When EDF Ventures launched in Ann Arbor in 1987 to invest in university-based technologies, the University of Michigan had one person working part time on technology transfer.
And at the time, the only other local venture capitalist in Southeast Michigan was Ian Bund.
"We were considered an oddity," said EDF co-founder Mary Campbell. " 'You're going to fund a professor? Why would you do that?' "
Image: LON HORWEDEL A key development for university spinoffs was the hiring of Ken Nisbet at the University of Michigan's tech transfer office in 1996. He remains at the university, as associate vice president for research and director of technology transfer.
