Venture Capital Know-How Pays Off in VCIC Semifinals

In addition to helping students excel as entrepreneurs, the Zell Lurie Institute and Ross also do a lot of exciting work preparing students that have the desire to go on to work in venture capital. Among the opportunities provided are the three student-led venture funds, participating on the competing team at the annual intercollegiate international Venture Capital Investment Competition and the option to enroll in specialized investment courses.

It gives us great pleasure to announce that the Michigan team at the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) placed first in the Mountain Division during the regional semi-finals held on February 10 at the University of Colorado. The team, which consists of Sachin Agarwal (MBA 2012), Kwesi Buabeng (MBA 2012), Steve Davidson (MBA 2013), Abhishek Kakani (MBA 2012), and George Tan (MBA 2012), beat out competitors from Rice, Chicago, Kellogg, Notre Dame and Wisconsin.

VCIC is an annual international educational event for MBAs to learn about venture funding. Now in its 15t^h year, VCIC is a very powerful learning experience during which students are the investors, and real entrepreneurs pitch to them while over a dozen VCs serve as judges. It’s a win-win-win experience: students learn (and win cash), entrepreneurs connect with investors and VCs get an early peek at some viable deals.

Coached by Tom Porter, Manager of the School’s Frankel Commercialization Fund, the Michigan team will be heading to the VCIC international finals on April 12-14 at UNC in Chapel Hill, NC. Good luck!