As we're aware, entrepreneurs can emerge from diverse backgrounds. But it's noteworthy that certain universities have consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to attract and nurture future entrepreneurs. Among these institutions, Johns Hopkins University stands out, as indicated by the recently published PitchBook Universities: Top 100 colleges ranked by startup founders roster.
In PitchBook's annual university rankings, schools are compared based on the number of alumni entrepreneurs who have successfully secured venture capital investments over the past decade. For Johns Hopkins, the data reveals a significant entrepreneurial presence, with 281 founders and 264 companies associated with its undergraduate program (ranked internationally at #51), as well as 552 founders and 481 companies linked to its graduate program (#13). It notably didn't show up on the MBA rankings.
It's important to recognize that these rankings are based on the total number of founders whose companies received venture funding between January 1, 2013, and September 1, 2023. However, it's also crucial to acknowledge that these figures may not capture the entirety of entrepreneurial diversity — especially among Black and female founders, as funding gaps often hinder their representation. Furthermore, some companies may exist and thrive without actively seeking venture capital funding. Thus, it's essential to view this data as a partial but interesting snapshot of the entrepreneurial landscape.
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