University Venture Fund invests in Alianza
I was stoked to find out that the University Venture Fund invested in Alianza. Alianza has had a remarkable track record as they have won the BYU Business Plan Competition, successfully raised $2M from the Utah Angels (and others), and now has raised another round through UVF.
While I can’t say that I know Brian Beutler as well as other young entrepreneurs, we’ve met a few times and I am excited about what he is doing. They have taken the VoiP telephone concept into the international marketplace with terrific results. Congratulations Brian.
In addition, I have also been completely impressed with many of the associates at the UVF. Jared Hutchings, the managing director of UVF, is another young entrepreneur in Utah that is making a name for himself as he continues to build a success student-run venture fund.
One of the things that I’m most excited about is the opportunity to work with the UVF to find and fund deals. I already know of 3 deals that have pitched to the screening committee (in the past 3 months) that had posted their business plan on FundingUtah.com. Hopefully, more companies will be invited to pitch after our Speedpitching Luncheon next week!
Anyways, congrats to both Alianza and the University Venture Fund!
I also have to congratulate Brian and the Alianza team! We became friends during the semi-finals together at the BYU Comp in 2005. After the comp was over and Brian’s team won the big prize money, he kindly gave me a tip and suggested the I buy “The Art of The Start”, I devoured every page and wished I had had that book before the competition, but needless to say, it is one of my all time favs now. I think Guy Kawasaki would be proud to see how a young entrepreneur like Brian has applied his tips for pitching, presenting, and receiving funding! Congrats Alianza!