spanish content presented in a game-like format. It includes an español placement test and a proprietary leveling system that ensures culturally relevant material is accessible to users. Additionally, BeeReaders offers a supplemental program designed to support hybrid instruction, allowing students to monitor their progress, generate reports, and advance their academic success effectively.

Algramo

Series A in 2021
Algramo is a Chilean company founded in 2013 that focuses on retailing consumer products through automated dispensing machines. The business model centers on providing basic necessity items, such as detergents, rice, and oil, in returnable containers, thereby allowing customers to purchase products in bulk at reduced prices. This approach addresses the issue of financial accessibility for low-income families, who often cannot afford larger quantities due to liquidity constraints. By establishing wholesale relationships with manufacturers, Algramo is able to source products in bulk and eliminate packaging costs, while maintaining product quality. The company's innovative platform not only minimizes waste associated with traditional packaging but also promotes a more sustainable approach to consumer goods. Through its unique distribution system, Algramo aims to significantly impact both economic and environmental challenges in the retail sector.

Vutility

Series A in 2020
Vutility, Inc. specializes in real-time utility monitoring and reporting through a mobile application designed to help consumers, businesses, and governments manage and reduce their water and energy consumption. Established in 2015 and headquartered in Sandy, Utah, the company employs its proprietary HotDrop technology to deliver accurate and timely information on utility usage. This enables users to monitor their consumption effectively, optimize energy use, and ultimately lower utility bills. Vutility serves various sectors, including commercial, solar, and utilities, aiming to promote sustainability while enhancing operational efficiencies.

Recyclops

Convertible Note in 2019
Recyclops is a startup technology company that innovates customer-centric and sustainability solutions. Recyclops leverages technology and local communities to bring recycling to communities that normally wouldn’t have access to it. It was founded in 2013 and headquartered in Orem, Utah.

GoReact

Venture Round in 2018
GoReact provides software for video-based skill assessment. It is reshaping education by humanizing and accelerating skills-based learning. The education software facilitates scalable video observation, coaching, and assessment that drives skills competency. The company was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Orem, Utah.

Lineagen

Series C in 2015
Lineagen, Inc. is a genetics diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in genetic testing and clinical information services for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Founded in 2002, the company offers a range of diagnostic tools, including FirstStepDx PLUS, a chromosomal microarray platform designed to identify genomic changes related to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and NextStepDx PLUS, a genetic sequencing test for detecting small genomic alterations. Additionally, Lineagen provides M-CHAT.org, an online screening resource for developmental evaluation. The company focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with autism and other complex diseases by enabling early diagnosis and intervention. Lineagen's research capabilities are enhanced by its access to the Utah Population Database through the University of Utah, which supports significant discoveries in disease-related genetics. As of August 2020, Lineagen operates as a subsidiary of Bionano Genomics, Inc.

Galvanize

Series A in 2014
Galvanize is a school for entrepreneurs, engineers, and data scientists. It is a learning community for technology with nine physical and two remote campuses, where innovative startups, aspiring students, and large enterprises benefit from this dynamic, unique business ecosystem. Galvanize is backed by investors including, but not limited to, Catalyst Investors, ABS Capital Partners, University Ventures, New Markets Venture Partners, and Colorado Impact Fund. The company was co-founded by Tony Mugavero, Chris Onan, Jim Deters, and Lawrence Mandes in 2012, and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

Lineagen

Series C in 2013
Lineagen, Inc. is a genetics diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in genetic testing and clinical information services for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Founded in 2002, the company offers a range of diagnostic tools, including FirstStepDx PLUS, a chromosomal microarray platform designed to identify genomic changes related to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and NextStepDx PLUS, a genetic sequencing test for detecting small genomic alterations. Additionally, Lineagen provides M-CHAT.org, an online screening resource for developmental evaluation. The company focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with autism and other complex diseases by enabling early diagnosis and intervention. Lineagen's research capabilities are enhanced by its access to the Utah Population Database through the University of Utah, which supports significant discoveries in disease-related genetics. As of August 2020, Lineagen operates as a subsidiary of Bionano Genomics, Inc.

Workfront

Series C in 2012
Workfront, Inc. develops cloud-based enterprise work management solutions designed to enhance productivity and collaboration for marketing teams, IT departments, and other enterprise groups. Its primary offering, Workfront Enterprise Work Cloud, provides a centralized platform for managing various work processes throughout their lifecycle, reducing reliance on excessive emails and status meetings. Additionally, Workfront Fusion serves as an integration platform, allowing users to connect their work management system with other business applications. The company caters to diverse needs, including corporate application development, new product development, and marketing work management for creative services and agencies. Workfront also offers consulting, education, and support services to its clients. Founded in 2001 and based in Lehi, Utah, Workfront has operations in the United States and internationally, with data centers located in Ireland, Germany, and the United States. It became a subsidiary of Adobe Inc. in December 2020.

Coherex Medical

Series B in 2012
Coherex Medical, Inc. specializes in the design, development, and marketing of catheter-based technologies aimed at treating structural heart defects. The company focuses on developing devices for patients with atrial fibrillation who are at risk for stroke, including an innovative closure system for the left atrial appendage (LAA) and a patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure system that promotes tissue in-growth for long-term closure. Founded in 2003 as Proximare, Inc., the company rebranded to Coherex Medical in 2006 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Coherex Medical serves both domestic and international markets, providing crucial treatment options for structural heart conditions. As of 2015, the company operates as a subsidiary of Biosense Webster, Inc.

Catheter Connections

Venture Round in 2011
Catheter Connections, Inc. develops and commercializes vascular access products to protect patients from acquiring infections during intravenous infusion therapy (IV). The company offers DualCap System, a set of user-friendly products that provides healthcare facilities with an integrated solution for IV disinfection and protection by helping in the fight against IV catheter-related blood stream infections. Its DualCap System safely disinfects IV tubing end connectors and IV catheter access valves for infection control. The company offers its products through sales representatives. Catheter Connections, Inc. was founded in 2008 and is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. As of January 31, 2017, Catheter Connections, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Merit Medical Systems, Inc.

Veritract

Series A in 2011
Each year approximately 3,000 people in the US die because of incorrectly placed feeding tubes. Veritract is developing feeding tubes with integrated optics and steering allowing precision tube placement and confirmation in the GI tract through direct vision. Their technology can be utilized to prevent unnecessary deaths or serious complications.

TrustedID

Venture Round in 2010
TrustedID, Inc. specializes in proactive identity protection solutions tailored for corporations, organizations, and government agencies. Founded in 2005 and based in Palo Alto, California, the company offers a range of services designed to prevent identity theft before it occurs. Its key products include IDFreeze, which allows users to halt identity theft proactively, and CreditLock, which secures credit reports from unauthorized third-party access. Additionally, TrustedID provides Threat Score, a risk assessment service that quantifies an individual's vulnerability to identity theft. The company's IDEssentials package combines identity theft protection with credit monitoring and reporting services. TrustedID also offers data breach response services to protect victims of data breaches. Its products are available through financial institutions, consumer brands, and directly via its website.

Barosense

Series D in 2009
BaroSense is committed to develop and commercialize novel anti-obesity products that provide a meaningful contribution to this leading healthcare problem facing the United States today. BaroSense was conceived in order to create a safe, simple, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to the surgical treatment of obesity - an innovative approach to assist those people who need help beyond traditional diets, and who wish to avoid extensive, irreversible surgery.

Control4

Venture Round in 2009
Control4 Corporation specializes in smart home and business automation solutions, providing a range of products and services designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and security. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the company offers an integrated home operating system that consolidates control over various devices, including audio, video, lighting, temperature, and security systems. Control4's product lineup features both hardware and software components, such as wireless dimmers, touch screens, controllers, and the Control4 application that allows users to manage their homes remotely. The company works with a network of dealers, custom integrators, and retail outlets to distribute its products across the United States, Canada, and internationally. Additionally, Control4 provides tools for installers to create personalized automation solutions, ensuring that users can tailor their systems to meet specific needs.

Alianza

Series A in 2009
Alianza is a company that specializes in cloud communications software aimed at enhancing the delivery of voice services for broadband providers. Founded in 2009 and based in Lindon, Utah, Alianza offers a virtualized software solution that allows cable, mobile, and telecom providers to quickly customize and launch Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and unified communications (UC) services. By leveraging its cloud-based platform, Alianza helps service providers reduce operational costs and eliminate capital expenditures, enabling a more efficient and profitable delivery model. The company’s customers include notable names such as Blue Ridge Communications and ViaSat. Alianza's approach simplifies the complexities of traditional voice networks, facilitating innovation and growth in the telecommunications sector.

Transpond

Series A in 2009
Transpond offers an application platform that allows brands to create, publish, manage, and track engagement with their content across social and mobile platforms. The platform is designed for marketing professionals, enabling them to develop fully branded applications that enhance consumer interaction through features such as polls, quizzes, games, interactive commerce, and content syndication. These applications can be distributed instantly across various channels, ensuring that content remains engaging, social, and measurable at all consumer touchpoints without requiring expensive custom engineering. Notable clients include major companies like CBS, NBC Universal, and Universal Music Group. Transpond operates as a privately owned entity.

Advent Solar

Series D in 2007
Advent Solar, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, specializes in the production of silicon photovoltaic cells and modules. The company focuses on advanced technology that enhances the efficiency and design of solar energy solutions. Through its patented Ventura Technology, Advent Solar offers a comprehensive cell-to-module architecture that aims to deliver high-performance solar modules with significant value. The company operates a licensing model to distribute its innovative intellectual property, positioning itself as a leader in the solar industry. Advent Solar is committed to advancing solar technology and improving smart grid economics through its cutting-edge products.

Daz 3d

Series A in 2007
Daz Productions, Inc., known as Daz 3D, is a company specializing in the development of 3D models and software solutions. Established in 2000 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Daz 3D offers a wide range of 3D content used in movies, video games, comic books, and various forms of digital media. The company is particularly recognized for its morphable and posable human models, such as Victoria and Michael, which are among the most popular 3D figures globally. Daz Studio, the company's flagship software, is available for free and enables both amateur and professional artists to create and customize 3D graphics efficiently. In addition to its software, Daz 3D maintains a large library of compatible content for sale and serves as a marketplace for 3D artists to showcase and sell their work. The company has garnered support from notable venture capital firms, enhancing its position in the 3D modeling industry.

Ancora Pharmaceuticals

Series A in 2007
Ancora Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, develops immune system modulation therapeutics using synthetic carbohydrates in the United States. Its products include vaccines against bacterial, parasitic, and viral infectious diseases, as well as therapeutics to treat cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The company was incorporated in 2001 and is based in Medford, Massachusetts. As of October 31, 2013, Ancora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Corden Pharma Switzerland LLC.

Socialtext

Venture Round in 2006
Socialtext is a company that specializes in enterprise social software, offering an integrated suite of web-based applications designed to enhance collaboration within organizations. By providing tools such as microblogging, blogs, wikis, profiles, and social spreadsheets, Socialtext enables employees to share critical information and work together in real-time, effectively breaking down information silos. The software is available through various deployment options, including hosted cloud services and on-site appliances, ensuring that enterprise customers can meet their specific security needs. Built on a flexible, web-oriented architecture, Socialtext's platform integrates seamlessly with traditional systems of record, such as CRM and ERP, allowing organizations to streamline discussions, collaboration, and action on essential business processes. With over 6,500 clients globally, including notable companies like Getty Images and Symantec, Socialtext has been instrumental in enhancing business performance through its innovative solutions.

Merrimack

Venture Round in 2006
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1993. The company focuses on the discovery, design, and development of innovative therapies for diseases related to autoimmunity and cancer. Its notable products include MM-093, aimed at treating rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, and MM-121, a human monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit the ErbB3 receptor signaling. Merrimack employs a systems biology approach, utilizing multidisciplinary capabilities to create predictive computational models of biological systems, particularly in cell signaling networks. Additionally, the company engages in partnerships with third parties to enhance the commercialization of its therapeutics.

Barosense

Series B in 2004
BaroSense is committed to develop and commercialize novel anti-obesity products that provide a meaningful contribution to this leading healthcare problem facing the United States today. BaroSense was conceived in order to create a safe, simple, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to the surgical treatment of obesity - an innovative approach to assist those people who need help beyond traditional diets, and who wish to avoid extensive, irreversible surgery.

Salus Therapeutics

Series A in 1999
Salus Therapeutics Inc., a privately held biotechnology company founded in July 1999 and located in Salt Lake City, uses a proprietary "OptiSense(R)" technology for the discovery of new oligonucleotide-based medicines. The company's unique co-polymers are used as transfection vehicles to deliver RNA- and DNA-based drugs.
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