About Lunch Pail Ventures
Connecting founders, investors, and changemakers with valuable resources to strengthen the business ecosystem and drive success
Community
Experiences that celebrate success and spark collaboration
Investments
Direct access to invest in high-growth, Hokie-founded startups
Talent
Connecting professionals with Hokie startups and high-growth companies
Meet the Team
Brian Karlisch
Class of '93 | PSCI
Christina Daves
Class of '89 | PSCI/GERM
Nick Cullen
Class of '91 | FIN
John Malone
Class of '83 | Engineering
Todd Headley
Class of '85 | Accounting
Kim Shanahan
Class of '93 | FIN/COMM
Behind the Lunch Pail
In 2005, Virginia Tech’s legendary coach Bud Foster introduced the Lunch Pail as a symbol of hard work, grit, and determination.
Born from that spirit, Lunch Pail Ventures empowers Hokies to bring that same mentality to entrepreneurship and their careers.
Our community proudly supports Bud Foster’s Lunch Pail Defense Foundation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to strengthening the NRV through scholarships and community involvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Lunch Pail Ventures offer?
LPV is a membership platform that provides paying members with access to experts, founders, and business leaders; networking opportunities; and exclusive access to investment opportunities.
Who can participate in LPV Investment opportunities?
Charter members of LPV who are accredited investors can invest as an individual or an entity.
Are LPV’s investment opportunities limited to a specific industry or sector?
LPV focuses on providing access to a wide range of private equity investment opportunities, which may span various industries and sectors. The specific opportunities available can vary.
Can I be a part of the community even if I'm not a Virginia Tech alum?
Yes! We welcome anyone to our community regardless of affiliation.
What is the investment process with LPV?
LPV establishes a Special Purchase Vehicle (SPV) for each investment opportunity. Members elect to participate, or not participate, and they must invest a minimum of $5,000. LPV then pools the investments made by participating members and wires the funds directly to the company when the investment round closes.
What is your affiliation with Virginia Tech?
We are an independent group founded by alumni, with a shared affinity for the University and connections across different areas.
