Technology Transfer University offices as VC tech partners

The never-ending battle:
An eternal part of the venture capital process is sourcing new deals. No competitive VC outfit merely sits around while anonymous business plans filter through their info@bigmoneyvc.com address on their website. In fact, many have proprietary channels they have forged to maintain a competitive edge and ensure the "first-look" luxury whenever possible.
Increasingly, VCs are turning back to university research for new breakthroughs and these often come in the form Technology Transfer offices which exist to commercialize and develop new ideas which are the property of the university. 
I wrote an paper on the VC landscape while at Columbia Business School so please excuse me while I quote myself:

"Where will the new deals come from?

Sourcing is often a critical differentiating factor for VC firms. Bringing untouched, solid deals to the table is as important as appropriately evaluating them. Traditionally, many firms referred to their pipeline as a proprietary deal flow which often comprised of industry contacts, alumni relations and personal references. However, it has become necessary to broaden this scope of their deal nets. Ramana Jampala, partner at NYC-based SAS Investors, identified direct contacts with corporate entities regarding internal spinouts thereby providing a source of new deals within already functioning management. In addition to this, contacts with academic entities also yield active deal potential from their technology transfer units. Mr. Jampala cited the Columbia Science & Technology Ventures division as an active partner which they maintain contact with regarding new ventures."

Dan Davis
Evolution of the Venture Capital Landscape, 2007
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Copyright, CSC Inc 2008, www.Tech-duediligence.com 

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