Become a Startup Scout
in
at
State University of New York (SUNY)

Dive into the exhilarating world of startups as a VC scout. An unbeatable opportunity for State University of New York members to gain cutting-edge insights, expand networks, and explore potential career pathways.

About

The State University of New York (SUNY) is an influential institution in the startup and Venture Capital (VC) ecosystem. SUNY has generated numerous industry leaders and significant venture capital investments. In its commitment to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, SUNY has launched several initiatives, providing students and faculties with resources to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses.

One of such initiatives is the SUNY Innovation Hub, which promotes the commercialization of the university's research work. The Innovation Hub provides support in the form of mentorship, training, and access to potential investors. Its mission is to successfully transition the intellectual property generated from the university into startups, supporting them to scale and attract venture capital.

Besides, SUNY has produced notable entrepreneurs and investors in the startup landscape. A noteworthy example is Daymond John, a SUNY alumnus and successful entrepreneur, best known for his role as an investor on the TV show "Shark Tank". John is the founder and CEO of the fashion brand FUBU, which highlighted his ability to turn a modest investment into a six-billion-dollar brand.

Another remarkable alumni, James Simons, is a prominent figure in the VC industry. Having studied at the State University of New York at Stonybrook, Simons founded Renaissance Technologies, an investment management firm that oversees over $110 billion in assets. He is focused on quantitative investing, meaning his firm is at the intersection of computer science and finance, revealing the diversity of startups and investment strategies fostered within the SUNY ecosystem.

Moreover, SUNY has also sponsored multiple venture pitch competitions, fostering startup growth and investment opportunities. For instance, the SUNY Clean Energy Business Creation Competition provides financial incentives for the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies. Through the competition, SUNY facilitates connections between entrepreneurs, researchers, and venture capital investors. These activities have helped to secure SUNY's role as an incubator for startup formation and developments in the New York state region.

In conclusion, the State University of New York has a multi-dimensional commitment to supporting the startup and venture capital ecosystem. Its focus on innovation, entrepreneurial training, and connections to the investment community provides both resources and guidance to budding entrepreneurs and emerging startups within the university.

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 SUNY entrepreneurs and innovators and get access to exclusive dealflow opportunities. Invest in the best startups, innovations, and people coming out of the State University of New York.

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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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