Derek Branch
Builder Alumnus
Founder of Branch Ventures LLC
“The competition wasn’t just about pitching ideas; it was about collaborating and refining ideas. It reinforced my belief in the entrepreneurial process.”
What I Built
I am the founder of Branch Ventures LLC—an AI-native venture studio that builds, operates, and scales companies using a proprietary execution methodology. I am building my legacy through entrepreneurship.
What I'm proud of
I'm extremely proud of my achievements both as an entrepreneur and an athlete. I pitched a winning idea supporting entrepreneurs in low-income communities at the annual Quick Pitch competition. On the field, my drive as a Husker football player earned me honors on the Brook Berringer and Tom Osborne citizenship teams four times, and I received Academic All-Big Ten and All-District honors.
Who it helps
I am determined to help nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and leave a lasting, positive mark on the people and places around me, especially supporting those in low-income communities to build and scale their visions.
Background
As a UNL college freshman, I put my strengths to work early on. The environment and competitions allowed me to test my ideas and understand the value of refining concepts with a team. That foundation led me to create my own venture studio, blending technology and strong execution principles.