Wolverine Venture Fund

Established in 1997, the Wolverine Venture Fund (WVF) is the first student-run venture capital fund in the United States, managed by MBA and PhD students at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. The fund focuses on early-stage investments in sectors such as biomedicine, healthcare IT, advanced materials, SaaS, biotech, health tech, fintech, energy/climate tech, and AI/machine learning. WVF typically invests between $50,000 and $200,000 in seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds, collaborating with established venture capital firms as co-investors. The fund's mission is to provide students with hands-on experience in venture capital while achieving returns on capital. Over the years, WVF has invested in numerous companies, some of which have gone public or been acquired by strategic buyers, contributing to the fund's growth and success. The fund's portfolio includes companies like Billy, Elucid, and Stable, reflecting its diverse investment interests. Through its investments, WVF offers students practical exposure to the venture capital industry, preparing them for future careers in the field. The fund's advisory board comprises professional venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, providing guidance and expertise to the student members. This structure allows students to engage directly in the investment process, from sourcing and analyzing opportunities to conducting due diligence and negotiating deals. By participating in WVF, students gain valuable insights into the dynamics of early-stage investing and the challenges and rewards associated with supporting emerging companies. The fund's success is a testament to the effectiveness of integrating academic learning with real-world investment experience, fostering a new generation of venture capital professionals. Through its continued growth and impact, the Wolverine Venture Fund exemplifies the University of Michigan's commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning in the field of venture capital.