Though several years in planning, the first year of operations for Cougar Capital was the 2005/2006 school year. Prior to the 2005/2006 school year Gary Williams, faculty advisor, worked with MBA students to benchmark the handful of existing student-run venture capital and private equity investment funds to determine best practices. He also worked to generate support from the school administration and industry professionals. Cougar Capital secured its first donations in the fall of 2005 and made its first investment in winter of 2006.
Cougar Capital is composed of BYU MBA students. Students in the BYU MBA program that wish to participate in Cougar Capital must complete a course their first year in Essentials of Venture Capital and Private Equity. These students must then apply to get into Cougar Capital. Cougar Capital is a limited enrollment, full-year applied experience for second year BYU MBA students. Considered in the application is performance in the student’s first year of the MBA program (with special emphasis on the Essentials class) as well as applicable prior work experience and passion for the industry.
Simply contact Cougar Capital. Cougar Capital will assign a student to serve as relationship manager with your firm.
Donations to Cougar Capital are tax deductible donations to the university and are maintained in the Marriott School of Management.
No, Cougar Capital is a donation-based, evergreen fund. Capital is donated to the fund much like any other university donation. The capital, including returns from investments, remains in the fund in perpetuity benefiting students for years to come.
