The Frankel Fund

Overview

The Frankel Fund is a student-managed venture capital fund at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, established to identify and accelerate the commercialization of ideas and technologies generated within the university community and the surrounding area. The fund provides early-stage investments, often in the pre-seed and seed stages, to support the formation and growth of new companies. Student investment teams function as independently financed venture capital firms, offering capital to very early-stage companies with high growth potential. The fund's investment strategy focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, clean technology, and manufacturing enhancement. It seeks to invest in companies that have developed innovative solutions and are positioned to scale rapidly. The Frankel Fund emphasizes a hands-on approach, with student teams working closely with company founders to provide strategic guidance and resources to help them succeed. Since its inception, the Frankel Fund has made several investments, including leading a $600,000 Series A round in Fusion Coolant Systems, a developer of advanced coolant and lubrication systems for manufacturing, and investing in Accio Energy, a company developing innovative wind energy systems. These investments reflect the fund's commitment to supporting the commercialization of university technologies and fostering entrepreneurship within the University of Michigan community.

Investment Focus

• Companies must be in the early stages of development, often in the pre-seed or seed stages.
• Companies should be commercializing technologies developed within the University of Michigan community or the surrounding area.
• Companies should operate in sectors such as technology, healthcare, clean technology, or manufacturing enhancement.

Portfolio Companies