About Us
A student-run fund and podcast backing USC's boldest builders.
Who We Are
18VC was born out of a simple observation: the most ambitious student founders at USC often lack access to the kind of early-stage capital and mentorship that can turn a dorm-room idea into a real company. We set out to change that.
We are a team of USC students — operators, engineers, designers, and storytellers — who are passionate about venture capital and the startup ecosystem. Through our fund, we write checks at the pre-seed and seed stage into companies founded by Trojans. Through our podcast, we share the unfiltered stories of founders and investors who are shaping the future.
Our mission is to be the first believers in USC's next generation of great companies. We move fast, stay founder-friendly, and bring more than capital to the table — we bring a community.
Deployed into USC startups
Portfolio companies
Podcast episodes
What We Believe
Our values guide every investment we make and every story we tell.
Founders First
Great companies start with extraordinary people. We bet on founders who are obsessed with the problem, move with urgency, and have the resilience to push through the hardest moments.
Speed Matters
Student founders can't wait months for a decision. We commit to fast, transparent processes — because momentum is everything at the earliest stages.
Community Over Competition
We believe the USC startup ecosystem is strongest when we lift each other up. Every founder in our portfolio gets access to our full network — investors, operators, and fellow founders.
Stories Create Impact
Through our podcast, we amplify the voices of founders and investors. We believe that sharing real, honest stories inspires the next wave of builders and democratizes access to knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about 18VC.
What is 18VC?
18VC is a student-run venture capital fund and podcast platform based at the University of Southern California. We invest in early-stage startups founded by USC students and alumni, and produce a podcast that shares the stories and insights of founders and investors.
What stage companies do you invest in?
We focus on pre-seed and seed stage companies. Our typical check size ranges from $10K to $50K, and we look for founders who are building innovative solutions to real problems with a strong product vision and execution capability.
Do founders need to be current USC students?
While we have a strong preference for current USC students and recent alumni, we consider any founder with a meaningful connection to the USC community. This includes students, alumni, faculty-affiliated projects, and startups with USC co-founders.
How does the investment process work?
Our process starts with an application through our website. Selected teams are invited for an initial conversation with our partners, followed by a deeper diligence process. We aim to move quickly — most deals close within 3 to 4 weeks from first meeting.
What support do you provide beyond capital?
Beyond funding, we offer mentorship, introductions to our network of investors and industry leaders, help with recruiting, and amplification through our podcast. Our team members are embedded in the USC startup ecosystem and can connect you with the right people at the right time.
How can I be a guest on the podcast?
We are always looking for inspiring founders and investors to feature on the show. If you have a compelling story to share, reach out through our apply page or contact us on social media. We cover topics ranging from fundraising and product development to personal founder journeys.
How can I join the 18VC team?
We recruit new team members each semester from across USC. We look for students who are passionate about startups, venture capital, and storytelling. Keep an eye on our social media channels and the apply page for open positions.
Ready to get involved?
Whether you're a founder seeking funding or a student wanting to join our team, we'd love to hear from you.