Willamette MBA's Angel Investing Fund

At Willamette, experiential learning is at the forefront of our MBA programs. We stand out for our hands-on approach that prepares students for the future. Through our angel investing opportunity, students have a unique experience that offers a competitive edge in the job market. Gain practical skills to become an entrepreneur, a venture capitalist, a financial analyst, or even a business consultant.

• What is Angel Investing?

  Angel investing refers to high-net-worth individuals who provide financial backing to startups in exchange for equity ownership. These individuals are typically experienced entrepreneurs, business professionals, or retired executives who contribute insights and capital to help the startup succeed.

  Angel investors play a crucial role in the early stages of a company's development. Especially when traditional sources of funding may be challenging to access. Angel investors differ from venture capital firms in a key aspect: they invest their own personal funds, as opposed to managing and investing pooled resources from a variety of investors. This means that their involvement can be more hands-on and they might provide more expertise and insights.

  From C-suite positions and corporate lawyers to ecosystem builders, many careers benefit from experience as an angel investor. Startup founders, venture capitalists, and private equity professionals also benefit from the takeaways from the Angel Fund course.

Our Angel investing opportunity

Dive headfirst into the intricacies of angel investing with the Willamette MBA Angel Fund program - the first student-run angel investment initiative in the country.

This course offers students hands-on experience in various investment strategies, including angel investing, venture investing, and initiatives aimed at economic and entrepreneurial development. Over two semesters, students work alongside Angel investment groups. They practice their skills as accredited investors, evaluate deal flow and business plans, and perform due diligence in high-risk scenarios. They also further develop their financial analysis, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making skills.

As part of this experiential class, students work with an advisory board and invest real-world dollars in early-stage startups and small businesses. Willamette reinvests the revenue generated through Angel Fund investments back into the course. This ensures the long-term growth and success of this program and allows students to gain experience as private investors.

• Our local angel investor program

  Our location in the Pacific Northwest provides unparalleled access to thriving business ecosystems. Students participating in the Angel Fund become angel investors delivering positive regional impact. It also propels students for a future, exposing them to the local angel investment network. Connect with wealthy individuals who can offer capital, insights, and assistance with your startup program.

  Students can gain the necessary skills to succeed. Whether you want to be a successful Portland angel investor or take your skills to another state, you'll learn how to invest in the local community. Find experiences that are applicable to becoming a private equity professional or a venture capitalist.

• Hands-on learning courses

  The Angel Fund is just one piece of Willamette's comprehensive consequential learning courses. These elective programs aren't just about theory—they are about managing and running actual organizations. We offer four distinct courses focused on professional experience:

  • The Angel Fund
  • Philanthropic Investment for Community Impact
  • O'Neill Student Investment Fund
  • PACE (Practical Applications for Careers and Enterprises)

  These courses prepare students to navigate the complexities of business, government, and non-profit organizations by offering practical, hands-on experiences. Willamette students will experience a return on investment, as these opportunities offer a competitive advantage in the job market. Stand out from other applicants through resume-building experiences that align with all career goals.

• A diverse curriculum
  Tailor your MBA journey with an MBA entrepreneurship concentration or an MBA concentration in Finance. We offer several MBA concentrations to choose from to help you specialize in a specific subject. Willamette strategically designs the MBA curriculum for successful career transitions. Electives deepen expertise in specific concentrations, offering unparalleled experiential learning opportunities.
• Programs and career services

  Career services and co-curricular programs enhance the curriculum, equipping students with strategic career management, leadership, and networking skills. Turn to the career services department for help finding relevant experiences to add to your portfolio. Many students consider joining a student group to connect to those within their business community. You can join associations focused on consulting, finance, or even business technology.

  Students can also earn up to three semesters of internship academic credit.

• Develop connections with professors
  Our MBA faculty are dedicated to closely mentoring students, equipping them for successful careers across business, government, and non-profit sectors. Each faculty member is a dynamic participant in their respective field, which fosters extensive networking opportunities and helps students establish vital connections within their chosen career paths. The intimate class sizes ensure personalized attention, fostering strong relationships between students and professors and enabling collaborative research opportunities.

Skills you can apply in your career

At Willamette, we believe in building not just knowledge but also professional work experience. Our full-time MBA program emphasizes applying theoretical concepts to actual organizations, creating a dynamic learning environment. From internship opportunities to courses focused on real-world experience, students will graduate with a practical understanding of business.

Invest in startups with angel capital

Willamette's MBA program turns knowledge into action through hands-on learning. Students can engage directly with angel investment opportunities and immerse themselves in real-world scenarios. Willamette is shaping the next generation of leaders and investors.

The program's commitment to regional impact and dedication to continuous improvement underscores its position as a leader in experiential and consequential MBA education. If you're seeking a learning experience that goes beyond textbooks and lectures, explore Willamette's Oregon MBA programs. Your journey to becoming a well-rounded, hands-on professional starts here.