OUP (Osage University Partners)

Osage University Partners (OUP) is a distinctive venture capital firm based in Bala Cynwyd, United States, specializing in the commercialization of university research. Unlike traditional VC firms, OUP operates with a unique model, partnering directly with leading academic institutions to identify and invest in promising startups emerging from their research labs. This strategic alignment allows OUP to access a proprietary deal flow of cutting-edge technologies and scientific breakthroughs with significant market potential. Their mission is to bridge the gap between groundbreaking academic innovation and successful commercial ventures.

OUP's investment strategy is deeply rooted in collaboration with its extensive network of academic partners. The firm has established relationships with over 100 universities, including top-tier research institutions across the United States. Through these partnerships, OUP gains early insight into nascent technologies, allowing them to invest in companies at various stages, primarily Seed, Series A, and Series B. They often co-invest alongside other prominent venture capital firms, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, industry connections, and operational support to help these university spinouts scale and achieve market traction.

With a robust track record, OUP has demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation from the academic world. The firm has successfully raised multiple funds, including its most recent OUP IV, which closed with $300 million in capital, bringing their total assets under management to approximately $870 million across four funds. This substantial capital base enables OUP to make meaningful investments, with typical first checks ranging from $500,000 for early-stage seed rounds to $5,000,000 for more developed Series A or B opportunities. To date, OUP has invested in over 150 companies, spanning diverse sectors such as life sciences, deep tech, and enterprise software, all originating from university intellectual property.