Venture Capital Initiative
Venture Capital Initiative - Programs - VC Investment Competition
Venture Capital Investment Competition
Learn to think like a venture capitalist by competing in the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC), an annual, international competition organized by the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler School of Business. Unlike typical business plan competitions in which students pitch to investors, at the VCIC students act as investors while entrepreneurs pitch to them.
The competition gives practical experience conducting due diligence, determining valuations and preparing term sheets for early-stage investments. The development of due diligence skills and term sheet practice necessary to succeed in the competition is provided during the Venture Capital Learning Series in the fall semester.
At the VCIC Internal Competition in January, a team is selected to represent Darden at the regional competition level, and beyond.
Both a practice session immediately prior to the internal competition and the internal competition are coordinated in partnership with Darden's Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital Club.
- VCIC Practice – 24 January 2025
- VCIC Internal Competition – 25 January 2025
- VCIC External Regional Competition – 31 January 2025 @ Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University (NYC, NY)
- VCIC External Global Finals Competition – 11-12 April 2025 @ Chapel Hill, NC
Check-out our internal VC at Darden page for more information and a link to register.
"It was a very fun experience! Participating in VCIC allowed me to put the knowledge I gained from the VC Learning Series into practice. This experience provided me with a clearer understanding of how venture capital functions in the real world. Although I’m not currently pursing venture capital as a career, I’m still very pleased that we competed as a team. I would strongly encourage all future Darden students to go compete!"