The Venture Capital Investment Competition began in the middle of the technology bubble in 1998 as an educational event for MBAs to learn about venture funding. Two decades later, through good times and bad in the venture industry, VCIC has evolved into a marketplace for entrepreneurs seeking investors and a training ground for future venture capitalists. Each year, VCIC includes 50+ events on four continents, serving over 1,500 students, 150 venture capitalists and 100 entrepreneurs. The program is akin to a network of mini-venture fairs, wherein about a quarter of the entrepreneurs who present go on to raise venture funding.
At the core of the event is a creative turn of the tables. Unlike pitch competitions in which students pitch their own ideas to investors, at VCIC the students are the investors, and real entrepreneurs pitch to them. It is a very powerful learning experience for both parties. Add to the mix a dozen VC judges, and you have what we call as a “win-win-win.” Students learn (and win cash), entrepreneurs connect with investors and VCs get some valuable networking with peers and an early peek at some pre-vetted, viable deals.
How viable? Over 25% go on to raise venture capital after participating at VCIC.
The organizers of VCIC are quick to point out that the mission of the program is educational, not commercial, and none of the deals are known to have been initiated at a VCIC event. “We’re not in the business of playing dealmaker,” comments VCIC director Patrick Vernon from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. “We are focused on teaching students about financing new ventures, and the most effective way to do that is to expose them to the best deals and investors. Lucky for us, the best entrepreneurs and VCs like to meet each other, too.”