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For Students & Alumni
Empowering student and alumni entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses.
We’re not just investors; we’re partners in your entrepreneurial journey. Our dedication to fostering academic innovation sets us apart. Here’s why entrepreneurs like you choose us:
1840 Ventures focuses on funding startups led by college students and alumni. We’re dedicated to growing ideas into market innovations.
We invest in the potential of university-born ideas, supporting academic ventures. With us, your innovative ideas receive the nurturing they need to thrive.
Innovation knows no bounds, and neither do we. Our investments span across various sectors, from cutting-edge technology to sustainable solutions and more.
You receive hands-on mentorship. We connect you with experienced mentors and an extensive network, providing you with the resources you need to succeed.
We work closely with universities to ensure our entrepreneurs receive the best support and resources. Thus creating an environment for innovation and success.
We are dedicated to the long-term growth of our portfolio companies, offering further assistance as your startup scales and evolves. Your success is our success.
1840 Ventures is more than just a funding source. Our offerings are designed to provide comprehensive support, guiding your startup from an initial idea to a thriving enterprise.
Begin with up to $50,000 in pre-seed funding from 1840 Ventures to turn your idea into a viable business. This capital allows you to concentrate on product and strategy development, signifying our belief in your success.
We offer more than just funding; we provide a robust network of mentors and industry experts. Their guidance covers business strategy, marketing, product development, and networking to ensure you have the tools for entrepreneurial success.
Leveraging our academic ties, we connect startups with university resources, talent, and partnership opportunities. We utilize academic knowledge to fuel your startup’s growth and innovation, bridging academia and entrepreneurship for a thriving business.
At 1840 Ventures, our mission is to empower student and alumni entrepreneurs who are on the cusp of innovation and change. If you’re wondering whether your startup aligns with our vision, here are the key criteria to consider for eligibility:
Your startup should be founded and led by current college students or alumni. We believe in the unique perspective and drive that comes from the academic community, and our support is exclusively dedicated to fostering these entrepreneurial minds.
We primarily focus on two stages:
Ideation Stage: Are you at the very beginning of your entrepreneurial journey? We embrace early ideas and concepts that are ready to be nurtured into viable businesses.
Early-Stage Ventures: If your startup has moved beyond the ideation phase and is in the early stages of development, we are keen to support your growth and help you achieve critical milestones.
We look for startups that promise innovation and potential for significant impact. Whether it’s a novel technology, a groundbreaking service, or a unique product, your idea should have the potential to make a substantial difference in your chosen sector.
Entrepreneurs seeking investment from 1840 Ventures should demonstrate a clear commitment to growth and scaling. We seek founders who are passionate, resilient, and ready to take their startups to the next level.
While we are sector-agnostic, we have a keen interest in ventures that align with our diverse portfolio, including technology, healthcare, sustainable solutions, and consumer products. We encourage applications from a wide range of sectors that show promise for innovation and disruption.
A strong connection or potential for collaboration with academic institutions is highly valued. We believe in leveraging academic resources and networks to bolster startup growth and success.
We’ve streamlined our application procedure into three simple steps, ensuring clarity and ease for aspiring student and alumni entrepreneurs.
1
Begin by preparing an application package. This should include a detailed business plan, an explanation of your product or service, market analysis, and a clear outline of your goals.
2
Submit it through our online portal once ready. Ensure that all required fields are completed and that your documentation is thorough. You will get an email acknowledging receipt.
3
Our team will review your application, assessing it against our investment criteria. Once the review is complete, we will inform you of our decision and if successful, discuss the next steps.
Whether you’re curious about the extent of our design services, the depth of our operational support, or the range of funding options available, we’ve got the answers to help you.
Our design expertise encompasses all facets of product design and branding, tailored to the unique vision of each student founder. From creating a compelling brand identity to designing user-centric product interfaces, our team ensures your vision is communicated effectively to your target audience.
We offer comprehensive operational guidance including resources and tools specifically designed for the success of student founders. This includes business model refinement, process optimization, system setups, and mentorship - all aimed at building a strong operational backbone for your startup.
Future founders have access to a diverse range of funding options to suit various stages of their startup journey. This includes seed funding for early-stage ideas, larger funding rounds for growth and scaling, and expert advice on financial planning and investor engagement.
Our commitment to tailor-made support sets us apart. We recognize the unique challenges and opportunities that come with student-led startups and offer personalized services to match, from design to operational support, to funding—all while being embedded in the academic environment.
1840 Ventures strategy to solve college and societal problems involves an application process for support, a $50K resource investment, initiatives to create a tangible impact or assist in MVP development, and guiding projects to generate sustainable revenue equal to the initial investment or provide seed funding.
We’re committed to empowering visionary entrepreneurs and investors to shape the future of business and innovation. Partner with us for a transformative journey.
We accelerate your startup journey with comprehensive mentorship, strategic resources, and tailored funding to scale your vision.
We provide investors with curated opportunities in early-stage ventures, offering support and building relationships to realize potential.
5440 W. 110th St
Building 2, Suite 300
Overland Park, KS 66211