Become a Startup Scout
in
at
Brown University

Join the VC Startup Scout program to gain first-hand experience with groundbreaking innovations and expand your professional network within the startup ecosystem. Unique learning, networking, and growth opportunities await you.

About

Brown University, situated in Providence, Rhode Island, has a vibrant startup and Venture Capital (VC) ecosystem. From technology-based startups to impactful social enterprises, the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem, assists students and faculty in their entrepreneurial journey.

The Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship at Brown University is a significant initiative that supports this ecosystem. It aims to make entrepreneurship an essential part of the Brown experience by offering a variety of resources, including courses, venture support, and engaging events, to assist young entrepreneurs in their ventures.

One of the remarkable success stories from Brown University is the case of Aaron Feuer. He is a Brown alumnus and the co-founder of Panorama Education, a data analytics firm that has secured funding from high-profile investors like Mark Zuckerberg’s Startup:Education and Google Ventures.

Another success story that stands out is the case of OkCupid, one of the most popular online dating sites, which was co-founded by Sam Yagan, a Brown University graduate. The company was later sold to Match.com in 2011 for $50 million.

Oliver Kharraz, another Brown alumnus, co-founded Zocdoc, a health tech company that simplifies the process of booking doctors' appointments. To date, the company has raised more than $225 million from investors.

Besides, Jason Harry, a Brown University-affiliated founder, has played a significant role in many successful ventures, including Bernoulli Health and ProThera Biologics, and currently serves as the Associate Director of Brown's Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship.

In terms of investor success, Brown University also boasts Rob Solomon, a Brown alumnus and the former president and chief operating officer of Groupon, a popular e-commerce marketplace, who is now a venture capitalist at Accel Partners.

The university cultivates a network of successful entrepreneurial alumni and faculty, providing valuable connections and resources to bolster their startup sphere. The above examples indicate the university's strong impact on the entrepreneurship and VC landscape, underscoring Brown's commitment to fostering startup culture among its students and faculty.

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?

Connect with Brown University's innovation ecosystem and receive dealflow opportunities from individuals, startups, and new ideas. Invest in the future today!

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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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