Dorm Room Ventures

From validating your first idea to leading a team of 100 - this episode is a full founder kit, straight from someone who's lived every stage of it. I'm joined by Salman Habib, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and co-founder & CEO of Burq, an AI-based delivery infrastructure platform he's scaled to nearly 100 employees since starting his first company as a college sophomore. We walk through the full...

The best startup ideas don't start with a solution - they start with a problem that can't be ignored. In this week's episode of Dorm Room Ventures, I'm joined by Nelson Chu, a venture capitalist at Kinetic Ventures with nearly three decades of experience and a mentor at Virginia Tech's APEX Center for Entrepreneurs. We break down the "Hair-on-Fire" problem framework - what it really means to solve...

In this episode of Dorm Room Ventures, I’m joined by Israel Oyedare, founder of Teens and Youth in Leadership (TYIL), for a conversation that challenges how founders think about impact, leadership, and long-term sustainability. Israel shares his journey of building an organization rooted in giving back - not profit - and what that experience teaches founders about integrity, scale, and staying tru...

In this episode of Dorm Room Ventures, we launch into 2026 with Aram Attar, a venture capital expert who bridges the gap between investment psychology and practical application. Aram introduces us to Mindset-Based Investing, a unique framework that not only dissects the cognitive patterns of top investors but also reverse engineers these insights for founders. We explore how entrepreneurs can adop...

In this week's episode of Dorm Room Ventures, we wrap up 2025 with a deep dive into the entrepreneurial journey of Adam Rossi, a Virginia Tech alum, serial entrepreneur, and investor. Adam shares his experiences from founding and scaling companies to mentoring the next generation of founders. We explore the realities of entrepreneurship beyond the glamorized highlight reels, discuss common misconc...

Building a startup starts with more than just an idea - it starts with a mission. In this week’s episode of Dorm Room Ventures, I’m joined by Rick Gilchrist, a serial entrepreneur with 17 startups and multiple exits, and the Founder & CEO of Vannadium, where he’s pioneering blockchain and Web3 solutions for data sovereignty. We dive into how Rick approaches entrepreneurship, the importance of...

Launching a business isn't just about having a groundbreaking idea- it's about taking swift action to bring it to life. In this week's episode of Dorm Room Ventures, I'm joined by Saad Bin Shafiq, Founder of Nodes.inc, who shares his journey from growing up in a remote region of Pakistan to raising $13.2 million in 7 months. We explore the power of consistency, lessons from early entrepreneurial v...

Navigating the entrepreneurial journey isn't just about having a great idea—it's about finding the right co-founder. In this episode of Dorm Room Ventures, Nick Schutt joins us to reveal what it takes to build a strong entrepreneurial partnership. We explore the dynamics of co-founding, from identifying complementary skill sets to the importance of written agreements. Discover the lessons learned...

Fundraising can feel overwhelming, especially for student founders trying to break into the startup ecosystem. In this episode, Vijay Rajendran breaks down a clear, four-part funding framework that helps bring structure and confidence to the fundraising process. We dive into the art of storytelling, staying organized, effective outreach, and closing deals. Vijay shares how building genuine trust w...

Risk is guaranteed for student entrepreneurs, but how do you navigate it effectively? In this episode, Soham Mehra, co-founder of Morph Labs, shares his journey of taking bold risks and building a startup while still in college. We explore the unique advantages of starting a business as a student, what separates calculated versus reckless risk-taking, and how to leverage resources both during and...

Everyone wants to break into venture capital- but what actually works when you're starting as a student at ground-zero? In this episode, Rajiv Mehta, Senior Associate at Blu Ventures, returns to share how students can go from founder to funder- and why VC might be more within reach than you think. We unpack what it really takes to stand out in the venture world, why building something as a student...

Everyone wants to build the next big thing- but what actually makes a student startup stand out to investors? In this episode, Rajiv Mehta, Senior Associate at Blu Ventures, shares what VCs are really looking for when it comes to early-stage college-led startups- and what separates the flashes of potential from the fundable. We break down the truth about startup red flags, how to show real tractio...

AI is everywhere- but how do you actually use it well as a student? In this episode, Kevin Tupper, Chief Architect of AI Transformation at Microsoft, joins me to unpack how GenAI is changing the way we learn, build, and lead- especially for student entrepreneurs and future innovators. We dive into how to leverage AI without losing your personal edge, why responsible use matters more than ever, and...

Entrepreneurship in college sounds exciting- until you're juggling classes, internships, and a startup all at once. In this episode, Professor Ron Poff of Virginia Tech breaks down what it really takes to build something meaningful while balancing 100 other responsibilities as a student. Learn how to manage your energy, sharpen your focus, and use college as a launchpad- not a limitation. Whether...

Leadership isn’t about titles- it’s about how you think, communicate, and connect. In this episode, Carol Moxam, international speaker and leadership mentor, shares how students and young entrepreneurs can step into real leadership by showing up intentionally and leading from within. Learn how to lead alongside your team, build meaningful relationships, and set yourself apart through clarity, char...

STEM and entrepreneurship might seem like two separate worlds, but they don’t have to be. In this episode, Riyam Ojaimi, founder of Space Point Publications and aerospace medicine student and researcher at the University of Toronto, shares how she turned her passion for space, research, and communication into a thriving business. Learn how to turn a STEM passion into a business, bridge the gap bet...

Starting a startup in college is one thing- staying in the entrepreneurial world after graduation is another. In this episode, Ben Morin, founder of FYNIL and Virginia Tech’s #1 Emerging Startup in 2023, shares how he transitioned from student founder to post-grad professional while staying active in the startup space. Learn how to find the right startup idea, balance entrepreneurship with school,...

Networking isn’t just about meeting people- it’s about getting into the right rooms and creating real opportunities. In this episode, Muhammad Hunain, founder of Melagen Labs and Techstars DC alum at just 19 years old, shares how students can build meaningful connections, stand out, and avoid common networking mistakes. Learn how to approach networking, provide value, and make lasting impressions-...

What does it take to launch a successful startup as a college student in 2025? In this episode, I sit down with Rob Cummings, an investor, advisor, and Executive in Residence at Virginia Tech’s Apex Center for Entrepreneurs. We dive into how the college startup scene has evolved and developed over the years, the biggest trends and challenges facing student founders today, and whether launching a b...

A podcast for students breaking into startups, finance, and emerging tech. Hosted by Zaki Wali. 🚀