Stages:

• Seed

 

Industries:

Energy & Clean Tech

Financial Services

Information Technology

Life Sciences & Healthcare

Medical Device

Retail & Restaurant

Software & Internet

 

Description:

Washington Research Foundation (WRF) was founded in 1981 to help Washington State research institutions capture value from emerging technologies through intellectual property management and start-up investment activities. WRF is an independent private foundation whose operational revenue comes from retained funds from licensing and investing activities. WRF Capital manages Washington Research Foundation's (WRF) seed venture fund by creating and investing primarily in technology-based start-up companies that have strong ties to the University of Washington and other non-profit research institutions in Washington State. WRF Capital invests in two types of companies: (1) WRF founded companies in which WRF Capital and an entrepreneur create a business concept and start a company and (2) Non-WRF founded companies in which WRF Capital invests in a company opportunity presented by an entrepreneur. In both cases, WRF Capital actively seeks co-investors, investing up to $2 million in the firm's portfolio companies with proceeds from investments used to make financial gifts to Washington State research institutions. WRF invests only in companies located in Washington State with ties to not-for-profit research insitutions. The industry focus includes IT, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences. In addition to providing seed capital through WRF Capital, the WRF leases office space to technology-based start-ups through the WRF Venture Center. The WRF Venture Center offers entrepreneurs short-term, flexible office facilities and business support in a desirable location on Lake Union, midway between the University District and downtown Seattle. WRF has funded 114 local startups through WRF Capital, a reserve pool of funds for investing in early-stage Washington state companies.