
By Sydney Tyler
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute (ENI) had the opportunity to interview Daniel Hadgu, a senior at Georgia State who’s on track to graduate in December 2020. He is a Finance major and has made it his priority to be a dedicated, forward-thinking student and leader, as he is a first-generation college student along with being an entrepreneur.
Tell us more about the company you are interning with?
I am currently interning at Valor Ventures, a venture capital fund headquartered in Atlanta. The company is the first of its kind in the financial space. Valor is a check writing venture capital firm whose purpose is creating top returns and whose mission is making inclusion the new normal. It is this inclusive environment that interested me.
What is your role in the company and what do you do?
My title is a Venture Capital Associate. My job is to source deals and find firms aligned with the immediate criteria that Valor invests in. I am also working on a research report with two other student interns from GA Tech and Morehouse. The topic of our research tests the thesis that Valor Ventures markups are fair proxy from investment returns across fair regions, and we are comparing data from the Southeast coast to West coast. On my off days, I am able to participate in pitch competitions for the firm as a judge.
How has your education/experiences at GSU/ENI prepared you for this position?
Going to a school located in heart of Atlanta have given me a multitude of opportunities to attend various events and meet many important people. In fact, I was able to acquire the internship I have now from the contacts I garnered from socializing and making a name for myself at events. ENI has allowed me to hone in on the entrepreneurial experience, inspired me to think bigger, and the importance of networking.
What would you say has been the most challenging part of your internship?
Understanding the venture capital layout and the variety of terms that are used in the workplace has been a challenge, but I am taking things one step at a time. I am quickly becoming more comfortable and educated about the field as I go. It also took time to find a healthy balance between my internship, summer classes, and everyday life, but I have found a system that works and allows me to excel in all areas.
What advice can you offer to students considering an internship?
I implore student to always keep the end or long-term goal in mind. Position yourself during an internship to meet that end goal. Make sure not to get caught up in brand names, but rather focus on the countless work-related experiences you have. Try to create networks and relationships that will grow you as a person and align you with your objective.
What other advice can you offer to Georgia State students?
The greatest threat to your future success is your current success. Remain humble and calm in your current endeavors and keep moving forward despite the obstacles. There may be a lot going on, but make sure to keep your head on straight and focus on what it is you want to achieve. There is never a better time than right now to build collectively as an individual.
What’s next?
Academically, I would like to focus on my studies and end my last semester in college with all A’s. Professionally, my goal is to secure employment before graduation in December. And personally, I intend to continue to grow each day and make positive impacts, while also scaling my start-up business.
To learn more about Daniel’s startup business Ethiopay, check our blog to read all about it.