Webinar

US Strategic Tech Fund: Final Call

FFUS webinar

The deadline for US Strategic Tech Fund 1 is around the corner and the team is beginning to deploy capital and build the portfolio. Join us for this on-demand presentation as Managing Partner, Laura Rippy, and Partner, Pete Mathias, give an overview of US Strategic Tech Fund 1 and explains how the team constructs a fully diversified venture portfolio.

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Post Webinar Summary

The US Strategic Tech Fund team emphasized the opportunity to invest in technologies that are critical to America’s future, from homeland security to digital and space innovations. They highlighted the portfolio’s focus on companies driving U.S. leadership and security, like Edge Scale AI, which recently emerged from stealth. Pete and the team discussed their backgrounds and expertise, as well as the fund’s strategy for investing in technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and space innovations. They explained the strong track record of Alumni Ventures in venture capital and invited potential investors to join before the final October 31st deadline, noting that current market conditions present an ideal time to invest in these cutting-edge technologies.

The US Strategic Tech Fund is Alumni Ventures’ venture capital fund focused on investing in America’s progress.

During the session, we will discuss:

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    The goal and structure of the fund
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    Benefits of diversifying into venture capital
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    Minimum requirements needed to invest in the fund
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    There will be time for open questions and discussion during the call
About Alumni Ventures

Note: You must be accredited to invest in venture capital. Important disclosure information can be found at av-funds.com/disclosures

About your presenters

Laura Bordewieck Rippy
Laura Bordewieck Rippy

Managing Partner, US Strategic Tech Fund

Laura brings operational perspective as a CEO, Chairman, and executive in technology startups in addition to investing experience. As Managing Partner at Ripplecreek Partners’ technology practice and General Partner at FA Technology Ventures, she worked various tech sectors: mobile, consumer, internet, SaaS, cloud-based, marketing, and enterprise software across many economic cycles. She also served as CEO at Handango, creating the first marketplace of mobile apps. At Microsoft, she co-founded two businesses as an intra-preneur in an elite swat team spun out of Bill Gates’ office. Laura holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and AB in Government from Dartmouth (’89).

Pete Mathias
Pete Mathias

Partner, U.S. Strategic Tech Fund

Pete joins Alumni Ventures from the $1.5B+ venture capital arm of Bertelsmann, where he was a Senior Director across the European Union, China, and U.S startup ecosystems. Previously a fellow at .406 Ventures and alumnus of the Harvard Innovation Lab, Pete has substantial entrepreneurial and startup operating background. He has an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth, an MPA from Harvard’s Kennedy School, a Master’s with Distinction from Oxford, and a BA (magna cum laude) from Dartmouth. He has recently been selected as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Pete has a creative core as drummer for the indie rock band Filligar, which has been designated as “Cultural Ambassador” by the U.S. Department of State. He is an avid skier, marathon runner, and ice hockey player.

Drew Wandzilak
Drew Wandzilak

Senior Associate, US Strategic Tech Fund

Drew has worked in high-growth industries as both an investor and operator, focusing on how people and technology interact within organizations. As a long-time investor with Alumni Ventures, he has worked across multiple funds and internal initiatives. He has worked on National and State level political campaigns, focusing on Small Business and Entrepreneurial policy. Drew holds a BS from Northwestern University in Education and Social Policy, specializing in Learning & Organizational Development. He also served as an Ambassador for Northwestern’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and was recognized in Chicago Inno’s 25 under 25.

Darrin Wizst
Darrin Wizst

Senior Partner

Darrin is an investment professional with an extensive background in financial services and B2B. Throughout his 25 year career, he has worked with individual investors, investment advisors and their clients, and institutional (foundations and endowments) clients, with various investment vehicles including mutual funds, separately managed accounts, socially responsible portfolios, and alternative investments. He earned a BA in Economics & Public Management from UMaine and an MBA from Boston College.

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