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Early-Stage Investment Fund
The UCLA Early-Stage Investment Fund seeks promising pre-seed ventures for investment. Led by a cohort of 15 to 25 UCLA MBA candidates, the Fund sources, evaluates and recommends one or two annual investments to the UCLA Endowment. Selected ventures will typically receive investment via a $50,000 convertible note agreement.
The Fund invests in startups with strong teams, innovative ideas and long-term growth potential. The Fund's investment strategy, while industry agnostic, places a significant emphasis on pre-seed startups that exhibit a credible trajectory toward Series A fundraising.
Timeline
- August to December 2023: Source companies for investment
- January to February 2024: Perform due diligence on top candidates
- March 2024: Recommend select ventures to investment committee
- April 2024: Investment committee decision on investments
Advisors and Investment Committee
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![](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/image/2021-09/BCO-advisor-renee-labran.jpg?itok=5RxzxM5d)
Venture Capitalist, Idealab
Adjunct Professor
![Jack Greenfield](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/image/2024-01/jack-greenfield.jpg?itok=nLdbKPTW)
Anderson Alumnus
![Valerie Ruddick](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/image/2024-02/ruddick-valerie-450px.jpg?itok=UlrdV2F7)
Managing Director, Pathway Capital
Anderson Alumna
![Olav Sorenson](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/image/2024-01/sorenson.jpeg?itok=gNlAhkG6)
Professor of Strategy
Faculty Director, Price Center
![Ivo Welch](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/image/2024-01/welch.png?itok=XazcD9CI)
Angel Investor
Professor of Finance
![David Dawson](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/image/2024-01/dawson.jpeg?itok=JNWk1hYp)
Entrepreneur & Investment Banker
Anderson Alumnus
Contact Us
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The UCLA Early-Stage Investment Fund welcomes inquiries from interested organizations and individuals who align with the firm’s investment mandate or are interested in potential partnerships or collaborations.