This article tracks the successes of several college-level entrepreneurs (as many know, Facebook was started in a Harvard dorm). The article discusses a trend at universities: more and more institutions are beginning to fund the business ideas of their undergraduates.

One organization called Y Combinator provides funding for startups, and has a three-month program where it accepts young entrepreneurs, providing them funding with one caveat: the business “give[s] up a percentage of [their] start-up’s equity.” The program is “more competitive than Harvard or Yale.”

Speaking about the rise of campus incubators, the article states: “That’s revolutionary thinking for a university culture that has long focused on the inventions of graduate students and faculty. But campuses are beginning to put their bets on undergraduates. Who better understands the social media mindset? And what campus wouldn’t want an Instagram founder as an alum?”

Nonetheless—in a manner that parallels our discussion about monetary donations to charities—the article states: “Some do little more than provide free or cheap space and a coffee machine. What entrepreneurs really need is guidance and like-minded peers.” Some universities, such as George Washington University, have remedied that problem by hosting workshops for young entrepreneurs.

The article is very interesting and pertinent to our class: it discusses the ever-growing meaning of the term “entrepreneur” (see also David Pozen, “We Are All Entrepreneurs Now.” 43 Wake Forest L. Rev. 283 (2008)), analyzes the various issues that entrepreneurs face, and offers fresh insight on the typical financial situation for many young entrepreneurs.