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Van Wickle Ventures (VWV) is a student-run venture fund established in 2019 at Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island. The fund's mission is to support entrepreneurs affiliated with Brown, including students, alumni, and faculty, by providing them with capital and hands-on experience in venture investing. VWV operates as an evergreen fund, reinvesting all returns to sustain its support for the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem. This unique structure allows VWV to continuously engage with and support the next generation of innovators.
Since its inception, VWV has sourced over 700 companies founded by Brown affiliates, showcasing a commitment to fostering innovation within the university community. The fund draws inspiration from successful alumni ventures such as Figma and Warby Parker, aiming to replicate their success by providing meaningful capital to early-stage companies. VWV's team consists of 20 members, including various vice presidents and associates, who actively participate in sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities.
VWV is located at the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship, which serves as a hub for entrepreneurial activity at Brown. The fund is supported by a diverse LP base, primarily funded through Brown's endowment, which was seeded by a generous gift from Robert '75 and Erna Place '76. This financial backing allows VWV to maintain its operations and continue supporting Brown-affiliated startups.
Van Wickle Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in companies founded by entrepreneurs affiliated with Brown University. The fund invests across multiple stages, including pre-seed, seed, seed-plus (extension), and Series A, with check sizes ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. VWV primarily targets sectors such as consumer products, healthcare, and fintech, reflecting the diverse interests and expertise of its student members.
The fund emphasizes a holistic educational approach, leveraging the unique perspectives of its student members to inform investment decisions. VWV's strategy is guided by the success of notable Brown startups, aiming to provide meaningful capital to support the growth of these ventures. The fund's investment criteria prioritize companies that embody the innovative spirit characteristic of Brown's educational experience, ensuring that investments align with the values and mission of the university.
VWV's investment process involves student-led sourcing and evaluation, with final decisions made by an investment committee composed of seasoned alumni VCs. This structure not only provides valuable learning opportunities for students but also ensures that investment decisions are backed by industry expertise. VWV's commitment to supporting Brown-affiliated entrepreneurs creates a unique investment environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.
Van Wickle Ventures has invested in approximately 13 startups, showcasing a strong focus on consumer products and health-adjacent themes. Notable companies in their portfolio include:
This diverse portfolio reflects VWV's commitment to supporting innovative solutions across various sectors, particularly those that align with the interests and expertise of the Brown community.
Sunav Nambiar: Co-Director of Van Wickle Ventures, Sunav has a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, having previously worked with various startups. He is focused on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities within the fund.
Daniel Lee: Co-Director, Daniel brings experience in finance and startup operations. He plays a key role in guiding the fund's investment strategy and overseeing the student team.
Serena Saxena: VP of Communications, Serena is responsible for managing the fund's outreach and communication efforts, ensuring that the fund's mission and activities are effectively conveyed to the Brown community.
Sujith Pakala: Associate, Sujith is involved in the due diligence process and assists in evaluating potential investments, leveraging his analytical skills to support the fund's decision-making.
Alicia Wu: Associate, Alicia focuses on sourcing new investment opportunities and conducting market research to identify promising startups within the Brown ecosystem.
Claire Luo: Associate, Claire contributes to the fund's operations and assists in managing the investment pipeline, ensuring that the fund remains organized and efficient.
Jack Connolly: Associate, Jack is engaged in evaluating startups and providing insights into their growth potential, drawing on his background in entrepreneurship.
Finnur (Thor) Christianson: VP of Portfolio Management, Thor oversees the fund's existing portfolio and works closely with founders to provide ongoing support and guidance.
Roman Novy-Marx: Associate, Roman assists in the evaluation of investment opportunities and contributes to the fund's research efforts.
Investment Committee Members:
Bob Place '75: Managing Director at Clean Energy Venture Group, Bob brings extensive experience in venture capital and clean energy investments.
Zachary Aarons '05: Co-Founder and General Partner at MetaProp, Zachary specializes in real estate technology investments.
Olivia Tulkoff '22: Investor at Lead Edge, Olivia focuses on growth-stage investments across various sectors.
Troy Henikoff '86: Managing Director at MATH Venture Partners, Troy has a strong background in technology investments.
Ashley Aydin '13: Principal at VamosVentures, Ashley specializes in early-stage investments in diverse sectors.
Ludwig Schulze '97: Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures, Ludwig has extensive experience in venture capital and startup investments.
Khalil Fuller '14: Partner and Head of Dorm at Pear VC, Khalil focuses on early-stage investments in technology startups.
To pitch Van Wickle Ventures, founders should reach out via email at vwv@brown.edu. It is advisable to include a concise overview of the startup, the team, and the business model in the initial communication. VWV prefers pitches that clearly articulate the startup's value proposition and how it aligns with the fund's focus on Brown-affiliated entrepreneurs.
Founders should be prepared to provide additional information upon request, including financial projections and market analysis. The fund typically responds to inquiries within a reasonable timeframe, but founders should be aware that the decision-making process involves an investment committee composed of seasoned alumni VCs, which may extend response times.
Warm introductions through the Brown community can enhance the likelihood of a successful pitch, as VWV prioritizes investments in startups with strong ties to the university. Founders are encouraged to leverage their networks to facilitate connections with the fund's members.
Van Wickle Ventures offers a Group Independent Study Project, a credited class designed to provide training for new associates in venture capital. This program allows students to gain practical experience in sourcing and evaluating investments while working closely with experienced members of the fund.
The program emphasizes collaboration and learning, enabling students to develop their skills in venture investing while contributing to the fund's mission of supporting Brown-affiliated startups. Participation in this program is a valuable opportunity for students interested in pursuing careers in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
In 2023, Van Wickle Ventures continued to support Brown-affiliated startups, maintaining its focus on early-stage investments. The fund has made several investments in promising companies, although specific details on recent deals have not been disclosed.
VWV has been featured in various articles by the Brown Daily Herald and Brown University News, highlighting its role in fostering entrepreneurship within the Brown community. The fund's activities have garnered attention for its unique approach to venture capital, blending student involvement with seasoned alumni expertise.
As of 2025, VWV is noted for its growing presence in the venture capital space, with discussions around expanding its investment activities and enhancing its support for Brown-affiliated entrepreneurs. The fund's commitment to providing hands-on experience in venture investing remains a key aspect of its operations.
What are the investment criteria for Van Wickle Ventures?
VWV invests in early-stage companies primarily founded by entrepreneurs affiliated with Brown University, including students, alumni, and faculty. The fund focuses on sectors such as consumer products, healthcare, and fintech, and typically invests between $25,000 and $50,000.
How can I pitch to Van Wickle Ventures?
Founders interested in pitching to VWV can reach out via email at vwv@brown.edu. It is recommended to include a brief overview of the startup, the team, and the business model in the initial communication.
What makes Van Wickle Ventures different from other venture funds?
VWV is unique as it is a student-run venture fund that provides hands-on experience in venture investing for its members. The fund's structure allows students to engage in sourcing and evaluating investments, while final decisions are made by an investment committee of seasoned alumni VCs.
What is the geographic focus of Van Wickle Ventures?
VWV primarily invests in startups based in the United States, particularly those affiliated with Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
What is the fund size and check size range for Van Wickle Ventures?
VWV operates as an evergreen fund, reinvesting all returns to sustain its support for the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The check size range for investments is typically between $25,000 and $50,000.
What kind of support does Van Wickle Ventures provide to portfolio companies?
In addition to capital, VWV offers valuable hands-on experience in venture capital for its student members, creating a bridge between academic learning and real-world venture investing. Portfolio companies benefit from the insights and connections provided by the investment committee, which consists of experienced alumni VCs.
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