BYU Cougar Capital

BYU Cougar Capital is a distinctive student-run venture capital and private equity fund operating out of Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Business. Managed entirely by second-year MBA students, the fund serves a dual purpose: providing invaluable hands-on investment experience for its participants while also deploying capital into promising early-stage companies. This unique structure allows students to gain practical skills in deal sourcing, due diligence, valuation, and portfolio management, preparing them for careers in the finance industry.

The fund primarily targets early-stage companies, demonstrating a preference for scalable business models led by strong management teams. While Cougar Capital actively seeks opportunities within the extensive BYU alumni and student network, its investment mandate is not exclusively limited to the university ecosystem, allowing it to explore a broader range of innovative ventures. The investment process is rigorous, mirroring that of professional VC and PE firms, ensuring that capital is allocated to companies with significant growth potential and a clear path to market success.

In terms of investment size, BYU Cougar Capital typically writes first checks of up to $100,000. This focused approach allows the fund to support nascent companies that may be too early for larger institutional investors. Since its inception in 2005, Cougar Capital has made a significant impact, investing over $2.5 million across 25 different companies. This track record underscores its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and providing crucial early-stage funding, making it a notable player in the student-run fund landscape.