We back the best, first
The original student venture fund
Built by students and backed by Midas-List winners and some of the best VCs in the country, we help student founders get all the help they need to take their companies to the next level- while helping our student investors become next generation of venture capitalists
300+
Student run companies we've supported on their journeys
$6B+
Raised in follow-on capital from industry-leading investors
50+
Venture funds with DRF alumni on the team
Act like you've been here before
The on-ramp to venture capital
We're more than your first check. Whether you're raising your first round, or building your track record as an investor, DRF helps student and recent alumni founders navigate venture fundraising like a pro- with introductions to the best firms and experience from hundreds of raises.
I'm interested300+ bets on the future.
Our Companies
Our students have built the best community of investors, operators, and experts anywhere. We give our portfolio companies all the help they need to take their companies to the next level. We’re as dedicated as you are, and our results speak for themselves.
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 Rounds#DRF4Life
Why DRF?
With 10+ years of proof, once you’re DRF, you’re #DRF4Life– part of the strongest community of student and alumni founders, investors, and operators.
Our network becomes yours.
Whether you're looking to raise another round, meet other unicorn founders, hire for that critical role, or get on a call with industry experts, DRF's network of investors, founders, and alumni will support you and your company through its earliest stages.
We back you with your first check.
We partner with you as early as your first capital or to catalyze your round. Our check size ranges from $90K-$250K.
Skip the first-time mistakes.
Being a founder is a hard job. At DRF, we help our founders skip steps avoid early-stage trip ups by learning from other founders and operators in our community.
We back you while you're still in school.
We support student founders at every stage in their educational journey - college, business school PhD, and beyond- with the enthusiasm of freshmen.
Our Blog
The student startup bible.
Check out our latest thoughts on student entrepreneurship, VC, and our amazing companies.
