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The MBA Fund is a venture capital firm founded to support founders emerging from leading startup-producing universities. Established with a mission to back student, alumni, and dropout founders from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the firm has made over 150 early-stage investments through its core funds. The MBA Fund operates from its headquarters in North America and has built a robust network of investors and operators to assist its portfolio companies.
Since its inception, the MBA Fund has focused on early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus rounds. The firm has achieved notable milestones, including a diverse portfolio that features companies which have successfully raised follow-on capital from other prominent venture capital firms. The MBA Fund's commitment to supporting university founders has positioned it as a key player in the early-stage investment landscape.
The MBA Fund invests primarily in early-stage companies, specifically targeting founders from top universities. The firm focuses on pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus investment stages, emphasizing the importance of strong conviction, humility, and a vision for improvement in the founders it backs. The firm seeks to partner with teams at the earliest stages of development, providing not only capital but also access to a network of resources that can help accelerate growth.
In addition to its core investment strategy, the MBA Fund manages an invite-only syndicate on AngelList for later-stage deals. This syndicate allows the firm to extend its investment reach and collaborate with other investors on promising opportunities. The MBA Fund's unique focus on university founders differentiates it from other venture capital firms, as it leverages the strengths and networks of these elite educational institutions to identify and support high-potential startups.
The MBA Fund's portfolio includes a diverse array of companies, many of which have achieved notable exits. Some of the highlighted companies in their portfolio include:
These companies represent just a portion of the MBA Fund's extensive portfolio, which consists of over 150 investments. Many of these portfolio companies have successfully raised follow-on capital from notable venture capital firms, demonstrating the MBA Fund's ability to identify and support high-potential startups.
Iynna Halilou - General Partner. Iynna has extensive experience in venture capital and has led numerous successful investments in early-stage companies.
Hansae Catlett - General Partner. Hansae brings a wealth of knowledge in startup operations and has a strong track record of supporting founders in their growth journeys.
Hiro Tien - General Partner. Hiro specializes in technology investments and has a background in engineering and product development.
Josh Hoffman-Senn - General Partner. Josh has a deep understanding of market dynamics and has successfully guided several startups through their early stages.
Additionally, the MBA Fund has a team of campus leads from Harvard, Stanford, UPenn, and Berkeley, including students and alumni who help identify promising startups within their networks.
Founders interested in pitching to The MBA Fund should reach out via email at team@thembafund.com. It is recommended to include a concise overview of the business, the team, and the market opportunity in the pitch deck. The firm prefers to receive pitches through email rather than through a formal application portal.
Response times can vary, but founders can generally expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions from mutual connections within the MBA Fund's network can enhance the chances of receiving a timely response.
As of October 2023, The MBA Fund has made significant strides in its investment activities, having completed over 150 early-stage investments. The firm continues to expand its portfolio, focusing on companies founded by individuals from top universities.
Recent notable exits from the portfolio include Aavrani, AbstractOps, and AccessBell, showcasing the firm's ability to identify high-potential startups. The MBA Fund remains active in the venture capital space, consistently seeking new opportunities to support university founders.
What are the investment criteria for The MBA Fund?
The MBA Fund primarily invests in early-stage companies founded by individuals from top universities, particularly Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. The firm looks for founders who demonstrate strong conviction, humility, and a vision for improvement.
How can founders apply or pitch to The MBA Fund?
Founders seeking investment can submit their information through the contact form on the MBA Fund's website. Additionally, inquiries can be directed to team@thembafund.com.
What makes The MBA Fund different from other venture capital firms?
The MBA Fund focuses specifically on founders from elite universities, leveraging a strong network of alumni and resources to support portfolio companies. This unique approach allows the firm to tap into a rich talent pool and foster innovation.
What is the geographic scope of The MBA Fund's investments?
The MBA Fund primarily invests in North America, targeting startups that are based in this region.
What is the typical check size for investments made by The MBA Fund?
The MBA Fund invests in pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus rounds, with check sizes varying based on the specific needs of the startup and the stage of investment.
What kind of post-investment involvement does The MBA Fund have?
The MBA Fund provides operational support and access to its network of investors and operators to assist portfolio companies in their growth journey. This involvement can include mentorship, strategic guidance, and follow-on investment opportunities.
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