16 Jul IU Ventures Summit Draws Global Crowd, Energizes Entrepreneurial Spirit
Nearly 300 IU-affiliated alumni, faculty, staff, and student “founders and funders” gathered in Bloomington in May for the 2025 IU Founders and Funders Network Venture Summit—marking the event’s most successful year to date. With attendees from 16 states, as well as the United Kingdom and India, the Summit showcased Indiana University’s growing entrepreneurial and venture ecosystem. 
Hosted by IU Ventures in partnership with IU Innovates, the Summit served as a dynamic platform for IU-affiliated innovation, immersive panel discussions, and meaningful networking. Held at Memorial Stadium and the Indiana Memorial Union on the IU Bloomington campus, the event delivered both high-impact conversations and an energizing atmosphere.
The keynote address from IU alumnus Matt Hay set an inspirational tone. Drawing from personal experience and professional success, Hay urged attendees to defy externally imposed limitations and chart bold paths forward. “Never let someone else define the ceiling of your ambition,” he said.
Another highlight was a featured conversation among IU Distinguished Professor and serial biotech entrepreneur Richard DiMarchi; David Johnson, president of Regional Growth Strategies LLC; and former CEO of both the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and BioCrossroads. Together, they reflected on DiMarchi’s extraordinary journey—from pioneering research to founding several successful biotechnology companies—and his decision to remain based in Indiana. Their dialogue underscored the strength of IU talent and the state’s growing appeal as a hub for life sciences innovation.
Panel discussions throughout the day explored timely topics such as venture capital trends, corporate innovation, and the evolving role of AI. Student startups from IU Innovates were also spotlighted in showcase sessions that fostered valuable investor-founder dialogue.
Special thanks to BridgeBank, a division of Western Alliance Bank and a leading financial resource for innovative companies nationwide, for its continued support as the Summit’s presenting sponsor. Additional gratitude goes to the event’s two signature sponsors, Amundsen Davis and CLA. Other Summit sponsors included Gutwein Law, TechPoint, HCC (a division of OneDigital), Elevate Ventures, and the Venture Club of Indiana.
The Venture Summit’s 5th anniversary event will be held May 20–21, 2026, in Bloomington.
About IU Ventures
IU Ventures invests in and supports IU-affiliated early-stage companies. Its investment programs include the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund, IU Angel Network, Shoebox Fund, and Innovate Indiana Fund. It also supports IU founders through the Executive in Residence Program and the IU Founders and Funders Network. Students benefit from a variety of engagements, including the new IU Venture Fellows Program. Each initiative takes a unique approach to accelerating and amplifying the positive global impact of IU-affiliated entrepreneurs. http://www.iuventures.com