College of Management Launches Entrepreneurial Student Startup Fund, Backs First Two Student-Led Ventures
Clubstack and Dwll.AI selected as inaugural recipients of $10,000 in seed funding each to launch and grow their companies over the next six months.
The UMass Boston College of Management announced the launch of its new Entrepreneurial Student Startup Fund, a program created to give student founders the capital and runway they need to turn bold ideas into real businesses. Each selected team receives $10,000 in seed funding along with six months to build, launch, and grow their venture. The fund's first cohort, announced for 2026, includes two standout student ventures: Clubstack and Dwll.AI.
Investing in Boston's Next Generation of Innovation
The launch of the Fund reflects the College of Management's broader commitment to strengthening Boston's innovation economy from the ground up. As one of the country's most dynamic hubs for technology, research, and entrepreneurship, Boston offers a unique environment for student founders to test ideas, connect with mentors, and build companies without leaving the city that trained them. By investing directly in student ventures, UMass Boston is contributing to the pipeline of homegrown startups that keep Boston's innovation ecosystem thriving, and positioning its students as active contributors to the region's entrepreneurial growth.
The initiative is the vision of College of Management Dean Venky Venkatachalam, who championed the fund as a way to close the gap between classroom learning and real-world venture building.
"Our students don't just study entrepreneurship here - they live it," said Dean Venky Venkatachalam. "This fund is about giving talented founders the resources, the runway, and the confidence to bet on their own ideas. Clubstack and Dwll.AI are exactly the kind of ambitious, problem-solving ventures we hope to see more of, and I can't wait to watch both teams grow."
Learn more about Clubstack
Clubstack is an AI-native platform helping student-run organizations operate more efficiently and build stronger, more connected campus communities. The platform solves the operational chaos common to student organizations with consistent updates, all-in-one communication, and seamless leadership transitions.
"College is the ultimate foundation of your future. Clubstack is the foundation of your college," Anthony Deboer, Co-Founder of Clubstack. "That's what drives us to completely reimagine how you find your people - for the careers waiting to be jumpstarted, the friendships waiting to be made, and every event, group, and connection you didn't know you needed. Built by students, not administrators. This funding brings us one step closer to making that just one tap away."
Learn more about Dwll.AI
Dwll.AI is an AI-powered rental operating system that brings the entire rental journey into one place while helping property managers automate many of the manual processes behind leasing. The system guides tenants through discovery, tours, paperwork, and payments, while giving property managers real-time visibility into leasing and operations.
“Renting is still far more fragmented and complicated than it needs to be, especially for students, young professionals, and international renters,” said Abhyuday Singh Rathore, Founder & CEO of Dwll.AI. “Receiving support from the Entrepreneurial Student Startup Fund is more than financial backing - it is a vote of confidence in our vision and in what student entrepreneurs can build.”
Looking Ahead
With Clubstack and Dwll.AI now underway, the College of Management plans to expand the Entrepreneurial Student Startup Fund in future cycles, with the goal of supporting two to four promising student ventures each year. By helping students turn their ideas into successful businesses, the College aims to build a community of entrepreneurs who will give back to future College of Management students and help bring their dreams to life, as part of its ongoing investment in Boston's entrepreneurial future.
ABOUT UMASS BOSTON COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT
As Boston's only public accredited business school, the College of Management is dedicated to educating the region’s next generation of business and community leaders. Recognized for its first-rate faculty and diverse, high-achieving student body, the College offers exceptional learning experiences in collaboration with local businesses. For more information, visit business.umb.edu and connect with us on LinkedIn.