Lee Business School | School News

LBS Receives $500,000 Gift to Launch Venture Fund

Beginning this fall, UNLV students will gain real-world knowledge of the venture capital process, thanks to a $500,000 gift to the Lee Business School to create the Rebel Venture Fund.

Former UNLV management instructor Jeff Moskow has pledged $100,000 a year for the next five years to help students learn about investing in startup companies as well as existing businesses with high growth potential.

"I look forward to seeing what new Las Vegas firms this fund will help give birth to and what future venture capitalists the school will help nurture," said Moskow, a former ADT security executive.

"The funding for the RVF is small in terms of Silicon Valley-type startups, but the hope is that we will be able to attract additional donations that will provide future students this golden opportunity."

The Rebel Venture Fund management team will consist of eight student managers who are seniors of any major and/or MBA students. Managers must be nominated by faculty and selected by the RVF Management Board, composed of the deans of the business school, College of Engineering, College of Sciences, and others.

Student managers will get hands-on experience managing the fund's finances, marketing RVF companies, identifying projects to invest in, and raising additional capital to support future projects. After the initial year, candidates will be required to complete courses to help prepare them to serve as fund managers.

"The Rebel Venture Fund gives the Lee Business School an excellent opportunity to broaden students' educational experience while positively impacting the local economy," said Percy Poon, interim dean of the business school.

The fund will give preference to companies located in Southern Nevada that are most likely to benefit the local economy. Each investment will range from $10,000 to $100,000.

The RVF Management Board will oversee student managers' investment decisions. Students will receive additional support from a Board of Advisors composed of UNLV faculty and financial professionals in the community.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to promote entrepreneurship among UNLV students, faculty, staff, and alumni," said Andrew Hardin, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship in the business school.

Organizers plan for the fund to make its first investment by the end of the year.

For more information on the fund or how to submit a business proposal, contact Hardin at andrew.hardin@unlv.edu or 702-895-0447.