I'm interested in entrepreneurship... why are the Claremont Colleges right for me?
Take it from StoryHouse Ventures, the early-stage venture firm that's done the research:
On a per-founder basis, Claremont alumni raise more venture dollars than any group in the world by a factor of over 4x.
The Claremont Colleges are likely smaller than the big-name universities you're considering.
We're often overlooked as a powerhouse for generating successful founders, because rankings split our consortium into individual colleges and don't adjust for institution size. But the facts demonstrate the strength of our community:
- From 2013–2023, Claremont alumni raised $53 billion, making the Claremont Colleges the 2nd most prolific university system in the world for venture dollars raised. Only Stanford alumni raised more venture capital.
- Claremont alumni have founded over 750 venture-backable companies that today employ more than 130,000 people.
- From 2011–2020, 26 Claremont alumni-founded companies reached 'unicorn status' (valuations of at least $1B).
What is the RLCIE?
Our mission is to help prepare students to be thoughtful, productive, and responsible business leaders and innovators—we'll help shape the next generation of Claremont alumni who will make waves in the world of business.
The Randall Lewis Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RLCIE) offers experiential opportunities for students at all levels. There are entry-level programs for students interested in or curious about the ecosystems of business, technology, and every intersecting career or industry you can think of (including venture capital). There are student-run groups that explore the worlds of consulting, strategy, product management, and design. We also support student-founded startups.
The RLCIE's offerings are comparable to those at large research universities: introductory guidance, information sessions, workshops, resources for prospective founders, opportunities for joiners, consulting opportunities, networking opportunities, alumni mentoring, etc. But unlike bigger schools, our focus is on undergraduates. Most peer institutions primarily target MBA students, bioscience PhD candidates, or other advanced specialists. Our programs, attention, and energy all focus exclusively on undergrads.
How will the RLCIE set me up for success?
Our programs are co-curricular, team-based, and experiential: students collaborate in groups to advance either their own project or one for an external client. Projects culminate in pitch events, competitions, or presentations to actual clients. Alumni, parents, and other stakeholders are heavily involved as workshop providers, judges, clients, mentors, advisors, and sources of funds for our programs and initiatives. Students learn from professionals who are well-positioned to provide guidance and opportunities.
The RLCIE's mix of programs is designed to meet students where they're at. Some have no background at all in business, innovation, or entrepreneurship—and benefit from an introduction to the basic mindset, concepts, and tactics of entrepreneurs. Others are ready to advise companies, launch their own businesses, or raise funds to scale their projects. Many are somewhere in-between. Everyone can benefit from participating in one or more of our programs.
You'll be in good company...
Our programs are a signature part of many students' experiences at the Claremont Colleges. More than 500 students participate in our programs every year (with ~75% from CMC). There are many opportunities to collaborate and interact with your peers and start building your personal and professional network your freshman year. Entrepreneurship is not tied to any particular major or discipline, and students benefit from our programming regardless of their other interests and pursuits. We encourage everyone to participate!
Check out the other tabs on our website to learn more about our programs, and please reach out if you have any questions.
—Ron LaPierre, Executive Director and Entrepreneur in Residence ([email protected])
