Dorm Room Fund

Dorm Room Fund (DRF) stands out as a unique, student-run venture fund dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Established in 2012 with support from First Round Capital, DRF's core mission is to invest in and support student-founded startups across the United States. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, DRF's investment decisions and operational activities are entirely managed by a rotating team of student partners from various universities, fostering a peer-to-peer support system within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This model allows them to identify promising ventures at their earliest stages, often before they attract the attention of larger institutional investors.

DRF primarily focuses on pre-seed and seed-stage companies, providing crucial initial capital to student teams building innovative solutions across diverse sectors, including software, hardware, consumer products, and biotech. Their investment thesis centers on backing ambitious founders with strong ideas, regardless of their university affiliation, as long as they are currently enrolled students. The fund typically provides an initial investment of up to $50,000, a significant sum for nascent student ventures that often struggle to secure early funding. This capital is designed to help founders achieve key milestones, validate their concepts, and prepare for subsequent funding rounds.

Beyond capital, Dorm Room Fund offers an invaluable network and community to its portfolio companies. Founders gain access to mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and investors, including the broader First Round Capital network, and benefit from a vibrant peer community of fellow student founders. This ecosystem provides strategic advice, operational support, and connections that are vital for early-stage growth. To date, DRF has invested in over 300 companies, demonstrating its extensive reach and impact on the student entrepreneurship landscape. Furthermore, their portfolio companies have collectively gone on to raise over $1.5 billion in follow-on funding, underscoring the quality and potential of the startups they back. This robust support system and impressive track record solidify Dorm Room Fund's position as a pivotal player in fostering innovation directly from university campuses.