Stanford Management Company

Endowment Stanford, United States ·Founded 1991

Overview

Stanford Management Company (SMC) is the investment office within Stanford University responsible for managing the university's endowment and other financial assets. Established in 1991, SMC's primary goal is to provide long-term support for the university by generating investment returns that fund academic programs, student financial aid, and faculty research. The endowment, valued at $47.7 billion as of August 31, 2025, is one of the largest academic endowments in the United States. SMC employs a diversified investment strategy that includes private equity, venture capital, real estate, hedge funds, fixed income, commodities, infrastructure, collectibles and art, crypto, distressed and special situations, and ESG and impact investing. This broad approach aims to achieve optimal returns while managing risk. The company's investment portfolio spans various stages of company development, from pre-seed to distressed situations, reflecting a comprehensive investment philosophy. The endowment's performance is crucial for sustaining Stanford University's mission of teaching, research, and public service. In fiscal year 2025, the endowment payout of $1.9 billion funded 21% of the university's total operating expenses. This financial support enables Stanford to advance human knowledge and benefit the global community. SMC's ethical investment framework ensures that its investment decisions align with the university's values and mission, incorporating ethical considerations into the evaluation of every investment's suitability for the portfolio.

Investment Focus

  • Alignment with Stanford University's mission and values
  • Compliance with SMC's ethical investment framework

Portfolio Companies

AppleMicrosoftAmazonFacebookSpaceXAirbnbStripeUberSpotifyGoogleSquareTeslaDropboxPalantir TechnologiesLyftSlackSnapPinterestNetflixZoom Video Communications

Reach Stanford Management Company directly

Verified work email, phone and LinkedIn for the full team — one spreadsheet, one payment, yours to keep.

Unlock full contacts →

Frequently asked questions about Stanford Management Company

What sectors does Stanford Management Company invest in?

Stanford Management Company invests in Financial Services, Technology, Healthcare, Energy, Consumer Goods and Real Estate, and is based in Stanford, United States. Stanford Management Company is listed as a endowment in the ConnectSafely investor database.

What stage does Stanford Management Company invest at?

Stanford Management Company backs companies at Pre-Seed, Seed, Early Stage, Series A, Series B and Growth, writing cheques of 1M - 500M.

Which regions does Stanford Management Company invest in?

Stanford Management Company invests across United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong and Japan.

What companies has Stanford Management Company invested in?

Stanford Management Company's portfolio includes Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, SpaceX, Airbnb, Stripe and Uber.

How do I contact Stanford Management Company?

Stanford Management Company's contact details — including phone — are listed in the ConnectSafely investor database, along with its website and the LinkedIn profiles of the team.

Last updated · Source: ConnectSafely investor database