We believe in student founders
We started Rough Draft Ventures because we have faith in student founders. We bet on them early and commit to them long-term. We take pride in helping them iterate on rough drafts to build enduring, impactful companies.
This year, RDV is excited to support student founders through our non-dilutive grant program. These founders are further supported through curated community events, network building, and strategic guidance for future rounds as they build up their relationships with our investors at General Catalyst and the broader startup and Venture Capital community.

Rough Draft 101
Stage
We focus on supporting founders at the earliest stage. Have an idea? It’s never too early to pitch us!
Industry
We’re industry-agnostic, and we all have different interests and specialties. Don’t hesitate to apply.
Location
For now, we focus on US-based companies (incorporated as a C-Corp in Delaware).
Strategy
We strive to be students’ first checks and are committed to being partners in their entrepreneurial journeys. We back ambitious, bold, curious, and energetic teams with a strong bias to action and ability to follow through.
Inclusion
We are committed to sourcing and working with diverse founders and funders. No matter where you come from, what you study, or how you identify, we want to hear from you. Cold applications are welcome and, in fact, encouraged!
Why Choose RDV
We are committed to sourcing and working with diverse founders and funders. No matter where you come from, what you study, or how you identify.
Learn more
Our Community
The RDV community is comprised of world-class founders, operators, and investors who have all been in your shoes. Our passion is unlocking your entrepreneurial journey, and we’re here to give you everything you need to grow.
This Year’s Fellows

Venture Fellow, Alan Xie
Harvard Business School

Alexis Coates
Venture Fellow, Harvard Business School

Angelina Lue
Venture Fellow, UCLA

Caelin Sutch
Venture Fellow, UC Berkeley

Casey Kline
Venture Fellow, UNC

Jamilah Middlebrooks
Venture Fellow, UPenn – Wharton

Jay Yu
Head of Content, Stanford University

Jenny Wang
Venture Fellow, MIT Sloan

Joseph Gross
Venture Fellow, MIT

Joseph Wang
Venture Fellow, New York University

Kasey Zhang
Venture Fellow, Northeastern University

Keren Duque
Venture Fellow, UC Berkeley

Kim Tran
Venture Fellow, Princeton University

Max Zang
Venture Fellow, Northeastern University

Micherice Tao
Venture Fellow, UPenn

Venture Fellow, Mohith Mothukuri
Columbia University

Priyanka Kumar
Co-Head of Community and Venture Fellow, Harvard University

Rani Kubersky
Venture Fellow, New York University

Ronith Kandallu
Venture Fellow, Columbia University

Satva Shah
Venture Fellow, UCLA

Tim Wu
Venture Fellow, Stanford University
Entrepreneurship, A to Z
We’re committed to providing best-in-class education to student founders and investors everywhere. Check out our blog and newsletter to stay up to date on our latest resources, tools, giveaways, and events!
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