First Annual RIT Venture Capital Forum

Through a highly competitive process 16 students were selected from across the university - including students from our global campuses in Dubai, Pristina, Weihai, and Zagreb. Students received a fully-funded, immersive experience in the Silicon Valley start-up culture.  

The three-day workshop provided students with a robust understanding of venture capitalists and the process of early-stage fundraising and investing. Through a series of guest speakers, panel discussions, and company visits, students gained a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between entrepreneurs seeking funding and the venture capitalists that provide investment capital. 

Christine Van is a third-year New Media Design major from the College of Art and Design. She attended the forum to not only kickstart her own venture, but to connect with people that share different expertise. “Through pitching to real industry professionals, I learned two things: minimum viable product, and “team” is your best asset. This was truly a highlight of my RIT education, and I can’t fully describe in words how thankful I am for this opportunity.”

Several RIT alumni were featured as guest speakers throughout the event, including: Mr. Don Eagleston, President/CEO, Sunnyvale Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Tad Hunt, Technologist, Entrepreneur, Tech Investor, and Product Manager at Google; Mr. Narayan Viswanathan, Managing Director of Enterprise Operations at Deloitte Consulting; Mr. Adam Botzenhart, Esq., Senior Litigation & Enforcement Counsel, LinkedIn; Ms. Kailey Bradt, Founder/CEO at OWA Haircare, Inc.; and Mr. Mark Oney, Serial Entrepreneur, Advisor, SVP of Product Operations at EmployeeChannel, Inc.

Gregory Van Laeken, an investment manager for the RIT Venture Fund, was one of the staff members that accompanied the students on the trip. Mr. Van Laeken noted, “We’re extremely fortunate to have such a strong and committed alumni base in Silicon Valley. There’s tremendous value in getting advice from someone working on their third or fourth or even eighth start-up. However, when you know the person speaking started out sitting in many of the same classrooms as you, the connection becomes that much stronger and the lessons become that much more valuable. This event was uniquely RIT.”

Dr. Richard DeMartino, Director of the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, added, “We were thrilled to partner with the RIT Venture Fund to provide such an extraordinary learning opportunity for our students. We look forward to making this an annual event alongside our many other programs and competitions.”