Stanford University’s Unique Funding Solution

Five decades ago, Stanford University was struggling financially, but rather than turn to traditional methods of funding, its leaders had a unique idea that not only ensured millions of dollars would flow into the university’s coffers but also turned the campus into a hotbed for innovation. Stanford converted 700 acres on the campus into what is now called Stanford Research Park—a commercial real-estate spread that houses major tech brands like Hewlett-Packard and the various businesses that support them. Mark Kindred, a senior research analyst in Palo Alto, explained to Fast Company that, “It’s the epicenter of Silicon Valley.” Notable current tenants include Facebook, Tesla, and Skype—once fledgling start-up companies that are in the midst of growing and increasing their footprint and power in the Valley.