USC Marshall School of Business Launches Venture Capital Fund

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The USC Marshall School of Business today announced the introduction of a venture capital fund. The USC Marshall Venture Fund (the Fund) is a fund investing and receiving equity in early-stage startups founded by USC students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Its mission is to bridge the funding gap for early stage USC-related companies; train students to evaluate, make, and manage venture investments; involve and leverage enthusiastic alumni, advisors, and donors to support and accelerate USC ventures; and to return capital to the Fund.

"Learning to strike a balance between high risk and dramatic reward remains an essential business skill, one often best taught through practical involvement," said USC Marshall Dean James G. Ellis. "This newest fund puts our students at the forefront of the California venture capital marketplace, adding another valuable dimension to their Marshall experience."

The Fund is supported by donations from alumni, patrons and USC collaborating organizations. Upon a liquidity event, 100 percent of the realized gain is reinvested into the Fund, ensuring that it remains an evergreen, ever-growing fixture of USC Marshall's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

"USC Marshall's Fund is committed to helping establish influential, high-quality companies," said Gabe Greenbaum, a Partner at Pritzker Venture Capital Group and member of the Fund Investment Committee. "By combining the Fund, and an active Investment Committee of experienced venture capitalists, with the best USC-related founders, we're creating a unique educational opportunity for students and supporting the next generation of business leaders."

"Rarely do schools and investors come together to strengthen the startup ecosystem and benefit young leaders in this way," said Anna Barber, Managing Director for Techstars Los Angeles and also member of the Fund's Investment Committee.

"Our Investment Committee reflects the diversity of experience, viewpoints and industries in the Los Angeles economy and investing community," said Michael Rivera, Managing Director of the Fund. "Their perspectives will be invaluable to our students as they learn to study and evaluate investment decisions."

Members of the Fund's Investment Committee:

• Anna Barber, Techstars LA
• Damir Becirovic, Index Ventures
• Dino Becirovic, Index Ventures
• Michael Carney, Upfront Ventures
• Austin Clements, TenOneTen Ventures
• Nic Dardenne, Y Combinator Continuity Fund
• Gabe Greenbaum, Pritzker
• Laurent Grill, LUMA Launch
• Ryan Morris, Plus Capital
• Marlon Nichols, Cross Culture Ventures
• Dustin Rosen, Wonder Ventures
• Elaine Russell, PLG Ventures
• Erin Shipley, The Helm
• Luke Sikora, Vulcan Capital
• Ryan Smith, Magic Johnson Enterprises
• Michael Tam, Craft Ventures
• Anthony Tucker, Troy Capital

The USC Marshall Venture Fund is slated to begin investing this month. For more information, see www.marshall.usc.edu/venturefund or contact:

Media Contact
Matthew Simmons
Office: 213-821-9868
Cell: 202-277-4890
Matthew.simmons@marshall.usc.edu

SOURCE USC Marshall School of Business