Become a Startup Scout
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University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Unearth the future of innovation! Become a VC Startup Scout, dive into the rapidly evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem and gain unparalleled exposure to startup operations. Join us at University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

About

UMass Amherst & the Startup and VC Ecosystem

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst is a powerhouse of innovation and entrepreneurship. Home to the flagship of the UMass system, the university is home to over 30,000 students and a vast network of alumni. This makes UMass Amherst a great place for new entrepreneurs and investors to get started.

The university has a strong culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that has been bolstered by the presence of several startup and venture capital firms. One of the most successful of these is the UM Ventures Fund, which has invested in dozens of early-stage startups and has been behind some of the most successful start-ups in the greater Boston area.

The university also hosts several events and programs to help cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit of its students. One of the most popular of these is the UMass Amherst Start-Up Bootcamp, which provides students with mentorship from successful entrepreneurs and investors. The program has been instrumental in launching the careers of many successful founders and investors, including Aswath Damodaran, a professor of finance who has gone on to become one of the most successful investors in the world.

In addition to the Bootcamp, the university also provides students with access to the University of Massachusetts Amherst Accelerator Program (UAMP), a program designed to help tech startups develop their ideas and grow their businesses. UAMP has helped dozens of startups reach their potential, including one of the most successful software companies in the area, Blue Sky Robotics.

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst is also home to the UMass Innovation Challenge, a competition that awards over $100,000 in funding to the most innovative ideas from UMass students. This initiative has helped launch many successful businesses in the area, such as the software company Volley, which was founded by UMass alumnus Michael Golub.

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst is a great place for entrepreneurs and investors to get their start. It has a vibrant startup and venture capital ecosystem, along with several initiatives and programs designed to help foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Many of the most successful startups and investors in the area have their roots at UMass, making it a great place to begin a journey towards success.

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?

At the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass), we provide startup investors with dealflow opportunities from the latest innovations and startups coming out of UMass. Join us to stay informed and discover new opportunities.

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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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