The Pioneer Venture Group
The Pioneer Venture Group is the University of Denver’s first venture capital fund entirely run and managed by a team of students. Our members are an interdisciplinary group of students, including from the Daniels College of Business, Sturm College of Law, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science.
We invest in early-state start-ups with a focus on the Rocky Mountain region. Our unique position on a university campus allows us to leverage diverse knowledge sets gained from our different degree programs and life experiences. We also provide market access to our portfolio companies through our regional and campus networks.
Our Vision
The Pioneer Venture Group is focused on creating sophisticated investors, adding to the Colorado start-up landscape, and helping our portfolio companies succeed.
Fund summary
education
We educate the next generation of investors through experiential learning.
COMMUNITY
Our group is working to become the central hub for University-led venture capital funds across the country. We connect entrepreneurs with the resources and connections they need to succeed.
talent
Through connections with Career Development Offices across the University of Denver, the Group connects talented students with portfolio companies
Industry: EdTech
Industry: Consumer apps
student Board
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Advisory Board
Annie Dunn
Partner, Drive Capital
Carly Abrahamson
Principal, General Counsel
of Colorado Impact Fund
Becky Stifter
Associate Attorney,
Michael Best
Joshua Ross
Director, Entrepreneurship@DU
Michael Silverman
Founder and Managing Director, Samantha Brands Group
Kieran Edstrom
Associate Attorney, Michael Best
Lauren Brown
Former Co-Managing Partner
Graduate, Daniels College of Business Executive MBA
Caroline Gash
Managing Director, DU Angels
Kate Kourlis
FACULTY ADVISORS
Stacey Bowers
Professor of the Practice of
Law Sturm College of Law
Director, Corporate and
Commercial Law Program
JP Tremblay
Associate Teaching Professor
Reiman School of Finance
Co-director – Marsico
Investment Center
We invite you to support the Pioneer Venture Group with a tax-deductible donation! All donations will be matched by the Burwell Family $1:$1, up to $100,000.
Give now online or contact Aimee Mandolini for more information on the best ways to structure a multi-year donation, gifts of stock or a donation through your IRA.
DU students
Our student board partners receive industry-applicable experience by managing relations with investors, entrepreneurs, and portfolio companies; organizing a consortium of student-run venture capital funds; performing due diligence; operating our social media accounts; and developing internal tools, policies, and procedures.
Interested in joining the PVG board? Fill out a quick inquiry form to add your name to the waitlist and receive more information about becoming a partner.
Entrepreneurs and companies who want to pitch to the PVG
Interested in pitching to the Pioneer Venture Group? Fill out a quick form to get in contact with our deal flow team.
Contact our Deal Flow Team
Are you part of a student-run venture fund?
The Pioneer Venture Group facilitates a U.S. consortium of university supported, student-run venture capital funds. The consortium fosters the development of rising, impact driven venture capitalists. Affiliates support each other through shared best practices, industry roundtable discussions and identifying investment opportunities.
If you’re interested in joining the consortium, please submit a form to contact our coordinators.
Contact the Consortium Coordinators
Interested in mentoring the PVG?
We recognize the importance of experiential expertise. We hope to engage with investors, lawyers, experienced entrepreneurs and University of Denver alumni excited about getting involved to leverage their skills and insights.
To learn how to get involved, contact our community relations team.