The Dorm Room Fund, Supported By First Round Capital, Puts $20K Into Student Ventures

Most college dormitories are a mixture of unmade beds, fireproof carpeting, beer pong, ramen noodles and that poster of John Belushi in “Animal House.” Investors want to add two more ingredients: successful start-ups and budding venture capitalists. “We’re trying to help students feel what it is to run a start-up, to take an idea that starts in […]

First Round Capital supports Philly tech scene, QED proof of concept program

The city of Philadelphia announced Tuesday that its Startup PHL Seed Fundwill be run by one of the top seed investors in the country — for free. First Round Capital, the University City-based seed-stage venture-capital firm co-founded by tech entrepreneur and investorJosh Kopelman, will run the fund and invest $3 million in it. The Philadelphia Industrial Development […]

Dorm Room Fund backs student start-ups expands into New York City

NEW YORK—A unique venture capital fund that focuses on financing business concepts from students is expanding into the city. First Round Capital launched the Dorm Room Fund last year in Philadelphia with $500,000 and a team of students choosing which start-ups to finance. 

Drexel University announces new venture fund

Less than a week after Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter announced a public-private venture fund, a Philadelphia university said it will launch a venture fund next year. Drexel University president John Fry mentioned the venture fund as part of a presentation mapping out the university’s plans for transforming a section of the surrounding neighborhood into an […]