SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University (SU) is announcing the start of the Orange Business Angel Network (OBAN).
OBAN is a student-led experiential learning program that will provide hands-on startup investment experience for students while connecting SU-affiliated entrepreneurs with seed funding and mentorship.
The program will begin in the spring of 2026 with an inaugural class of about 15 students and a founding cohort of angel investors, per Wednesday’s announcement.
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OBAN places students at the center of “real investment activity,” SU said. Selected students will conduct “professional-level due diligence” on actual startups, organize pitch events, and facilitate the connections between entrepreneurs and accredited angel investors, all while earning academic credit through a three-credit course.
Students will conduct the due diligence that investors use to make their decisions and help in deal flow while allowing the angel to make their own investment decisions.
“OBAN represents the next evolution in entrepreneurship and experiential education at Whitman,” Alex McKelvie, dean of the Whitman School of Management, said in the announcement. “We are giving our students authentic responsibility in the angel investment process, preparing them to lead in entrepreneurial finance or informed founder roles. For the Whitman School, this program strengthens our position to grow into a top 25 business school while building critical connections for our students and alumni within the Syracuse University network. It is yet another commitment by Whitman to experiential programs, which is central to our education.”
OBAN participation
The Whitman School is now accepting applications for all three OBAN participating groups: students, angel investors, and entrepreneurs.
Students: Upper-level undergraduate and graduate students can apply for the selective spring 2026 cohort. Prerequisites include foundational entrepreneurship coursework. The Whitman School of Management has reached out to students directly.
As for angel investors, accredited investors with SU connections can become founding members of the network.
“This will be a very select group and grow over time,” the school noted. Membership application information can be found here.
Entrepreneurs with Syracuse-affiliated startups seeking seed funding can apply for consideration for spring 2026 pitch events here. The deadline to submit materials is Jan. 12.
