Andrew Wren

Biography

Andrew Wren serves as executive director of Auburn University's New Venture Accelerator (NVA), a venture development program that moves student, faculty, and community founders from idea validation through company formation, early-stage growth, and capital access.

Wren leads a team of entrepreneurs-in-residence — seasoned operators who provide structured guidance and mentorship to NVA portfolio companies.  He manages capital pathways to support the companies, including the AU Kickstart Fund, which provides non-dilutive grants to support promising NVA and Auburn-affiliated start-ups prior to their initial seed or Series A funding; the Tiger Cage Pitch Competition, which awards over $100,000 of prize money to support innovative early-stage companies created by Auburn students; and external capital partnerships that connect portfolio companies with investors as they scale

He also collaborates with Auburn's technology commercialization office to identify and develop university research with venture potential and works with the Lowder Center for Family Business and Entrepreneurship, the gateway to Auburn's start-up ecosystem where ideation and early business modeling occurs.

Previously, Wren spent more than 30 years building Wren Solutions from a small entrepreneurial start-up into an international provider of asset protection and security solutions for Fortune 500 companies.  As CEO, he developed strong leadership teams, built and scaled operations and established a culture of continuous improvement — measures that positioned the company for a successful private equity transaction in 2023. He continues to leverage his industry experience as a board member with two companies, advising leadership on strategy, growth initiatives, organizational development and governance.

Wren earned his bachelor's degree in marketing from Auburn. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, woodworking, and health and wellness.