Finding the right financial investment opportunities as a student in North Carolina can seem challenging. With limited capital and experience, students need to be smart and strategic when looking for ways to grow their money. However, North Carolina does offer a diverse range of investment options for students if they know where to look. From startup funding competitions, to angel investing groups, to fintech incubators, there are many ways students can get involved in the state’s vibrant investment community. By taking advantage of local resources and networks, students can gain valuable hands-on experience while potentially earning solid returns on their capital. Of course, any investment carries risks that need to be carefully evaluated. But with proper research and advice, NC students can find financial investment opportunities that match their skills, interests and risk tolerance.
Participate in university entrepreneurship programs and pitch competitions
One of the best financial investment entry points for students in North Carolina is through university entrepreneurship programs. Top schools like Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State and Wake Forest all have incubators, accelerators, pitch competitions and other initiatives to support student startups. As an investor, students can get early access to the most promising student-led ventures. Investing small amounts in these very early stage companies is high risk, but selected carefully it allows students to support their peers while potentially getting a sizable ownership stake. Active participation in campus entrepreneur groups also provides access to a deal flow pipeline and networking with fellow student investors. Landing a spot as a judge in pitch competitions is a great way to view multiple startup pitches in a short time period.
Look for angel investing groups and venture capital funds focused on college startups
Beyond university-specific programs, there are angel investing groups and VC funds in North Carolina looking to invest in startups founded by students and recent graduates across the state. For example, Alumni Ventures Group has a fund called College Startup Fund that invests in startups with founders connected to UNC System schools. VentureSouth also manages a University Angel Fund targeted at companies coming out of Duke, UNC, NC State and other area universities. Networking events hosted by these groups are great ways for students to meet potential co-investors and syndicate partners. Partnering with alumni and other established investors gives students access to more deal flow and guidance on evaluating investment opportunities.
Research local startup incubators and accelerators open to taking on student investors
In addition to university-based programs, there are dozens of private startup incubators and accelerators across North Carolina that provide another pipeline of deals. Accelerators like RevTech in Raleigh and Charlotte are open to accepting capital from student investors to participate in their cohort fundraising rounds. These programs do extensive vetting and due diligence on startups before accepting them, which helps mitigate risk for student investors. The typical investment amount to participate in a cohort round can range from $10,000-$25,000. While still not cheap for a student, it allows for diversified exposure to 5-10 startups at once versus having to select single investments.
Look for entry-level roles at fintech companies and startup investment firms
Gaining work experience at fintech companies, startup investment firms and other finance-related employers provides valuable education on evaluating deals and managing portfolio investments. Entry-level roles like analysts, associates and interns may be competitive but give students direct insight into how professionals source, vet and manage investments. The hands-on experience helps students learn skills like financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, portfolio management, and risk analysis. Paid internships and jobs in these areas are some of the best ways for students to build up their resumes and get the experience needed to successfully make their own angel investments after graduation.
North Carolina has a thriving startup and investment ecosystem that provides many ways for ambitious students to get involved. By tapping into university entrepreneurship programs, angel groups focused on college ventures, startup accelerators open to student investors, and entry-level roles at fintech firms, students can gain valuable skills, experience and deal access. While any financial investment carries risk, careful research and advisors can help students find and evaluate the best opportunities.