The Zell Lurie Institute: A Hub for Entrepreneurship and Venture Investing at Michigan Ross
Since its inception in 1999, the Zell Lurie Institute (ZLI) at Michigan Ross has emerged as one of the premier entrepreneurship and venture investing programs in the United States. With a mission to empower students through hands-on experiences, ZLI offers a wealth of resources that enable aspiring entrepreneurs to launch their own businesses, engage in real investment activities, and develop leadership skills through internships and specialized programs.
A Wealth of Resources for Students
ZLI is particularly renowned among Ross students for its five student-led investment funds, which collectively manage over $10 million. These funds provide students with the opportunity to engage in real-world investing, honing their skills in due diligence and portfolio management. Additionally, the Startup Studio and the Michigan Business Challenge (MBC) stand out as key initiatives. The MBC, for instance, awards over $100,000 in cash prizes to winning teams, fostering a competitive yet collaborative environment for budding entrepreneurs.
Beyond current students, ZLI extends its resources to alumni, many of whom have leveraged these opportunities to scale their businesses. A notable example is Vishal Chandawarkar, a BBA ’13/MBA ’20 alum, who utilized ZLI’s resources and the Desai Accelerator program to enhance his startup, Verbalista.
Student Experiences: Insights from Current Entrepreneurs
To understand how ZLI is shaping the entrepreneurial journeys of its students, we spoke with three current participants who shared their experiences and insights.
Dillon Rich, MBA ’25
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Post-Graduation Career Goal: Venture capital investing
Dillon describes the Silicon Valley Experience as a transformative opportunity that solidified his commitment to venture capital. During this week-long trip, he connected with over 20 Michigan alumni who are investors and tech executives, gaining invaluable insights into the startup ecosystem. Dillon emphasizes the importance of mentorship, stating that the ZLI team has made him feel like part of a family, guiding him through multiple VC internships and encouraging him to give back to future students.
His participation in the Michigan Investment Challenge not only honed his leadership skills but also led his team to victory in both regional and global competitions, marking significant achievements for Ross. Dillon encourages students to engage deeply with ZLI programming, as it equips them with the tools and confidence needed to excel in their careers.
Cory Sihombing, MBA ’25
Hometown: Indonesia
Post-Graduation Career Goal: Scaling Agro Santara, a sustainable cinnamon supply chain
Cory credits ZLI with playing a pivotal role in his entrepreneurial journey. Through various programs, including the Zell Entrepreneurs Venture Track and the Michigan Business Challenge, he received mentorship and funding that helped refine his business model for Agro Santara. Cory highlights the importance of structured guidance and workshops, which have been instrumental in navigating the complexities of building a B2B enterprise.
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Cory’s experience, providing him with insights that shaped his business strategy and helped him avoid common pitfalls. He encourages students to leverage ZLI’s comprehensive ecosystem, emphasizing that it offers more than just funding; it provides a supportive community that fosters collaboration and innovation.
Jonah Liss, BBA/BS ’25
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Post-Graduation Career Goal: Lifelong entrepreneurship with MeetYourClass
Jonah’s journey as a co-founder of MeetYourClass has been significantly influenced by ZLI. He credits the Zell Lab for Technologies with transforming his company’s trajectory, allowing them to rebuild their platform with expert guidance. Jonah’s involvement in various ZLI programs, including the Dare to Dream Program and the Customer Acquisition Program, has equipped him with essential skills and resources.
He emphasizes the value of mentorship at Michigan Ross, noting that learning extends beyond the classroom through interactions with upperclassmen, alumni, and industry professionals. Jonah encourages students to attend speaker and alumni events, as these opportunities provide a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of various business fields.
Conclusion: A Launchpad for Future Innovators
The Zell Lurie Institute at Michigan Ross stands as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. With its robust resources, mentorship opportunities, and a vibrant community, ZLI empowers students to turn their ideas into reality. As Dillon, Cory, and Jonah illustrate, the experiences and connections gained through ZLI not only enhance their education but also lay the groundwork for successful careers in entrepreneurship and beyond.
For anyone considering a path in entrepreneurship or venture investing, ZLI offers an unparalleled environment to learn, grow, and innovate. Whether through investment funds, competitions, or mentorship, the opportunities available at ZLI are invaluable for shaping the next generation of business leaders.
