Babson’s forward‑thinking finance curriculum is enhanced by the Cutler Center, which integrates real‑world tools, data, and experiential learning directly into select courses. Here are three examples of courses created, developed, and supported by the Cutler Center.
The Babson College Fund (BCF) is an accredited course in which specially selected students from both the undergraduate and graduate schools manage $8 million of the Babson College endowment. The program is for highly self-motivated individuals with a strong interest in finance and investments. Participation requires a two-semester commitment.
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This undergraduate course will allow students to develop a practical understanding of the private equity industry and related topics generally in the venture capital industry. The course will focus on various phases of activity including fund organization, prospecting, valuation, LBO modeling, negotiating skills, and exits. The course will also provide students with an understanding of careers in private equity and related industries. It is designed to enable students to practically apply financial theory in a way that is consistent with industry practices, techniques, and professional expectations. The class will utilize case studies involving actual companies. It will heavily emphasize practical financial research skills relevant to private equity and how private equity professionals address industry-specific issues.
Our Executives in Residence are industry professionals who generously volunteer their time and energy to enrich the educational experience for the students through mentorship.
Steve joined Volition Capital in 2024 and invests in high-growth, founder-owned companies as part of the Internet & Consumer team. Prior to joining Volition, Steve was an investment professional at OpenView and Great Hill Partners. Steve began his career in consulting where he advised corporate and private equity clients on growth strategy, M&A, and capital markets. Steve received an MBA from Duke University and graduated from Babson College with a BS in Finance.
Mark co-founded New Heritage Capital in 2006 and has been investing private equity in founder-owned, lower-middle-market businesses for 26 years. With experience in healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, consumer, and business services deals, Mark leads the firm’s investment teams. Before New Heritage Capital, Mark was a consultant with McKinsey & Co., and an investment professional with BancBoston Capital. Mark received a Master of Science in Finance from MIT and a Bachelor of Science from Babson College.
Alex is responsible for analyzing new investments, working with portfolio companies and supporting sale transactions in Abry’s targeted sectors. Prior to joining Abry in 2023, Alex spent two years in investment banking at Raymond James. He also has experience managing and investing alongside the General Partner at DZKZ Real Estate Group family office. Alex graduated magna cum laude from Babson College.
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Rob Nicewicz joined Abry in 2009. He has evaluated, overseen, financed, and sold numerous companies in Abry’s targeted sectors. Rob’s areas of focus have included communications, machine-to-machine, healthcare IT, and data centers. Before joining Abry, Rob was a member of the Technology, Telecom & Digital Media group of Harris Williams & Co. Rob graduated magna cum laude from Babson College.
David is a Senior Managing Director, co-leads the firm's private equity investment activities in North America, and is a member of the firm’s investment, portfolio review, executive and ESG committees. Prior to joining Providence in 2005, Mr. Phillips was a Luce Scholar and assistant director of business development at Hutchison Whampoa China. Previously, he worked at Goldman Sachs in the principal investment area. David currently sits on the boards of Accelerate Learning, Asurion, Modern Campus, Seesaw, TCP, Tenstreet and Worldwide Express. David holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University.
Jessica Reed has been with the Alta team since 2006. During this time, she has been involved with a diverse group of companies and enjoys working closely with management teams. Before Alta, Jessica worked for three years in investment banking at Harris Williams & Co. completing sell-side advisory engagements for a number of small, privately-held middle market companies in the industrial, consumer products, telecommunications, and business services sectors. Jessica graduated summa cum laude from Babson College. Jessica is also an active member of the Boston steering committee for the Women's Association of Venture & Equity (WAVE), a national networking organization for women in venture capital and private equity.
David has extensive experience assisting clients in effecting mergers, acquisitions, capital sourcing, restructuring, and general corporate advisory matters. He has more than 30 years of M&A experience across a variety of industries, including energy, food, healthcare, and business services. He was a former Co-Founder and CEO of Growth Capital Partners and also has experience at Duff & Phelps sourcing opportunities, deal structuring, process execution, etc. David also serves on the boards of Asuragen, Inc., SAM, Inc. and the Babson College Board of Overseers and previously served on the boards of Trinity Hospice, L.L.C., Mytech Corporation, Ambion, Inc., Bridgepoint Technical Manufacturing, Symtx, Inc., U.S. Legal Support, Inc. and Golfsmith International, Inc.
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The financial services industry is rapidly evolving with the rise of financial technology (FinTech). This course introduces the core technologies transforming the sector and explores their practical applications across financial services. Students gain a broad, foundational understanding of recent FinTech innovations—along with their benefits, limitations, and real‑world implications. Through hands‑on problem‑solving exercises and a semester‑long group project, students develop and pitch their own FinTech venture ideas. Select teams are invited to present at the Babson FinTech Start-Up Pitch Competition at the end of the semester, offering a dynamic opportunity to showcase their work.