Mission Statement

HopStone Capital aims to provide students with an immersive experience in the world of venture capital. Students will conduct diligence and analysis on prospective deals, make investment decisions, and contribute materially to portfolio companies post-investment.

We empower early-stage and venture aspiring businesses within the Johns Hopkins community. In the form of non-dilutive grants, we offer valuable funding to founders without diluting any of their equity. HopStone looks to assist founders post-investment through connections, workshops, and mentorship.

Combining the experience of our members with significant investments into Hopkins-affiliated startups, we hope to uplift Johns Hopkins to become a collegiate startup hub. We are committed to diversity and inclusivity as foundational principles on which this organization was built. The HopStone community is open to students, founders, and advisors from all socioeconomic and professional backgrounds. We maintain a culture of open dialogue to foster not only the development of HopStone as a startup arena, but the individuals who make our operations possible.

Managing Board

  • James Yoon

    Managing Partner
    Operations and Logistics

  • Lizzy Schmitzer

    Managing Partner
    Alumni relations

  • Nico Macaluso

    Managing Partner
    Portfolio Management

  • Larue Linder

    Partner
    Partnerships

  • Jessica Mo

    Partner
    Marketing

  • Mackenzie Kui

    Partner
    Marketing

Advisors

  • Garrick Ahn

    Managing Director
    Caltius Capital Management

  • Doug Akerson

    Executive Vice President
    Head of NA Engineering & Energy
    Munich Re Group

  • Derek Lewis

    President & CEO
    Checkpoint Surgical

  • Douglas Tonkinson

    Senior Manager
    Databricks

  • Lawrence Aronhime, PhD

    Associate Teaching Professor & Director, International Programs
    Johns Hopkins University

  • Josh Ambrose

    Director of Pava Center for Entrepreneurship
    Johns Hopkins University