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Overview

500 Global (formerly 500 Startups) is one of the world's most prolific early-stage venture capital firms, founded in 2010. The scout program is part of 500 Global's strategy to maintain a geographically distributed deal flow network. Scouts operate on a part-time basis, sourcing pre-seed and seed-stage startups from their local ecosystems and referring them into 500 Global's investment pipeline. The program leverages the firm's presence across 77 countries to identify founders that traditional VCs might miss.

Investment focus

The scout program aims to identify and support pre-seed and seed-stage startups that may be overlooked by traditional Silicon Valley-centric VCs. By leveraging a global network of scouts, 500 Global seeks to tap into diverse ecosystems and uncover innovative founders.

Program details

Designed for Founders, Operators. The program is remote. Participation is generally part time.

Who it is for

Scouts are typically operators, founders, and ecosystem builders embedded in startup communities globally.

See if you are eligible

Admissions and application

The scout program operates primarily on an invitation and network referral basis. No formal public application process has been disclosed.

Benefits

Participants gain visibility into 500 Global's deal flow and investment process, along with access to a vast network of portfolio companies.

Timeline

The program is ongoing with a rolling application process and no fixed cohorts.

Outcomes and track record

500 Global's portfolio includes 33 unicorns and over 120 companies valued at $100 million or more, including notable names like Grab, Bukalapak, and Canva.

How to approach this opportunity

  1. Understand the program

    Review who can apply, how the process works, and whether applications are currently open.

  2. Build relevant evidence

    Keep a visible record of the startups, markets, and founder communities you understand.

  3. Follow the application process

    The program is reported as invitation-led. Focus on relevant sourcing evidence and the relationships described by its official materials.

How compensation works

Compensation typically includes carried interest on sourced deals, co-investment opportunities, and access to a global network of over 2,700 portfolio companies. Specific terms are not publicly disclosed.

Questions about this program

How do I join the 500 Global Scout Program?

The program is reported as invitation-led. Focus on relevant sourcing evidence and the relationships described by its official materials.

Is the scout program paid?

This program lists carry share as its compensation model. Ask the program to confirm the amount, eligibility, payment timing, and any carry conditions in writing before you join.

What is the format and time commitment?

The program is remote. Participation is generally part time.

Overlapping type, sectors, regions, or audience

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