Imagine being a college student and having the chance to evaluate real startups, connect with investors, and make funding decisions that could shape the next big idea – all before you graduate.
That’s exactly what students at Butler University will be able to do through the upcoming launch of the Butler Angel Network in Spring 2026, a student-led initiative that bridges classroom learning with real-world venture capital experience.
“This is more than an investment vehicle,” Craig, Caldwell, Dean of the Lacy School of Business, said. “It’s a living lab for our students, another example of student-run enterprises at Lacy, a bridge to our alumni, and a bold step toward making Bulter a hub for entrepreneurial leadership and economic development in the Midwest.”
Developed and executed by LSB, the Butler Angel Network will give students the chance to actively participate in deal sourcing, due diligence, portfolio analysis, and communication with angel investors – gaining hands-on experience that will go far beyond the traditional classroom setting.
The Butler Angel Network is the newest addition to a growing lineup of immersive, student-led ventures at the Lacy School of Business. These initiatives are designed to emphasize real-world experience over theory.
Students have the opportunity to manage a captive insurance company, oversee a multimillion-dollar Student Managed Investment Fund, conduct company valuations through Bulldog Reports, and even launch their own businesses as sophomores.
Additional enterprises, including the student-run coffee shop and thrift store, further expand these hands-on learning opportunities. Together, they position Butler among the nation’s top institutions for experiential business education.
Through this model, graduates leave prepared to step confidently into their careers as leaders, problem solvers, and entrepreneurial changemakers.
The network will also create new ways for alumni and accredited investors to get involved. Alumni will be able to mentor students, invest in startups, and directly contribute to Butler’s growing ecosystem.
“By empowering students and connecting them with real-world investment opportunities, Butler is positioning itself as a critical partner in driving regional economic development,” Travis Stegemoller, General Counsel with gener8tor said.
The initiative complements Butler University’s collaborations with organizations like gener8tor, TechPoint, and the Indiana Economic Development Corp, positioning the university as a leader in innovation and experiential business education. By deploying a part of its endowment as co-investment alongside accredited investors, Butler will help promising startups grow while giving students a truly hands-on learning experience. The network’s goal is to amass $10 million in investable capital and hold its first pitch event in Spring 2026.
Returning to his alma mater as Executive Director, Dr. Paul Newsom will lead the initiative. “I’m thrilled to return to Butler University and contribute to student success by connecting them with practical, real-world business experiences,” he said. “After a decade of guiding early-stage startups toward growth and enhancing returns for accredited investors, I look forward to leveraging those insights at the Lacy School of Business to strengthen ties between students, accredited investors, and entrepreneurs.”
The Butler Angel Network will redefine how students learn about entrepreneurship, giving them real responsibility, mentorship, and the opportunity to impact the regional startup ecosystem. For students, alumni, and investors alike, it’s an exciting step forward – and a reminder that innovation is a team sport.
Accredited investors or alumni interested in joining the Butler Angel Network or learning more can contact butlerangels@butler.edu.