Dorm Room Fund

Ever wondered how we source companies at Dorm Room Fund? Our mission is clear: make the path for student entrepreneurs to connect with us as transparent and accessible as possible 📈 Here’s a snapshot of our process: 🔍 Inbound Strategy: Open for Applications and Cold Emails We welcome applications and cold emails with a promise of diligent review and meaningful engagement. (Ready to get started? Apply now on our website!) 🚀 🌐 Outbound Initiatives: Leveraging Networks and Campus Presence Our search extends beyond applications, tapping into our rich networks and vibrant campus communities. From entrepreneurship clubs and classes to pitch competitions, DRF is deeply woven into the fabric of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 🎯 Key Investment Criteria - Outstanding founding teams - Visionary products with market differentiation - Potential for significant venture-scale returns 📢 DRF believes no idea is too early to share. We’re here to offer feedback, advice, and support. If you’re a student founder or have a burgeoning idea, we’re eager to hear from you. 💬🤝 💡Dive deeper into our approach by exploring our latest blog post! https://lnkd.in/gFq94JPC #VentureCapital #Startups #Innovation #DormRoomFund

What a treat-- our limited partner (investor in our fund), and legendary investor Chris Dixon celebrated the launch of his book #ReadWriteOwn at an intimate, Dorm Room Fund-only event last week. Chris stayed very late to answer all our questions, which we're very grateful for. The DRF gang and I learned a lot-- including some highlights for me: - some insights into how Chris thinks about and evaluates companies, Web3 or not - how blockchain is disruptive v AI which is sustaining technology for many incumbents - Chris' belief in the power of Washington policymakers to be brought in the tech fold, and how thoughtful, responsible regulation is both essential and achievable. (As a former gov girl, I am always annoyed by technologists who pretend like all regulation is the enemy) - apparently bigwigs in blockchain/crypto land need security 😂. Brought me back to my Mayor's office days (s/o the LAPD detail who used to race me on the 101 on the way to events). A big thank you to Jake Mendel and the Silicon Valley Bank squad for copies of the book for the DRF family, a16z crypto for making the event possible, Caroline Toch who makes everything fun, and Mike Manning the unsung hero of Chris' monster book tour!

🚀 Exciting News from Highlight 🚀 We're thrilled to share some wonderful news from Highlight, a shining star in the Dorm Room Fund portfolio. This past month, they've made a significant leap forward by welcoming two exceptional leaders to their team. 🌟 Deirdre Norris and Priyanka Carr 🌟 are joining the Highlight leadership team, bringing with them a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to propel us into an exciting future. Together, Deirdre and Pri are joining forces with Highlight's existing leadership powerhouses: Calista Corley, CRO Andrew Sidesinger, VP of Engineering Keshia Peris, VP of Customer Success Anna Shaffer, Head of People We can't wait to see what's next! Read more: https://lnkd.in/gP35HUkj

⏰ The Forbes 30 Under 30 list for 2024 is out! It's buzzing with young leaders who are making waves in the world—we couldn’t be more proud of the many many DRFers who made the list this year (and to our very own GP, Molly Fowler for helping out as a judge)! The list highlights young innovators like Archika Dogra, who promotes STEM education globally, tech startups Aavia and Amira Health focusing on hormone health and menopause solutions, David Ongchoco's venture capital firm Comma Capital, Ellen Rudolph's WellTheory for autoimmune conditions, Flo Recruit's legal talent acquisition platform, EV payment solution Bluedot, workplace safety AI platform TuMeke Ergonomics, Sydney Montgomery's nonprofit Barrier Breakers for legal field diversity, carbon tracking software Leafpress, and Prepared's smartphone-based emergency response technology. Congrats all 🎉 !!! https://lnkd.in/g9Kd8uBy

🚀 NEW Partnership Announcement 🚀 We're thrilled to introduce our newest partner, Akbar Khan from Harmonic! 🌟 About Harmonic AI: Harmonic AI is revolutionizing the startup ecosystem with their cutting-edge discovery tool. Trusted by top VCs and dynamic sales teams, like Accel, Y Combinator, and Brex, Harmonic AI is the go-to resource for uncovering hidden startup gems. 🔍 Why Harmonic? With Harmonic, you're empowered to: Discover New Startups: Explore emerging ventures across any sector, geography, or stage – even those in stealth mode! Track Company Performance: Gain valuable insights on fundraising, hiring patterns, web traffic, and much more. Monitor Emerging Founders: Keep an eye on people in your network poised to be the next big founders. Check them out 👇 https://lnkd.in/gdjJZ2ux

We could not be more excited to introduce our newest investment partners to Dorm Room Fund. DRF had a sub 3% acceptance rate this year (!) and this group is no doubt going to take the community by storm.   Each of our new Investment Partners brings a unique blend of skills (and magic!), ranging from literal rocket scientists to venture-backed founders. They are united by a shared belief that incredible things—and enterprise value to boot— can be cooked up in a dorm room. We can’t wait to see how you all shape the future of startups, VC, and the DRF community. https://lnkd.in/eUcJAfAQ

For those students who couldn't make a Dorm Room Fund event in person (we had a blast), I'm hosting a last minute AMA tomorrow at 7pm ET/4pm PT before the final application deadline for all Western, Mountain, and West Coast schools is this Sat 10/14! Come pepper me with your toughest questions or tell me your best joke. RSVP here: https://bit.ly/MollyAMA23 🙏 Special request: can my LinkedIn fam help me get the reminder out to their alma maters? Especially UCLA, UCLA Anderson School of Management, University of Washington, University of Southern California, and Caltech since we didn't get there in person this fall...

Interested in joining the original student-run venture fund? Come join Dorm Room Fund's General Partner, Molly Fowler, for all your last minute questions about life at DRF, founding a company as a student, and raising preseed venture capital! We're hyped to meet the next generation of builders and investors (some of whom DRF will welcome into our student partnership) in this remote session!

Interested in breaking into VC (as a student 👩🎓)? It’s no secret getting into venture capital can be challenging. Here are some actionable steps to help you stand out and break in: 1️⃣ Start Investing: Begin investing in startups or public stocks to build a portfolio. Crowdfunding platforms make it accessible, even with small amounts of capital. 2️⃣ Build Subject Matter Expertise Expertise: Leverage your unique skills or background to become valuable in a specific industry or sector that interests you. 3️⃣ Gain Startup Experience: Work for reputable companies, particularly in roles related to finance, strategy, or startups. If you can, start your own successful company, which can be a direct path into venture capital. 4️⃣ Expand Your Network: Attend industry events, workshops, and join professional organizations to build connections with industry leaders. 5️⃣ Social Media: Start a blog, grow your Twitter presence - publish your investment insights and thoughts online. 6️⃣ Join a Student Venture Fund: Gain real-world VC experience from funds like, Dorm Room Fund, that allow you to build a track record without having to deploy your personal capital. 🚨 (Shameless plug) Dorm Room Fund’s Investment Partnership applications are closing next week! With 78% of our alumni becoming founders or VCs after graduation, DRF is an amazing stepping stone for breaking into VC as a student. ✍ Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gKM-miYN

🚨 2 DAYS LEFT 🚨 East Coast Investment Partnership applications close this Friday (9/29)! Still need convincing? Here's why you should apply. 💰 Real Investment Power: You'll be entrusted with deploying real investment capital at the earliest stage of your career, impacting the next generation of startups. 🤝 Networking and Relationships: Build deep and lasting connections with talented peers from all over the country, extending beyond just your university. 🥇 Be with the Best: Be part of a community where over 100 members have gone on to be recognized as Forbes 30 Under 30. 💼 Career Opportunities: Gain first-dibs access to exceptional summer internship and full-time job opportunities within our community. 📚 Support and Mentorship: Benefit from the mentorship of Molly Fowler, our GP, and Caroline Toch, our Operating Principal, as you navigate the startup and venture capital landscape. Apps close 09/29 for Philly & Southeast, NY & Midwest, and Boston & Northeast, and 10/13 for SF & West Coast! https://lnkd.in/gKM-miYN