The Big Red Venture Fund: Who, What & How?
Rob Chesley `02
Issue date: 9/25/01 Section: Features
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As we begin a new school year, the managers of the Big Red Venture Fund would like to take a few minutes to introduce ourselves and answer some of the more common questions about the Big Red Venture Fund. The fund is posed to have a very exciting year. We are busily working to close a first investment in a startup venture and looking forward to increasing the impact of the Big Red Venture Fund within the Johnson School and the extended Cornell community.
What is the BRVF?
The Big Red Venture Fund I LLC (BRVF) is the brainchild of two Class of 2000 JGSM students, Alex Ivanov and John Kyles. BRVF was ultimately formed and brought up to full speed by the Class of ’01 student partners and currently provides selected Johnson School MBA students with the unique opportunity to manage companies in early development stages and businesses with high growth potential. BRVF is also a vehicle to make strategic investments and promote entrepreneurship throughout the extended Cornell community.
BRVF is the only venture fund in the country where MBA students have complete autonomy in all incubation and investment decisions and actually manage the fund as a business itself. The fund continuously receives business ideas from entrepreneurs, including Cornell students, faculty, and alumni, for possible incubation services and “seed” investment.
How is the fund capitalized?
BRVF is capitalized with generous donations from Cornell alumni who have embraced and actively encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship. BRVF intends to raise and subsequently invest up to $10 million in start-up businesses during the next 10 years.
Who are the Fund Managers?
During March 2001, the nine original fund managers from the graduating Class of 2001 selected six new members to manage the fund for a one-year term. The new fund managers for the 2001-2002 campaign are Rob Chesley (rwc25), Kerry Dolan (kld28), Jesse Goichman (jrg29), Geoff Goodman (gag24), Tom Neyarapally (tan9), and Justin O’Keeffe (jro9). This summer Brian Culley (bmc23) was selected from the TMO class to join the BRVF.
What is the BRVF?
The Big Red Venture Fund I LLC (BRVF) is the brainchild of two Class of 2000 JGSM students, Alex Ivanov and John Kyles. BRVF was ultimately formed and brought up to full speed by the Class of ’01 student partners and currently provides selected Johnson School MBA students with the unique opportunity to manage companies in early development stages and businesses with high growth potential. BRVF is also a vehicle to make strategic investments and promote entrepreneurship throughout the extended Cornell community.
BRVF is the only venture fund in the country where MBA students have complete autonomy in all incubation and investment decisions and actually manage the fund as a business itself. The fund continuously receives business ideas from entrepreneurs, including Cornell students, faculty, and alumni, for possible incubation services and “seed” investment.
How is the fund capitalized?
BRVF is capitalized with generous donations from Cornell alumni who have embraced and actively encourage the spirit of entrepreneurship. BRVF intends to raise and subsequently invest up to $10 million in start-up businesses during the next 10 years.
Who are the Fund Managers?
During March 2001, the nine original fund managers from the graduating Class of 2001 selected six new members to manage the fund for a one-year term. The new fund managers for the 2001-2002 campaign are Rob Chesley (rwc25), Kerry Dolan (kld28), Jesse Goichman (jrg29), Geoff Goodman (gag24), Tom Neyarapally (tan9), and Justin O’Keeffe (jro9). This summer Brian Culley (bmc23) was selected from the TMO class to join the BRVF.