Venture Capital Class at University of Washington’s Foster School of Business Empowers Students
Venture capital can be a complex world to navigate, especially for those who have not yet launched a startup or worked within an investment firm. However, students at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the VC industry through a unique class.
This 10-week course delves into the mechanics of venture capital, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the industry. The highlight of the course is an internal competition where students take on the role of investors. They listen to pitches from startup founders and make investment decisions within a tight 36-hour timeframe.
The winning team from the class represents the University of Washington at the prestigious Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC). This year, the UW team excelled, finishing third in the global finals, marking their best performance since 2015.
One of the students, Fargol Araghi, a PhD student in biotech, shared his experience, stating, “What made this experience really special was getting to work on real-world problems, step into the VC mindset, and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. I learned how to look at a startup from different angles, team, traction, risks, market size, and make decisions under pressure.”
The class is taught by veteran Seattle venture capitalist James Newell, who has been leading the course for seven years. Newell commended this year’s team for their diverse skills and domain expertise, despite their lack of prior VC experience.
Students in the class learn how to analyze financial forecasts, cap tables, IP details, term sheets, due diligence, and more. They also develop essential soft skills required in the VC industry.
Ankit Anand, an engineer with previous startup experience, noted, “I have come to realize that venture investing is just as much about people as it is about business metrics. It was interesting to see that it’s also a sales job in disguise; you’re constantly evaluating founders on parameters beyond initial traction, reading between the lines, and building relationships to win the right deals.”
While some students may pursue career paths outside of startups or VC, the class offers a valuable glimpse into the world of innovation. The mentorship from Seattle-area investors further enhances the students’ learning experience, making it one of the most valuable parts of their academic journey.
Nick Bedbury, a Seattle startup founder and MBA student, reflected on his experience, stating, “Participating in the VCIC competition was by far the most challenging and rewarding experience of my MBA journey. It fundamentally shifted my career perspective and ignited a passion to help grow our local startup ecosystem and foster entrepreneurial talent in our community.”
The team also included Jaisav Bajoria, an automotive engineer and product leader, and Ilya Veil, a biochemistry PhD candidate.
Overall, the Venture Capital class at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business provides students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of VC, preparing them for potential future roles in the industry.
