Much partnered with the University of Illinois Origin Ventures Office of Entrepreneurship to host our annual mentorship workshop with student entrepreneurs from the iVenture Accelerator Program. Attorneys across the firm came together with students to provide insights on starting a business and navigating the world of venture capital from a legal perspective.
The day began with opening remarks from Managing Partner Courtney Mayster, who welcomed students and spoke to Much's longstanding relationship with iVenture and the firm's Startups & Venture Capital group. Students then met one-on-one with Much attorneys for office hours covering key legal and business fundamentals. The day closed with a pitch competition judged by principals Mary Hays, Patrick Richards, Jeff Schwartz, and Michael Zalay.
“Much has supported our vision of backing diverse student changemakers from across campus wanting to build ventures and nonprofits since Day 1,” said iVenture Accelerator Program Director Manu Edakara. “The Much partnership continues to be a highlight of our work at the Origin Ventures Office of Entrepreneurship, giving students hands-on opportunities to interact with and learn from attorneys with real-world industry experience.”
Launched in 2015, iVenture provides opportunities for student-led startups to create economic and social value by supporting them with knowledge, funding, and access to world-class University of Illinois resources and alumni. Since its inception, iVenture has incubated 164 ventures led by more than 400 student entrepreneurs who have gone on to raise more than $160 million and create over 500 full-time jobs.