A new analysis from a Stanford University researcher has ranked the University of Utah number one in the nation for the odds of its graduates founding a unicorn. In a study published this month, Stanford Graduate School of Business professor Ilya Strebulaev determined that University of Utah graduates are about 2.3 times as likely to build a unicorn as the average founder, representing a 131% increase and the highest figure among any U.S. school in the research.
Ranking Methodology Explained
The ranking specifically compares founders who raise venture capital and measures likelihood rather than total volume. This metric reflects how often graduates appear among unicorn founders compared to their appearance among founders in general.
The study, which limited its ranking to schools tied to at least 10 unicorns, used an odds ratio to adjust for the fact that leading universities produce more venture capital-backed founders overall. While Strebulaev noted that Stanford and MIT produce the highest number of unicorn founders, he stated that the University of Utah provides the best odds.
University Leadership Response
University of Utah President Taylor Randall said the recognition reflects a place where world-class research becomes real companies. He added that students and faculty build on big ideas, providing graduates with one of the strongest chances in the country to launch lasting companies.
Comparison to Other Universities
The University of Utah finished ahead of several other prominent institutions in this metric. The University of California, San Francisco followed with 78% higher odds, while Yale University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology recorded 68% and 65%, respectively.
Supporting Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Kurt Dirks, dean of the David Eccles School of Business, stated that helping students become founders is central to the university's mission and helps fuel the Utah economy. The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute serves as a primary resource for these students, providing grants, workshops, and mentorship.
Resources for Student Founders
Scott Holley, executive director of the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute, noted that the institute provides the space, funding, and community necessary to bring ideas to life. The institute, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, offers various resources including business incubators and the Lassonde Studios living-learning facility.
