The RAINMaker fund for student entrepreneurs offers promising students at the University of Oregon the resources they need to jump start their careers as entrepreneurs. Founded by Portland entrepreneur and CEO of Rumblefish, Paul Anthony Trioiano, the program encourages students to connect with the RAIN Eugene, the local branch of the Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network (RAIN).
About the RAINMaker Fund
Established by Portland entrepreneur Paul Anthony Trioiano, the RAINMaker Seed Grants support up to five student-led startups at the University of Oregon each year with up to $5,000 is seed funding. The RAINmaker Seed Grants are open to any currently enrolled students who are juniors or above, including graduate students, regardless of discipline. Students who have graduated from UO in the term immediately prior to an application deadline may also apply.
For more information about the application process, visit the University of Oregon research and innovation website.
Recipients
The following startup companies and their founders have received $5,000 seed grants through the RAINMaker fund for student entrepreneurs:
CG Music Project
CG Music Project, founded by Peter Avelar and Justin Ralls, collaborates with charities and non-profits to host and produce music which inspires social change.
Cricket Flours
Cricket Flours, founded by Omar Ellis and Charles B. Wilson, provides an environmentally friendly and sustainable source of protein and nutrition.
Lawger
Lawger, founded by law student Alec Hankins, connects people to affordable legal advice while helping lawyers find clients and manage their business.
Mingo
Mingo, founded by Aurnik Islam and Anthony Troja, is a social playlist app for friends.
PDX Space Finder
PDX Space Finder, founded by James Miller, connects owners of “microspaces” to their users.
Website coming soon!
Support
The fund is currently seeking additional donors interested in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Oregon. If you are interested in supporting the RAINMaker Fund, please contact Matt Hutter, director of development, at (541) 346-2837 or matth@uoregon.edu.
Press
“Startup accelerator celebrates anniversary with national award”
Around the O – May 11, 2015
“Student startups get boost, thanks to UO alum”
Register Guard – May 10, 2015
“Industry Notes”
Oregon Live – May 7, 2015
“Recipients of spring RAINMaker awards announced”
News Release – May 4, 2015
“RAINMaker awards could turn summer break into a startup”
Around the O – April 3, 2015
“Former UO student ‘pays it forward’ to startups”
Register Guard – March 15, 2015
“Recipients of RAINMaker award announced”
News Release – March 10, 2015
“2 rounds of grants available to UO student entrepreneurs”
Register Guard – January 5, 2015
“UO announces RAINMaker fund for student entrepreneurs”
News Release – November 13, 2014