The first and only venture fund focused on investing in KU-connected startups.

Get in touch

About Us

Companies led by University of Kansas alumni rank among the top 15 US universities for exit value. We invest in the next wave of Jayhawk success stories.

We back startups with a meaningful connection to KU and connect founders with talent, capital, and customers.

$118+ Billion

Exit value generated by KU alumni-led startups

13

Exits of $1B or more since 2016 by KU alumni-led companies

$10+ Billion

Raised in VC/PE funding by KU alumni-led startups

Investment Criteria

TEAM

We invest in KU-connected startups, including:

+ Jayhawks on the founding or executive team
+ A strong KU affiliation, such as the KU Innovation Park
+ Startups licensing KU technology
+ Other meaningful relationships with KU.

STAGE

Typically Late Seed and Series A rounds, with compelling traction to indicate product-market fit.

SECTOR

We invest primarily in software startups in different sectors that can grow at venture scale.

Our First Investment: Qualytics

Qualytics is pioneering a solution to one of the most urgent problems for the enterprise: proactive data quality in an AI-driven world.

Our Team

John Fein

Managing Partner

Kansas City

Operator at 5 startups, scaled a Fortune 10 division from zero to $2B in revenue, and founded Firebrand Ventures in 2016 after serving as Managing Director for Techstars KC. Jayhawk '26.

Jeremy Tasset

Venture Partner

Kansas City

CEO of Nueterra Capital for 19 years. Prior to that, CEO of Astoria Healthcare Properties. Sponsored and ran the LaunchKC Health Accelerator in 2019. Jayhawk '98.

Chris Marks

Principal Advisor

Boulder

20 years of venture experience, has managed four venture funds, one of which he founded.

Contact Us

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

© 2025 Firebrand Management LLC. Firebrand Ventures III LP (dba The Hill Fund) is solely managed by Firebrand Management LLC and has no affiliation with the University of Kansas. Firebrand Ventures III LP (dba The Hill Fund) and Firebrand Management LLC are separate and independent, legal entities that are not affiliated the University of Kansas. An affiliation with any Firebrand Ventures entity does not create or imply an affiliation with the University of Kansas. The content on this website is not created, controlled, maintained, owned or endorsed by the University of Kansas or its affiliates, trustees, officers, employees or students.