Purdue Student Managed Venture Fund

The Purdue Student Managed Venture Fund (SMVF) is a hands-on experiential learning course that trains students in venture capital investing through real deal analysis and co-investment decisions. Participants perform genuine due diligence on active investment opportunities, present findings to expert panels, and potentially co-invest fund capital with institutional partners.

The Purdue Student Managed Venture Fund focuses on early-stage venture investing, providing students with practical experience in due diligence and investment decision-making. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world venture capital operations.

Applicants should highlight their interest in venture investing and any relevant experience in their application.

Master of Science Finance (MSF) students are required to take this course for specific tracks, while other graduate students and senior undergraduates from any campus program can apply.

The program is open to graduate students and senior undergraduate students. Applicants must demonstrate interest in venture investing or entrepreneurship.

Participants gain real venture due diligence experience, understanding of angel and VC investment processes, network exposure to institutional investors, and skills in portfolio evaluation and deal structuring.

The course runs during the Spring semester annually, lasting approximately 16 weeks.

Purdue’s FY 2024–25 annual report associates SMVF course investment evaluation with investments in Krishi Diagnostics and Wave Therapeutics. These are reported investment outcomes, not measures of student returns or guaranteed results.