Overview

The Student Venture Fund (SVF) at the University of Waterloo provides students with hands-on venture capital training by evaluating startups, conducting market research, valuing companies, performing due diligence, and making investment recommendations under supervision from finance professors and industry mentors. Students work through the full investment process, presenting ideas and executing approved investments as part of a live early-stage portfolio. The program differs from typical courses by offering an end-to-end, real-money learning experience with ongoing mentorship and industry interaction. Its goal is to develop practical VC skills in students while building real-world investment experience and expanding connections with the startup and investment community.