OUR WORK
Joseph and Elizabeth Walder established Walder Ventures in 2020 to provide mission-driven investments to support programs and organizations that aim to have a positive and sustaining impact on the Chicago region and beyond.
This work aligns with the philanthropic interests of the Walder Foundation, which supports science innovation, environmental sustainability, performing arts, a city that is welcoming to immigrants, and empowered Jewish communities.
Photo courtesy of Arqui300
OUR INVESTMENTS
Our inaugural investment is in Portal Innovations, a Chicago-based incubator for life sciences, medtech, and bioinformatics entrepreneurs.
As Founding Sponsor, Walder Ventures hopes to help accelerate biomedical innovations, attract and retain scientific talent to the region, catalyze collaboration and support a life sciences ecosystem that will grow and inspire future leaders. The investment is inspired by Joseph Walder’s lifelong passion for scientific discovery.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDERS
Joseph and Elizabeth Walder created Walder Ventures to engage in mission-driven investing, providing capital to expand the talent and resources dedicated to tackling today’s most challenging problems.
Photo courtesy of Conrad Erb
ABOUT THE WALDERS
Joseph Walder, M.D., Ph.D.
Joseph Walder was a professor of biochemistry at the University of Iowa College of Medicine before starting his own company, Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), in 1987. IDT is the world's leading provider of synthetic RNA and DNA used in life sciences research. IDT helps scientists analyze the genetic makeup of all organisms, supporting numerous medical and other applications, from finding cures for diseases to finding new biological solutions for cleaning up our natural resources. IDT, now part of the Danaher life sciences platform, is the world’s leading provider of synthetic RNA and DNA used in life sciences research. Dr. Walder held numerous patents for his pioneering breakthrough technologies. He passed away in March 2024.
Elizabeth Walder, J.D.
President, Walder Ventures
Elizabeth Walder directed an immigration firm in the Chicago area for many years with a focus on helping immigrants navigate our complex immigration system to achieve their goals. She developed a niche practice with two self-sponsorship strategies for permanent residence: national interest waivers and extraordinary ability. She joined IDT's Board of Directors in 1999 and later served as the company's Chief Sustainability Officer, promoting sustainable business practices for the company, and launching initiatives such as a sustainability awards program to recognize outstanding scientists whose research has the potential to make a global impact.