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Overview

Big Red Ventures, formally BR Venture Fund (BRV), is Cornell University's early-stage, student-run venture capital fund. It is operated by Cornell MBA and graduate students, was founded in 2001 according to Cornell entrepreneurship sources, and invests up to $25,000 in U.S.-based high-growth companies across industries.

Investment focus

BRV is industry and domain agnostic, invests in U.S.-based early-stage companies across all industries, and can consider pre-revenue companies when return potential is high. It has a Cornell ecosystem advantage through access to Cornell technologies, New York State startups, and student-led venture diligence.

Program details

Designed for Students, Founders, Investors. The program is in person. Participation is generally part time.

Who it is for

Fund Manager eligibility includes second-year residential MBAs, Cornell Tech MBAs, JDs, JD/MBAs, and PhD students. Associate eligibility includes first-year MBAs, Cornell Tech MBAs, EMBAs, PhD students, second-year MBAs, JDs, and master's students; alumni are not eligible for the associate role. Startup funding eligibility is U.S.-based early-stage companies across industries.

Check if you are eligible

Check your eligibility for Big Red Ventures

Admissions and application

Fund Manager applications for the 2026-2027 cohort are open June 1-26, 2026 via the BRV Join page. The Cornell catalog states the Fund Manager course/program is selective and uses an application and interview process; associate entry is through three required fall trainings covering venture basics, legal considerations, and investment evaluation.

Benefits

Student fund managers receive hands-on experience running a real venture fund with academic credit available. The role includes investment sourcing, due diligence, decision-making, fundraising, portfolio support, and hosting the annual BenDaniel Venture Challenge.

Timeline

2026-06: Fund Manager applications for the 2026-2027 cohort are open from June 1 to June 26, 2026. 2026-09: Associate cohort training is scheduled for September 2026 with Canvas access by September 14, 2026.

What came of it

BRV has built a significant portfolio over 20+ years of operation. Recent portfolio updates shared at the 2024 Annual Meeting demonstrated continued strong performance with investments in diverse high-growth technology companies.

How to go about it

  1. Read what it asks for

    Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.

  2. Have something to show

    Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.

  3. Apply the way the program asks

    The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.

What it pays

Compensation type is unknown, carry offered is not disclosed, and stipend is not applicable.

Questions about this program

What is the Fund Manager application window for the 2027–2028 cohort?

BRV lists February 8 through March 7, 2027, for the Fund Manager cohort.

Are Associate applications open?

BRV’s join page states that applications for the 2026–2027 Associate cohort are closed.

Do participants receive a stipend or investment money?

The published information describes up to $25,000 as typical startup investment capital, not student compensation. It does not establish a stipend or other participant compensation.

About Center for Regional Economic Advancement at Cornell University

Center for Regional Economic Advancement at Cornell University

Lists that include this program

From public sources

What the sources say about Big Red Ventures

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