Launched in 2015, The Dorm Fund is a Marquette student-run venture capital firm that invests exclusively in undergraduate student-run companies and provides funding up to $2,500 to help accelerate new ventures. The investment team is comprised of student investors (Associates) committed to supporting student entrepreneurs, founders, startups and innovation at Marquette University.
Process for Investment
If you are interested in pitching to the Dorm Fund, email Patrick to set up a time to discuss the process.
The process typically includes:
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A meeting with Patrick in which we discuss your idea, what the Business Model Canvas is and talk about the pitching/funding process.
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Meet with The Dorm Fund Associates to discuss the business idea, get feedback and a plan for the pitch.
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Pitch to The Dorm Fund Associates
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As long as student-run ventures continue to show progress, they are able to meet with The Dorm Fund through unlimited rounds before the idea is funded.
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The Dorm Fund members will be able to invest up to $2,500 in a student-run business it chooses to back. The investments are considered a gift to the entrepreneur.
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The Associates do not take any equity in the student company and the investment does not need to be repaid. However, if the student company becomes a hit, they can choose to donate to the Dorm Fund if they desire to do so!
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A given student company can only receive a max $2,500 from the Dorm Fund. If you are in search of other funding opportunities please check out the Brewed Ideas Challenge and/or email Patrick.
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This funding program exclusively for Marquette Students and seed money awarded must be spent while the founders are still enrolled at Marquette. Seed money awarded through the Dorm Fund typically is processed as a reimbursement for the student founders or the 707 Hub can purchase required materials etc. on behalf of the student founder.
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Resources:
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Download the Business Model Canvas or check out a this digital version.
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Explore Business Model Canvas Resources - here is a good start: Strategyzer
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Research what makes a good pitch, here are two resources to get you started from the HBR and Stanford
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The Dorm Fund is powered by the Golden Angels Investors, the Office of Research and Innovation and the Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship at the 707 Hub.