Founding Story

The Rice New Energy Fund was launched in August of 2021. The thought process behind launching RNEF is best understood through the three following questions:

1.     What is the greatest opportunity that Houston is trying to capitalize on today (2021)?

Energy Transition — the backbone of our new, low-carbon economy.

2.     Can Rice undergraduates get broad-based exposure to this trend?

No, because research takes a long time to materialize, and there is no energy club.

3.     Given that the median student-managed investment fund has north of $250k in assets, how much do you think Rice’s undergraduate investment fund manages?

RUIF has roughly $40k in AUM, making it severely undercapitalized.

These three pivotal answers are what drove the need for the Rice New Energy Fund: a platform for students to engage in rigorous investment management while preparing to shape the future of energy.

Furthermore, RNEF is uniquely positioned to succeed at Rice University due to not only its geographical proximity to the heart of the transition but also the sheer strength and support of the Owl network in energy and finance.