CURRENTLY RAISING THE FUND

FUELING
HAWKEYE
ENTREPRENEURS

Hawkeye Ventures helps launch the next generation of Hawkeye-built companies while giving Iowa students hands-on experience. Together, we are building a connected ecosystem of Hawkeye founders, alumni, investors, mentors, and supporters.

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WHY IT MATTERS

BUILDING COMPANIES. CREATING STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES. STRENGTHENING IOWA'S ENTREPRENEURIAL FUTURE.

 

 

The University of Iowa has a proud history of producing entrepreneurs who build meaningful companies, create jobs, solve real problems, and represent the Hawkeye community on a national stage. Hawkeye Ventures is designed to accelerate that momentum.

WHAT HAWKEYE VENTURES DOES

MORE THAN A FUND.

Hawkeye Ventures brings together capital, coaching, student talent, and alumni expertise to support the next generation of Hawkeye-built companies.

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Startup Capital

Investments from $25,000 to $250,000 in eligible early-stage companies, typically from pre-seed through Series A.

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Founder Coaching

Support preparing for investment, refining pitches, improving business models, and connecting with experienced entrepreneurs and investors.

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Student Experience

Real-world exposure to venture capital, diligence, board preparation, consulting projects, and startup internships.

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Hawkeye Network

Alumni, donors, mentors, investors, faculty, staff, and students working together to help Iowa entrepreneurs succeed.

$25K-$250K

Typical investment range

PRE-SEED TO SERIES A

Early-stage startup focus

EVERGREEN

Returns reinvested into future founders
WHO WE SERVE

A FUND FOR THE HAWKEYE ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMUNITY.

Hawkeye Ventures supports high-potential startups connected to the University of Iowa and Iowa JPEC.

  • University of Iowa students
  • University of Iowa faculty and staff
  • University of Iowa alumni
  • Iowa JPEC program alumni (includes Venture School and Venture Mentoring Services)

A gift that can keep working.

Hawkeye Ventures is an evergreen philanthropic fund. Donations provide startup capital today, and when portfolio companies achieve successful exits, proceeds are reinvested back into the fund to support future Hawkeye entrepreneurs.

HAWKEYE SUCCESS STORIES

HAWKEYES BUILD COMPANIES THAT MATTER.

From healthcare and biotechnology to marketplaces and community platforms, Iowa and JPEC alumni have shown what Hawkeye entrepreneurs can build.

HELP BUILD WHAT COMES NEXT

BE PART OF THE NEXT HAWKEYE SUCCESS STORY.

The next great Hawkeye company may already be taking shape — in a classroom, a lab, a startup program, or an alumni founder’s mind.