Phil Weilerstein

VentureWell partners with university innovators to produce transformative commercial innovations improving the human condition and environmental sustainability. Venture Well is part of the National Collegiate Inventors & Innovators Alliance (NCIAA), a non-profit founded and supported by The Lemelson Foundation. VentureWell works with college and university researchers and innovators (students, post-docs, faculty) doing research that can be translated to commercial innovations in the sectors of Global Health, Sustainable Materials and Energy Efficiency. Successful applicants to VentureWell Advisory Services participate in a rigorous, tailored and hands-on process to transform research ideas into a fundable and commercially viable venture. From acceptance to presenting to investors is a 3-6 month process, with the timeframe dependent upon the particular research or innovation and the venture team. In 2009 VentureWell accepted nine ventures, providing them with venture development support. From time to time VentureWell makes direct seed investments along with other angel investors. VentureWell typically invests $20,000 per deal, investing funds through VentureWell, LLC with profits going back to the 501c3 NCIIA to support its educational mission. The next VentureWell program is being conducted in partnership with Village Capital, with whom VentureWell co-invests.