Venture Lab

Venture Lab at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship at The Catholic University of America is a dynamic incubator designed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their innovative ideas into impactful businesses. Rooted in the principles of ethical leadership and service, Venture Lab provides students with the tools, mentorship, and real-world experience to launch ventures that not only drive economic success but also create positive social change.

Through a combination of hands-on learning, guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, and a collaborative community of like-minded individuals, Venture Lab fosters an entrepreneurial mindset that prioritizes integrity, responsibility, and purpose. Participants in the program are encouraged to think beyond profits and focus on creating value that benefits both individuals and society as a whole.

Whether students are launching startups, working on social enterprises, or exploring new models of business leadership, Venture Lab is a space where visionaries are equipped to succeed with principles that guide both their business decisions and their broader impact on the world.

Ready to get started?

Fill out a student evaluation form at the link below. Have a few questions first? Contact W. Brian Walsh ’90, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Ciocca Center, at walshw@cua.edu

VENTURE LAB OPEN HOURS

The Ciocca Center Venture Lab team is available for scheduled and drop by meetings. Stop by with your business ideas, questions, or anything else you need assistance with, or just to grab a snack. We look forward to seeing you!

Open Hours

Tuesdays 2:00–5:00 PM;
Thursdays 3:00–5:00 PM;
or schedule an appointment here.

Find Us

Venture Lab is in the basement of Maloney Hall (at the bottom of the stairs or elevator, head left through the big glass doors to the end of the hall). You’ll know us by the neon Venture Lab sign!

Leadership
Team

W. Brian Walsh

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Francesco Brown

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Meet Our Mentors

We have established a team of nationally recognized CUA alumni in their respective fields ranging from entertainment, law, sports, marketing, security, and finance. This select CUA Alumni group serves as mentors for undergraduate students during their entrepreneurship journey.

Billy Barnes ’18
Director of Sales, Clowder

Brian Cashman ‘89 
General Manager, New York Yankees

Jeff Cherry ’82
Managing General Partner, Conscious Venture Partners

Ann Fitzgerald ’88
Founder, AC Fitzgerald

Daniel Kane ’15
Founder, Attorney, Law Office of Daniel T. Kane PLLC

Steve McClatchy ’91
Founder, Alleer Training and Consulting New York Times Bestselling Author

Mike McGarrity ’90 
Vice President of Global Risk Services, Global Guardian LLC. Former Assistant Director FBI’s Counterterrorism Unit

Jackie Ryall ’88
Associate General Counsel, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Angela Santomero ’90
Chief Creative Officer, 9 Story Media Group; 
creations include Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and noted author

Greg Santomero ’90
Creative Director/Principal, Santo Design

Chris Veno ’86
Co-founder and Co-CEO, Trion; CUA Trustee

Michael Wetmore ’83
Co-founder, Ryan & Wetmore, PC

Pat Wilson ’88
Founder, Profitable Association

Inspire the next generation

Become a Venture Lab Mentor

Venture Lab is always seeking passionate alumni experts to coach and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us in guiding the next generation of innovators—contact us today to get involved!

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