Uniseed member universities have more than half of patents from Australian research organisations

Stoic Venture Capital

20 November, 2020 Media releaseLeading wealth manager Atlas Advisors Australia and venture fund Stoic Venture Capital have given an in-principle commitment to invest further with Uniseed.

Stoic Venture Capital is the co-investment Fund of Uniseed, a commercialisation fund which focuses on financing start-up companies that spin out from Australian member universities.

Stoic Partner and member of Uniseed’s Investment Committee Geoff Waring said the venture fund’s relationship with Uniseed who manage a $50 million commercialisation fund and a $20 million follow on fund, was highly valued.

Dr Waring said Uniseed’s partner research organisations comprised five of Australia’s top six research organisations which collectively developed more than 50 per cent of all patents from Australian research organisations.

“The most valuable asset of any startup is intellectual property,” Dr Waring said.

“Uniseed’s deals flow from the sources of more than half of Australia’s patents.
“This, along with its expertise at commercialising research makes it unique in Australia.”

Stoic Venture Capital has co-invested in 17 investments since making its first investments with Uniseed in 2018.

Atlas Advisors Australia is the largest limited partner in Stoic Venture Capital.

Atlas Advisors Australia Executive Chairman Guy Hedley said Uniseed was ranked the fifth best university venture in the world according to Global University Venturing.

“With more than $5 billion invested in annual research expenditure, Uniseed’s member organisations make up more than 40 per cent of Australia’s organisational expenditure on research,” Mr Hedley said.

“This investment is leading to the development of innovative technology in medicine, applied science and engineering.

“The startups that evolve from Uniseed’s member organisations in turn generate employment and support growth in today’s tough economic environment,” Mr Hedley said. “We are pleased to support Uniseed’s objectives and the growth of their portfolio.”

Stoic Venture Capital’s investments in Uniseed’s portfolio include:

• Probiotic drink (PERKii);

• Drone radio-tracking technology (Wildlife Drones);

• Smart helmet for motorcycling (Forcite);

• Agricultural robots (Agerris);

• Enhancing immunity to fight respiratory diseases (Ena Therapeutics);

• Drug for treating kidney disease (Certa Therapeutics);

• Addiction rehabilitation drug (Kinoxis);

• Eye damage from diabetes (Occurx);

• Breast cancer side effects treatment (Que Oncology);

• Magnetic nanoparticles for cancer diagnosis (Ferronova).

About Stoic Venture Capital

Stoic Venture Capital provides financing for early-stage companies, particularly those arising from university research. Stoic is unconditionally registered as an Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership (ESVCLP) and takes a collaborative approach to investing in the highest potential companies. Atlas Advisors Australia AFOF is the major limited partner for the Fund. www.stoicvc.com.au

About Atlas Advisors Australia

/Public Release.