Invest in the next generation of JMU ventures
The Bluestone Seed Fund is a donor-backed investment fund that supports early-stage businesses founded by JMU students and alumni. Through equity investments and simple agreements for future equity, commonly known as SAFEs, the fund provides founders with capital, feedback and connections while giving JMU students hands-on experience with the venture investment process.
Investment amounts and terms are not fixed. Each opportunity is evaluated individually based on the venture’s stage, valuation, capital needs, growth potential, and legal structure.
Applications are open to currently enrolled JMU students and JMU alumni. Investment cycles begin in the fall and spring.
The Bluestone Seed Fund enhances JMU students education experience in two ways:
- Student Entrepreneurs pitch to an Investment Committee comprised of JMU alumni, faculty, and local professionals. For students, the typical investment is $5000 for a 5% common stock equity stake in the company. However, students are encouraged to seek more or additional funding and negotiate a higher valuation if justifiable.
- Student Venture Associates (SVAs) experience the venture funding process through the investor perspective, helping with deal flow, conducting due diligence, providing feedback on practice pitches, engaging in the deliberation process, and managing the portfolio of investments.
Portfolio Companies
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2025 Investments
- Social media management, content creation, consulting, website development and logo/advertisement design
- Jaeda Skye Cohen, Independent Scholars (’24)
- Visit jaedaskye.com or on social media @jaedaskyemedia
- An AI-powered data software that helps small business owners turn their complex data into actionable insights to support smarter business decisions.
- Visit evero-consulting.com or reach out to mason@evero-consulting.com
- Mason Wyatt, Finance (‘25)
- Leading innovator in lab sustainability dedicated to drastically reducing waste and costs through the washing and reuse of consumable plastics
- Lane Major, Marketing and Computer Information Systems (’01)
- A scalable clothing subscription platform that grows with kids—offering age-based boxes from newborn to teen, designed for repeat monthly use
- Molly Johnson, current School of Media Arts and Design student
2024 Investments
- Strategy board and card game development company
- Ethan Howard, current Engineering student
- Leading innovator in lab sustainability dedicated to drastically reducing waste and costs through the washing and reuse of consumable plastics
- Lane Major, Marketing and Computer Information Systems (’01)
- The ultimate social planning platform designed to make your life easier, more enjoyable, and highly personalized
- Rich Fortune, Economics (’20)
- Social media management, content creation, consulting, website development and logo/advertisement design
- Jaeda Skye Cohen, Independent Scholars (’24)
- Visit jaedaskye.com or on social media @jaedaskyemedia
2023 Investments
- Strategy board and card game development company
- Ethan Howard, current Engineering student
- Food truck that focuses on efficiency and automated processes
- Jacob Mennes, Engineering ('24)
- The ultimate social planning platform designed to make your life easier, more enjoyable, and highly personalized
- Rich Fortune, Economics (’20)
- Research and development, assessment, program evaluation and strategic planning
- John W. Lee, current College of Business Ph.D. student
2022 investments
- Sustainable home decor, goods & apparel
- Maddy Ebbert, Graphic Design (’19)
- First gig marketplace designed specifically for teenagers
- Jewel Hurt, Political Science (’19)
- End-to-end tree care, removal and wood reclamation service company
- Ian Stasko, Business Management ('24)
2021 investments
- Simple and natural skin care
- Malique Middleton, Biology (’21); VCU's Product Innovation master’s program ('24)
- Ergonomic trash can company designed with accessibility in mind
- CJ Dorr, Economics (’21)
- Reducing stress for stakeholders related to their automotive vehicles
- Jack Oppenheim, History (’22); Master’s degree in Product Innovation and Design Thinking, VCU ('23)
- Sensor-enabled beverage inventory management system
- Brett Danielson, Management (’18) and Hunter Markle, Management (’18)
- Not your average locker company – allow college students to rent whatever they want, whenever they want
- Griffin Harrington, Media Arts and Design (’15) and Page Wood, Media Arts and Design (’12)
Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship
Hours of operation:
Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
