Branding for a Caltech-Connected VC Fund Investing in Scientific Innovation

What: Studio Usher was hired to create the brand identity for Wilson Hill, a venture capital fund affiliated with Caltech. Wilson Hill invests in leading scientists, including professors, graduate students, and post-docs, who are advancing fundamental scientific research and addressing global challenges. Studio Usher’s work included creating a distinctive logo and a foundational visual system tailored for the science, technology, and startup sectors.

Goal: To design a brand that visually connects Wilson Hill to Caltech’s legacy, incorporating inspiration from the Mount Wilson Observatory located on the campus, while appealing to innovative investors and emerging science-focused startups in the technology and biotech landscapes.

Notable: The Wilson Hill logo incorporates a star in its negative space. When repeated, the stars form a DNA strand pattern—visually representing the intersection of scientific discovery and venture capital investment. This unique design underscores the fund’s focus on innovation, research, and science-driven entrepreneurship.