Stanford Students Raise $2 Million to Launch Breakthrough Ventures: A New Era for Student Founders

In a groundbreaking move that signals a seismic shift in the startup ecosystem, two Stanford students have secured a whopping $2 million to launch Breakthrough Ventures, an accelerator program designed to empower college students and recent graduates across the nation to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Roman Scott and Itbaan Nafi, the masterminds behind this ambitious initiative, are on a mission to bridge the funding and opportunity gap that has long plagued student entrepreneurs.

From Demo Days to a Nationwide Movement

The journey of Breakthrough Ventures began humbly in 2024, when Scott and Nafi started hosting Demo Days at Stanford. These events quickly gained traction, drawing in a wave of innovative ideas and passionate founders. As success stories began to emerge, the duo realized they had stumbled upon something much bigger than a seasonal event. They decided to scale their efforts, transforming Breakthrough into a lifelong partnership with founders.

“This fundraise turns Breakthrough from just being a seasonal accelerator into a lifelong partnership with our founders,” Nafi, a master’s candidate at Stanford, told TechCrunch. Scott, who graduated from Stanford in 2024 with an undergraduate degree and earned his master’s the following year, shared the same vision.

A Star-Studded Backer Lineup

To bring their vision to life, Scott and Nafi enlisted Raihan Ahmed to lead the accelerator and embarked on a fundraising journey that attracted some of the biggest names in venture capital. The program secured backing from Mayfield, Collide Capital, and a host of Stanford founder alumni. This impressive roster of investors underscores the confidence in Breakthrough’s potential to shape the next generation of startups in AI, health, consumer tech, deep tech, and sustainability.

What sets Breakthrough apart, according to Scott, is its unique focus: it’s an accelerator built for student founders by student founders. This approach resonates deeply with young entrepreneurs who often feel overlooked by traditional funding mechanisms.

Filling the Gap in Student Entrepreneurship

While student-focused accelerator programs aren’t new—UC Berkeley’s Free Ventures, MIT’s Sandbox Innovation Fund, and Stanford’s own StartX, LaunchPad, and Cardinal Ventures have paved the way—Breakthrough Ventures aims to take things to the next level. Nafi highlighted the program’s ability to bring together students from different American colleges, creating a diverse and dynamic community of innovators.

“Breakthrough’s purpose is to fill in the funding and opportunity gap that exists in many of these ecosystems because students have historically lacked access to capital and the networks required to launch their entrepreneurial pursuits,” Scott explained.

A Hybrid Model for Maximum Impact

Breakthrough Ventures will operate on a hybrid model, combining in-person meetups at top-tier VC firms with a culminating Demo Day at Stanford. Participants will gain access to a treasure trove of resources, including:

• Grant funding of up to $100,000
• Compute credits through Microsoft and the Nvidia Inception program
• Legal support to navigate the complexities of starting a business
• Waymo ride credits for seamless transportation
• Mentorship from industry leaders, including Waymo CEO Tekedra Mawakana
• A $50,000 follow-on investment at the conclusion of the program

“We’ve nailed the student-founder experience to a T,” Nafi said. “Hence why we offer the resources we do and have structured the program in this way. Students really feel like we get them, and that’s because we are students.”

A Vision for the Future

The duo plans to deploy the $2 million fund over three years, with the goal of incubating at least 100 companies. But their ambitions don’t stop there. Nafi envisions Breakthrough becoming the hub for Gen Z entrepreneurship and thought leadership, particularly in a time when many young people are grappling with economic uncertainty.

“We hope that by supporting young entrepreneurs, we’re able to uplift as many stories as possible to then inspire many more across the world to use the tools and knowledge around them to pursue entrepreneurship not only to change their communities, but also gain economic stability for themselves and their families,” Nafi said.

Applications Now Open

The latest cohort of Breakthrough Ventures is now accepting applications, marking the beginning of a new chapter for student entrepreneurs. With its innovative approach, star-studded backing, and unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation of founders, Breakthrough Ventures is poised to redefine what’s possible for young innovators.

As the program gears up to launch, one thing is clear: the future of entrepreneurship is in good hands. And for the countless students dreaming of making their mark, Breakthrough Ventures might just be the launchpad they’ve been waiting for.

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