The Eagle Venture Seed Fund

The Eagle Venture Seed Fund, LLC (EVSF or Student-Managed Seed Fund) is a donor/gift-supported fund created by American University to provide real-life experiential learning opportunities to AU students in identifying, screening, evaluating and investing in promising early-stage companies.

Participating in the Student-Managed Seed Fund operations will foster students’ entrepreneurial mindset and analytical skills, and encourage them to engage with early-stage companies, start their own ventures, or enter the venture capital industry.

With a deep belief in the power of innovation, students leverage their collective expertise across finance, entrepreneurship, and diverse industries to identify early-stage companies with transformative potential. At EVSF, we are more than investors—we are collaborators, committed to empowering founders and fostering meaningful partnerships to help shape the future of business.

Investment Strategy

The Eagle Seed Fund invests in a broad range of early-stage companies. These will generally be defined as “pre-seed” or “seed” stage investments. These investment instruments may include SAFE notes, convertible notes, or equity investments.

The Student Managers (see student team below) are responsible for identifying, screening, conducting due diligence, and making investment recommendations in early-stage companies ("Deal Flow"). They will also oversee the portfolio of invested companies and draft required report-outs for key stakeholders.

Deal flow will primarily be sourced on the East Coast, focusing on, but not limited to, the Washington, DC area. Partner organizations include area angel groups, venture capital firms, and incubator/accelerator programs.

In a twelve month period, the Eagle Venture Seed Fund will likely screen 100 to 150 early-staged companies and make four to eight new investments annually. There may be opportunities to invest additional funds in existing portfolio companies over time. Funds will be reserved (“dry powder”) for these potential follow-on investments.

Oversight is provided by the Director of the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship. Final investment decisions are confirmed by the American University’s Office of Finance and Treasurer.

Surbhi, Co-Director

Surbhi is a second-year MBA candidate at the Kogod School of Business, specializing in Finance and Strategy with a certificate in Data Analytics. She brings over three years of experience in real estate and tech, and has honed her leadership skills as VP of Marketing for the Kogod Women in Business Club. Surbhi has excelled in case competitions, including the 2024 Venture Capital Investment Competition, where she gained hands-on experience evaluating startups and investment strategies. She is also an active member of the Private Equity and Venture Capital Club.

Charles Herman, Co-Director

Charles is a junior pursuing a BSBA in Business Administration with a focus on Entrepreneurship. As a founding team member and current Director of the AU Eagle Venture Fund, he oversees investment strategy and supports analyst development. Charles is a two-time Venture Capital Investment Competition competitor and the President and Founder of the Kogod Pride Alliance. As an LGBT+ VC Fellow, he works to expand opportunities for queer investors and founders.

Angelina Lombardo, Deal-Flow Manager

Angelina is a junior at American University majoring in Finance. She serves as Treasurer of the Private Equity and Venture Capital Club and is an alumna of the Girls Into VC Fellowship, which advances women in venture capital. Angelina has competed in the Venture Capital Investment Competition, gaining practical experience in startup evaluation and investment strategy.

Kai Beltz, Deal-Flow Manager

Kai is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Economics with a minor in Business Analytics. He is actively involved with the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship and has led a team in the Venture Capital Investment Competition. Kai serves on the E-Board of the Private Equity and Venture Capital Club and is a Lincoln Scholar, pursuing a certificate in Political Philosophy.

Liam England, Investment Analyst

Liam is a junior at American University studying Finance. As President of the Financial Management Association, he leads initiatives connecting students to finance careers. Liam’s team won the internal round and placed third at regionals in the Venture Capital Investment Competition, providing him with hands-on experience in startup evaluation.

Curt Gammer, Investment Analyst

Curt is a junior pursuing a BA in Business Administration with a specialization in Entrepreneurship. He has competed in the 2024 Venture Capital Investment Competition and is an entrepreneur, having founded Sugarloaf Coin and Curoko Solutions, a government contracting service supporting democratic governments worldwide.

Celestial Gomes, Investment Analyst

Celestial is a junior majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Education Studies. She interned at Azolla Ventures as an Investment Intern, developing a biology-centered investment thesis. Celestial competed in the Venture Capital Investment Competition, strengthening her skills in evaluating early-stage companies at the intersection of STEM and venture capital.

Joshua Harbour, Investment Analyst

Joshua is a junior pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration with specializations in Information Systems & Technology and Finance. As President of the Private Equity and Venture Capital Club, he organizes events and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. He gained due diligence experience through participation in the Venture Capital Investment Competition.

Umais Javed, Investment Analyst

Umais is an MBA student at the Kogod School of Business, concentrating in Finance and Data Analytics. With over eight years of experience at Philip Morris International, he is a two-time founder—having built Ibex Milano, a successful e-commerce brand, and a new tech-enabled venture in supply chain optimization. He recently represented American University at the Venture Capital Investment Competition.

Miranda Marwenze, Investment Analyst

Miranda is an Investment Analyst with a background in portfolio management for institutional and private clients. She holds a bachelor’s in Risk Management and Insurance and is pursuing a Master’s in Finance with a specialization in Analytics. As a member of the Washington DC CFA Society and founder of the Graduate Machine Learning Club, Miranda brings expertise in investment strategy and analytics. She was second runner-up in an internal venture capital competition, gaining experience in due diligence and business model evaluation.

Gouri Ninave, Investment Analyst

Gouri is a senior at American University pursuing a dual degree in Business Administration and Biology. She has consulted for local businesses and nonprofits and competed in case competitions, building strong analytical skills. As an intern at United Therapeutics, she contributed to digital innovation in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Gouri also serves as a volunteer EMT, gaining hands-on healthcare experience.

Sandisiwe Nyama, Investment Analyst

Sandisiwe is pursuing a Master of Science in Finance at American University, specializing in analytics. She has worked as a Financial Consultant and is currently a Venture Analyst Intern, evaluating early-stage startups and shaping investment strategies. Sandisiwe won the internal Venture Capital Investment Competition and advanced to regionals. She is an active member of the Private Equity and Venture Capital Club.

Julie Remy, Investment Analyst

Julie is a sophomore pursuing a BS in Finance. She has participated in the VCIC internal competition, where she got first hand experience of how VC firms operate. She is a civic fellow at American University participating in the Civic Life Initiative. She holds the position of the treasurer of the quiz club and is an active member of the debate society.

Rutajit Shetty, Investment Analyst

Rutajit is a sophomore at American University pursuing a BS in Finance. As Vice President of Operations for the Private Equity and Venture Capital Club, he competed in the 2025 Venture Capital Investment Competition, where he gained practical experience in startup evaluation and investment strategy.

What We Look For to Invest

When evaluating potential investments for the Eagle Venture Seed Fund, we focus on key areas that align with our mission and goals:

Traction: We look for evidence that the company has gained initial momentum, whether through early adopters, pilot projects, a steady increase in user engagement or revenue generation. Companies demonstrating progress in solving real customer problems and have created a “moat” with their value proposition are ideal for our fund's focus on technology, sustainability, and impactful investments.

Industry Fit: The industries we target align with the fund’s philosophy, particularly those with strong growth potential and opportunities for innovation.

Market Opportunity and Size: A strong market fit and clear potential for growth are critical. We analyze whether the company’s solution addresses a substantial and growing need, ensuring it aligns with our goal of generating a solid return while supporting visionary founders.

Go-to-Market Strategy: Understanding your customers and how you will reach them at every stage of the ventures growth is crucial.

Team: We back founders who embody the entrepreneurial mindset we aim to foster. A strong, passionate, and resilient team with complementary skills is essential, as we believe in investing in people who can adapt and thrive through challenges.

Current Funding: Understanding the company’s current financial status is crucial. We assess their existing capital, burn rate, and how recent funding rounds have been used. This helps us gauge whether our investment can provide a meaningful boost while aligning with our strategy of fostering early-stage growth.

Emerging Technology: We fund bold, cutting-edge innovations in AI and sustainability, fueling solutions that shape the future of the world. We look for visionary technologies that redefine industries and accelerate a sustainable tomorrow.

Tommy White

Director, Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship

Department of Management

(202) 885-1862
Kogod School of Business
DMTI - 231
Email Tommy White

Biography

Tommy White is a Senior Professorial Lecturer (formerly “Executive-in-Residence”) at the Kogod School of Business at American University. In this role, he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on introduction to business, introduction to entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship business planning, revenue/financial forecast modeling and start-up launch, and venture capital.

Professor White is also the Director of the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship, where he works promotes/directs entrepreneurial experiential learning activities throughout the AU campus and directly works with student entrepreneurs launching companies.

Professor White is an entrepreneur with 3 successful exits and 2 failed ventures. He is an active angel investor and coaches/mentors 20 – 25 startup ventures annually throughout the DC Startup Ecosystem.

Professor White received his MBA in Marketing from the Kogod School of Business, American University (1995) and his BA in Economics and History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1986).

More About Tommy White

Octavian Ionici

Senior Professorial Lecturer

Department of Real Estate and Finance

Kogod School of Business

Biography

Dr. Octavian Ionici is a finance professor in the Department of Finance and Real Estate at Kogod School of Business and the Director of the Financial Services and Information Technology Lab. He currently teaches Financial Modeling, Private Company Valuation, Investment Banking, Real Estate Modeling & Valuation and Money Matters courses at the undergraduate and graduate level. His research interests cover all areas of finance, in particular financial and real estate modeling, corporate valuation as well as the developments concerning integrating reporting as a process for companies to enhance their ability to create value and achieve greater sustainability. He also specializes in conducting training seminars and workshops on using state-of-art software applications and databases, such as Bloomberg, LSEG Refinitiv, S&P CapIQ, WRDS and @Risk for risk analysis which develop essential skills and hands-on experience in finance and allied fields. In addition to being involved in academia for more than 20 years, he worked in the US and abroad in various managerial positions in the financial economics areas where he was responsible for corporate finance, research and private equity investments.

Early Stage Company Application for Funding

We focus primarily on companies based in the DMV area (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) but companies on the East Coast and elsewhere in the US are eligible.

We prioritize companies that are disrupting industries with emerging technologies (AI), sustainability, and/or those with a social impact.

Early-staged companies can apply through our application form.

The process involves submitting general information, a pitch deck, and undergoing a review process by our team. All information submitted is confidential. All student team members sign an overall NDA in their roles.

Student Application to Join the Eagle Venture Seed Fund Team

Each year we have 6 - 12 AU undergraduate and graduate students who are directly involved in the management and operations of the Eagle Venture Seed Fund. Students initially apply for a Student Investment Analyst position.

To be eligible for a Student Investment Analyst position, a student must:

Have participated at least once in the annual Venture Capital Investment Competition sponsored by the VCE;

Be an active member of the PEVC and/or Entrepreneurship Club; and

Be in good academic standing at American University.

For more information on VCIC and the clubs, please contact Tommy White.

Student Investment Analyst roles are for a 12-month term or as determined by the Director of the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship.

Students can apply using the application form.

Leadership positions require the above plus other requirements to be eligible.

What is the Eagle Venture Seed Fund? How is it managed?

Eagle Venture Seed Fund is student-managed, with a passionate and diverse team of graduate, undergraduate, and MBA students from American University. Oversight is provided from the Director of the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship. Final investment decisions are confirmed with the AU University’s Office of Finance and Treasurer.

Who can apply for funding from Eagle Venture Seed Fund?

We focus primarily on companies based in the DMV area (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) but companies on the East Coast and elsewhere in the US are eligible.

We prioritize companies that are disrupting industries with emerging technologies (AI), sustainability, and/or those with a social impact.

How can early-stage companies apply for funding?

Early-staged companies can apply through our application form. The process involves submitting general information, a pitch deck, and undergoing a review process by our team. All information submitted is confidential. All student team members sign an overall NDA to be a member of the team.

What are Eagle Venture Seed Fund’s values?

At the Eagle Venture Seed Fund, our values are the foundation of everything we do. They include:

Innovation: Supporting groundbreaking ideas.

Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering diverse perspectives and opportunities.

Sustainability: Driving positive environmental and social impact.

Integrity: Committing to ethical and transparent decision-making.

Empowerment: Equipping entrepreneurs to succeed.

How much funding does Eagle Venture Seed Fund typically provide?

Our funding amount varies depending on the startup's needs and stage. Specific amounts are decided on a case-by-case basis.

How does Eagle Venture Seed Fund decide which startups to fund?

Our team evaluates startups based on several criteria, including the strength of the founding team, the innovation of the idea, market potential, go-to-market strategy, and alignment with our values.

Are there networking or mentorship opportunities for startups funded by Eagle Venture Seed Fund?

Yes! Startups funded by Eagle Venture Seed Fund gain access to our network of advisors, alumni, and industry professionals who provide valuable mentorship and guidance.

What investment instruments does the Eagle Venture Seed Fund utilize?

The Eagle Seed Fund invests in a broad range of early-stage companies. These will generally be defined as “pre-seed” or “seed” stage investments. These investment instruments may include SAFE notes, convertible notes, or equity investments.

Can students from American University get involved with Eagle Venture Seed Fund?

Absolutely! Eagle Venture Seed Fund is always looking for driven and passionate students to join our team. If you’re interested, please contact Tommy White at twhite@american.edu.

How is Eagle Venture Seed Fund funded? Can I donate a financial gift?

The Eagle Venture Seed Fund is funded through generous gift donations from American University alumni and other supporters passionate about fostering innovation and providing a learning platform for students to learn about venture capital investments. For more information on providing a gift to the fund, please contact Zach Vlahos, Assistant Dean of Advancement in KSB at vlahos@american.edu. All proceeds go to the operations and investments of the EVSF.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

For any additional questions, feel free to contact Tommy White at twhite@american.edu.

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What We Look For to Invest

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