University-affilated Venture Capital Funds: funding of University Spin-Off companies

During the last decade, there has been an increasing focus on commercialisation from universities, often referred to as University Spin-Off companies (USOs). USOs are considered more profitable and survive longer when compared with other start-ups; however, they face major obstacles when seeking funding due to information asymmetry, uncertainty and the nature of their characteristics. The findings of this study indicate that USOs lack financing alternatives at early stages providing sufficient amounts of funding. In terms of bridging the financing gap, University-affiliated Venture Capital funds (UVCs) should be considered as an initiative to improve the financing situations for USOs.