India’s first student-managed start-up fund launched by IIM-Visakhapatnam

Students and alumni of the Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIM-V) have launched ‘EPIFunds Private Limited,’ India’s first student-managed start-up fund. They oversee the venture entirely, with no board-level involvement from IIM-V or its incubator.

EPIFunds enables students to secure investments from high-net-worth individuals for promising startups they identify. Through this initiative, students gain hands-on experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, managing the startup lifecycle, funding processes, and comprehensive business operations.

Participants handle the entire funding process, sourcing startups with support from IIM-V and IIMV FIELD, conducting due diligence, and building a network of investors for the student-managed start-up fund. They also perform tasks typically managed by angel investment firms, such as drafting term sheets and shareholder agreements.

By managing a full-fledged investment fund, IIM-V students gain a deeper understanding of professional investment operations, surpassing the experience of typical venture capital firm employees who focus on sector research or startup evaluation. This hands-on responsibility gives them a competitive edge in securing placements.

IIM-V Director, Professor M Chandrasekhar, emphasized that this initiative blends investment management fundraising, and fund management. “This initiative offers a rare opportunity for students to immerse themselves fully in the investment ecosystem, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application,” he stated.

Recognized as one of India’s most prestigious institutes, IIM Visakhapatnam continues to set benchmarks in education and innovation. Learn more by clicking here.

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