Program · Fellowship
Dorm Room Fund
Dorm Room Fund is First Round Capital's fellowship offering real venture capital experience for students.
- Application state
- Accepting
Overview
What Dorm Room Fund offers
What Dorm Room Fund is
Dorm Room Fund is the original student-led venture fund, created in 2012 by First Round Capital. It is a $10 million fund that exclusively invests in student-founded companies. Participants serve as investors and partners, evaluating companies, making investment decisions, and building the DRF community. The program allows students to combine academic pursuits with meaningful venture capital experience, building professional networks and investment expertise during their university years.
Operational profile
Program status and context
Program status describes the program itself. Application availability and deadlines remain separate.
- Operational status
- Active
- Program type
- Fellowship
- Host organization
- Dorm Room Fund
- Last reviewed
- March 16, 2026
Terms and economics
Published program terms
- Investment
- $10,000,000
- Price
- Free
- Compensation
- Unknown
Compensation and economics
Participants in Dorm Room Fund have the opportunity to make real investment decisions and share in the carried interest from successful investments.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
Dorm Room Fund focuses on investing in student-founded companies, empowering students to take on roles as venture capitalists while still in school. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical investment experience, fostering a new generation of investors.
Eligibility
Eligible participants are currently enrolled students (undergraduate, MBA, PhD) with an interest in venture capital, capable of committing to weekly meetings and evaluation responsibilities.
Selection approach
The program has a rolling application process and is open to currently enrolled undergraduate, MBA, and PhD students interested in venture capital and startup investing.
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Sectors
- Artificial IntelligenceHealthcareConsumerFintechBiotech & Life SciencesMedia & EntertainmentCommerce & RetailReal Estate & Property TechEducationEnergy
- Regions
- United States
- Audience
- Students
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- In Person
- Main location
- United States
- Engagement
- Part Time
Delivery model
The program requires in-person participation, with students meeting weekly with investment partners.
Participation expectations
Participants are expected to commit part-time to the program, balancing their academic responsibilities with investment activities.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Accepting
- Admissions
- Open
Published timeline
Undergraduate students can participate for up to 4 years, MBA students for up to 2 years, and PhD candidates have extended participation periods until graduation.
Application considerations
Students interested in applying should demonstrate a strong interest in venture capital and be prepared to commit time to the program.
Value and support
What participation may provide
Publicly described support is context, not a guarantee of current delivery or future benefit.
What participants may receive
Participants gain real venture capital experience, investment decision-making authority, and opportunities for professional development and networking with founders and accomplished investors.
Outcomes and track record
What the public record shows
Historical activity and reported outcomes provide context, not a guarantee of future results.
Reported outcomes
Alumni of Dorm Room Fund have gone on to work at over 50 venture funds, including leading firms like Bessemer Venture Partners and Andreessen Horowitz. Portfolio companies have collectively raised over $6 billion in follow-on funding.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
Dorm Room Fund is published in Upseed as a fellowship program hosted by Dorm Room Fund. Upseed treats the Program and its host Organization as separate records so each can have its own status and sources.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 16, 2026
Known limits
Terms, deadlines, and application states can change. Confirm current details at the published destination before acting. Upseed does not yet classify every Program destination as official.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the official representative of this program or its host.