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The SRV Murdoch Westscheme Enterprise Partnership (MWEP) is a dynamic initiative in early stage funding established by Murdoch University and Westscheme. It facilitates and assists researchers in developing their innovative ideas into commercial opportunities. MWEP was established in January 2004 and invests in projects flowing from Murdoch University through a $10 million early stage fund, investing up to $500,000 in return for equity in a project.
This initial investment will generally be used for proof of principle research and for the early establishment of viable companies and management teams that are attractive to follow on investors. Unlike the traditional venture capital model, however, investments from the MWEP Fund are almost always accompanied by close involvement in the investee company by one of the Stone Ridge Ventures investment management team. We aim to seed and build seed investments for future rounds of strategic or private equity investment and will aim to ‘pre-bake’ our initial investment with a follow-on investor to assure market alignment and a suitable cash runway. This means that the Team will assist investee companies in all aspects of running a business including:
- Securing access to and protecting intellectual property;
- Identifying and executing on a viable business model;
- Securing partnerships and clarifying market entry strategies;
- Sourcing experienced start-up management and advisers;
- Positioning for follow-on funding and assisting with the raising; and
- Establishing operational and financial systems
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