IU Ventures

IU Ventures, established in Bloomington, Indiana since 1997, supports Indiana University students, faculty, staff, and alumni in exploring new venture opportunities. It focuses on investments in B2B, healthcare, and technology sectors.

Tony Armstrong JD

CEO and President

Mike Burton

CFO

Jason Whitney

Chief Venture Officer and Executive Director

Teri F. Willey

Managing Director

Past deals in Indiana

Amplified Sciences

Seed Round in 2024
Amplified Sciences is a molecular diagnostics company developing a point-of-care platform that enables early detection of debilitating diseases. Its sensor-based and optical reporter systems, combined with machine learning and multi-analyte assays, target cancers and chronic conditions such as pancreatic cancer and kidney disease. The technology supports detection of low-abundance disease markers in urine and saliva, with scalability to cost-effective point-of-care formats. The company leverages ultra-sensitive sensing and composition-of-matter intellectual property licensed from Purdue University to deliver single-molecule level detection. Its portfolio aims to improve patient outcomes by enabling rapid, minimally invasive testing, reducing unnecessary procedures, and expediting diagnosis across oncology and other disease areas. The platform has demonstrated prototype data and is positioned for broad applicability across multiple disease states.

Plan Forward

Seed Round in 2023
Plan Forward, LLC is a company that specializes in developing an online dental membership platform aimed at providing uninsured patients with access to dental care alternatives. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Plan Forward collaborates with dentists, group practices, and dental office managers to create and manage in-house membership plans tailored for patients who do not have traditional insurance. The platform is designed to enhance patient loyalty, increase treatment acceptance, and support revenue growth for dental practices. By offering user-friendly software with pre-built dashboards, Plan Forward enables dental professionals to effectively manage membership plans, market their services, and ensure compliance with necessary regulations.

Confluence Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2022
Confluence Pharmaceuticals LLC is a biopharmaceutical company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing therapeutic medications aimed at addressing social and communication impairments associated with fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Confluence Pharmaceuticals focuses on novel drug discovery, creating treatments for these rare neurological disorders. Its innovative approach not only targets the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and fragile X syndrome but also extends to related conditions such as Rett syndrome and treatment-resistant anxiety, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.

Apexian Pharmaceuticals

Venture Round in 2021
Apexian Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel compounds to treat cancer. Its lead drug candidate, APX3330, targets the APE1/Ref-1 redox protein found in many cancers. Founded on Dr. Mark R. Kelley's scientific discoveries at Indiana University School of Medicine, the company aims to safely and effectively treat various diseases.

Amplified Sciences

Seed Round in 2021
Amplified Sciences is a molecular diagnostics company developing a point-of-care platform that enables early detection of debilitating diseases. Its sensor-based and optical reporter systems, combined with machine learning and multi-analyte assays, target cancers and chronic conditions such as pancreatic cancer and kidney disease. The technology supports detection of low-abundance disease markers in urine and saliva, with scalability to cost-effective point-of-care formats. The company leverages ultra-sensitive sensing and composition-of-matter intellectual property licensed from Purdue University to deliver single-molecule level detection. Its portfolio aims to improve patient outcomes by enabling rapid, minimally invasive testing, reducing unnecessary procedures, and expediting diagnosis across oncology and other disease areas. The platform has demonstrated prototype data and is positioned for broad applicability across multiple disease states.

Encamp

Venture Round in 2021
Founded in 2017, Encamp specializes in automating environmental compliance tasks. Its software centralizes EHS information, tracks hazardous materials, generates automated reports for regulatory bodies, and manages waste documentation.

Confluence Pharmaceuticals

Convertible Note in 2020
Confluence Pharmaceuticals LLC is a biopharmaceutical company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, founded in 2010. The company specializes in developing therapeutic medications aimed at addressing social and communication impairments associated with fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. Confluence Pharmaceuticals focuses on novel drug discovery, creating treatments for these rare neurological disorders. Its innovative approach not only targets the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and fragile X syndrome but also extends to related conditions such as Rett syndrome and treatment-resistant anxiety, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of life for affected individuals.

Diagnotes

Venture Round in 2020
Diagnotes, Inc. is a digital healthcare company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in enhancing communication and collaboration within the healthcare industry. Founded in 2010, Diagnotes offers a clinical communication platform designed for secure messaging, provider scheduling, patient data management, and documentation of discussions. The platform is tailored to the natural communication habits of healthcare professionals and their patients, facilitating seamless interactions among patients, physicians, care teams, hospitals, and other healthcare entities. Diagnotes serves a diverse clientele, including large health systems, community hospitals, long-term care facilities, and behavioral health organizations. Its applications are versatile, enabling uses from simple secure messaging to telehealth consultations, particularly beneficial for connecting specialists with patients in rural areas through live video. The platform's user-friendly design promotes quick implementation and adoption, making it an integral tool for managing patient-related communications effectively.

Canopy

Seed Round in 2020
Canopy is a technology company that develops and operates an online platform designed for frontline sales managers. The platform provides insights into user data, facilitating a deep understanding of sales performance at the individual seller level. By utilizing data snapshotting, Canopy identifies key opportunities and potential risks, allowing managers to proactively address issues before they affect deals. The platform enhances decision-making, aids in tracking team performance, and supports effective coaching by providing managers with the necessary context to guide their sales representatives. Canopy's innovative approach aims to improve forecast accuracy and drive strategic changes, ultimately enabling clients to achieve consistent success within their sales teams. Founded in 2019 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company was previously known as Loupe Software, Inc.

Encamp

Series A in 2020
Founded in 2017, Encamp specializes in automating environmental compliance tasks. Its software centralizes EHS information, tracks hazardous materials, generates automated reports for regulatory bodies, and manages waste documentation.

NERx Biosciences

Seed Round in 2019
NERx BioSciences Inc is focused on discovering and developing targeted therapeutics for cancer, specifically lung and ovarian cancers. Established in 2009 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company specializes in creating novel biopharmaceutical compounds designed to repair the DNA damage response pathway. By developing Ku protein inhibitors, NERx BioSciences aims to target specific cellular processes that allow for the detection and elimination of cancer cells while minimizing effects on healthy cells. This approach enables medical researchers to identify preclinical anti-cancer targets, facilitating faster, safer, and more cost-effective cancer treatment options.

Doxly

Venture Round in 2018
Doxly, Inc. is a technology company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in developing transaction-management software specifically designed for law firms. Founded in 2016, Doxly aims to streamline and simplify the complex processes involved in managing legal transactions. The platform enhances efficiency by offering features such as automated workflows, intelligent diligence processes, closing checklists, document-level collaboration, and transaction analytics. By addressing the common frustrations lawyers face during legal transactions, Doxly enables legal professionals to deliver improved client experiences while optimizing their practice management capabilities. In 2019, Doxly became a subsidiary of Freedom Solutions Group, LLC.

MatterFab

Series A in 2015
MatterFab is a manufacturing-focused company that provides production-grade 3D metal printing solutions. Based in Bloomington, Indiana, and founded in 2013, MatterFab offers a scalable additive manufacturing platform that combines metal printers, material supply, traceable powder cartridges, and integrated services such as training, maintenance, and application engineering support to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing in client organizations. Its offerings enable rapid production of end-use metal parts and help customers deploy additive manufacturing at scale, reshaping industrial fabrication.

Haven

Seed Round in 2014
Haven is a technology company based in Fishers, Indiana, that offers a mobile application and website designed to assist homeowners in managing their home maintenance needs. The platform utilizes predictive technology to help users learn about and anticipate necessary updates for their homes. It features a personalized reminder system that tracks preferences, schedules maintenance tasks, and organizes important documents such as receipts and records. Additionally, Haven connects homeowners with licensed, insured, and pre-vetted service professionals, facilitating the scheduling and payment of services directly through the app. By providing these tools, Haven empowers homeowners to take a proactive approach to home maintenance, enhancing their confidence and peace of mind.

MatterFab

Seed Round in 2014
MatterFab is a manufacturing-focused company that provides production-grade 3D metal printing solutions. Based in Bloomington, Indiana, and founded in 2013, MatterFab offers a scalable additive manufacturing platform that combines metal printers, material supply, traceable powder cartridges, and integrated services such as training, maintenance, and application engineering support to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing in client organizations. Its offerings enable rapid production of end-use metal parts and help customers deploy additive manufacturing at scale, reshaping industrial fabrication.

Diagnotes

Series A in 2013
Diagnotes, Inc. is a digital healthcare company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in enhancing communication and collaboration within the healthcare industry. Founded in 2010, Diagnotes offers a clinical communication platform designed for secure messaging, provider scheduling, patient data management, and documentation of discussions. The platform is tailored to the natural communication habits of healthcare professionals and their patients, facilitating seamless interactions among patients, physicians, care teams, hospitals, and other healthcare entities. Diagnotes serves a diverse clientele, including large health systems, community hospitals, long-term care facilities, and behavioral health organizations. Its applications are versatile, enabling uses from simple secure messaging to telehealth consultations, particularly beneficial for connecting specialists with patients in rural areas through live video. The platform's user-friendly design promotes quick implementation and adoption, making it an integral tool for managing patient-related communications effectively.

Cause.it

Seed Round in 2012
Cause.it Inc. is a company based in Indianapolis, Indiana, that specializes in developing mobile applications aimed at enhancing engagement between higher education institutions and their alumni. Founded in 2011, Cause.it provides digital tools that allow schools to connect with graduates by enabling them to create personalized affinity profiles based on their interests. This information helps institutions tailor their engagement strategies and improve their fundraising efforts by moving away from traditional direct mail and telemarketing methods. The platform also facilitates volunteer engagement, offering nonprofits tools to organize service events and communicate effectively with volunteers. By focusing on simplicity and user engagement, Cause.it aims to create a more efficient and effective fundraising experience for both alumni and educational institutions.

Aarden Pharmaceuticals

Seed Round in 2011
Aarden Pharmaceuticals is a small molecule drug discovery and development company. The company’s novel technology is a chemistry breakthrough that will enable it to make drugs against a previously un-druggable set of intracellular phosphatase (PTP) disease targets. The technology was developed in the laboratory of Dr. Zhong-Yin Zhang, Robert A. Harris Professor and chairman of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Zhang is an internationally recognized expert in the field of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Aarden’s first programs are focused on infectious disease, cancer, and metabolic and autoimmune conditions.

Apexian Pharmaceuticals

Seed Round in 2010
Apexian Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel compounds to treat cancer. Its lead drug candidate, APX3330, targets the APE1/Ref-1 redox protein found in many cancers. Founded on Dr. Mark R. Kelley's scientific discoveries at Indiana University School of Medicine, the company aims to safely and effectively treat various diseases.
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