Dorm Room Ventures

Launching a business isn't just about having a groundbreaking idea- it's about taking swift action to bring it to life. In this week's episode of Dorm Room Ventures, I'm joined by Saad Bin Shafiq, Founder of Nodes.inc, who shares his journey from growing up in a remote region of Pakistan to raising $13.2 million in 7 months.

We explore the power of consistency, lessons from early entrepreneurial ventures, the importance of speed in...

Navigating the entrepreneurial journey isn't just about having a great idea—it's about finding the right co-founder. In this episode of Dorm Room Ventures, Nick Schutt joins us to reveal what it takes to build a strong entrepreneurial partnership. We explore the dynamics of co-founding, from identifying complementary skill sets to the importance of written agreements. Discover the lessons learned from co-founder conflicts and how t...

Fundraising can feel overwhelming, especially for student founders trying to break into the startup ecosystem. In this episode, Vijay Rajendran breaks down a clear, four-part funding framework that helps bring structure and confidence to the fundraising process. We dive into the art of storytelling, staying organized, effective outreach, and closing deals.

Vijay shares how building genuine trust with investors and mastering communi...

Risk is guaranteed for student entrepreneurs, but how do you navigate it effectively? In this episode, Soham Mehra, co-founder of Morph Labs, shares his journey of taking bold risks and building a startup while still in college. We explore the unique advantages of starting a business as a student, what separates calculated versus reckless risk-taking, and how to leverage resources both during and after university to reduce risk as ...

Everyone wants to break into venture capital- but what actually works when you're starting as a student at ground-zero?

In this episode, Rajiv Mehta, Senior Associate at Blu Ventures, returns to share how students can go from founder to funder- and why VC might be more within reach than you think.

We unpack what it really takes to stand out in the venture world, why building something as a student founder is one of the strongest pa...

Everyone wants to build the next big thing- but what actually makes a student startup stand out to investors?

In this episode, Rajiv Mehta, Senior Associate at Blu Ventures, shares what VCs are really looking for when it comes to early-stage college-led startups- and what separates the flashes of potential from the fundable.

We break down the truth about startup red flags, how to show real traction (not just talk), and why...

AI is everywhere- but how do you actually use it well as a student?

In this episode, Kevin Tupper, Chief Architect of AI Transformation at Microsoft, joins me to unpack how GenAI is changing the way we learn, build, and lead- especially for student entrepreneurs and future innovators.

We dive into how to leverage AI without losing your personal edge, why responsible use matters more than ever, and how students can position themselv...

Entrepreneurship in college sounds exciting- until you're juggling classes, internships, and a startup all at once. In this episode, Professor Ron Poff of Virginia Tech breaks down what it really takes to build something meaningful while balancing 100 other responsibilities as a student.

Learn how to manage your energy, sharpen your focus, and use college as a launchpad- not a limitation. Whether you're a first-time founder or just...

STEM and entrepreneurship might seem like two separate worlds, but they don’t have to be. In this episode, Riyam Ojaimi, founder of Space Point Publications and aerospace medicine student and researcher at the University of Toronto, shares how she turned her passion for space, research, and communication into a thriving business.

Learn how to turn a STEM passion into a business, bridge the gap between STEM and entrepreneurship, and...

Starting a startup in college is one thing- staying in the entrepreneurial world after graduation is another. In this episode, Ben Morin, founder of FYNIL and Virginia Tech’s #1 Emerging Startup in 2023, shares how he transitioned from student founder to post-grad professional while staying active in the startup space.

Learn how to find the right startup idea, balance entrepreneurship with school, and stay in the game after college...

Networking isn’t just about meeting people- it’s about getting into the right rooms and creating real opportunities. In this episode, Muhammad Hunain, founder of Melagen Labs and Techstars DC alum at just 19 years old, shares how students can build meaningful connections, stand out, and avoid common networking mistakes.

Learn how to approach networking, provide value, and make lasting impressions- whether you’re a founder, job seek...

What does it take to launch a successful startup as a college student in 2025? In this episode, I sit down with Rob Cummings, an investor, advisor, and Executive in Residence at Virginia Tech’s Apex Center for Entrepreneurs. We dive into how the college startup scene has evolved and developed over the years, the biggest trends and challenges facing student founders today, and whether launching a business is still as glamorous as it...