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.

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.

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.

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.