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The University Venture Fund (UVF) is a student-run investment fund established in 2004, located at the David Eccles School of Business in Salt Lake City, Utah. As part of the Venture & Impact Investing Program at the Sorenson Impact Institute, UVF provides students with hands-on experience in sourcing, evaluating, and recommending investment opportunities. The fund has a total of $18 million in assets under management and has made 24 investments across its two funds.
UVF I, which closed in 2004 with $18.2 million, resulted in 10 exits, including 5 IPOs and 6 acquisitions, creating over 2,500 jobs. UVF II continues this impact-focused investment strategy, furthering the fund's mission to deploy catalytic capital primarily in the Intermountain West region and beyond. The fund is fully deployed and is not currently seeking new investment opportunities.
University Venture Fund specializes in impact investing, with a primary focus on deploying catalytic capital in the Intermountain West region. The fund engages students from institutions such as Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, allowing them to participate actively in the investment process. This involvement provides students with practical experience in venture capital and impact investing.
UVF's investment strategy emphasizes sourcing and evaluating opportunities that align with its mission of creating positive social and economic impact. The fund's check sizes typically range from $100,000 to $500,000, and it seeks to invest in early-stage companies that demonstrate potential for growth and job creation.
University Venture Fund has invested in a total of 24 companies through its two funds. Notable companies in its portfolio include:
UVF I has achieved 10 exits, including 5 IPOs and 6 acquisitions, showcasing its successful investment strategy and commitment to job creation.
Jim Sorenson - Investment Committee Member. Jim has extensive experience in venture capital and has been involved in numerous successful investments.
Meredith Shields - Investment Committee Member. Meredith brings a background in finance and impact investing, contributing valuable insights to the fund's strategy.
Taylor Randall - Investment Committee Member. Taylor has a strong academic background and experience in entrepreneurship, enhancing the fund's focus on student engagement.
Mike Dutton - Investment Committee Member. Mike has a history of working with startups and provides operational support to portfolio companies.
Brad Dickson - Investment Committee Member. Brad has expertise in financial analysis and helps evaluate potential investment opportunities.
Lewis Hower - Investment Committee Member. Lewis has a background in technology and innovation, contributing to the fund's investment thesis.
Startups interested in pitching to UVF should send their pitch deck via email to info@sorensonimpact.com. The deck should include key information about the business model, market opportunity, and impact metrics. Response times may vary, but founders can expect feedback within a few weeks.
In recent months, the University Venture Fund has successfully invested in 18 companies and achieved 3 exits, demonstrating its commitment to both student education and portfolio growth. The fund continues to engage students in the investment process, providing them with practical experience in venture capital.
UVF remains focused on its mission of impact investing, contributing to job creation and economic development in the Intermountain West region.
What are the investment criteria for UVF?
UVF focuses on impact investing, targeting early-stage companies in the Intermountain West region. The fund looks for businesses that demonstrate potential for growth and positive social impact.
How can startups apply or pitch to UVF?
Startups can reach out via email at info@sorensonimpact.com to inquire about pitching opportunities. A detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and impact metrics is recommended.
What makes UVF different from other venture funds?
UVF is unique as it is the largest student-run venture capital fund in the U.S., providing students with hands-on experience in the investment process while focusing on impact investing.
What is the geographic scope of UVF's investments?
UVF primarily invests in the Intermountain West region but is open to opportunities beyond this area that align with its impact investing thesis.
What is the typical check size for investments?
UVF typically invests between $100,000 and $500,000 in early-stage companies, depending on the opportunity and alignment with its investment strategy.
What kind of post-investment involvement does UVF have?
UVF engages with portfolio companies through mentorship and support, leveraging the students' involvement to provide operational insights and guidance.
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