As the ’13-’14 academic year winds to a close, the Wolverine Venture Fund (WVF) recently unveiled a new website that highlights its leadership in student-led venture capital. It’s been a banner year for the 17 year-old student led venture fund which strengthened its investment in NeuMoDX by participating in a $21 million Series B funding round in early April, and celebrating the success of one of its earliest portfolio companies, Silverpop, which IBM announced its plans to acquire just a few weeks ago.
The WVF was the country’s first student-led venture fund and it continues to shine as a unique program that offers students unmatched hands-on investing experience. Over the years, the fund has grown tremendously – from $2 million at its start to $6.5 million today – thanks to successful investment strategies. Since its inception, the WVF has seen the successful exit of four portfolio companies including HandyLabs, IntraLase, Versity.com and Silverpop.
The fund’s student members seek, screen and negotiate investments, giving them much more than a typical VC internship experience – they get real investment experience. The fund provides the opportunity for students to make powerful decisions, to network and work with other VCs and to create and build relationships with start-ups and entrepreneurs. In fact, WVF students have worked alongside venture capital funds such as Arboretum Ventures, Flagship Ventures and VantagePoint in a number of deals.
A hallmark of Ross’ commitment to action-based learning, the WVF has been lauded by major media including Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal and TechCrunch.
This new website serves as a great reflection of the WVF’s growth, accomplishments and future. Check it out!