The Campus Founders Fund Scout program will let selected students evaluate startup pitches, draft investment memos and help make funding decisions.

Alejandro Najera-Acosta, New Mexico State University

LAS CRUCES - The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship at New Mexico State University’s Arrowhead Center is inviting NMSU students to apply to the Campus Founders Fund Scout program, a venture capital training opportunity that gives students hands-on experience in early-stage investing. The Hunt Center is partnering with Campus Founders Fund to identify and support strong candidates from the NMSU ecosystem.

Campus Founders Fund, known as CFF, is a student-run venture capital fund backed by Kickstart, a Utah-based venture firm. Since 2014, CFF has invested in more than 50 university-based startups across the Mountain West, and its portfolio companies have collectively raised more than $150 million in follow-on funding. The fund has expanded its geographic reach to include New Mexico, making NMSU students eligible to participate.

As a CFF Scout at NMSU, selected students will receive in-depth venture capital training from the team at Kickstart, evaluate weekly pitches from student founders across the region, draft diligence memos, and participate in investment decisions to deploy capital into student-started companies. Scouts who remain with the fund for two or more semesters may also be eligible for a scholarship stipend. Students from any major or academic background are encouraged to apply.

Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, said the partnership with Campus Founders Fund extends the center’s reach into the venture capital ecosystem and creates a direct pathway for NMSU students to develop the skills and networks that shape careers in innovation.

“One of the biggest challenges for aspiring investors and entrepreneurs is gaining access to the venture capital ecosystem. Through our partnership with Campus Founders Fund, NMSU students will have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced investors, evaluate real startup opportunities, and build the networks and skills that can launch careers in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and innovation. This program aligns perfectly with the Hunt Center’s mission of expanding access to opportunity and developing the next generation of leaders in the Borderplex region,” Murguia said.

The CFF Scout role is structured as an ongoing, semester-based commitment of approximately 10 hours per week. Students directly interested in applying can do so through the Campus Founders Fund application portal.

NMSU students interested in applying or learning more about the Campus Founders Fund Scout program can contact Carlos Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu or apply directly at https://www.campusfounders.com/join.

Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort will remain open through August 31, 2026. Students are encouraged to apply early, as the selection process is competitive and spaces are limited.

The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship is part of NMSU’s Arrowhead Center and serves as the primary hub for entrepreneurship programming in southern New Mexico and the Borderplex region. Through initiatives including Studio G, Aggie I-Corps, and the Bold Idea Challenge, the Hunt Center equips student and community founders with the tools, mentorship, and global connections needed to turn ideas into impactful ventures.

Alejandro Najera-Acosta writes for New Mexico State University and can be reached at 575-646-2025 or a_najera@nmsu.edu.