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MVF and HFV Host First-Ever Joint Venture Fund Event

Two university-led venture funds made history with a collaborative networking event that showcased the power of student initiative and entrepreneurial spirit.

  • published: 2025/04/29
  • contact: Melissa Lindell Kozak - Sr. Director of Communications & Marketing, UNO CBA
  • email: melissalindell@unomaha.edu
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Managing Directors of both funds from left to right: Landon Fogle - HVF, Gretchen Holland - HVF, Isaiah Jacobsen - MVF, Amir Tarkian - HVF, Kirk Bramwell - MVF, Martha Fister - MVF

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Maverick Venture Fund (MVF) and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Husker Venture Fund (HVF) co-hosted their first-ever joint networking event on Friday, April 11, 2025 — a groundbreaking moment for student-led entrepreneurship across Nebraska.

➡️ What’s new:
Students and professionals from across the state gathered to connect with industry leaders from MOVE Venture Capital, Invest Nebraska, Proven Ventures, Nebraska Angels, and more. Representatives from both MVF and HVF helped facilitate the event, creating a platform to learn about each fund’s history, operations, and shared goals.

💡 Why it matters:
This collaboration is a rare, student-driven initiative between universities and a strong signal that Nebraska’s business colleges are producing standout leaders. MVF’s and HVF’s collaboration helps to expand startup ecosystems by sharing internship opportunities and opening doors to joint investments and future co-hosted events.

🔎 Zoom in:
Both funds discussed how their partnership can amplify support for Nebraska startups by providing founders and entrepreneurs with:

  • Sharing deal flow
  • Access to a broader pool of interns and employees
  • Opportunities for funding from two student-run venture funds
  • Help on small projects
  • Expanded networks of industry professionals

🎤 What they’re saying:
Alex Wewel, CIEF Advisor for MVF: “Collaborations between MVF and HVF offer a unique advantage for startups to receive critical pre-seed and seed investment from the University of Nebraska System. It also provides an important opportunity for student Analysts from each University to connect with other like-minded individuals. Intentional networking events such as socials and pitch nights generate more connections that lead to larger networks and positive awareness for Nebraska’s startup ecosystem.”

🌎 The big picture:
This event directly supports UNO’s strategic mission to foster workforce development, economic growth, and student success through real-world engagement​. It also reflects UNO’s values of innovation, collaboration, and Maverick Spirit.

⚡ What’s next:
MVF is actively recruiting new members for the upcoming semester — especially undergraduates. Students interested in gaining venture capital experience or entrepreneurs seeking funding can apply at maverickventurefund.com.
Stay connected with MVF on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X (Twitter).