Built on campus
Wide Eye
Program portfolio$30,000 prize
Fordham University · New York, NY
Caffeinated popcorn brand; Fordham Early-Stage Venture Program first investment ($30K).
Sources & articles
News and official sources documenting Wide Eye's outcome.
1 source
News ArticlePrimary Official
Foundry Launches Early-Stage Venture Program with Gabelli Endowment
Fordham Now
Published 2026-05-19
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