Wolverine Venture Fund
The world's first student-run venture capital fund providing real investment experience.
Overview
The Wolverine Venture Fund is the world's first student-run venture capital fund, established at the University of Michigan in 1997. It combines the dual mission of earning venture-rate returns while providing exceptional educational value to MBA students in investment and entrepreneurship. The fund focuses on Series A through C investments in sectors such as healthcare, biotech, and emerging technologies, primarily within the U.S. but with selective international opportunities.
Investment focus
Wolverine targets deeply experienced founder teams with large market opportunities and defensible competitive advantages. The fund seeks companies with a clear path to scale and profitability, ensuring a strategic fit with its portfolio.
Program details
Designed for Students, Investors. The program is in person. Participation is generally part time.
Who it is for
Eligibility is primarily for MBA students at the University of Michigan, particularly those interested in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for Wolverine Venture FundAdmissions and application
Details regarding the application process for the Wolverine Venture Fund are not explicitly stated, but it is an application-only program for eligible University of Michigan graduate students.
Benefits
Participants gain authentic venture capital experience, access to a professional network, and a strong foundation for careers in VC and entrepreneurship.
Timeline
The program duration aligns with the 2-year MBA program, providing continuity and opportunities for students to rotate through various roles.
What came of it
Notable achievements include the first unicorn exit with HistoSonic, Inc., which received FDA authorization for liver cancer treatment and treated over 2,000 patients.
How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- 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
Participants in the Wolverine Venture Fund do not receive financial compensation for their involvement, as it is a student-run initiative focused on educational outcomes.
Questions about this program
What is the focus of the Wolverine Venture Fund?
The fund focuses on Series A and Series B investments in sectors like biomedicine and healthcare IT.
Who manages the fund?
The fund is managed by approximately 28 MBA students with guidance from professional advisors.
About University of Michigan Ross School of Business
University of Michigan Ross School of Business
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From public sources
What the sources say about Wolverine Venture Fund
Michigan Ross lists ES 701 at 1.5 to 3 hours in its catalog; this catalog figure does not establish weekly time commitment.
Source: Wolverine Venture Fund | Michigan RossMichigan Ross lists Wolverine Venture Fund as elective ES 701.
Source: Wolverine Venture Fund | Michigan RossZell Lurie Institute lists September 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM as the closing time; its date line does not specify a timezone.
Source: Wolverine Venture FundZell Lurie Institute lists August 28, 2026 as the application opening date.
Source: Wolverine Venture FundMichigan Ross lists FTMBA, GMBA, or non-Ross graduate status as ES 701 prerequisites.
Source: Wolverine Venture Fund | Michigan RossZell Lurie Institute describes a student team drawn from MBA, life sciences, and biomedical engineering.
Source: Wolverine Venture Fund
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