Campus Founders Fund

Campus Founders Fund (CFF) is a distinctive student-run venture fund based in Salt Lake City, Utah, dedicated to investing in student-led startups across the United States. Established in 2014, CFF operates with a unique "for students, by students" philosophy, leveraging the insights and networks of its student team to identify and support promising collegiate entrepreneurs. This model allows them to offer not just capital but also peer-level mentorship and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young founders, fostering a supportive environment for early-stage innovation.

CFF primarily targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies, focusing on ventures with strong potential for growth that are founded or significantly led by current students. Their investment strategy is designed to provide crucial early capital to these nascent businesses, often serving as their first institutional investor. The fund typically writes initial checks ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, making them a vital resource for student entrepreneurs seeking initial traction and validation. This range reflects their commitment to providing meaningful, yet appropriate, funding for early-stage development.

With a total fund size of $500,000, Campus Founders Fund demonstrates a significant commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators. Since its inception, the fund has been remarkably active, having made over 30 investments into diverse student-led companies. Their portfolio spans various sectors, reflecting the broad array of entrepreneurial talent within universities. By empowering student founders with capital and guidance, CFF plays a crucial role in nurturing the collegiate startup ecosystem and bridging the gap between academic innovation and commercial viability.