The Whitman School of Management has launched the Orange Business Angel Network (OBAN), a groundbreaking student-led experiential learning program that will provide hands-on startup investment experience for students while connecting University-affiliated entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship. The program will begin in spring 2026 with an inaugural class of approximately 15 exceptional students and a founding cohort of angel investors.

Unlike traditional university investment programs, OBAN places students at the center of real investment activity. Selected students will conduct professional-level due diligence on actual startups, organize pitch events and facilitate the connections between entrepreneurs and accredited angel investors, all while earning academic credit through a rigorous three-credit course.

While over 40 universities operate angel investment programs, Whitman’s approach to and structure of OBAN set it apart. Students will conduct the due diligence that investors use to inform their decisions and aid in deal flow while allowing the angel to make their own investment decisions. This hands-on learning style has helped Whitman rank No. 11 nationally among undergraduate schools for entrepreneurship in The Princeton Review’s 2026 rankings.

“OBAN represents the next evolution in entrepreneurship and experiential education at Whitman,” says Whitman School Dean Alex McKelvie. “We are giving our students authentic responsibility in the angel investment process, preparing them to lead in entrepreneurial finance or informed founder roles. For the Whitman School, this program strengthens our position to grow into a top 25 business school while building critical connections for our students and alumni within the Syracuse University network. It is yet another commitment by Whitman to experiential programs, which is central to our education.”

Three Key Constituencies Create the Orange Business Angel Network

Within OBAN, three groups of selectively chosen, University-affiliated participants will make up the network, ensuring the brightest students, most promising ventures and supportive angels are involved.

Whitman students in the program will learn angel investing fundamentals through direct practice, conducting market research, analyzing financials and organizing pitch sessions. The course will be taught by Whitman Professor Jeffrey Gish, who brings extensive experience in both angel investing and entrepreneurship education.

SEC-accredited investors join as angels of the network. As a key part of the program is including successful University alumni in the classroom, these “supportive angels” commit not just to potential investments but to mentoring both students and entrepreneurs throughout the process.

Entrepreneurs with University affiliations—having an alumnus, student, parent, faculty or staff member on their founding team—can apply to pitch for seed-stage funding. The program focuses on companies with valuations under $10 million that have raised less than $2 million to date, but with the potential to grow and be an attractive investment.

“What excites me most about OBAN is how it transforms the traditional boundaries between classroom and deal room,” says Erin Draper, director of experiential programs at Whitman, who is leading the launch of the program alongside Dean McKelvie. “Students aren’t just observing the investment process within OBAN. They’re essential to it. And our angels are actively mentoring the next generation of investors and entrepreneurs. This creates a virtuous cycle that benefits everyone involved.”

A Distinctive Approach to Student-Led Investing

As experiential startup investment education gains momentum across top business schools, Whitman is introducing a distinctive, student-led investment program designed for the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. Several features distinguish OBAN from other university angel networks:

• No pooled fund: OBAN angels make independent investment decisions and negotiate directly with entrepreneurs.
• Student-conducted due diligence: Students perform the research and analysis that angels use for investment decisions, lead pre-pitch discussions and aid in deal flow. They will also receive academic credit for their work.
• Syracuse-exclusive focus: All participating startups have meaningful Syracuse University connections in all aspects of the network.

Become a Part of the Orange Business Angel Network

The Whitman School of Management is now accepting applications for all three OBAN participating groups:

Students: Upper-level undergraduate and graduate students can apply for the selective spring 2026 cohort. Prerequisites include foundational entrepreneurship coursework. The Whitman School of Management has reached out to students directly.

Angel Investors: Accredited investors with Syracuse University connections are invited to become founding members of the network. This will be a very select group and grow over time. Membership application information is available.

Entrepreneurs: Syracuse-affiliated startups seeking seed funding can apply for consideration for spring 2026 pitch events. Deadline to submit materials is Jan. 12, 2026.

“We’re creating something truly unique with the Orange Business Angel Network,” added Dean McKelvie. “This program delivers experiential education and real investment activity to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our students gain unparalleled experience, and we help each member of our network to thrive through their passions.”

Visit the Orange Business Angel Network webpage for more information.