Vantage Ventures
Accelerating the growth of scalable startups in West Virginia
Accelerator Program
- Our 13-week curriculum helps scalable startups test assumptions, gain traction with customers, and prepare to raise equity financing.
- Up to $15,000 in non-dilutive technical assistance funding per startup.
- Cohorts each fall and spring. In-person and virtual options available.
- WVU students can earn $14.00/hour to work on their startups through the accelerator.
Seed Investment Fund
- We invest up to $100k in scalable startups.
- Most often we will be the first money in a startup and invest through safes.
- We also syndicate with professional investors who have negotiated terms with startups.
Community Hub
- Meet likeminded entrepreneurs and network with service providers, mentors, and investors through our speaker series.
- Give back by volunteering to help teach in the accelerator, speak at events, and mentor startups.
- Get paid as a content area expert to provide technical assistance to startups.
Serving West Virginia by Sourcing Startups
Vantage Ventures serves as a hub connecting:
- WV Residents and Students: Those interested in advancing their startups or assisting others.-
- Investors: Angel and venture capital investors seeking vetted deal flow.-
- Mentors : Community members eager to engage and give back.-
- Resource Providers : Legal, marketing, and technical service providers looking for clients.
Vantage Ventures sources startups through various channels:
- WVU Community: Students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
- University Entities: Innovation Corporation, Technology Transfer Office, Launch Lab, Lane Innovation Hub, Encova.
- Initiatives and Investment Groups: Ascend WV, Innova, CRAN, Wing 2 Wing, WVJIT, Mountain State Capital, LG Nova.
- WV Business Link: Chambers of commerce, networking events, and groups across West Virginia.