“The integrity of this program could not have been achieved without a multidisciplinary group of dedicated professionals,” said Kate Harmon, assistant vice chancellor for the 1819 Innovation Hub and executive director of the UC Entrepreneurial Center. “We are grateful to everyone at UC who helped us get to this point, including Marianne Lewis, Ryan Hayes, Carl Scheer, Andrew Conley and Joe Marshak. Bearcat Ventures represents a holistic educational approach that goes beyond the traditional classroom, giving students valuable experience and providing capital to fuel the growth of innovative startups.”
Since its inception, Bearcat Ventures has attracted students eager to explore venture investing and entrepreneurship, where students take on strategic roles, conduct due diligence, make investment decisions and gain real-world experience.
Jay Kothari, a third-year computer science major and managing director of Bearcat Ventures, highlighted the program’s impact.
“Bearcat Ventures has given me and my peers a unique opportunity to become involved in the venture capital industry,” Kothari said. “Through training, case studies and mentoring, we are contributing significantly to the startup ecosystem.”
Bearcat Ventures’ Investment Committee, comprised of members from local and national venture funds with UC ties, oversees student investment recommendations and ensures a combination of expert guidance and student-driven decision-making.
Bearcat Ventures is shaping the future of finance by empowering the next generation of investors and entrepreneurs and fostering a dynamic, inclusive startup network in Cincinnati. This innovative, student-led venture fund embodies an immersive, hands-on learning approach in the high-risk world of investing.
Featured image at top: UC Bearcat Spirit Band. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
