Compass is IQT’s strategic investing effort to fill critical innovation gaps and uphold U.S. global technology leadership, particularly against China. Compass identifies and funds promising domestic startups in engineering biology, energy security, and next-gen microelectronics, and aligns public and private capital to ensure companies’ commercial success. By leveraging analytics, strategic investments, and convenings, Compass catalyzes private sector investment to advance national security interests.
Compass Investing:
Catalyzing U.S. leadership in critical technologies
IQT’s Compass effort also includes:
Analyzing early-stage capital flows to validate a relative lack of VC/U.S. government investment in technology gaps
Creating a network of like-minded investors interested in supporting Compass goals
Convening U.S. government officials and private sector companies and investors to discuss national innovation strategy
For more information, please contact the Compass team:
There are no items found.
compass faqs
General IQT Information
What is the size of a Compass investment?
IQT’s typical investments range from $250K to $3M. In addition, IQT actively encourages other VCs to consider Compass opportunities. To date, Compass has helped “crowd-in” roughly 10x in additional private capital to Compass portfolio companies.
What stage company does Compass invest in?
Compass currently focuses on early-to-mid stage companies. Early stage investing involves significant scouting and due diligence, carries higher risk, and allows Compass the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the innovation pipeline. In contrast, many U.S. government financing tools are designed to support later-stage companies.
How does it differ from IQT’s traditional investing?
Compass investments contribute to U.S. strategic competition by addressing critical gaps in the American technology stack, strengthening both economic and national security.
How are Compass investments funded?
Compass is presently funded from proceeds generated by IQT’s traditional investments. As a not-for-profit, mission-driven investor, IQT reinvests these proceeds to advance U.S. national security.
Is Compass a government program?
Compass is presently funded from proceeds generated by IQT’s traditional investments. As a not-for-profit, mission-driven investor, IQT reinvests these proceeds to advance U.S. national security.
How can Compass make a difference in great power competition?
While China pursues a model of “military-civilian fusion” to drive national innovation, Compass offers a democratic, free-market alternative, leveraging private sector strengths with national goals to maintain U.S. leadership in commercial technology. Compass-backed companies are contributing to this effort by improving biomanufacturing efficiency, developing the next generation of microelectronics, and addressing critical gaps in energy security and supply chains.
How does Compass measure success?
Compass measures its effectiveness by identifying successful startups that deliver critical, novel, or missing technologies in support of national interests. Compass also evaluates its impact in attracts private investment (“crowds-in” capital) and helps portfolio companies access available U.S. government support.
Who does Compass invest alongside?
IQT has created a network of U.S. investors who believe in the principles of Compass, seek to advance its goals, and have a track record of early-stage investing in Compass technology areas. Compass is not raising a fund, nor is it acting as a broker-dealer or investment adviser. IQT does not offer investment advice; co-investors are solely responsible for evaluating the suitability of any investment opportunity.
How can interested parties contact Compass?
The Compass team can be reached at Compass@iqt.org