On Thursday, March 13th, Alexie Tcheuyap, the University of Waterloo’s Dean of Arts, visited a Student Venture Fund (SVF) class to engage with students and faculty about the program’s impact. The visit included presentations from faculty and students, showcasing the hands-on experience SVF provides in venture capital and investment decision-making.
The University of Waterloo’s SVF was the first student-run venture fund of its kind in Canada, giving students the opportunity to analyze startups, assess investment opportunities and defend their strategies in competitive settings. Participants also gain invaluable experience by competing against top business schools in international venture capital competitions.
From left to right: Dean of Arts, Alexie Tcheuyap; Professor Mark Arnason; Director of the School of Accounting and Finance, Blake Phillips; Professor Frank Hayes.
Rachel is in the Computing and Financial Management program and the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Jim Colvin Scholarship.
During the visit, students reflected on the program’s challenges and rewards, including making high-stakes decisions under uncertainty, working in collaborative deal teams and sharpening their public speaking skills. Many SVF alumni have successfully transitioned into high-profile roles in consulting, investment banking and venture capital, positioning themselves competitively against graduates from elite schools across North America.
Dean Tcheuyap’s visit underscores the growing reputation of the SVF and the University’s dedication to fostering experiential learning. With continued university support, the SVF continues to expand opportunities for students to develop real-world investment expertise and leadership skills.