Michigan Ross is committed to action-based learning and fostering a spirit of innovation. The student-led funds are a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience investing in emerging ventures. The funds expose students to different investment methods at various stages of a given company’s growth cycle and across different focal areas. Check out the descriptions of the funds below to find a fit for your personal and professional objectives. Fill out this google form to get added to the different fund communications. Thanks!
Be sure to join us for a webinar on July 12 at 7pm EST to hear from the fund members themselves - use the google form link above (you only need to register once - thanks!
The International Investment Fund (“IIF”) is a student-run, internationally focused investment fund that seeks to create a mutually beneficial educational and value-add experience for students and international entrepreneurs. IIF invests in small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) solely in emerging economies at various stages of the business life cycle. The team completes thorough due diligence screenings, and partners closely with entrepreneurs across the globe. These types of businesses typically lack the access and exposure to external capital that can spur employment and economic growth. IIF is an active, industry-agnostic, year-round fund that works closely with its portfolio companies and potential investments on pro-bono strategy consulting projects to further drive investment and educational value.
The Michigan Ross Real Estate Fund ("REF") is a student-run real estate investment platform that takes limited partner stakes in real estate private equity deals. As a REF member, you will: learn to source deals through REF's national network of real estate private equity sponsors; learn to underwrite deals through a customized fall curriculum and additional presentations from industry professionals; and gain exposure to asset management through REF's current portfolio. REF members also have the chance to present deals to REF's alumni investment committee comprised of some of the most respected names in the industry. Whether you are interested in it as a hobby or a career, REF is the center of real estate investing at Ross.
Visit the Real Estate Fund website to learn more.
SVF is the first student-led impact investment fund that seeks to invest and support innovative start-ups which place positive social and environmental impact at the heart of their for-profit business model. Members spend the fall learning about the social impact ecosystem, venture capital finance, and entrepreneurship, among other things relating to impact investing. In the winter, students will apply this knowledge by either conducting due diligence on exciting pre-seed and series A companies to inform our investment decisions or participating in mini-consulting projects with our existing portfolio companies to support their continued growth. To learn more, visit the SVF website!
WVF is a venture capital fund that focuses on early stage (Series A or later) opportunities in emerging technologies, healthcare and sustainability. The team consists of Ross MBA students as well as students from other graduate programs at the University of Michigan. We source deals through the networks of our student members, other venture capital firms and the broader University of Michigan community, contributing approximately $50k-$200k alongside VC firms. As a member of WVF you will learn to assess the potential of a new technology and market, conduct due diligence, and create and defend your own investment thesis. If you are interested in early stage investing, interacting with VC firms, and learning how to value new investment opportunities, then WVF is the place for you.
Visit the Wolverine Venture Fund website to learn more.
ZLCF is a venture capital fund that focuses on early stage opportunities in technology (e.g. software, connectivity, AR/VR), sustainability (e.g. clean energy, ag-tech) and healthcare (e.g. biomedicine and devices). We source through a strong network of local VCs, accelerators and entrepreneurs, learn through a high-volume, iterative diligence cycle, and make decisions democratically through various escalations of presentation and debate. As a member of ZLCF, you will learn to assess the value proposition and market potential of a new technology, conduct an early stage due diligence, and create your own investment thesis. If you are interested in early stage investing, deep dives in emerging technologies, and frequent engagement with entrepreneurs, then ZLCF is the place for you.
Visit the Zell Lurie Commercialization Fund website to learn more.