Student engagement
Teaching the next generation
Since inception, InvestU has provided unique applied learning opportunities for nearly 500 students to experience a day in the life of an early-stage investor.
Our goal is to prepare ASU and Thunderbird students for careers in venture capital and build a pipeline of talent for Arizona’s growing venture capital ecosystem. Learn more about some of our student initiatives over the years in the timeline below.
InvestU played a pivotal role in creating and supporting TGM 598 Startup Investing, a graduate-level elective for Thunderbird MGM and W. P. Carey MBA students.
- Students consistently rated InvestU collaboration 4.4/5
- Access to real-world investors, founders and mentors
- Alumni have gone on to run angel groups and work at VC funds
“The InvestU process has opened me up to the thought process of investors as a budding entrepreneur.”
Since 2022, RealmSpark’s Ventures & Investments Student Analysts have participated in InvestU’s sourcing and screening process, conducted in-depth market research and engaged directly with founders and investors.
- Deep involvement in sourcing and screening pipeline
- Direct engagement with founders and investors
- Alumni placed at investment banks, venture funds, and consulting firms
In Fall 2024, InvestU added Venture Scouts — part-time positions for undergraduate students to learn about venture capital investing. Scouts play a key role in sourcing, assessing and validating companies.
- Part-time roles designed for undergraduates
- Hands-on sourcing, assessment and validation work
- Paired with mentors from the InvestU network
A RealmSpark Venture Analyst launched Helios Ventures, a student-led venture capital club focused on expanding opportunities for students interested in early-stage investing. InvestU will be providing real-world insights and case studies for the club’s education sessions.
Student analyst testimonials
We are committed to developing the next generation of investors and love to follow the success of our alumni!
Jacob Tieves
Finance, graduating May 2026 (Analyst 2024-2025)
My time at RealmSpark and InvestU has provided me firsthand insight into the entire investment process and has expanded my knowledge beyond the classroom. The lessons I’ve learned from hearing founders’ pitches are invaluable and will help me when I decide to start my own company. Everyone on the RealmSpark team has been so helpful in my career development, and this is a great opportunity to learn about the venture ecosystem.
Tanner Hertz
Finance, graduating May 2027 (Analyst Summer 2025)
While at RealmSpark, I really enjoyed getting to work on an investment in an early-stage HealthTech company developing innovative solutions for patient care. Conducting diligence on the business and being a part of the investment process from start to finish was an invaluable experience. I’m grateful for the mentorship I’ve received, and recommend the program to anyone looking to learn more about the Arizona VC ecosystem.
AJ Tennessen
Finance (WPC), graduated (Analyst 2023-2024)
My time as a Student Analyst at RealmSpark has allowed me the unique opportunity to connect with founders, investors, ASU faculty, and alumni. Under the guidance of Sam, Louise, and Philippos I have gained an invaluable set of skills that I am taking to my first job after graduation. I would highly recommend RealmSpark to any student that has an interest in the startup industry and wants to see the impact of their work at the university and in the community.
Next step: AJ is a Junior Business Analyst at Trinity Capital
Siddharth Mehta
Economics (WPC) and Data Science (CAS), expected graduation May 2026 (Analyst 2023-2025)
The exposure I received to investors, founders, and the investment diligence process has been extremely valuable in enhancing my understanding of various industries and ability to navigate conversations with various stakeholders. My experience working at RealmSpark and with InvestU has given me hands-on
exposure to the full investment cycle of early-stage companies and made me even more excited about the entrepreneurship ecosystem out of ASU. I am able to apply what I have learned within my W.P. Carey classes and extracurriculars and also brings some of my tangible insights from into the classroom as points of discussion.