The Hill Fund

The Hill Fund, an initiative of Firebrand Ventures, is a venture capital fund exclusively for startups tied to the University of Kansas. It invests in late seed and Series A rounds, providing capital and support. The fund backs companies founded by KU alumni, faculty, staff, students, or leveraging university technology, fostering the KU entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The fund's creation stemmed from recognizing KU community's entrepreneurial successes were underserved by traditional venture capital. Named for "The Hill" on campus, Firebrand Ventures established it to fill a gap. Prominent figures like John Fein championed the insight a dedicated fund could unlock overlooked potential.

The Hill Fund targets founders affiliated with the University of Kansas. Its mission is to deliver strong venture returns via strategic investments in promising KU-linked startups. Concurrently, it strengthens the university's innovation legacy, serving as an engine to identify, empower, and scale the next generation of KU-connected companies.