Become a Startup Scout
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Wesleyan University

Spearhead innovation as a VC startup scout, gaining unprecedented exposure to the world of startups. Unearth hidden talent, leverage strategic thinking, and boost your industry insights. Wesleyan University, over to you.

About

Wesleyan University, a private liberal arts college in Middletown, Connecticut, has a vibrant startup and VC ecosystem. The University's Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship provides resources and support for students and alumni in the domain of social entrepreneurship but has also proven to be beneficial for more traditionally-defined startups as well. They offer workshops, coaching, grants, and networking opportunities.

An example of Wesleyan's startup success lies in the story of Tripod, an internet hosting service. It was founded by Bo Peabody and Brett Hershey, both Wesleyan alumni. Bo Peabody was a student at Wesleyan University when he came up with the idea, and later, Tripod was sold to Lycos in 1998 for $58 million.

Among the Wesleyan graduates are a number of successful investors. One such example is Bradley Whitford, a well-known actor but also an investor, who graduated from Wesleyan in 1981.

In terms of ventures and investments, Wesleyan was one of the first universities that took the initiative to invest in the venture capital industry, dating back to the early 1970s. Wesleyan's endowment fund made allocations to Sequoia and Kleiner Perkins, two of the first institutional funds in venture capital. And these are considered to be some of the best venture capital funds.

Furthermore, Wesleyan University has launched a startup incubator known as the Wesleyan Startup Incubator in order to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among its students. The incubator extends its support to several types of startups – tech startups, social ventures, and creative projects.

In conclusion, it's essential to mention that the entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured at Wesleyan University in various ways. This is not only through formal programs and initiatives but also through the fostering of a proactive mindset and entrepreneurial culture.

As a Scout, You Can...

Kickstart Your Venture Capital Career

Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.

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Help Your Ecosystem Thrive

Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.

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Earn a Share in Startups Without Investing in Them

Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.

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Monetise Your Content & Community

As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.

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Create a Fairer Society

By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.

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Help Friends Get Funded

Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.

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Grow Your Personal Brand

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Join as a Scout at Your University

Available Programs

Startup Investor?

Discover the entrepreneurs, startups, and innovations coming out of Wesleyan University and explore investment opportunities with our exclusive dealflow for startup investors.

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Scout Programs in Other Global Startup Hubs

Podcaster

Do you interview founders & startups? Take your conversation insights to the next level by scouting your favourite podcast guests.

Scout founders you interview →

Co-Working Space Organiser

Do you help run a co-working space as an organiser or a greeter? Do you come across interesting entrepreneurs and startups?

Scout startups you sit next to→

Event Organiser

Do you organise an event, conference, or trade show? Help your founder attendees get discovered.

Scout startups at your event →

Student

Are you active in the entrepreneurship club at your college? Doing an MBA? Or are you a PHD student at a technical university? Help your fellow students get funded.

Scout startups at your university →

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