At Coker University, we take pride in providing our students with opportunities that prepare them for life beyond the classroom. One such opportunity making a meaningful impact is the Robinson Ventures Fellowship—a semester-long, hands-on experience that provides students with exposure to the fast-paced world of venture capital, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Based in Hartsville and led by Cian Robinson, Ed.D. - ABD, Robinson Ventures partners with students from a range of academic backgrounds, including business, marketing, computer science, and graphic design. The goal? To develop well-rounded, forward-thinking leaders who are ready to take on the challenges of today’s evolving business landscape.
Fellows gain real-world experience by working directly with startup companies, participating in strategic investment evaluations, and joining calls with entrepreneurs, investors, and CEOs. Along the way, they build skills in due diligence, opportunity discovery, and business strategy—skills that many students don’t encounter until after graduation.
“The Fellowship pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me develop a clearer vision of my future,” shared Lukas Berntsson. “It gave me a seat at the table and showed me what’s possible.”
Since the program’s launch, Robinson Ventures has maintained a 100% placement rate—every fellow has gone on to full-time employment or graduate school. Alumni of the program are now pursuing careers in roles such as Business Process and Design Analyst or continuing their education in competitive MBA programs.
Beyond the resume-building experience, fellows benefit from mentorship and professional connections that can open doors for years to come. The program has become a meaningful launchpad for students who want to make an impact—whether in startups, established companies, or their own ventures.
As Coker continues to emphasize real-world learning and career readiness, partnerships like this one play a key role in shaping the next generation of leaders.
"It has been and continues to be an honor and privilege to have these students as part of our teams. They are bright, talented, and motivated, each contributing to the work products that we produce for our clients. We are looking forward to the 2025-2026 cohorts!" Cian Robinson said.
To learn more about the Robinson Ventures Fellowship and view a list of current and past fellows, visit www.robinsonventures.com/venture-fellows.
