Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | New Mexico State University
Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | New Mexico State University
The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship at New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center is welcoming the 2025 class of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Economy (FIRE) Venture Fellows. This program is aimed at fostering venture capital expertise among university students in the Borderplex region.
The FIRE Fellows Venture Fellowship offers competitive training to students, enhancing the regional startup ecosystem. Program officials pointed out that the ongoing lack of diversity in venture capital—spanning gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status—exacerbates inequality within the industry. They emphasized that underrepresented groups often face significant barriers in gaining visibility and traction, ultimately limiting their success and reinforcing industry disparities.
To bridge this gap, the FIRE Fellows program trains students from diverse backgrounds, thereby cultivating a more inclusive investment culture. Participants engage in a semester-long training and apprenticeship program, acquiring practical skills in investment analysis, venture capital, and startup entrepreneurship. This hands-on experience involves creating investment memos, developing investment theses, and working within chosen industry sectors.
The 2025 cohort comprises students from UTEP: Geronimo Tapia, Daniel Mata, and Mario Alberto Quijano; NMSU: Dafne Acosta Flores; and the broader Borderplex region: Roly Saldivar, Rodolfo Valdez, Analy Rodriguez, Jocelyn Acosta, and Andrew Vergara. These fellows represent a broad spectrum of academic fields such as accounting, finance, computer science, and marketing, bringing varied internship experiences, education levels, and career aspirations.
“Venture capital deals require extensive analysis, research, and due diligence. By learning how to evaluate potential investments and assess risk, FIRE Fellows develop critical thinking and analytical skills that can be applied to various business contexts,” emphasized the program's approach.
Beto Pallares, the program's lead instructor and an experienced venture capitalist, commented: “The caliber of applicants this year reflects the deep talent pool in our region. These fellows have the potential to make a meaningful impact in venture capital, startups, and innovation. I'm eager to guide them through this journey and help them unlock their full potential.”
Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center, added, “This fellowship is a testament to the growing collaboration across the Borderplex region. We are excited to continue developing programs that not only serve our local ecosystem but also build a strong foundation for the next generation of investors.” He further noted the Hunt Center's dedication to supporting entrepreneurship and economic growth by equipping future investors with crucial skills.
The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship remains committed to creating a thriving entrepreneurial environment by involving diverse communities, improving early-stage investment opportunities, and encouraging innovation.
For more information about the FIRE Venture Fellows, contact Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu or visit the program's website.
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