Become a Startup Scout
in
at
Northwestern University

Join the VC startup scout program and unlock a world of possibilities. Gain exclusive access to incredible startups, and supercharge your networking skills in our vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. Opportunity awaits!

About

Northwestern University has cultivated a rich ecosystem for start-ups and venture capital opportunities, through various initiatives and programs. The university's Kellogg School of Management notably offers an excellent guided path towards entrepreneurship with courses that provide essential knowledge and practical experience.

The Garage is a significant institution within Northwestern University. It's a dedicated hub for budding student entrepreneurs, providing them with the necessary resources, mentoring, and workspace to start and develop innovative projects.

The university’s venture capital initiative, Northwestern Capital Partners, was established to provide funding to start-ups within the Northwestern community. These start-ups have the opportunity to leverage the expertise and network provided by Northwestern Capital Partners to facilitate their growth and development.

Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is another initiative at Northwestern University that encourages innovation among students and faculty. They provide courses, workshops, and events that open up opportunities for product innovation and venture creation.

A successful example of a start-up from Northwestern University is Exicure, a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in developing new drugs based on Spherical Nucleic Acid (SNA) technology. The company, co-founded by Dr. David Giljohann, a Northwestern University alumnus, went public in 2017.

Another example of a successful Northwestern University-related start-up is 4C Insights (now Scope by 4C), a data science company that offers marketing technology for TV and digital media. Co-founded by Northwestern University professor Alok Choudhary, the company was acquired by Mediaocean in 2020.

Garry Tan, a venture capitalist and managing partner at Initialized Capital, is a notable alumnus of Northwestern University. He co-founded Posterous and served as a partner at Y Combinator, investing in notable companies like Reddit and Instacart.

These examples demonstrate how Northwestern University cultivates and supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture capital within its community, providing an environment that helps startups thrive.

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.

Explore →

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.

Explore →

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.

Explore →

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.

Explore →

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.

Explore →

Help Friends Get Funded

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

Explore →

Grow Your Personal Brand

Explore →

Join as a Scout at Your University

Available Programs

Startup Investor?

Receive dealflow opportunities from individuals, startups, and innovations coming out of Northwestern University. Connect with us today and benefit from our friendly, concise, and factual approach for evaluating potential investments.

Learn More →

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 →

All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.