James Madison University launches “Bluestone Seed Fund” to support student start-ups
The Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship at James Madison University (JMU) is launching the “Bluestone Seed Fund,” a donor-backed investment fund that will provide equity investments in student and alumni businesses, while also providing hands-on venture investing experience for JMU students.
The program, a first of its kind at the university, provides two options. Students can pitch their businesses for investment as a Student Founder or participate as a Student Venture Associate for real-world experience in the investment process.
“This is not a student scholarship competition,” said Suzanne Bergmeister, Executive Director of the Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship. “Students will be pitching their real, legal businesses and raising real seed capital for their start-ups. On the investment side, students will be gaining unique experience in venture investing. The work these students do with the ‘Bluestone Seed Fund’ will benefit them greatly no matter what career or industry they choose to enter post-graduation.”
Businesses selected for investment will receive $5,000 in exchange for a five percent equity stake in their start-up. More information is available here.
