VC Isn’t Just for Business Majors—Here’s Why That’s a Good Thing
By: Kristen Foell, Zeynep Acun, Jonathan Hylton, and Emily Firestone
Introduction
Venture capital is often associated with finance and business students, but at Hillside Ventures, we believe that diverse perspectives drive better investment decisions. We welcome analysts from all academic backgrounds—including STEM and liberal arts. Being a non-traditional major in venture capital brings a unique analytical lens, whether it's assessing the technical feasibility of a startup’s innovation or understanding the real-world applications of emerging technologies. In this article, we explore what it’s like to be a non-traditional major in the fund, the advantages it brings, and how different perspectives strengthen our investment strategies. Through testimonials from members in the sustainability vertical, we highlight how diverse academic backgrounds shape decision-making and contribute to the fund’s success.
Zeynep Acun – Political Science and German Studies
Being a Political Science and German Studies major in a finance-heavy space like Hillside Ventures comes with both challenges and advantages. My background in theoretical analysis, research, and global policy has given me a unique lens through which to evaluate startups, particularly when it comes to regulatory risks and international market opportunities. While the financial learning curve has been steep, I’ve found that staying proactive—whether by keeping up with new VC concepts in class or engaging with fund discussions—has helped me bridge the gap. At the same time, my ability to analyze complex systems and assess broader geopolitical factors adds valuable depth to our due diligence process. Hillside has given me the opportunity to apply the skills from my academic background in a practical setting while also expanding my knowledge of venture capital, making me a more well-rounded investor.
Jonthan Hylton – Electrical Engineering
As an electrical engineering major, being part of Hillside Ventures has given me the opportunity to research and analyze companies that apply the very concepts I’ve learned in class. One standout experience was sourcing a microgrid company, which required me to dive deep into its technology and understand how it operates. Through this process, I was able to connect real-world power distribution systems to my knowledge of power electronics, reinforcing both my technical and analytical skills. Seeing how startups develop and commercialize technologies like inverters, converters, and battery management systems has expanded my understanding beyond theory, showing me how these components are optimized for efficiency, scalability, and real-world application. My experience at Hillside has not only allowed me to gain new skills and broaden my perspective but has also strengthened my technical foundation by applying engineering concepts in a business context. The ability to merge technical insight with financial analysis has made me a better problem-solver and a more well-rounded engineer.
Emily Firestone – Environmental Studies
As an Environmental Studies major in the sustainability vertical, Hillside Ventures has allowed me to merge my interests in business and sustainability in a meaningful way. Through my experience in the fund, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how venture capital can drive positive environmental impact and support the transition to a more sustainable future. Analyzing investments through both a financial and environmental lens has shown me that lasting sustainability isn’t just about policy or innovation—it’s about actively funding and scaling the right solutions. My time at Hillside has prepared me to enter my career with a strong foundation in both impact-driven investing and strategic decision-making. The skills and insights I’ve gained here have reinforced my belief that meaningful change happens when sustainability and smart investment go hand in hand.
Kristen Foell – Chemical Engineering
As a chemical engineering major, joining Hillside Ventures has given me a unique opportunity to apply my technical background in an entirely new context. Evaluating technical startups has allowed me to analyze not only their business models, but also the feasibility and scalability of their core technologies. My engineering mindset helps me break down complex processes, assess innovation from a first-principles perspective, and identify potential challenges that might not be immediately obvious from a financial standpoint. At the same time, learning the fundamentals of venture capital has broadened my perspective beyond technical problem-solving, allowing me to use analytical reasoning in a new area. Hillside has provided an invaluable space to bridge the gap between science and business, making me a more well-rounded thinker and equipping me with skills that extend far beyond the lab.
Conclusion
Breaking into venture capital as a non-traditional major may seem unconventional, but it provides immense value both to the fund and to the individuals involved. The ability to approach investments with a technical or scientific mindset allows for deeper diligence and a stronger understanding of market feasibility. At Hillside Ventures, we’ve seen firsthand how interdisciplinary collaboration fosters better deal sourcing, risk assessment, and portfolio management. For students outside of traditional finance backgrounds, joining a venture fund is an opportunity to apply their expertise in new ways and gain critical business acumen. Ultimately, it’s this diversity of thought that helps us make smarter investments and develop well-rounded future investors.