A new registered student organization devoted to the venture capital industry is launching this semester, with plans for "fostering the entrepreneurial spirit" via workshops, networking opportunities and hands-on projects. 

The University Venture Capital Society RSO will focus on providing practical experiences in due diligence, sourcing and investor relations, while also facilitating connections between students and industry professionals, according to founder William Tier, who will also serve as the society's president.  

Other officers include RyLeigh Werner, vice president; Trey Dicks, treasurer; and Maricela Reyes Hernandez, marketing. Orientation is scheduled for Aug. 20. Register here.  

The University Venture Capital Society will be collaborating with 46VC, a venture capital firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that invests in early-stage technologies. The firm, which has offices in Bentonville, announced the Dickson & Main fund earlier this summer. The initiative is a partnership between the firm and the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation to back tech founders affiliated with the university and the wider Arkansas entrepreneurial ecosystem.  

Tracy Poole, founder and managing partner at 46VC, said the firm was thrilled to partner with the society and support its efforts. 

"By bringing together students, venture capitalists, startup organizations and founders into the same room, we are able to create authentic conversations around important venture capital topics and help make valuable connections within the community," Poole said. 

Tier, a senior finance major, said he conceived of the idea for a venture capital-focused RSO after taking the Valuing New Ventures course co-taught by Cash Acrey and Quinn Robertson. 

The class brought in industry leaders who "told us the real deal," which helped solidify his interest, Tier said. 

But when trying to get involved with venture capital on campus, Tier realized the U of A didn't have an organization dedicated to venture capital, so he thought, "Why not create one?" 

Tier said the industry is tough to break into and hopes the society will "create that pathway." 

"I'm looking to bridge that connection, create a place for students to be able to get access to industry leaders, the local ventures funds (and) be able to participate in their deals," Tier said. 

Get Involved 

The society has planned three panel sessions and a fireside chat for the fall semester:  

Panel session No. 1 - Sept. 23 

• Identifying Your Investment Thesis & Raising a Venture Fund  

Panel Session No. 2 - Oct. 21 

• Deal Flow Sourcing & Due Diligence 

Panel Session No. 3 - Nov. 18 

• Investment Structures & Negotiating Terms 

Fireside Chat - Dec. 2 

• Featuring Connor Sitton and Chris Thompson 

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About the U of A Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation creates and curates innovation and entrepreneurship experiences for students across all disciplines. Through the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub, McMillon Innovation Studio, Startup Village, and Greenhouse at the Bentonville Collaborative, OEI provides free workshops and programs — including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions and startup coaching. A unit of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and Division of Economic Development, OEI also offers on-demand support for students who will be innovators within existing organizations and entrepreneurs who start something new.