17 May IU Ventures honors three partners with annual Spirit of Venture Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2022
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — IU Ventures has honored three individual partners who continue to contribute to Indiana University’s expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem with the Spirit of Venture Award. The annual award, given by IU’s early-stage venture and angel investment arm, celebrates the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation across the entire university community.
The award winners are:
- Gary J. Anderson, retired managing general partner and senior advisor of TL Ventures, one of the venture capital industry’s most prestigious technology investment groups;
- Pat East, executive director of The Mill, a premier nonprofit center for entrepreneurship and coworking headquartered in Bloomington; and
- Jane Martin, retired venture capitalist and former general partner at U.S. Venture Partners, a leading venture capital firm in Silicon Valley.
The awards, which were presented by Bridge Bank, a division of Western Alliance Bank, were announced this past Friday, May 13, during the IU Founders and Funders Network Venture Summit. The two-day summit was held on the IU Bloomington campus.
Jane Martin, Tony Armstrong, Ting Gootee, Scott McCorkle, Pat East, Cy Megnin
“IU Ventures is extremely pleased to recognize the major contributions these three leaders have made toward nurturing early-stage companies, investing in key industries and innovations that drive economic development, and building a successful venture ecosystem,” said IU Ventures President and CEO Tony Armstrong. “These awards reflect our continued appreciation for their excellent ideas, expertise and partnership as we continue to work together to fuel a virtuous cycle of innovation at Indiana University and throughout our state.”
IU Ventures assists IU students, faculty, staff and alumni in work that advances high-potential new venture opportunities. Its mission is to serve as a catalyst for the IU entrepreneurial community, investing to generate significant and long-lasting social and economic impact for IU, Indiana and the world.
The Spirit of Venture Award is given to IU faculty, staff, alumni, student founders and funders who have exhibited success in entrepreneurship and innovation, provided mentorship and support to IU Ventures and IU-affiliated founders and funders, and demonstrated noteworthy philanthropy and service to IU. IU Ventures presented its inaugural awards this past fall. Nominations may be submitted throughout the year and are considered on an ongoing basis.
This year’s winners are members of IU’s growing Founders and Funders Network, an exclusive IU community that brings like-minded people together. The network connects innovators and entrepreneurs with industry experts and resources they need to strengthen and expand their businesses.
What others are saying:
“Thank you so much to IU Ventures for recognizing the work that The Mill and Flywheel Fund are doing to help early-stage companies and build the Bloomington startup ecosystem. Our partnership means so much to us, in the truest sense of the word. We’re helping each other grow — and no one keeps score or takes credit. It’s all about whether we’re getting better and if we’re helping founders.” – Pat East, executive director of The Mill
“I’ve invested alongside IU Ventures in many deals with [IU Ventures team leaders] Teri Willey, Jason Whitney and their team of pros. I’m honored by this award and gratified to be part of IU’s innovation and startup culture and to generate a return on philanthropic dollars.” – Jane Martin, retired venture capitalist
“Bridge Bank is dedicated to supporting IU Ventures and the impressive amount of talent, thinking and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by the IU community, collectively working together to ensure the future success of the program, while also making significant contributions to the venture ecosystem here in Indiana. We extend our congratulations to all of this year’s winners and look forward to seeing future, notable achievements made by companies founded with IU Ventures.” – Ryan Dammeyer, senior managing director, Bridge Bank
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.