The University of Nevada, Las Vegas establishes student run venture capital fund.

The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) has established the Rebel Venture Fund, a new student-managed fund.

The fund was made possible after finance professor Jeff Moskow donated $500k to get it off the ground. Rebel will focus on Southern Nevada businesses, and has already made its first $25k investment in graphics firm Walls 360.

The fund is comprised of 25 individuals, 16 students and 9 advisors, and will be looking for equity in firms that can return on investment within five to seven years.

Andrew Hardin, director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship at UNLV’s Lee Business School, said: “There aren’t very many of these venture capital funds. Michigan and Utah have funds, but they are different … less student-oriented. Our program is very hands-on, making it a great way to provide them with learning experience. … I can teach it all day long, but until you have to make a decision, it’s just classroom instruction.”