Western University Ranks Among Top 50 Globally for Alumni Startups

Western University has achieved a notable milestone by securing a spot among the top 50 entrepreneurship schools worldwide, according to the latest rankings released by PitchBook. This financial data company evaluated universities based on the entrepreneurial success of their alumni, specifically those who have raised venture capital over the past decade.

In the 2025 rankings, Western University was placed 40th globally for its undergraduate alumni entrepreneurs. The evaluation included an analysis of over 173,000 founders, showcasing the significant impact of Western graduates in the start-up ecosystem. This recognition places Western ahead of renowned institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Purdue, Johns Hopkins, and Georgetown.

Alan Shepard, President of Western University, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “Our success in PitchBook’s ranking confirms what we’ve known for a long time – our alumni are highly successful leaders and innovators. They drive solutions, create capital and inspire teams to turn challenges into opportunities.” He highlighted the importance of mentorship, noting that many alumni actively support current students and young graduates.

The PitchBook analysis focused on the funding acquired by 407 alumni entrepreneurs in the last ten years. Notable graduates include David Teare, founder of 1Password; Michael Katchen, CEO of Wealthsimple; and David Stojdl, co-founder of Turnstone Biologics. In addition to its overall ranking, Western placed 30th globally for producing female founders who have successfully secured venture capital. This group includes Shelby Austin, CEO of Arteria AI; Yimu Zhao, co-founder of TARA Biosystems; Shanna McEachern, co-founder of LVRG; and Nilmi Senaratna, co-founder of Oolu.

The rankings also evaluated MBA and graduate programs, with Western University placed 49th and 98th, respectively. The MBA rankings referenced successful alumni such as Andrew Waitman, chairman and former CEO of Assent Compliance, and Peter Kalen, founder of Flexiti.

Eric Morse, executive director of the Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship, Powered by Ivey, emphasized the significance of these rankings. He stated, “These rankings don’t represent an overnight success. It shows the consistent impact our alumni entrepreneurs have been making across industries around the world.” Morse further noted that the university is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial talent across all faculties, allowing students from various disciplines to explore their potential.

Investing in Entrepreneurship

Western University has prioritized entrepreneurship as a core focus. The recent opening of the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in 2024 consolidates the university’s entrepreneurship programs under one roof. This facility is one of the few globally dedicated to entrepreneurship and features state-of-the-art makerspaces accessible to students from all backgrounds.

The building supports a variety of initiatives, including incubators, accelerator programs, and networks. These resources are complemented by academic courses, certificate programs, and extracurricular activities that enable students to develop start-ups, receive mentorship, and seek funding for their ventures. This initiative builds upon a 30-year legacy of entrepreneurship education at Western, which began with the Ivey Business School and has continued to evolve thanks to the contributions of faculty and alumni like Pierre L. Morrissette, founder of Pelmorex Media.

Morse highlighted the comprehensive nature of Western’s entrepreneurship program, stating, “At Western, we are building one of the most comprehensive entrepreneurship programs in the world. A program that’s supported by academic courses ranging from ideation to managing high-growth companies, access to makerspaces, close to $1 million in scholarships and awards, and a network of 200 mentors.”

The rankings released by PitchBook serve as a testament to Western University’s commitment to cultivating entrepreneurial talent and supporting its alumni as they navigate the dynamic landscape of start-ups and venture capital. As the university continues to prioritize innovation and entrepreneurship, it aims to shape the next generation of leaders in various industries.