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Venture Virtuoso

Venture Virtuoso

Ciocca Center's Venture Virtuoso is an opportunity for sophomores, juniors, and seniors from every major to learn the art and science of effectively communicating (and challenging) innovative solutions.  You will learn how to identify and convey key differentiating characteristics across a variety of scenarios.

In teams, you will:

a. Learn how to pitch effectively
b. Evaluate proposals like a Venture Capitalist
c. Unlock Venture Capitalist terminology
d. Become an expert on startup investing
e. Learn about how entrepreneurs raise money

Members of the cohort are expected to spend a total of 2 - 4 hours per week in session meetings and preparing before and in between sessions.

In addition to this phenomenal experience, two teams will be chosen to compete at the regional VCIC competition.

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of Jim and Susan Cracraft.

Teaching Team

Prof. Seoyoung Kim, Chair, Department of Finance

Faculty Associate

Hallie Mullane

Program Director

Applications will open in late Winter Quarter 2024.

  • Who can apply for this program?

SCU students who will be Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors during Fall 2023 are eligible to apply.

  • What is the time commitment?

Students commit to 2 - 4 hours per week during Fall (weeks 1-6) and Winter (weeks 1 - 5) Quarter.  Students will additionally have some asynchronous preparatory work during Summer.

  • Can students participate in both "Insider Mindset" Cohort: Unlocking Venture Capital and SCU Study Abroad?

No, because this is a new pilot for a new program, we will not permit students to be part of this program and on a study abroad program.  We are looking for students who will be participating face to face.

  • Has this program been offered as a course?

A version of this program has been offered as a course to graduate students at SCU. This will be the first trial for undergraduates.

  • What majors is this year long program open to?

This program is open to all majors and will be interdisciplinary.

2023-2024 Insider Mindset Cohort

Alexandra Felipe

Finance Major

Ananya Pagadala

Computer Science Major 
Spanish, Math Minors

Brendan Plunkett

Finance Major
MIS Minor

Caitlyn Barber

Finance Major 
French and Business Analytics Minors

Eve Idusuyi

Finance Major
Computer Science Minor

Grace Perryman

Finance Major
Entrepreneurship Minor

Jane Scullion

Finance / Business Analytics / Entrepreneurship

Kian Lu

Accounting and Economics Majors 
International Business and Entrepreneurship Minors

Krish Chhablani

Finance Major
MIS Minor

MacKenzie Fisher

Philosophy & Math Majors
African American Studies Minor

Max Zhang

Finance Major

Puja Shah

Finance Major
MIS Minor

Samantha Frank

Psychology and Sociology Majors