24 Sep IU Ventures Appoints Olivia Schmitt-Metz, O’Neill School Alumna, as New Senior Analyst
Bloomington, Ind. — Olivia Schmitt-Metz had no intention of going into venture capital when she was a student at IU’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs—her goal was to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. But an internship with a business accelerator that helped companies solve unmet needs in the healthcare and life science industries piqued her interest in entrepreneurship—and took her career in a different direction.
“I saw firsthand how the right funding could make or break a startup,” said Schmitt-Metz. “Venture capital, in particular, plays a huge role in giving companies the runway they need to turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions. That’s part of what drew me into the VC side—seeing the transformative impact funding can have on startups and wanting to be part of that process.”
Today, Schmitt-Metz is the newest senior analyst for IU Ventures, Indiana University’s early stage venture and angel investment arm. In this role she conducts due diligence on prospective investments, manages portfolio company relationships, and supports IU Angel Network growth and management.
“What I love most about working with early stage entrepreneurs is witnessing the passion and drive that they bring to the table,” she noted. “They aren’t just building businesses—they’re tackling real-world problems and striving to make a meaningful impact. Being part of their journey, watching their ideas grow from a spark of inspiration into something tangible, is immensely rewarding.”
Schmitt-Metz holds a B.S. and M.P.A from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University and an M.B.A from the Romain College of Business at the University of Southern Indiana. Prior to joining IU Ventures, Olivia served as the Director of Operations for an Arizona-based business accelerator that focuses on helping early-stage healthcare and life science companies grow to scale. During this time, she was involved in a number of federally funded community and economic development initiatives that aim to expand workforce and venture development opportunities in and around Greater Phoenix.
“We are thrilled to welcome Olivia to the IU Ventures team,” said Jason Whitney, chief venture officer at IU Ventures and the executive director of the IU Angel Network. “Olivia’s passion for supporting venture-backed founders and robust experience supporting their operations aligns with our mission to support and scale transformative ideas. We look forward to the impact she will have on our next phase of strategic growth at IU Ventures.”
Schmitt-Metz believes her background at the business accelerator is especially valuable as she transitions into venture capital, where she’ll be able to offer more than just access to funding.
“I can provide practical, on-the-ground advice and support to entrepreneurs, because I’ve been in the trenches with them,” she said. “I understand the struggles and know what it takes to turn an idea into a viable, investable company. That perspective will allow me to better evaluate startups, mentor founders, and help them succeed at every stage of their growth.”
Schmitt-Metz believes that her work at IU Ventures supporting startups will not only accelerate their individual progress but also helps strengthen the entrepreneurial fabric of the region, making Bloomington and Indiana hubs for creativity and cutting-edge solutions.
“What really drew me to this particular role was the chance to give back to a community that means so much to me,” said Schmitt-Metz. “Being an IU alum and a Bloomington native, working with IU Ventures provides a unique opportunity to work within the very ecosystem that shaped my own journey, supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs coming out of IU. It’s the perfect blend of my passion for working with startups and my desire to make an impact on the community that gave me so much.”
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 further supports IU founders through the Executive in Residence Program and IU Founders and Funders Network. Student support is provided through a variety of engagements, including the new IU Venture Fellows Program. Each program takes unique approaches to accelerate and support the positive impacts that entrepreneurs affiliated with IU already achieve across the world. IU Ventures is a recognized leader in increasing opportunities for diverse and historically underserved entrepreneurs and investing in Indiana startups with a shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. www.iuventures.com