[Translate to English:] ignite ventures

About

Who We Are

WU Ignite Ventures is the new investment platform of WU Vienna (Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien). We are a 100% subsidiary of the WU Foundation, which strengthens WU’s long-term impact and independence.

We back the Ignite Moment — the instant a bold idea turns into real ambition — and support founders from day zero until their venture stands on solid ground.

With a unique blend of early capital, alumni expertise, and deep university roots, we’ve built a flywheel that keeps innovation compounding—on campus and beyond.

From Ignite Moment to Market.

Our mission is to turn first ideas into first customers—faster, smarter, and with lasting support.

We’re building a self-sustaining pipeline of WU-born ventures, alumni investors, and next-generation VCs—working together to strengthen Europe’s innovation economy.

What it Means in Practice

  • Founder-Focused Pragmatism: We back what moves founders forward. No fluff. No ego.

  • Collaboration-First: Founders, alumni, analysts, faculty, and partners—when we work together, we move faster and go further.

  • Flywheel Thinking: Every success powers the next Ignite Moment, compounding impact with each new founder generation.

Our Campus Advantage
With 21,000+ students, a leading research faculty, and deep industry ties, WU offers a unique launchpad for entrepreneurial talent. WU Ignite Ventures activates this ecosystem - bridging campus innovation with real-world impact.

Team & Ecosystem

WU Ignite Ventures is led by experienced startup operators, investors, and university innovators.

Univ.Prof. Dr. Harald Badinger

Univ.Prof. Dr. Harald Badinger

Managing Director & Vice-Rector for Financial Affairs and Campus Management

Dr. Rudolf Dömötör

Dr. Rudolf Dömötör

Managing Director & Director of WU Entrepreneurship Center

Anna Langen

Anna Langen

Program Lead VC Analyst Program

Lisa Mader

Lisa Mader

Communication Manager

Investment Committee

The Investment Committee is an independent panel of experts at WU Ignite Ventures that thoroughly reviews and decides on pre-seed investments in WU start-ups and provides strategic expertise.

Johanna Konrad

Johanna Konrad

Investment Committee Member

Dr. Christian Polster

Dr. Christian Polster

Investment Committee Member

Simon Tretter

Simon Tretter

Investment Committee Member

Hannah Wundsam

Hannah Wundsam

Investment Committee Member