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Tulane University Endowment
The endowment traces its origins to 1834 when Paul Tulane and Josephine Louise Newcomb established the university through wealth generated in dry goods and...
Tulane University Endowment
The endowment traces its origins to 1834 when Paul Tulane and Josephine Louise Newcomb established the university through wealth generated in dry goods and clothing. The Administrators of the Tulane Educational Fund serves as the governing legal entity. Management sits with an 11-person Investment Management Office now based in White Plains, New York. Allocations span private equity, real estate, natural resources, private credit, and venture capital. The portfolio includes minority ownership in GEM Realty Capital, direct stakes in New Orleans commercial properties such as 1440 Canal Street, and partnerships in oil, gas, and timber. Confirmed venture exposure runs through 1834 Ventures and Tulane Ventures into companies including Orion Longevity, Beken Bio, Informuta, and Nest Health. Geographic reach covers North America and Asia. Separately invested funds total $224 million outside the pooled endowment. The office employs 11 professionals and maintains relationships with custodians BNY Mellon and auditors Deloitte & Touche. Adjacent vehicles include the Collins C. Diboll Foundation and Priddy Family Foundation, both anchor investors in 1834 Ventures. March 2025: Sponsored Tulane Innovation Day to advance venture capital and research commercialization in Louisiana. The endowment's architecture separates donor-restricted assets from the main pool while routing university innovation activity through dedicated venture vehicles and external managers such as GEM Realty Capital and Corporate Realty.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1834
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
New Orleans
Corporate office
50 Main St, Suite 1260, White Plains, NY 10606
Principals
Richard Chau
Chief Investment Officer
Michael A. Corasaniti
Chair of the Endowment Management Committee
Carol L. Bernick
Vice Chair of the Endowment Management Committee
Barry A. Malkin
Investment Committee member
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Tulane University Endowment?
Richard Chau serves as Chief Investment Officer and oversees the Investment Management Office. The Endowment Management Committee is chaired by Michael A. Corasaniti with Carol L. Bernick as vice chair.
Does Tulane University Endowment participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?
The endowment deploys capital through both fund commitments and direct investments. Holdings include co-investments via 1834 Ventures and direct ownership of real estate assets managed by Corporate Realty.
What investment stages does Tulane University Endowment typically target?
The endowment targets early-stage and growth investments through its venture vehicles. It also maintains allocations to buyout, distressed, and expansion strategies via external managers.
Which sectors does Tulane University Endowment explicitly prioritize?
Confirmed priorities include ClimateTech, Energy Transition & Renewables, and Healthcare Services. The portfolio also carries exposure to biotechnology, AI/ML, and cybersecurity through venture holdings.
How is Tulane University Endowment related to 1834 Ventures?
1834 Ventures serves as the primary vehicle for the endowment's early-stage investments in university-affiliated startups. Anchor capital comes from related foundations including the Collins C. Diboll Foundation and Priddy Family Foundation.
Where does the underlying wealth come from?
The endowment originates from gifts by Paul Tulane and Josephine Louise Newcomb, whose fortunes were built in dry goods and clothing in the 19th century.
Does Tulane University Endowment maintain philanthropic structures, and how are they separated?
The endowment itself functions as the primary perpetual support vehicle. Separate foundations such as the Lavin Family Foundation and Priddy Family Foundation provide additional gifts while remaining distinct legal entities.
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