This excellent opportunity will allow student and alumni founders to acquire funding for their businesses and gain experience in going through the venture capital investment process. In addition to capital, FAF provides prospective founders with constructive feedback and advice for their startups. 

A stellar board of successful venture capitalists and angel investors is part of our investment committee. Along with that, we have a dedicated group of students who serve as FAF fellows to assist founders.

Making the choice to apply for FAF funding is the best decision a student or alumni founder at Fordham can make. The FAF will require founders to take a deep look into their company to discover roadblocks that are hindering further opportunities for success. We have designed our process to be helpful whether or not a founder ultimately receives funding. Often, a business is not at the point where funding is required; in those cases, student founders should reapply again after six months if funding becomes appropriate.

FAF is looking for motivated founders who are committed to success. FAF expects founders to be able to communicate the precise nature of their businesses in a concise manner. These founders optimally will have businesses with a clear path to financial sustainability. Founders should understand the cost structure of their businesses, key business partners, and resources using this Business Model Canvas. These founders will anticipate business and legal risks to be transparent about perceived issues to their company. 

FAF does not view risk unfavorably and believes that being aware of problems is one of the keys to the success of any business. Not facing these risks creates a more significant issue than confronting them early on in the life of the business. FAF also expects those founders to be able to understand their business industry and explain their competitors in detail. While not necessary for funding, positive traits towards consideration include having a “Minimum Viable Product” or prototype, having a strong sense of company brand, and having sales or other indications of market viability. Ultimately, to receive funding, founders will be able to provide a rational explanation of how the funding will be used.

FAF looks forward to reviewing all of the exciting and world-changing ideas that students or alumni at Fordham have to offer. Click here to apply to the FAF. 

We look forward to reviewing your application and working with your business!