Social Impact and Venture Capital

Before arriving at Tuck, I spent several years working in consulting, helping clients navigate complex business challenges. I have always been drawn to the intersection of consumer products and purpose-driven businesses, and viewed my MBA as a platform to deepen my understanding of how companies can scale while making a positive impact on their industries and communities.

This summer, I had the opportunity to explore two of my passions—venture capital and the brewing industry—through my work with Maine Venture Fund (MVF) and Orange Bike Brewing Company. My experience with both organizations offered insight into the investment process and venture capital while also exposing me to the operational challenges of running a startup in a capital-intensive industry.

Maine Venture Fund

As a Summer Associate at MVF, I worked with Joe Powers and Nina Scheepers on due diligence for prospective new portfolio companies and on an internal project to identify strategies for attracting businesses and talent to Maine. A key highlight was participating in strategic long-term planning sessions aimed at advancing the fund’s mission of fostering a sustainable Maine economy. My co-associate and I identified areas for focus through primary and secondary research, highlighting what might be most important to attract talent and addressing potential shortcomings in the current process.

MVF’s commitment to Maine’s entrepreneurial ecosystem was evident through regular educational sessions and collaborations with local venture firms like Bold Ocean Ventures. These sessions expanded my knowledge in areas like due diligence, fund management, and impact-driven investing, deepening my appreciation for venture capital as a catalyst for social and environmental good.

Orange Bike Brewing Company

Alongside my work at MVF, I spent significant time at Orange Bike Brewing, a gluten-free craft brewery based in Portland, Maine. The brewery’s mission to make craft beer more accessible for those with dietary restrictions resonated deeply with me, and I was fortunate to witness firsthand the complexities of running a purpose-driven business.

I supported the Orange Bike team in scaling operations, refining their marketing strategy, and helping organize a major event for the National Black Brewers Association, which featured the Emmy-winning documentary One Pint at a Time. This event underscored the brewery’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and it was inspiring to see how businesses can use their platforms to advocate for social change while driving growth. Seeing the passion of the Orange Bike team, from the head brewer to the founder, reinforced the importance of aligning business strategy with personal values.

Closing Thoughts

This summer gave me invaluable experience in both venture capital and startup operations, showing how businesses can integrate purpose into their growth strategies. At MVF, I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in venture funding, and while at Orange Bike, I learned the scrappy realities of scaling a purpose-driven startup in a competitive market.

Both experiences reinforced my belief that business can—and should—be a force for good, not only in creating financial returns but also in advancing social and environmental goals. I’m grateful to Maine Venture Fund, Orange Bike Brewing, and the Tuck GIVES program for this incredible learning experience.

Plus, living in Portland for the summer wasn’t so bad either!

Guest contributor and 2024 Summer Associate, Dan Carlson, T25