Become a Student VC
Learn impact investing by doing it for real
As a Student Venture Capitalist (Student VC) with the Queen Mary Social Venture Fund, you’ll gain hands-on experience in impact investing – working on real deals, advising real founders, and helping fund startups that drive positive social change.
The QMSVF is the UK’s first student led social impact venture fund, giving you a rare opportunity to develop both entrepreneurial and investment expertise while supporting mission driven ventures.
Why become a Student VC?
Learn how venture capital really works
- You’ll receive structured training covering the fundamentals of venture capital, impact evaluation, deal flow, founder assessment, and financial modelling – all supported by industry mentors and academic experts.
Build skills recruiters want
- Past participants say the programme strengthened their ability to communicate, analyse businesses, manage stakeholders, and present confidently – skills that helped them secure graduate roles and internships.
Grow your network
- You’ll work closely with founders, mentors, creators, and fellow student investors, becoming part of a diverse community of aspiring entrepreneurs and impact leaders.
Make a real difference
Student VCs support and advise early-stage startups with a clear social mission, directly contributing to ventures that aim to solve socially meaningful problems.
What you’ll do as a Student VC
The Student VC role is handson and immersive.
You will:
- Source earlystage social ventures for potential investment
- Conduct due diligence and evaluate business and impact models
- Work with mentors to analyse opportunities and prepare recommendations
- Support shortlisted ventures ahead of the annual investment pitch
- Help select the winning venture that receives £15,000 equity investment from QMSVF
- Provide post investment advisory support to the chosen startup
You’ll learn by doing – applying real VC frameworks to real entrepreneurs.
Applications & Timeline
If you’re interested in joining the next Student VC cohort for 2026/27, applications are now open.
This programme is popular and places fill quickly – early registration is encouraged.
Who can become a Student VC?
The programme is open to students who want to:
- Develop entrepreneurial and investment skills
- Gain practical experience in impact investing
- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Support social ventures through evidence-based decision-making
No prior investment experience is required – just curiosity, commitment and a desire to create meaningful impact.