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Key people at Rookie Fund.
Rookie Fund operates as a pioneering student-run venture capital fund, primarily focused on identifying and investing in promising student-led startups. It establishes a unique ecosystem that provides capital and mentorship to burgeoning entrepreneurs while simultaneously offering hands-on investment experience to student venture capitalists. The fund’s operational model involves selecting cohorts of students who then manage the investment process, fostering practical skills in deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio support.
The organization was established in 2015, headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, distinguishing itself as Asia's first student-run venture capital initiative. This founding insight recognized the untapped potential within university ecosystems for both innovative startup ventures and nascent investment talent. By bridging the gap between student innovators and early-stage capital, Rookie Fund creates a structured environment for the next generation of industry leaders to gain real-world experience.
Rookie Fund serves student entrepreneurs seeking early-stage funding and strategic guidance to develop their companies. Concurrently, it cultivates aspiring investors by immersing them in the venture capital landscape, thereby developing a pipeline of future industry professionals. The fund's vision is to be the foundational stepping stone where both entrepreneurial and investment careers are launched, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for student innovation across regions.
Key people at Rookie Fund.
Rookie Fund is a student-run venture capital fund based in Taipei, Taiwan, focused on early-stage investments in student-led startups across Asia. Its mission is to empower student investors and entrepreneurs by providing real investment experience and fostering a strong community bridging campus innovation with the broader industry. The fund’s investment philosophy centers on supporting promising student-founded ventures, nurturing the next generation of founders and investors. Rookie Fund primarily targets early-stage startups led by students, aiming to discover future industry leaders akin to Facebook or Dcard. By doing so, it significantly impacts the startup ecosystem by cultivating entrepreneurial talent and investment acumen among young people in the region[1][2][4].
Founded in 2015, Rookie Fund was established to create a platform where students could actively participate in venture investing and entrepreneurship. The fund is managed by a team of mentors and student investors, with Winston Tang serving as CEO. Its evolution has been marked by a unique focus on student empowerment, culminating in fully student-led investment decisions. This approach not only provides practical experience but also builds a vibrant student entrepreneurial community in Taiwan and nearby regions like Xiamen, China. Early milestones include successfully completing investment deals entirely led by students, which helped validate the model and expand its influence[1][4].
Rookie Fund rides the global trend of democratizing venture capital and entrepreneurship education by empowering younger generations. The timing is crucial as Asia’s startup ecosystem rapidly expands, with increasing student interest in tech innovation and investment. Market forces such as growing access to capital, digital transformation, and regional economic growth favor Rookie Fund’s mission. By equipping students with investment skills and entrepreneurial networks early, Rookie Fund influences the broader ecosystem by seeding future founders and investors who will drive innovation and economic development in Asia[1][4].
Looking ahead, Rookie Fund is poised to deepen its impact by scaling its student cohorts and expanding its geographic reach within Asia. Trends such as increased digital education, remote collaboration, and growing startup activity in emerging Asian markets will shape its journey. Its influence may evolve from a regional student fund to a key pipeline for global venture capital, continuously nurturing young talent and fostering innovation. Rookie Fund’s model could inspire similar initiatives worldwide, reinforcing the importance of hands-on learning in venture investing and entrepreneurship.
In essence, Rookie Fund exemplifies how empowering students with real investment opportunities can transform the startup landscape by cultivating the next generation of innovators and investors.
