Kogod Private Equity and Venture Capital Club Lives On
Five graduate students from The Kogod School of Business have revitalized a student organization at American University. After a year of inactivity, the Kogod Private Equity and Venture Capital Club (KPEVCC) found new life this past year. The resurgence of the once defunct club was outlined in an article published on the Kogod website.
Its return to competition surprised supporters, competitors and judges alike at the the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) Global Finals in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on April 7-9.
It all started last fall when Kevin Hu, MBA ’16, persuaded Executive in Residence Tommy White to host a school wide Venture Capital Investment Competition. Students from all academic backgrounds were invited to compete in the competition. Hu and his teammates won the school wide competition, going on to attend the Washington, D.C. regional competition, which they also won.
After placing first in regionals, the group prepared for the global finals, working with Kogod alumni Don Nelson, BS Finance ’90, and faculty members to prepare. The extra help was necessary, because according to team member Mehdi Charfi, MBA ’16, “In venture cap it’s just an endless learning experience.”
The team arrived in North Carolina and started their competition. The global finals were similarly structured to the regional competition, but adjusted for a longer due diligence period.
“This was much more exciting and in depth than a case study. The VCIC is not just about making recommendations,” Hu said. “You have to make and defend your position to judges who are real investors. It’s as real as you can get from a venture capital standpoint.”
Ultimately, the team placed fifth in the global finals. While they didn’t win the competition, the team returned home with a new outlook on the club, and on what it can offer to their fellow MBAs.
“You can get your MBA, sit in classes and get good grades, or you can do something. This for me was a whole crash course on venture capitalism,” Nithin Srinagesh, MBA ’16, said. “We’re hoping this continues forward and becomes an institution within Kogod.”
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Max Pulcini
Max Pulcini is a Philadelphia-based writer and reporter. He has an affinity for Philly sports teams, Super Smash Bros. and cured meats and cheeses. Max has written for Philadelphia-based publications such as Spirit News, Philadelphia City Paper, and Billy Penn, as well as national news outlets like The Daily Beast.
