The New Mexico Start-Up Factory (NMSUF) is proud to support the University of New Mexico’s Lobo Venture Capital Cup, an immersive, hands-on competition designed to equip students with real-world venture capital experience and strengthen the state’s innovation ecosystem.
The Lobo Venture Capital Cup challenges student teams to think and operate like professional investors—guiding them through the full investment lifecycle, from developing investment theses to conducting due diligence and making portfolio decisions.
Experiential Learning in Venture Capital
Working in teams of two to five, participants manage a simulated $1M–$2M fund, gaining practical experience in:
- Developing investment theses and fund strategies
- Raising simulated capital from limited partners (LPs)
- Conducting due diligence on peer startups
- Preparing investment memos and drafting term sheets
- Making portfolio decisions under real-world venture constraints
Throughout the program, students lead the work while receiving guidance from experienced mentors across New Mexico’s innovation ecosystem, who provide insights grounded in real investment experience.
Program Timeline
Education Week (March 2–6)
Students participate in rotating sessions covering venture capital fundamentals, including deal flow analysis, due diligence frameworks, term sheet economics, portfolio construction, and investment strategy.
Pitch Preparation (March 9–12)
Teams refine their evaluation approach, strengthen diligence frameworks, and develop the critical thinking and questioning skills needed to assess startup opportunities.
LP Pitch Review (March 13–16)
Teams present their investment thesis and fund strategy through LP pitch videos. Mentors evaluate submissions, provide feedback, and allocate simulated capital.
VC Partner Meeting (April 2)
Venture mentors convene to assess team performance and determine competition winners based on investment decisions, diligence quality, and overall execution.
Strengthening New Mexico’s Innovation Ecosystem
The Lobo Venture Capital Cup plays a critical role in expanding early-stage investment literacy, building a stronger pipeline of venture and startup talent, and fostering meaningful connections between students, founders, and industry leaders.