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Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research
The Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research was founded in 2007 as a non-profit dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of...
Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research
The Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research was founded in 2007 as a non-profit dedicated to accelerating the commercialization of technologies emerging from Florida's public universities. Under Executive Director and CEO Jane Teague, the Institute operates as a venture development organization, not a traditional investment fund, with a mandate to bridge the gap between academic research and private capital. The Institute's strategy centers on early-stage technology transfer, providing pre-seed and seed-stage funding alongside licensing support. It focuses on sectors where Florida's universities have strong research output, including life sciences, clean technology, and software. Portfolio companies typically emerge from institutions such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Central Florida. The organization co-invests with syndicate partners, including local venture firms, and has supported dozens of spinouts over its history. Team size is not publicly disclosed, though the Institute operates a lean structure with professionals based primarily in Boca Raton. In 2023, the Institute continued to support portfolio companies through its Florida Venture Catalyst program, which provides gap funding to startups. Adjacent activities include partnerships with the Florida High Tech Corridor Council and regional economic development organizations. A structural differentiator: the Institute does not manage a permanent capital pool or maintain a family-office structure. Instead, it functions as a public-private partnership, channeling state-appropriated funds and matching grants into university spinouts. This model avoids the standard GP-LP dynamic and instead ties deployment to legislative appropriations and grant cycles.
General information
Firm type
other
Year founded
2007
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Boca Raton
Corporate office
Boca Raton, FL, United States
Principals
Jane Teague
Executive Director and CEO
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Is the Florida Institute a traditional venture capital firm?
No. The Institute is a non-profit venture development organization that uses state funds and grants to support early-stage commercialization of university research. It does not manage a permanent fund or charge management fees. Its model is closer to a technology transfer office with a funding arm.
How does the Institute source investment opportunities?
The Institute sources deals primarily through partnerships with Florida's public universities — including the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of Central Florida. It evaluates technologies at the proof-of-concept or early prototype stage and provides funding to bridge to a Series A round.
What types of companies does the Institute fund?
The Institute funds early-stage spinouts from Florida's public research universities, with a focus on life sciences, clean technology, and software. Companies typically have a technology patent or license from a university. The Institute provides pre-seed and seed-stage capital, often in the range of $50,000 to $500,000.
Does the Institute co-invest with other firms?
Yes. The Institute frequently co-invests with local venture firms, angel investors, and other economic development organizations. It does not lead rounds but participates alongside syndicates to help portfolio companies reach institutional investment readiness.
What is the Institute's relationship with the State of Florida?
The Institute was created by the Florida Legislature in 2007 and operates as a public-private partnership. It receives state funding through legislative appropriations, as well as federal and private grants. Its board includes representatives from the state's university system and economic development agencies.
How does the Institute measure success?
Success is measured by the number of technologies commercialized, jobs created, follow-on capital raised by portfolio companies, and licensing revenue returned to universities. The Institute is not a profit-maximizing entity; its goal is to increase the return on Florida's public research investment.
Where is the Institute based, and does it have regional offices?
The Institute is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. It does not have additional physical offices, but it maintains relationships and programs across the state through its university partnerships.
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