Student Venture Capital Fund (SVCF)

An educational program providing hands-on venture capital investing experience for MSU students in the FI 444: Entrepreneurial Finance course at Michigan State University's Broad College of Business. Students evaluate, conduct due diligence, and make investment recommendations on real Michigan-based startup companies.

Partner: MSU Broad College of Business Center for Venture Capital, Private Equity and Entrepreneurial Finance

Geographic Scope: Michigan-based startups

Program Structure:

• Classroom-based venture capital education
• Real-world startup evaluation and due diligence
• Student investment recommendations to Red Cedar Ventures
• Annual Investment Celebration event where student-selected companies receive pre-seed investment

Program Reach:

• 7 years of operation as of April 2025
• $320,000+ total invested in 32 companies
• Portfolio companies have raised $74.3 million from additional sources (dilutive and non-dilutive)

Recent Selections (2025):

1. BRCE - lightweight sports gear from sustainable materials
2. Kadeya - reusable beverage vending stations
3. LifeKnight - AI and wearable emergency detection app
4. Translational Osteosynthesis - bone healing and regeneration solutions
5. Vetr Health - comprehensive pet wellness services

Student Learning Activities:

• Review pipeline of early-stage startup companies
• Conduct investment selection analysis
• Perform due diligence
• Conduct market and competitive analysis
• Perform valuation analysis
• Direct engagement with founders
• Evaluate real startup applications
• Experience with priced investment rounds, debt conversions, bridge financings, and standard venture metrics

Student Demographics:

• Diverse majors represented: finance, management, supply chain, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, biology
• Entrepreneurship minor participants

Selection Process:

• Alumni-engaged judging
• Evaluators: MSU Research Foundation venture investment professionals, Center faculty, and MSU alumni
• Student pitch presentations reviewed

Funder: Michigan State University Research Foundation (through Red Cedar Ventures) in partnership with MSU Broad College of Business

Contact Information:

• Center Co-Director: Hayong Yun, Associate Professor
• East Lansing: 325 E. Grand River Ave. Suite 275, East Lansing, MI 48823
• Website: msufoundation.org