Every tree grows from a seed and every business grows from an idea. Just like a tree, a business needs time, space, and attention to grow.
That’s where Vantage Ventures comes in. Think of this as an entrepreneur’s greenhouse.
Vantage, the outreach center of West Virginia University’s John Chambers College of Business and Economics, has introduced its first student-only cohort in fall 2024. Customers received training through the Startup Accelerator, working space in Reynolds Hall, shared co-working space with Ascend WV at Ascend’s offices in downtown Morgantown, and received up to a development associate stipend and additional seed funding. You have a chance to win $100,000.
With the aim of helping early-stage startups with national or international ambitions grow, Vantage prides itself on recruiting the underdogs of the entrepreneurial world. In other words, you don’t need to have a product or customers (yet). All you need is an idea.
“Our first startup was outstanding,” said Dr. Ryan Angus, executive director of Vantage Ventures and assistant professor of entrepreneurship. “They kept in mind the process of rigorously testing their hypotheses, rolled up their sleeves, dug deep, and got the real work done. They were impressed by how far they were able to take their fledgling business in such a short period of time. I’m surprised.”
One such customer was Brite. The company takes a data-centric approach to student assessment and retention. After winning multiple awards at IgniteWV, an entrepreneurial competition hosted by Chambers College, Brite applied to Vantage in hopes of expanding his business.
“Vantage has been a great resource for our team this fall,” said Lucas Thackery, Chambers alumnus and co-founder of Brite. “Their focus on experimentation and hypothesis testing has been invaluable as we continue to refine our value proposition.”
Another customer is Best Dam Tape, a hockey tape company that sold $50,000 worth of product in 2023 and is currently used by Major League Hockey teams.
“Vantage Ventures provided valuable resources and guidance that helped us refine Best Dam Tape’s business strategy and expand our market reach,” says Logan, Chambers student and owner of Best Dam Tape. Cuvo said. Gain the insight you need to grow our business and increase brand awareness in the competitive sports industry. ”
Other members of the Fall 2024 cohort are:
The Future Vantage Ventures group can also look forward to additional funding opportunities. Thanks to a $700,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Vantage now provides clients with $10,000 in technical assistance funding upon participation in startup accelerators, as well as WVU’s Brad and Alice Smith Outdoor Economics We offer free coworking space and community-centered programs through our development co-op.
As the fall cohort draws to a close, Vantage is beginning spring recruitment. Applicants must have at least one co-founder who is a West Virginia resident or student at a West Virginia-based university. Remote options are also available to Startup Accelerator participants who are not located in Morgantown.
Concepts centered around technology and AI are preferred, but not required. If you have the next great scalable startup idea and want a chance to earn up to six figures in seed funding, be sure to apply by December 15th.
Additionally, Vantage encourages anyone interested in collaborating with the center and its clients, both inside and outside of WVU, to get in touch.
“Vantage Ventures intends to establish West Virginia as an entrepreneurship state by identifying, training, mentoring and investing in high-potential startups,” Angus said. “We encourage anyone interested in helping build a more vibrant and strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in West Virginia to contact Vantage Ventures.”
-WVU-
AM/10/24/24
Media contact:
andrew marvin
Senior Communication Specialist
John Chambers College of Business and Economics
andrew.marvin@mail.wvu.edu
