Husker Venture Fund

Overview

Husker Venture Fund is a student-run venture capital fund at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, offering hands-on investment experience to students while providing funding for early-stage startups with high growth potential. The fund is managed by students under the supervision of the Center for Entrepreneurship, the University of Nebraska Foundation, and Invest Nebraska. It focuses on investing in student- and faculty-led startups, as well as Nebraska-based companies, with investments typically ranging from $20,000 to $25,000. The fund is open to all industries but prioritizes companies with scalable and innovative technology or software solutions. Through this initiative, students gain practical experience in venture capital, including sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and making investment recommendations, while contributing to the growth of Nebraska's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Husker Venture Fund operates with a mission to provide a distinguished hands-on investment experience, enabling UNL students to foster relationships in the startup community, engage with Nebraska and Midwest entrepreneurial opportunities, and fund home-grown innovative ideas and solutions. The fund's investment criteria prioritize current UNL students, faculty, alumni, and Nebraska-based companies, with a focus on early-stage ventures that demonstrate scalability and innovation. By supporting these startups, the fund aims to fill a gap in Nebraska's venture investment chain for early-stage companies, while simultaneously offering UNL students invaluable opportunities to engage with the venture capital process. In addition to its investment activities, the Husker Venture Fund collaborates with other university-led venture funds, such as the Maverick Venture Fund at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, to co-host networking events and share deal flow. This collaboration enhances support for Nebraska startups by providing founders and entrepreneurs with access to a broader pool of interns, employees, and funding opportunities. Through these partnerships, the Husker Venture Fund contributes to the expansion and strengthening of Nebraska's startup ecosystem, fostering a collaborative environment that benefits both students and entrepreneurs across the state.

Investment Focus

• Current UNL students
• Current UNL faculty and alumni
• UNL intellectual property
• Other connections to UNL
• Nebraska-based companies
• Out of State companies