Big Red Ventures

Big Red Ventures (BRV), also known as the BR Venture Fund, stands out as a unique venture capital entity, being Cornell University's student-run fund. Managed entirely by approximately 20 MBA students from the Johnson Graduate School of Management, BRV provides a distinctive blend of academic rigor and practical investment experience. This structure allows the fund to not only identify promising early-stage companies but also to offer its student managers invaluable hands-on training in the venture capital ecosystem.

The fund primarily targets early-stage startups, focusing on pre-seed and seed rounds. While BRV maintains a broad industry agnostic approach, it frequently seeks out companies with a direct or indirect connection to Cornell University, leveraging the institution's vast network and research capabilities. This strategic alignment often provides a pipeline of innovative ventures emerging from the Cornell ecosystem, spanning various sectors from technology to life sciences.

Since its inception in 2000, Big Red Ventures has established a significant track record, having invested in over 70 companies to date. Their typical first check size ranges from $25,000 to $100,000, positioning them as a crucial early capital provider for nascent ventures. This investment range underscores their commitment to supporting founders at the very beginning of their entrepreneurial journey, helping them achieve critical milestones and attract subsequent larger funding rounds. The fund's longevity and consistent activity demonstrate its enduring commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within and beyond the Cornell community.