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.

University Ecosystem

WU Entrepreneurship Center

Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation WU Vienna

Entrepreneurship Center Network

Get Involved

For Founders: Apply for First Funding 

For Alumni: Pre-register for the Alumni Collective launching Autumn 2025.

For Partners: Partner with Us on programs, research, or follow-on rounds.