Maryland Momentum Fund

The University System of Maryland (USM) Venture Fellowship offers training, upskilling, and an opportunity to gain real investment experience supporting an early-stage venture fund for students seeking careers in venture capital (VC).

The USM Venture Fellowship provides students who are currently enrolled at a USM member institution with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the venture capital industry. Leveraging the Maryland Momentum Fund’s (MMF) network of VCs, advisors, and entrepreneurs, the Fellowship is designed to help students learn the fundamentals of early-stage finance, build professional networks, work on venture deals, and develop connections and a toolkit for a career in startup financing.

As a Momentum Fund Fellow, you'll gain direct exposure to the world of venture capital, work alongside experienced investors, evaluate real startup investment opportunities, and participate in live deal processes. Fellows will engage with founders, investors, and innovation leaders across Maryland and the broader Mid-Atlantic startup ecosystem while developing the analytical skills used by professional VC firms.

If you're serious about breaking into venture capital, entrepreneurship, startup investing, private equity, and technology innovation, this fellowship offers a rare opportunity to build real-world experience while still in school.

Open to current and full-time enrolled undergraduate and graduate students

Experiential learning supporting investments at the Maryland Momentum Fund

Career readiness for VC

What Our Fellows Do

As a Fellow, you'll support the Momentum Fund's investment activities through analyst-level responsibilities, including:

  • Conducting market research on emerging industries and technologies
  • Evaluating startup companies, business models, competitive positioning, and growth opportunities
  • Assisting with investment screening and deal-sourcing efforts
  • Performing company, industry, and customer research as part of investment due diligence
  • Analyzing financial information, business metrics, and fundraising materials
  • Preparing investment summaries, research reports, and presentation materials for fund leadership
  • Tracking trends within venture capital, entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems
  • Supporting portfolio monitoring and gathering updates on funded companies
  • Participating in internal investment discussions and deal review meetings
  • Attending startup pitches, investor events, and entrepreneurial networking opportunities

 

What Makes This Fellowship Unique

Beyond the analytical work, Fellows will have opportunities to:

  • Learn directly from VC professionals, founders, and innovation leaders
  • Attend regional startup, VC, and entrepreneurship events
  • Build relationships with investors active across multiple sectors and stages
  • Observe and participate in real VC decision-making
  • Gain exposure to startup financing, venture due diligence, and investment strategy
  • Develop a network within Maryland's growing innovation ecosystem
  • Strengthen skills that are highly valued in VC, private equity, investment banking, consulting, startups, and corporate innovation

 

Key Dates for the 2026-27 Fellowship

  • September 28 – October 2: Applications open
  • October 5 – 9: Candidate interviews
  • October 12: Candidate offers extended during this week
  • October 19 – May 14, 2027: Starting October 19, Fellows will work 3 hours per week in support of the Maryland Momentum Fund and attend a once-weekly virtual workshop designed to educate students on venture capital concepts and connect them with VCs in the venture ecosystem to build relationships with real investors. The Fellowship ends May 14, 2027.
  • Throughout the Fellowship, students will have opportunities to meet with leaders in VC and entrepreneurship, attend investor-only events around the regional ecosystem, and learn from others in the field.

Venture Fellows Program Partners

The USM Venture Fellowship prepares students for careers in venture capital by providing them with tools, training, and practical experience.

Benefits of the Program

  • Stipend of $1,000 per semester ($2,000 total)
  • Investment experience working for the Managing Director of the Maryland Momentum Fund
  • Experience working on all aspects of early-stage startup financing, including: startup sourcing, market research, and VC due diligence
  • Opportunities to connect and learn from early-stage fund managers
  • Upskilling, training, and career readiness for students seeking careers in VC
  • Opportunities to grow your network and develop a foothold in the industry

 

Qualifications

We're looking for curious, entrepreneurial students who are excited to learn and contribute. No prior VC experience is required.

Required

  • Current undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at a USM institution
  • Strong written, analytical, and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently in a remote environment
  • Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn about startups, investing, and innovation
  • Availability for approximately 3 hours per week (remotely) from October through May

Preferred

  • Demonstrated interest in VC, entrepreneurship, startups, investing, technology, or innovation
  • Prior experience with startup organizations, entrepreneurship programs, student ventures, accelerators, incubators, consulting, finance, or related activities
  • Experience conducting research or analyzing data
  • Familiarity with Excel, PowerPoint, or other business analysis tools

 

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for students who find themselves reading about startups for fun, following emerging technologies, attending entrepreneurship events, or thinking about careers in venture capital, investing, consulting, finance, product strategy, or founding their own company someday.

If you're eager to move beyond classroom learning and gain firsthand experience evaluating real investment opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.

Help discover the next generation of innovative companies. Join the USM Momentum Fund as a Venture Capital Fellow.

 

How to Apply

Interested students should send a cover letter and resume to Mike Ravenscroft, Managing Director of the Momentum Fund at mravenscroft@umaryland.edu.

Testimonials

  • Camilo Vanegas

    “This fellowship, and specifically Mike's support, has given me an amazing jump start on my future career. I hope to make it big in the VC world so that I can one day give back to this community of learning.”

    Camilo Vanegas, PhD

    University of Maryland School of Medicine

    KaloCyte
  • German Salazar

    “A profound impact. Through the fellowship I learned new perspectives and experiences that has broadened my understanding of venture capital. This exposure is crucial for developing a well-rounded approach to my career. It has provided me with the reassurance that I would love to continue in this field, whether in the short term or long term.”

    German Salazar

    University of Maryland, College Park

    The Abell Foundation
  • Chris Moon headshot

    “Through this fellowship I've learned more about venture capital than I ever thought I would, and therefore it has really influenced my future career goals. I am more interested in venture capital and entrepreneurship than before, and I believe that this fellowship has given me the tool kit to be more prepared to enter the venture capital ecosystem and become a more competitive candidate for future roles.”

    Chris Moon

    University of Maryland, College Park

    Maryland Momentum Fund

  • "I believe it has definitely given me some very fundamental experience and knowledge on the world of venture capital and investors. To have this expertise can be very useful for someone like me who may aspire to start their own startup one day.”

    Courage Mboh Tikum

    Frostburg State University

    Exelon
  • Scott Lucarelli headshot

    "This experience was beyond helpful in my preparation for my summer role. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to explore VC. Talking to established investors is not something that can be achieved easily, and I am super grateful to have been given the opportunity.”

    Scott Lucarelli

    University of Maryland, College Park

    StepStone Group
  • Glodean Mimiko headshot

    "My most memorable moment was presenting during the capstone project. The questions I received were incredibly thoughtful and really pushed my thinking. They prepared me well for the work I’m doing now. What’s been especially valuable is that, even though I’m not working at a traditional VC firm, the perspectives still apply and have helped me navigate my role with more confidence.”

    Glodean Mimiko

    University of Maryland, College Park

    Early Charm Ventures
  • Selorm Kpodo headshot

    "The fellowship provided a strong foundation in the venture capital industry that I didn't have before .The lessons from the speakers and VC University better prepared me for my internship and have shaped my future aspirations."

    Selorm Kpodo

    University of Maryland, College Park

    Maryland Momentum Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is eligible to participate in the USM Venture Fellows program?

    The USM Venture Fellowship is open to all current, full-time enrolled undergraduate (sophomore and above) or graduate students at any of the 12 University System of Maryland institutions.

  • Is my institution part of the University System of Maryland?

    All USM member institutions can be found here.

  • Is the program open to students from any degree program?

    The program is open to full-time students enrolled in any degree program (or undeclared) at any USM member institution.

  • Are there any prerequisite courses?

    Although some background in finance and business is recommended, there are no prerequisite courses for students to participate in the program. Students from all degrees, backgrounds, and experience levels are encouraged to apply.

  • Is the program open to part-time students?

    Students must be enrolled as full-time students at the time of application.

  • Is the program paid?

    Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend, paid as $1,000 each semester. 

  • What is the time commitment for the program?

    Though there is no set time commitment, students are expected to dedicate approximately 3 hours per week to the Momentum Fund work and weekly workshops.

  • Will I receive course credit?

    The USM Venture Fellowship does not provide students with course credit. Students may be able to apply with their home institution to receive course credit for the Fellowship; however, these arrangements are made between the student and their affiliated institution.

  • Is the fellowship open to graduates?

    Applicants must be a currently enrolled student at one of the 12 USM member institutions.

  • Is the program all online?

    The weekly cohort meetings, workshops, guest lectures, and weekly 1:1 meetings with the MMF Managing Director can be completed fully remotely, but students will have the opportunity to attend in person VC and networking events throughout the year.

  • How will I know that I have been selected for the program?

    Students selected for the Fellowship will receive an offer letter from the Managing Director no later than October 16, 2026.