Maria Heyen graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2023. Now currently funding start-ups as a venture capitalist at Redbud, she got her start in the Center for Entrepreneurship with her own company Playbook and went on to lead the Husker Venture Fund as managing director.  

Heyen credits her opportunities and success within the industry to her drive to create community. Erica Casarin and Heyen used each other as accountability partners at the onset of their two businesses.  

Listen as Heyen gives advice to young entrepreneurs and what she looks for when evaluating enterprises seeking funding.