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BYU Cougar Capital is a student-led venture capital and private equity fund based at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. Established in 2005, the fund operates as a donation-based, evergreen structure, primarily capitalized through donations rather than traditional limited partner investments. This innovative model allows MBA students to gain practical experience in sourcing, diligence, and capital deployment while collaborating with established venture capital and private equity firms.
The fund currently manages approximately $3.9 million in assets under management (AUM) and has invested in 57 companies to date. BYU Cougar Capital emphasizes a hands-on approach, where second-year MBA students actively pursue investment opportunities, conduct thorough due diligence, and engage in post-deal analysis. This experiential learning environment not only enhances the students' educational experience but also provides valuable insights into the investment process.
Located within the Marriott School of Business, BYU Cougar Capital leverages its connections with industry partners to enhance deal flow and investment analysis. The fund's unique structure fosters a collaborative atmosphere, allowing students to engage in real investment opportunities while receiving guidance from faculty and industry advisors. Notable milestones include successful exits from companies like Cloudflare, Bill.com, and Weave, showcasing the fund's ability to identify high-potential startups.
BYU Cougar Capital invests across a diverse range of sectors, including fintech, healthcare, agtech, and logistics. The fund seeks to identify innovative products and teams with significant growth potential. It operates with a stage-agnostic approach, meaning it does not limit itself to specific stages of company development. Instead, the fund follows the deal flow of its established venture capital and private equity partners, allowing it to tap into a wide array of investment opportunities.
The typical check size for investments ranges from $25,000 to $100,000, which positions BYU Cougar Capital as a co-investor rather than a lead investor. This strategy enables the fund to participate in high-quality deals alongside top-tier venture capital firms, enhancing its ability to secure promising investments. The fund emphasizes thorough due diligence and post-deal analysis, ensuring that each investment aligns with its criteria for growth potential and team capability.
In summary, BYU Cougar Capital's investment focus is characterized by its collaborative approach, diverse sector interests, and commitment to identifying high-potential startups. The fund's unique structure allows MBA students to gain invaluable experience while contributing to the investment process.
BYU Cougar Capital has built a diverse portfolio of 57 companies, showcasing its commitment to investing in high-potential startups across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
This diverse portfolio reflects BYU Cougar Capital's strategy of investing in companies with strong teams and innovative products across multiple industries.
Rory Doucette - Fund Managing Director. Rory has extensive experience in venture capital and private equity, having worked with various firms prior to joining BYU Cougar Capital.
Mason Bigler - Managing Director Internal. Mason focuses on internal operations and strategy, leveraging his background in finance and management.
Greg Hutchins - Managing Director External. Greg is responsible for external partnerships and deal sourcing, drawing on his network within the venture capital community.
Emily Clinger - Managing Director Deals. Emily leads the deal analysis process, utilizing her expertise in financial modeling and market research.
Parker Walton - Director, Finance. Parker manages the fund's financial operations, ensuring compliance and effective capital management.
Samuel Jardine - Director, Communication. Samuel oversees communication strategies and outreach efforts to enhance the fund's visibility.
Samuel Clark - Director, Portfolio. Samuel focuses on portfolio management, working closely with founders to support their growth.
Callie Smith - Director, Culture. Callie fosters a positive culture within the fund, promoting collaboration and engagement among team members.
Josh Harrop - Director, Alumni. Josh maintains relationships with alumni and leverages their expertise for the benefit of the fund.
Jake Anderson - Director, Process and Diligence. Jake ensures that the fund's diligence processes are thorough and effective, enhancing investment decision-making.
Coleman Martinis - Director, Conferences & Reunion. Coleman organizes events and reunions to strengthen connections within the BYU Cougar Capital community.
Grant Keller - Director Sourcing. Grant is responsible for sourcing new investment opportunities and building relationships with potential portfolio companies.
Dallin McLean - Director, Community Outreach. Dallin engages with the local entrepreneurial community to identify potential investment opportunities.
Connor Hansen - Director, Legal Affairs. Connor manages legal matters related to the fund's operations and investments.
To pitch BYU Cougar Capital, founders should visit their official website at byucougarcapital.org. The fund prefers pitches to be submitted via email to rollinscenter@byu.edu. Founders should include a concise overview of their business, highlighting the product, market potential, and team qualifications.
It is advisable to provide a well-structured pitch deck that outlines the business model, growth strategy, and financial projections. The fund typically responds within a few weeks, so founders should be prepared for follow-up discussions if there is mutual interest.
Warm introductions are encouraged, especially from individuals within the BYU network or those connected to the fund's partners. This can enhance the chances of securing a meeting and receiving feedback on the pitch.
BYU Cougar Capital participates in the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC), which allows MBA students to act as venture capitalists. In this program, students evaluate startups, negotiate term sheets, and gain hands-on experience in the venture capital process. This competition is an integral part of the educational experience for students involved in BYU Cougar Capital.
Additionally, the fund hosts various events and workshops aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of its members. These programs provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with industry professionals, further enriching the educational experience for MBA students.
In recent months, BYU Cougar Capital has continued to expand its portfolio, with notable investments in innovative startups across fintech, healthcare, agtech, and logistics. The fund recently participated in the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC), allowing MBA students to act as venture capitalists and evaluate startups.
Upcoming events include the Tech Innovators Summit 2024, scheduled for November 22 at Terranea Resort, and a webinar titled 'Sustainable Investing: The Next Frontier' on the same day. These events aim to foster discussions around emerging trends in venture capital and investment strategies.
What are BYU Cougar Capital's investment criteria?
BYU Cougar Capital invests in companies across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, agtech, and logistics. The fund seeks innovative products and strong teams with significant growth potential.
How can I pitch to BYU Cougar Capital?
Founders can pitch to BYU Cougar Capital through their official website at byucougarcapital.org. Interested parties can also reach out via email at rollinscenter@byu.edu.
What makes BYU Cougar Capital different from other venture funds?
BYU Cougar Capital is unique due to its student-led structure, where MBA students actively participate in sourcing and analyzing investment opportunities. This model provides a fresh perspective and fosters connections within the BYU and broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What is the typical check size for investments?
The fund typically invests between $25,000 and $100,000 in each company, positioning itself as a co-investor alongside established venture capital and private equity partners.
What is the geographic focus of BYU Cougar Capital?
BYU Cougar Capital does not limit itself to specific geographic regions. The fund follows the deal flow of its established partners, allowing it to invest in companies across North America.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Portfolio companies benefit from access to a network of established venture capital and private equity firms, as well as insights and diligence efforts from MBA students, enhancing their growth potential.
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