UConn at Sunset

UConn's Student-Run
Venture Fund

Hillside Ventures Logo

Who are we?

Hillside Ventures is UConn's premier student-run venture fund, providing students with hands-on experience in venture capital under the mentorship of seasoned professors who bring decades of industry expertise. With a collective mission to empower students to source, evaluate, and invest in high-potential startups while managing real capital, Hillside combines academic rigor with practical, experiential learning.

This experience extends far beyond the classroom, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to enhance career readiness and secure placements in competitive industries. With expansions into Private Capital, Real Estate, and STEM-focused funds, Hillside Ventures continues to provide diverse opportunities for students to grow and excel in their professional journeys. At Hillside, we’re preparing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

43

Student Analysts

12

Majors

$1,000,000

to make an impact

Investment Thesis

Hillside Ventures seeks to invest in early-stage—pre-seed to Series A—companies. The fund focuses on Human Development, Financial Innovation, Sustainability, and Sports and Wellness. If there is a UConn alumnus amongst a startup’s management team, Hillside is able to invest, regardless of industry. If there is no UConn connection, Hillside will limit its investments into startups within the four outlined industries. Investments of up to $25,000, with the opportunity for follow-on funding, will be made to help companies grow and continue on a path toward profitability.

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Human Development

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Financial Innovation

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Sustainability

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Sports and Wellness

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Investment Process

Students will begin by sourcing deals themselves and conducting due-diligence with the support of advisors. Analysts are also split into expert diligence groups of either Human Development, Financial Innovation, Sustainability, or Sports and Wellness, best preparing them to discern an investable business in each respective industry. The diligence on a particular startup is distributed to the investment board for further analysis and research. Investments are, then, decided on twice a semester by the investment network.

 

Value-Add to Startups

Hillside provides value to its portfolio companies in several ways. First, affiliated companies will receive validation by the University brand, a top 25 public school and top 50 entrepreneurship school. Preemptive due diligence is also bundled and provided to startups for later-stage funding purposes and potential investors. As our Donors and Advisory Committees are prominent members of the venture community, they may invest in Hillside’s portfolio companies as well. Last, startups are provided the opportunity to utilize University resources, which most notably consists of an endless knowledge base. Hillside analysts further support the growth of a company with educational backgrounds across most disciplines and consulting plans.

 

Philosophy

At Hillside, it is believed that every student should have the opportunity to take part in meaningful experiences. The fund strives to engage students from an array of backgrounds and to promote inclusivity within venture capital. Hillside also looks to leave an impact on future students enrolled in the University. Returns from the fund will be used by the School of Business to create more innovative educational opportunities.

 

Recruiting Success

Hillside Ventures has consistently created dynamic professionals who thrive in a variety of career paths. Our alumni have gone on to work in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, consulting, and technology. Please reach out to Professor Greg Reilly or contact individual students directly if you would like to recruit Hillside Ventures members for internships or full-time employment.