The Past: How did the Venture Matrix Scheme Function Previously?

In it's infancy, the Venture Matrix was a virtual trading environment offering a risk free learning experience for students to test business ideas, whilst gaining credits towards their degree. It allowed students to practice and develop real skills, from professionalism, and communication to confidence and presentation skills, as opposed to focusing solely on learning academic theory.

Students worked in groups and were supported by their academics and a small Venture Matrix team to generate a business idea and make a profit or have a social benefit to society. Over the course of an academic year they interacted with each other, sharing services and skills in return for 'Squids', a fictional currency. For example, final year students would employ and pay first year students to undertake research. No external client organisations were involved in the Venture Matrix.

This was facilitated by a Venture Matrix website, where students could post opportunities and information for others, and potentially see gaps in the market. An bi-annual trade fair was also setup to allow face-to-face interaction between students. (Venture Matrix, 2008)