Jim Zuffoletti, Managing Director & Advisor

In his own words: I am passionate about entrepreneurship, particularly effectual entrepreneurship. I have been an entrepreneur for 30 years and bring lessons from the field contextualized through the lens of recent entrepreneurship scholarship. Why don't we teach entrepreneurship to everyone, not just entrepreneurs, like we do for science? 

Favorite (former) local spot: Mudhouse on 10^th Street

Fritz Knabe, Advisor

In his own words: My career in start-ups began with spinning a company out of UVA's computer science department in 1998 and continued through nine more start-up ventures over the years. While my specific role was leading engineering teams building complex software systems, I was deeply involved in product and market definition, customer engagement, support, licensing and IP protection, and even office build-outs. I can help teams identify the most important problems they need to address (it's not always the problem they arrive with) and explore the routes they can take to solve them.

Favorite local spot: Anywhere on Grounds when classes change and streams of students suddenly fill all the sidewalks

Jim Daniero, Advisor

In his own words: As a member of CAV Angels health care investment diligence team, CvilleBioHub Board member, and multiple-time entrepreneur, I am particularly interested in innovation ecosystem development. My academic and professional interests include combining clinical expertise, research innovation, and startup experience to advance technology and improve patient care and outcomes in surgery. I was incredibly excited to learn of the UVA Innovates cross-grounds initiative and was glad to serve as a peer mentor and resource for fellow health system faculty founders in their startup journey.

Favorite local spot: Bodo’s on the Corner

Matthew Meyer, Advisor

In his own words: I am a physician and know many clinicians and healthcare administrators who want to make healthcare better. I have worked towards this goal by developing organizational structure and novel technology: innovating, prototyping, operationalizing, and starting-up a company. My expertise is in perioperative efficiency and healthcare sustainability with a focus on waste reduction--but I am interested in all facets of healthcare. I’ll share my experience, energy and connections while working alongside UVA founders to develop technologies and companies that will make health and healthcare better for Virginians, Americans, and the whole world.

Favorite local spot: Pi-Napo is my place for lunch or a snack (well, a whole pizza)

When to reach out

Considering a commercial idea? Our team can provide road-tested guidance for those who are considering an entrepreneurial path but may not be ready to take the first steps.

Started a venture but need guidance on a path forward? We’ve probably lived your experience and can help you evaluate your options.

Tell us where you are; we’ll meet you there.

What to expect

The process from discovery to delivery of novel ideas is non-linear. Whatever journey is right for the idea and the inventor, the Studio is designed to help discern it and support the founders along the way.

Our expert entrepreneurs are working with teams from across Grounds to:

·        Clarify product definition and use cases

·        Define target markets and customers

·        Navigate discussions with prospective commercial partners

·        Identify key talent gaps that could hobble company growth

·        Provide perspective on regulatory hurdles

·        Sift through the funding landscape

·        Provide career/role guidance on balance between academia and start-up

·        And more