More than a fund. A platform to fuel KU innovation.
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About Us
KU alumni founders are among the most successful in the U.S. The Hill Fund was built to support Jayhawk entrepreneurs, from KU to IPO.
The Hill Fund is not just capital. It fuels KU innovation by surrounding founders with mentorship, talent, and connections.
Top 15 in the U.S.
KU ranks higher than several ivy league and other prominent schools for exit value
$118+ Billion
Total exit value generated by KU alumni-led startups
13
Exits of $1B or more since 2016 by KU alumni-led companies
Source: PitchBook and Crunchbase
Investment Criteria
TEAM
TEAM
We invest in KU-connected startups, including:
+ Jayhawks on the founding or executive team
+ A strong KU affiliation, such as the KU Innovation Park
+ Startups licensing KU technology
+ Other meaningful relationships with KU.
STAGE
STAGE
Typically Late Seed and Series A rounds, with compelling traction to indicate product-market fit.
SECTOR
SECTOR
We invest primarily in software startups in diverse sectors that can grow at venture scale.
Latest News
June 30, 2025
Announcing New Team Members: Jeremy Tasset and Will Manson
I’m very excited to announce two key additions to The Hill Fund team: Jeremy Tasset is joining as Venture Partner, and Will Manson as Associate.
Read MoreOur Team
John Fein (KU '26)
Managing Partner
Kansas City
Prior to founding Firebrand Ventures in 2016: Managing Director for Techstars KC; scaled a Fortune 10 division from zero to $2B in revenue; and operator at 5 startups.
Jeremy Tasset (KU '98)
Venture Partner
Kansas City
CEO of Nueterra Capital for 19 years. Prior to that, CEO of Astoria Healthcare Properties. Sponsored and ran the 2019 LaunchKC Health Accelerator.
Will Manson (KU '19)
Associate
Kansas City
Involved in 20 investments for previous fund, including leading or co-leading 5 investments in AI and other sectors.
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