A Commercial Venture Capital Platform
Backing Innovation and Entrepreneurs from
South African Universities
The University Technology Fund (UTF) is a pioneering venture capital platform dedicated to commercialising innovation and intellectual property from South African universities, while also supporting technology startups founded by their alumni.
Launched in 2020 with the support of the SA SME Fund, UTF is the first of its kind in Africa—backing high-impact ventures that emerge not only from cutting-edge research and academic talent but also from the entrepreneurial drive of university graduates.
Together, UTF I, UTF II, and the UTF Seed Fund form a complete investment platform—from first cheque to scale—designed to drive innovation, empower entrepreneurs, create economic value, and build globally competitive businesses rooted in South African research, talent, and alumni networks.
Our Funds
UTF I
Established in 2020, UTF I focuses on commercialising university-originated IP through Seed Funding, Series Seed and Series A investments.
UTF II
Established in 2024, UTF II is a growth-stage fund supporting scale-ready ventures at Series A and B, including alumni-led startups, building on the success of UTF I and the UTF Seed Fund.
UTF Seed Fund
Established in 2025, the Seed Fund provides seed-stage capital to university spinouts and alumni-led startups post-pilot or proof of concept.