Become a Student VC

Please submit your application via this form. We will contact you if you are shortlisted. If you have any questions, please email ent-hub@qmul.ac.uk  

QMSVF Overview  

Launched in 2020, Queen Mary Social Venture Fund (QMSVF) is the UK’s first student-led social impact venture capital fund, dedicated to investing in ‘start-ups for good’. Our mission is to make a real impact on tackling the challenges in our society today.   

Each year, QMSVF recruits 20-25 student investors to go on the hunt for impact-driven startups and invest £15,000 into student-built ventures. To date, QMSVF has invested in seven ventures, including Motics, Oshen, GoRolloe, Leiho, Sweed, Biophilica, and Carbon Cell.   

To learn more, please visit https://www.qmul.ac.uk/busman/entrepreneurship-hub/qm-social-venture-fund/ 

The Programme  

QMSVF is an award-winning entrepreneurship and impact investment programme that empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators from diverse backgrounds. This extra-curricular entrepreneurship programme is designed to enhance your entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, broaden your horizons, and help you build valuable networks for your future career. 
 
The programme offers training led by successful venture capitalists, equipping you with essential knowledge and practical skills in entrepreneurship and venture investing. Beyond deal sourcing, you will play an active role in running the fund’s activities, including organising forum events, competitions, and social media campaigns. You will also engage with a dynamic community of entrepreneurs, investors, and practitioners in London and beyond. 

Past student investors have gained invaluable experience:  

“My time at the Queen Mary Social Venture Fund (QMSVF) has been one of the most transformative experiences in my professional and personal development journey. Serving as Head of Deal Management allowed me to gain hands-on exposure to the world of impact investing and early-stage venture capital, pushing me to develop a sharper eye for evaluating business models, financials, and the scalability of startups with a social mission.” – Haril Dixit, MSc Management 

“Being part of the Social Venture Fund program has been a great experience that really opened up my understanding of the startup world. Through the program, I got a clearer picture of how startups work and what investors look for when deciding whether or not to invest. I learned how to evaluate things like a startup’s value proposition, scalability, and social impact, which really pushed me to think more critically and strategically.” – Alejandra Lizárraga GarcÃa, MSc Marketing in Creative Industries 

“The Queen Mary Social Venture Fund was one of the most hands-on programmes I've been a part of while I've been at university. There were so many things I took away from the programme, including financial valuation, teamwork, organisation, liaising with different points of contact, and speaking confidently in public. I believe the most developmental part of the programme was deal sourcing. The entire deal sourcing process, from researching startups to convincing founders to apply to the fund, helped me develop key professional skills.” – Anuska Mishra, BSc (Hons) Economics, Finance and Management  

Expectations   

Once selected, you are expected to be a committed team member for the academic year, starting from October 2025 till June 2026. 

 QMSVF student investors will have the following duties/responsibilities:  

• Attend weekly training sessions on Thursday, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm (TBC)  

• Actively searching, meeting, and advising student founders  

• Conducting due diligence, including company analysis (e.g. business model, market sizing and competitor research etc)  

• Evaluating start-up pitches and making investment recommendations  

• Building networks with social entrepreneurs and industry professionals through public engagement event creation and mentoring opportunities  

• Working as a team to build and strengthen QM Social Venture Fund reputation through website and social media content creation   

Eligibility   

• Current students from the School of Business Management and School of Law at QMUL 

• Highly motivated and teamwork oriented  

• Passionate about entrepreneurship, changemaking and making a real impact in the world  

• Willing to dedicate 4-8 hours per week to work on QMSVF tasks and learning  

• NO prior finance/venture capital/investment experience required though any entrepreneurial experience is a plus  

Application Process    

Stage 1: Online Application (From April 2025, on a rolling basis)  

Stage 2: Interview   

• 1st Batch:  
  Application Deadline 11th May 2025; Interview W/C 19th May 2025 

• 2nd Batch:  
  Application Deadline 8th June 2025; Interview W/C 16th June 2025 

Stage 3: Result Notification (1/2 weeks after interview)  

Programme Duration: October 2025 – April 2026 (TBC)  

As places are limited and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, we recommend applying early to ensure the best chance of securing a spot. 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, as we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and success.   

Please submit your application via this form. We will contact you if you are shortlisted. If you have any questions, please email ent-hub@qmul.ac.uk  

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Application Process & Key Dates   

Stage 1: Online Application (From May 2024, on a rolling basis)

Stage 2: Interview

1st Batch: Application Deadline 9th June 2024; Interview W/C 17th June 2024

2nd Batch: Application Deadline 15th September 2024; Interview W/C 16th September 2024

Stage 3: Result Notification (1/2 weeks after interview)

Programme Duration: October 2024 – April 2025 (TBC)

Eligibility

• Current QMUL students  
• Highly motivated and teamwork oriented 
• Passionate about entrepreneurship and making a real impact in the world 
• Able to attend weekly training sessions on Thursday, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm (TBC)
• Willing to dedicate 4-8 hours per week to work on QMSVF tasks and learning 
• NO prior finance/venture capital/investment experience required

Places are limited. We accept applications on a rolling basis, please apply as early as possible.  

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, as we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and success.  

Please submit your application via this form. We will contact you if you are shortlisted. If you have any questions, please email ent-hub@qmul.ac.uk