Uniseed Ventures

Uniseed Ventures is Australia's longest-running venture capital firm, established in 2000 as a $20 million joint venture between the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland. The firm specializes in seeding technology ventures by investing in researchers, technologies, and businesses that aim to create a positive impact on society. Uniseed operates in partnership with several leading Australian universities and research organizations, including the University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, and the CSIRO, collectively spending over $7 billion on research annually.

The firm's investment strategy focuses on early-stage companies across a broad range of technology sectors, including biotechnology, healthcare, engineering, and environmental services. Uniseed typically invests between $250,000 and $500,000, providing seed capital to help progress and de-risk innovations from both technical and commercial perspectives. In addition to financial support, Uniseed offers expert guidance, access to a network of industry experts and co-investors, and assistance with commercialization strategies.

Uniseed has a strong track record of successful exits, including the sale of Fibrotech to Shire, Spinifex Pharmaceuticals to Novartis, and Hatchtech to Dr. Reddy's Laboratories. The firm has also achieved significant milestones, such as being named the fifth-largest university venture fund worldwide in 2018. In 2022, Uniseed announced a strategic partnership and a further commitment of $75 million from leading Australian superannuation fund UniSuper. In November 2023, five new partners joined the Uniseed partnership: Monash University, Macquarie University, the University of Technology Sydney, Western Sydney University, and the University of Newcastle.

Uniseed's mission is to support innovations that solve market problems and create a positive impact for the community. The firm continues to play a pivotal role in translating academic research into commercial success, fostering the growth of high-impact startups across Australia.