I worked with the University Venture Fund for two years during my undergraduate studies, being one of my most invaluable work experiences.  Now that I am wrapping up my part time contract with my firm and I have completed my travel, I thought I would volunteer with this old internship, trying to give back to an opportunity that played a big role in my life.

The University Venture Fund is a student ran venture capital firm that has raised $18m from outside limited partners and has a current portfolio of 17 investments.  The organization has partnered with numerous private equity partners, providing free due diligence in return for the real life due diligence experience.  In return, the private equity firms often carve out an investment piece, allowing UVF to piggyback if interested.  All investments are decided by the students, but must be approved by their investment committee, compromised of local private equity investors.

My volunteer work with UVF consists of document review, ensuring that all research points are considered during the due diligence process, and providing additional insight into the role of a VC analyst.

If you are a student at the University of Utah, BYU, or Utah State University, and are interested in venture capital (no matter your field of study) I would urge you to get involved with this organization.