What We Offer
For 27 years, Kauffman Fellows has accelerated the growth of the leading minds in venture capital, supporting Fellows through every aspect of innovation investing from deal flow to navigating the public markets.
Using a holistic two-year program, and leveraging a global network as a lifelong resource, Kauffman Fellows selects, accelerates, and connects emotionally intelligent leaders in venture capital so they can lead and invest with purpose.
Kauffman Fellows at a Glance
We’re on a mission to invest in a global community of diverse leaders who operate with diligence, self-awareness, and purpose, so they can invest in the companies positioned to change our world.
Select
We strategically design each year’s cohort by admitting the outliers—globally diverse investors who will change the face and course of the industry.
Accelerate
Through a tailored curriculum focused on tactical VC skills, behavioral fitness, personal development plans, thought leadership projects, and executive coaching, we create a dedicated space where investors from around the world can learn from each other, accelerate in their careers, and become the best version of themselves, so they can best serve the entrepreneurs they invest in.
Connect
Getting into VC is hard. Staying in the industry is harder. With access to a lifelong global network of over 800 Fellows from over 65 countries, Fellows stay connected well beyond the program by joining sector-specific special interest groups, regional chapters, global summits, and other initiatives that keep them in the industry on average 15 years (3x longer than the industry average).
Thought Leadership Project
Fellows select and develop a topic during the 2-year program that will enhance their understanding, their skills, or their reputation. Project formats evolve over time as the needs of Fellows change.
Time Commitment
Through 2-years
Professional Development Plan
The Personal Development Plan (PDP) is a road map of goals and actionable items to focus time on that which will advance and enrich a Fellow’s career.
Time Commitment
Throughout 2-years
Behavioral Fitness
Beyond the technical skills required to become successful in VC, we help investors become more self-aware to become the best version of themselves and build resilience for a long-term career in venture capital.
Time Commitment
Through 2-years
Structured Curriculum
Modules are 3-4 days, consisting of peer-to-peer sessions, speaker-led sessions, and structured and unstructured time for building deep and authentic relationships. Our module sessions cover the knowledge, skills, practices, and behaviors needed to be an exceptional investor. Our curriculum highlights the nuances of advanced investing, in discussions led by top fund managers and other innovation leaders.
Time Commitment
5 in-person Modules
5 virtual sessions
2 Global Summits
Monthly Forums
With intentionally-curated groups of 6-7 Fellows, you will have the unique opportunity to develop meaningful and mutually supportive relationships with classmates as you progress through personal and professional highs and lows.
Time Commitment
2 hour call per month
Class Design
Each cohort is composed of senior leaders in the capital formation ecosystem from varying areas of expertise. Venture capital investors form the bulk of the class, but we purposefully design a class with investors in a variety of fields such as private equity, family offices, accelerator funds, sovereign wealth funds, corporate venture, and angel networks.
In our recent cohort:
83%
are direct VC investors
80%
hold decision-making positions
76%
hold board seats
~5.4 years
investing experience, on average
Let's Get Acquainted
It’s important to have conviction as to why you want to join this program and what you hope to contribute to our network. We strongly suggest you get familiar with Kauffman Fellows by exploring the following resources:
Hear From Our Fellows
“When I found out about Kauffman Fellows, I immediately knew I had found my tribe. Where else would I find such a globally curated network of individuals in the venture capital and innovation space?”
Bianca Martinelli (Class 21)
Partner, Alexia Ventures
Kauffman Fellows has had a huge impact. I’ve had the opportunity to bounce ideas off of my forum (smaller group) and get feedback on day-to-day things. I’ve been challenged to think about how to build my firm and really having organized and structured lessons from some of the best in the business. In addition to that, I’ve had a lot of support and I’ve met plenty of LPs as well.
Austin Clements
Partner, Slauson & Co.
