I was pushed to learn how to research and present companies – skills that have usefulness in many other aspects of business and school. [The Venture Scholar’s program has provided] credible, solid, material for recruiting for internships in VC, corp dev, Product management, tech, etc. I have already been asked multiple times about G-51 in interviews.

G51 Ventures helped me significantly improve my analysis of early-stage businesses. It also helped going into marketing courses and financial discussions with early-stage prospective employers. Now, I am going to be helping an early-stage company raise money and I have a much better sense of what investors are looking for, based on this experience.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the year I spent at G51 learning about the Austin early-stage game. Rudy and Lauranne were 2 great mentors and I continue to seek their guidance today. Because of their counsel, I found my way to Austin Ventures and then eventually to Spredfast. It all started with the Socialware investment… It served as the catalyst for an eventual career in the social software space.”

Current position: SVP of Business & Corporate Development at Spredfast

“My time at G51 was integral to my professional and personal development. As a Venture Scholar, I received unparalleled insight into deal flow, due diligence and valuation processes as well as angel and venture capital industry trends. I honed skills in industry analysis and business model evaluation through regular interaction with entrepreneurs and their management teams. The G51 team, led by Rudy, is an exceptional group of the highest intellectual and ethical caliber, and I am grateful and proud to be associated with G51.”

Current position: Vice President – Investment Management at Goldman, Sachs & Co.

“It’s not possible in this short amount of space to truly describe how valuable the time was I spent as a G51 Venture Scholar, but here are two things I reflect back on the most.  First,  Experiential Learning.  From Day 1 at the office, G51 had me plugged into due diligence assignments that brought instant reality to my coursework most MBAs never see while in business school.  Secondly, Family.  G51 has created an environment that cares about getting to know each Venture Scholar personally and takes the time to invest in their personal development. I’ve made life-long friends through my time as a Venture Scholar because of the caliber of individuals at G51.”

Current Position: Senior Associate at GE Ventures

The G51 Venture Scholars program gave me the opportunity to gain feedback from seasoned venture investors. From the weekly pitch feedback to the live Q&A, I am glad to have had the opportunity to research early-stage companies and turn my findings into a comprehensive pitch. [The program] was a wonderful stepping stone into Venture Capital by giving me the practice needed to feel confident in conducting due diligence and pitching early-stage companies to venture investors.