Dorm Room Ventures
Breaking into startups, finance, and emerging tech as a student isn’t easy- but you don’t have to do it alone. Dorm Room Ventures is your go-to podcast for navigating the world of business while still in school. Hosted by Zaki Wali, this show dives into the latest market trends, startup strategies, corporate finance insights, and game-changing innovations shaping the future. Join me as I chat with industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and students making waves in the business world. Whether you’re looking to launch your own venture, land a top finance role, or simply stay ahead of the curve, this podcast gives you the tools, insights, and inspiration to make it happen. New episodes weekly- because your future starts now. 🚀
Episodes

Saturday Mar 15, 2025
Saturday Mar 15, 2025
STEM and entrepreneurship might seem like two separate worlds, but they don’t have to be. In this episode, Riyam Ojaimi, founder of Space Point Publications and aerospace medicine student and researcher at the University of Toronto, shares how she turned her passion for space, research, and communication into a thriving business.
Learn how to turn a STEM passion into a business, bridge the gap between STEM and entrepreneurship, and develop the skills to thrive in both STEM and startups. Whether you're a scientist, engineer, or innovator, this episode will help you navigate the unknown entrepreneurial side of STEM. 🚪

Saturday Mar 08, 2025
Saturday Mar 08, 2025
Starting a startup in college is one thing- staying in the entrepreneurial world after graduation is another. In this episode, Ben Morin, founder of FYNIL and Virginia Tech’s #1 Emerging Startup in 2023, shares how he transitioned from student founder to post-grad professional while staying active in the startup space.
Learn how to find the right startup idea, balance entrepreneurship with school, and stay in the game after college- whether as a founder, investor, or builder. 🚀

Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Networking isn’t just about meeting people- it’s about getting into the right rooms and creating real opportunities. In this episode, Muhammad Hunain, founder of Melagen Labs and Techstars DC alum at just 19 years old, shares how students can build meaningful connections, stand out, and avoid common networking mistakes.
Learn how to approach networking, provide value, and make lasting impressions- whether you’re a founder, job seeker, or just looking to expand your network. 🚀

Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
What does it take to launch a successful startup as a college student in 2025? In this episode, I sit down with Rob Cummings, an investor, advisor, and Executive in Residence at Virginia Tech’s Apex Center for Entrepreneurs. We dive into how the college startup scene has evolved and developed over the years, the biggest trends and challenges facing student founders today, and whether launching a business is still as glamorous as it once was. Rob also shares insights on how universities are shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs- and what students can do if they don’t have access to dedicated startup resources.
Tune in for expert advice, real-world insights, and a deep dive into the future of college entrepreneurship. 🚀

Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
A podcast for students breaking into startups, finance, and emerging tech. Hosted by Zaki Wali. 🚀