Case Study: University Growth Fund achieves faster, more selective hiring of top student venture talent with Trakstar Hire

University Growth Fund - Customer Case Study

University Growth Fund is a student-run growth equity fund based in Salt Lake City that gives college students hands-on venture capital experience while managing real investor capital (partners include Ally Bank and American Express). The core challenge is recruiting and training motivated students who can meet the fund’s dual mandate: deliver strong returns for investors while providing a rigorous, professional learning environment—despite many applicants lacking direct VC or financial experience.

To meet that challenge the fund uses a rigorous, multi-stage selection and training model: resume screening, short interviews, a week‑long company valuation exercise, and a tough presentation to the investment committee. Students drive sourcing, due diligence, deal teams and voting, which has produced 14 investments in two years, 100% placement into top jobs with higher starting and long‑term pay (50–60% higher at graduation, 35% higher after seven years), notable placement wins (e.g., a student hired by Technology Crossover Ventures) and expansion with a San Diego office.

University Growth Fund

Peter Harris

Founding Partner