Meridian Ventures has closed a $35 million second fund focused on pre-seed and seed-stage companies founded by entrepreneurs who have deferred MBA programs.
The venture firm, founded by Devon Gethers and Karlton Haney, announced the fund on Friday. The strategy targets a specific founder demographic: talented entrepreneurs pursuing business education who choose to launch startups instead.
Meridian's approach addresses a gap in early-stage funding. MBA-deferred founders often have institutional backing through their programs, business networks, and delayed tuition payments—advantages that can accelerate company growth during critical early phases.
The $35 million allocation allows Meridian to deploy capital across multiple early-stage bets while maintaining thesis focus. The firm's second fund signals strong investor confidence in both its model and track record from the first fund.
This funding strategy reflects broader venture trends toward niche specialization and founder-centric investing. By targeting a defined founder segment, Meridian positions itself to build deep relationships within MBA deferment networks at top business schools.
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