Community & Events
More than a fund — we're building the home for USC's startup community.
Join Our Slack
Our Slack workspace is where USC's startup community comes alive. Whether you're a founder looking for co-founders, a VC sharing deal flow, or a student curious about startups — there's a place for you.
Get feedback, find co-founders, and share wins
Source deals and connect with emerging talent
Learn about VC and startups from the inside
Venture Scout Program
Our scout program is the on-ramp to venture capital at USC. Scouts are embedded in the student community, identifying promising founders and helping them connect with 18VC before anyone else.
What You'll Do
- Source and evaluate early-stage deals alongside our investment team
- Build a personal brand in the USC startup ecosystem
- Attend exclusive investor events and portfolio company demos
- Develop a network of founders, VCs, and operators in LA and beyond
- Gain hands-on experience in venture capital and startup evaluation
Who Should Apply
We're looking for USC students who are deeply connected to the startup scene — people who know who's building what, who attend hackathons, and who are genuinely excited about helping founders succeed. No prior VC experience required.
Our Events
From high-energy hackathons to casual coffee chats, we create spaces for the USC startup community to connect, learn, and build together.
Hackathon
Intensive weekend builds where student founders team up, prototype, and pitch. Past themes include AI, fintech, and climate tech.
Once per semesterDemo Day
Portfolio founders present their progress to our network of investors, mentors, and the broader USC community. A launchpad for follow-on funding.
End of each semesterNetworking Events
Curated mixers connecting student founders with VCs, angels, and operators from the LA tech ecosystem. Build relationships that matter.
MonthlyCoffee Chats
Informal 1-on-1 conversations with our partners and portfolio founders. A low-pressure way to get feedback on your idea or learn about VC.
Weekly sign-upsGatherings
Casual community hangouts — dinners, game nights, and celebrations. Because the best communities are built on real friendships.
Bi-weeklyReady to get involved?
Whether you want to join our community, become a scout, or attend an event — we'd love to have you.