WRITER: Alejandro Najera-Acosta, 575-646-2025, a_najera@nmsu.edu
A cohort of students from New Mexico State University and the University of Texas at El Paso, along with participants from the broader Borderplex region, have successfully completed the latest FIRE Venture Fellows program, which consists of an immersive semester in venture capital education and hands-on investment experience.
The program is an example of the commitment the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, housed at NMSU’s Arrowhead Center, has for fostering a thriving entrepreneurial environment by empowering diverse communities to engage in entrepreneurship, improving access to early-stage investment opportunities, and inspiring students to develop innovative products and services for the commercial market.
The FIRE Venture Fellows program is a competitive initiative dedicated to training university students in the Borderplex region in venture capital, strengthening the regional startup ecosystem. It is a one-semester fellowship designed to equip undergraduate and graduate students with skills and knowledge necessary to evaluate and invest in early-stage startups.
Throughout the program, fellows engaged in rigorous training, developed investment theses and conducted due diligence on real-world companies, preparing them to be the next generation of investors and entrepreneurs in the region.
The 2025 cohort was composed of students from diverse academic disciplines, including accounting, finance, computer science and marketing. Their participation underscores the Hunt Center's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive venture capital ecosystem.
"The caliber of this year’s fellows has been exceptional," said Beto Pallares, lead instructor and experienced venture capitalist. "Their dedication and analytical skills have not only enriched their own academic journeys but have also contributed to strengthening the entrepreneurial landscape of our region."
Fellows explored key concepts such as identifying and generating startup ideas, understanding entrepreneurial ecosystems in New Mexico and El Paso, and gaining hands-on experience in angel investing, venture capital, and due diligence.
“This program has made me more confident going into the startup space. I know more about what venture capitalists are looking for in a company, and I now know how to ask questions or how to ask better questions to determine if a startup is worth investing in or if the startup is going in the right direction,” said Daniel Mata, a FIRE Venture Fellows student at UTEP.
Students also learned how to form effective startup teams, create investment memos and term sheets, and understand cap tables, all fundamental skills for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. The program provided participants with valuable exposure to the tools and resources necessary to succeed in the venture capital field.
“This cohort has shown exceptional dedication, engagement, and growth. Their hard work throughout the program has not only equipped them with vital entrepreneurial and investment skills but also prepared them to actively contribute to the vibrant startup ecosystem in the Borderplex region,” said Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center. “The success of the FIRE Venture Fellows program exemplifies our commitment to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, and we look forward to continuing to support these young leaders as they drive innovation and economic growth in our region."
For more information about the FIRE Venture Fellows, contact Murguia at cmurguia@nmsu.edu or visit https://arrowheadcenter.nmsu.edu/program/fire-fellows/.
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Photo caption: From left, Jocelyn Acosta, Geronimo Tapia, Andrew Vergara, Daniel Mata and Mario Aquijano were among the participants in the 2025 FIRE Venture Fellows Cohort, hosted by the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship at New Mexico State University. (Courtesy photo)
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Collage photo of five people.