Our Team

Students building the future of venture.

Investment Team

The students running the fund — from sourcing to diligence to portfolio support.

Philip Zeng

Co-Founder & Chief Cheerleader for Founders @ 18VC

Philip is a fierce advocate for founders, a startup-venture community builder, and a VC aspirant. Drawing on his dual background in AI research and investment banking, he helps technical founders navigate the capital markets and turn cutting-edge technology into industry-defining businesses.

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David Lee

Co-Founder & Chief Friend of Founders @ 18VC

David Lee has a global experience across various functions. He has worked in US, Korea and Japan spanning from corporate to start-up. David brings a builder’s perspective with a focus on how things actually run behind the scenes.

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Lucas He

Co-Founder & Chief Chef for Founders @ 18VC

Lucas has taken seats on both sides of the founder-investor table, reviewed hundreds of pitch decks, sent out thousands of cold outreach, led investments in 2 student-founded startups from origination to closing, and is a frequent participant of local Luma events as an introvert.

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Mentors

Experienced investors, founders and operators who guide us and our companies along the way.

Tigran Ghukasyan

Ventures @ Plug and Play Tech Center; Co-Founder @ Spheroid Universe AR

Technology innovator leveraging entrepreneurial expertise to drive cutting-edge solutions in immersive experiences. With a background in fintech and international business development, Tigran brings a unique perspective to identifying and nurturing high-potential tech startups. USC Marshall MBA.

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Xiaohan Xiang

Founder & Managing Partner @ XIAOXIAO FUND

Holding the belief that "AI innovations are highly decentralized and underdogs can challenge frontrunners", Xiaohan founded XIAOXIAO FUND as a Solo VC investor, backing young founders targeting global market and are building AI+Software/Hardware/Gaming products. Ex-VP of Investment @ Atom Ventures.

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Ecosystem Partners

Organizations and firms that power the student startup ecosystem alongside us.

CyNet Accelerator by USC

Incubator / Accelerator

Accelerator program affiliated with USC Marshall Entrepreneur & Venture Management Association and High Tech Association. Its vision is to make Marshall CourtYard the default go-to sport for LA founders, where ideas and solutions tie as tight as the Trojan Network.

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XIAOXIAO FUND

Venture Capital

XIAOXIAO FUND aims to partner with first-round start-ups building AI+Software / Hardware / Gaming products. XIAOXIAO FUND firmly embraces the era for small team even solo to make great companies.

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