Atlantic Bridge University Fund

The Atlantic Bridge University Fund is a specialized venture capital initiative launched by Atlantic Bridge, a global growth equity firm, in partnership with the European Investment Fund (EIF) and eight leading Irish universities. Established in 2018, the fund's primary objective is to commercialize cutting-edge research and intellectual property emerging from these academic institutions, transforming them into high-growth, world-class technology companies. It specifically targets deep tech ventures, including areas like AI, IoT, advanced materials, and life sciences, that originate from university research labs.

This dedicated fund plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between academic innovation and market readiness within the Irish ecosystem. With a total capital commitment of €60 million (approximately $64.8 million USD), the fund aims to provide essential early-stage capital to promising spin-out companies. Its investment strategy focuses on seed and Series A rounds, supporting entrepreneurs with the ambition to scale their ventures globally. The fund's unique structure, involving direct collaboration with eight universities, provides it with privileged access to a pipeline of groundbreaking technologies and scientific talent.

The Atlantic Bridge University Fund typically makes initial investments ranging from approximately $500,000 to $2,500,000, depending on the stage of development and capital requirements of the spin-out. These initial cheques are often followed by subsequent investments as companies achieve milestones and progress through later funding rounds. The fund seeks to back companies that demonstrate strong intellectual property, a clear path to market, and a scalable business model, aligning with Atlantic Bridge's broader mandate of investing in companies with the potential for significant global impact. Its focus on deep tech and university-led innovation positions it as a key player in fostering Ireland's knowledge economy.