The inaugural Student Venture Capital Summit held on April 5, 2024, at Union Hall, brought together students from seven major universities across Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Tailored to students who are interested in venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystems, the event leveraged their passions to create connections between aspiring young talent, Cincinnati-area venture capital investors, and startup founders.
Cultivating a deep understanding of Cincinnati’s innovation ecosystem among students, the Student Venture Capital Summit was designed to nurture future venture talent in our region and beyond. The initiative embodies our dynamic startup and venture capital landscape, prioritizing collaboration, education, and a forward-thinking mindset. We’re excited to see Cincinnati’s presence and impact amplified by creating a platform for growth and the development of our future investor network.
We were honored to host 12 venture capitalists and over 50 students from Miami University, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Dayton, Xavier University, Northern Kentucky University, the University of Louisville, and the University of Kentucky. Led by seasoned investors, these students had the opportunity to learn everything from the principles of venture math and conducting diligence to venture career building and deal sourcing. The energy was infectious as the student attendees asked thoughtful questions and shared their passions for entrepreneurship.
Cincinnati is a wonderful place, it has a thriving community and a thriving ecosystem that just keeps booming every single year. What makes it so special is that everyone truly cares about each other. It's that midwestern kindness and support, but also good judgment.
Cultivating Talent and Uniting Local Venture Firms
Throughout the day, students gained a comprehensive understanding of the venture capital landscape. With firsthand insights into the pitch process, valuable advice during the Career Path Panel, and deep-dive breakout sessions during lunch, the students left with practical knowledge and valuable networking opportunities.
While students across state lines gathered over common ground, our local VC firms had a similar opportunity to collaborate on valuable content and shared interests. With a desire to build young venture talent in our region, we were equipped with incredible content from eGateway Capital, Refinery Ventures, Wellington Access Ventures, Maywic Select Investments, Frost Brown Todd, 1809 Capital, CincyTech, Cintrifuse Capital, and Fireroad Ventures.
Venture capital is one of the most opaque industries in finance, making early education critical. Students who engage and understand VC not only become better stewards of the business community but also contribute significantly to shaping its future.
The Future is Bright
Max Dworin, Director of Direct Investments & Venture Creation at Cintrifuse Capital initiated and organized the summit alongside Blue North’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Fellow, Reese Watson. Dedicated to the successful intent of the program Max shared, “We have dozens of students within a 90-minute drive of Cincinnati investing out of student-run venture funds or leading their school’s venture capital clubs. These students have raised their hands and said ‘I am interested in startups and venture capital.’ It’s important we cultivate that excitement, build strong talent pipelines into local venture firms and startups, and create stronger connectivity with everything we’re doing in Cincinnati.”
Fostering collaboration between students and industry experts, the Student Venture Capital Summit is a promising use case for how rising talent might impact the overall state of venture in our region. Positioned for great growth, we’re excited to see how the summit evolves to meet rising interests among both students and aspiring entrepreneurs. The energetic inaugural gathering left a lasting impression, signaling a bright future for venture capital in Cincinnati and beyond.
You never know where these students will end up. Some might end up as VCs at firms in San Francisco and New York, so it's important to create a lasting connection with our local ecosystem. When we have a deal 3-5 years from now, and we're looking for an awesome investor from the coast, my hope is the relationship will already be a warm one—and it started at this event in Union Hall.
Generously sponsored by Blue North, Cintrifuse Capital, and Frost Brown Todd.
