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Fordham Foundry Early-Stage Venture Program
Also known as: Fordham Angel Fund, FAF, ESVP
Fordham University · New York, NY
An endowed venture investment program for Fordham student and alumni founders, funded by a $1 million gift from Mario Gabelli. Evolved from the earlier Fordham Angel Fund (FAF) which offered up to $25K equity investments. The Early-Stage Venture Program invests approximately $60,000 annually into student-run startups, with plans to eventually support Bronx-based ventures.
Quick fit check
- Offers direct funding
- Takes equity
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
$25,000 – $30,000
Equity
Equity
Equity taken
Application
Rolling
Campus Wide
Last activity
2026-05-19
High confidence
Application and Timing
Rolling applications via Google Form (FAF). ESVP investments made by invitation after participating in Foundry pitch competitions and programming.
Participants
Exclusive to active Fordham student and alumni founders. FAF requires Business Model Canvas submission. Preference for ventures with MVP/prototype, strong brand sense, and early market validation.
Recent Activity
First ESVP investment: $30,000 in Wide Eye (caffeinated popcorn) by first-year Gabelli student John Russak, announced May 2026. Program began investing in November 2025. FAF previously operated as student-run angel fund giving hands-on VC experience.
Verification Gaps
- Number of FAF deals completed before ESVP launch not publicly available
- ESVP equity terms (valuation, SAFE vs priced round) not disclosed
- Investment committee composition not fully detailed
- Whether ESVP and FAF operate concurrently or ESVP replaced FAF
Fordham Foundry Early-Stage Venture Program
Funding Details
- FAF (Angel Fund): Up to $25,000 equity investments, rolling applications via Google Form
- ESVP (Early-Stage Venture Program): $30,000 first investment (Wide Eye), ~$60,000 annual capacity
- Endowment: $1 million from Mario Gabelli
- Equity: Taken — specific terms negotiated per deal
- Investment Committee: Foundry staff, faculty, and outside investors including Luke Johnson (Rose Street Capital) and Professor Dennis Hanno
Additional research notesShow
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Fordham Foundry Early-Stage Venture Program at Fordham University.
3 sources
Foundry Launches Early-Stage Venture Program with Gabelli Endowment
Fordham Now
Fordham Now
Foundry Launches Early-Stage Venture Program with Gabelli Endowment
Fordham Now article (May 19, 2026) announcing the Early-Stage Venture Program, funded by $1M endowment from Mario Gabelli. First investment: $30,000 in Wide Eye (caffeinated popcorn by first-year student John Russak). Plans for ~$60,000 annual investment capacity. Details evolution from earlier Angel Fund program. Investment committee includes Foundry staff, faculty, and outside investors including Luke Johnson (Rose Street Capital).
Read on Fordham Now
Fordham Foundry
Fordham Angel Fund Program Page
Official Fordham Foundry page describing the Fordham Angel Fund (FAF), making equity investments of up to $25,000 exclusively for active student and alumni founders. Offers capital, VC process experience, and constructive feedback. Managed by a board of VCs/angel investors on the Investment Committee, with student FAF fellows supporting founders.
Read on Fordham Foundry
Fordham University
Fordham Foundry Homepage
Official homepage of the Fordham Foundry, Fordham University's Hub for Innovation + Entrepreneurship. Serves students, alumni, faculty, and community members. Offers mentorship, competitions (bi-annual business plan/pitch competitions providing equity-free funding), community gathering, and funding through the Fordham Angel Fund. Two locations: Rose Hill (Bronx) and Lincoln Center (Manhattan).
Read on Fordham University