Matt Gardner

Matt Gardner is a Partner at the 1842 Fund, a venture capital fund established in collaboration between High Alpha Innovation and the University of Notre Dame.12 The fund aims to support and create startups aligned with Notre Dame's mission and strategic framework.

In his role, Gardner is responsible for:

1. Overseeing the fund's strategy to launch a series of startups over the next five years.2
2. Investing in Notre Dame faculty, student, and South Bend area startups originating from the IDEA Center.2
3. Establishing and managing the on-campus venture studio, known as the 1842 Studio.2

Gardner's approach to impact investing is innovative. He believes that the venture studio model can create exceptional startups in categories often overlooked by traditional innovation methods.1 He sees the 1842 Fund as filling a void by directing innovation towards chosen societal challenges.1

As a key figure in the fund, Gardner works closely with the University of Notre Dame's IDEA Center and other partners to identify and support promising ventures. His focus areas include health and well-being, poverty, and sustainability, which align with Notre Dame's 2033 strategic framework.2

For those interested in learning more about the 1842 Fund or potentially collaborating, Gardner can be contacted at matt@1842fund.com.3