Are you a student building the future?
Dorm Room Fund is the original venture firm for students. We've helped student founders navigate entrepreneurial challenges and build great companies for over 9 years.
How We Invest
Our Investment Process
Think of Dorm Room Fund's check like an early angel check: we target 1.3% equity ownership, in line with what you'd offer an early stage employee. We like to be your first check, but are also open to participating in pre-seed rounds and alongside other investors. Our checksize starts at $40,000.
Beyond a check, all of our community companies get access to a suite of resources, our founder community and investor network, and support services from our investment partners and DRF Co. team members.
Learn more about the application process here.
Not sure if you’re ready to apply? Get in touch with one of our investment team partners or HQ members via email or on LinkedIn!
Opportunities
Programs
Not ready to apply for funding just yet but want to get a taste of what it is like for be a part of the DRF community?
The Blueprint Project
DRF’s intensive program for aspiring investors and founders who identify as Black, Indigenous, or LatinX.
Learn more >
Prism Investor Track
Bringing together talented LGBTQ+ students to learn from the best startup investors in the business.
Learn more >
Women's Founder Track
An 8-week summer masterclass for early-stage women-identifying founders
Learn more >
Women's Investor Track
Apply here for DRF’s 6-week, fully remote masterclass to help women build and grow their career in venture.
Learn more >
I went to business school to start my second company—so being part of DRF was my obvious first choice. My time on the investing team definitely helped me supercharge my time on campus. The DRF mafia is real.
Alex Torrey, CEO & Co-Founder, The RoundsInvestment Process
What to Expect
Submit an application.
We welcome all applicants! Whether you have an idea, or a developed product, we want to hear from you.
First call.
If it fits our investment criteria, an investment partner will reach out and schedule a call to hear more about your company, team, and vision.
Second call.
If we’re ready to dig in more, another investment partner, different from the first, will reach out to you to learn more about your company and team. We’re doing more diligence, as they say in the venture capital world!
Pitch to regional team.
Once we’ve done our diligence, we’d love for you to meet our team. Expect a night of founders pitching, partners asking questions, and overall good vibes. After the pitch, we may have more questions for diligence, but you will hear back soon about whether or not it fits our investment criteria.
Join the family.
Once you join, you’re #DRFforlife. New founders will be welcome into the community with exclusive perks, resources, and a personalized onboarding.
FAQs
Do I need an MVP?
No idea is too early for Dorm Room Fund, but we love founders who have gone unreasonably deep and prove to us that they care about the idea. Whether you have extensive user research or a demo, we want to see proof that you truly care about a problem.
Can I reapply with the same startup idea?
Yes! We recognize that many startup founders have brilliant ideas but every founder has their off days. As an example, Snackpass, which raised a $70 million Series B round, applied twice.
What if the members of my team recently graduated?
We expect at least one founding member of the team to be enrolled or have graduated within the last year.
Can I apply to Dorm Room Fund if my startup is incorporated internationally?
No, Dorm Room Fund invests in companies incorporated in the U.S. Startups can be incorporated in the U.S. but build internationally. If you have questions about company eligibility, reach out to us at [email protected].