Jake Koperski is Assistant Director of Startup Studio at the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he helps undergraduate students start and build high-growth, venture-backable businesses in emerging and disruptive technology.

He works directly with students on startup development, connects them with entrepreneurial resources and experts, and manages relationships with investors who support the Raikes School's Startup Studio program. Students come to Jake for starting a company while in college, developing a startup idea, connecting with founders and industry experts, preparing a grant proposal or fundraising materials, and approaching potential investors.

Jake grew up in Omaha and attended the Raikes School as an undergraduate, studying software engineering, management, and mathematics. Before returning to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he co-founded Goodi, an on-campus marketing solution for businesses and apartment buildings, served as founding engineer at Feathery, a no-code form-building platform for enterprise customers, and worked as a software engineer at Box. He also holds a master's degree in political science, with a background in technology policy. After living and working in Silicon Valley and Kansas City, Jake returned to Nebraska to help shape the next generation of leaders in technology and business.

What I can help with

• "I want to start a company while I'm in college. Where do I start?"
• "I have a startup idea and want help figuring out whether it's a real business."
• "I want to connect with founders or experts who know this industry."
• "I'm preparing a grant proposal for my business and want someone to help me think through it."
• "I want to raise money for my startup. How should I approach investors?"
• "I need help preparing my pitch or fundraising materials."
• "I want to learn more about the entrepreneurial opportunities available through the Raikes School."
• "I'm considering the Raikes School and want to understand what startup opportunities are available to students."

Startup Studio

Jake supports Startup Studio, a two-semester capstone experience and startup accelerator within the Raikes School. Students use Startup Studio to build and launch a real business while completing their undergraduate education.

Startup Studio focuses on high-growth, venture-backable businesses working in emerging and disruptive technologies. Students receive investment support from Invest Nebraska and matching investors as they develop their companies.

Jake helps Startup Studio students connect with potential investors and build relationships with founders, experts, and entrepreneurial organizations that can help their companies grow.

Programs and courses I support

Jake teaches and supports courses, including:

• RAIK 163H - Innovation Processes (3 credits, first semester). Students work in teams to take a product idea from concept to a tested prototype, using structured innovation methods drawn from design thinking.
• RAIK 401H, RAIK 402H, RAIK 403H, RAIK 404H - Startup Studio (6 credits, two semesters). Undergraduate startup accelerator and capstone course bundled into a single package, allowing students to build and launch a business while earning capstone credit toward graduation. Teams are supported financially via investment from Invest Nebraska and their matching partners. By the end of the spring semester, teams are self-sustaining with a launched product.

All courses are honors-level courses in the full Raikes School course sequence.

He also connects Raikes School students with entrepreneurial programs and resources across the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the state, including the UNL Center for Entrepreneurship, Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, Clifton Builders Program, and the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts.