77 Venture Fellows
Fellowship
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77 Venture Fellows
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Fellowship
77 Venture Fellows is a mission‑driven, three‑month fellowship created by Brisbane‑based early‑stage fund 77 Partners to open the doors of venture capital to women across Queensland. Inspired by UC Berkeley’s Haas Venture Fellows model, the program compresses the essential on‑the‑job learning of a first‑year VC analyst into a structured, part‑time curriculum that fits around existing work or study commitments.
Cohorts of 5‑10 participants begin with “Base Camp,” a two‑day residential retreat in the Scenic Rim where fellows crystallise career goals, bond as a peer group and workshop live investment cases alongside 77 Partners’ deal team. Over the following 12 weeks fellows commit ~4 hours each Thursday (8‑9 am and 12‑1 pm AEST) to interactive VC 101 sessions covering sourcing, diligence, portfolio operations and fund economics. A dedicated Silicon Valley executive coach meets each fellow bi‑weekly to reinforce lessons in personal positioning and influence.
A speaker series introduces leading women investors from Australia and the US (including Bee Partners’ Kira Noodleman, recently named a Rising Star VC) while “deal sprints” give fellows hands‑on exposure reviewing frontier‑tech startups in 77 Partners’ pipeline. Alumni are permanently embedded in the firm’s Slack, enjoy drop‑in access to 77 Partners’ Fortitude Valley office and receive invites to quarterly VCDF ecosystem events.
The initiative is fully funded by the Queensland Investment Corporation’s Venture Capital Development Fund (VCDF) and strategic partner Bee Partners. In return, 77 Partners commits to offer at least one graduating fellow a salaried, 12‑month Venture Capital Associate position on its investment team, creating a tangible launch‑pad for long‑term careers in the asset class.
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77 Partners backs frontier‑technology founders across Queensland and Australia at pre‑seed and seed, pairing local capital with Silicon Valley know‑how via strategic partner Bee Partners. The firm looks for globally scalable software, data and deep‑tech plays and leverages its US network to fast‑track market‑entry and follow‑on funding.
Applications open annually (typically May‑August). Candidates submit an EOI form, LinkedIn profile and one‑page motivation statement. Short‑listed applicants interview with 77 Partners’ investment team and an external female VC mentor. Selection weighs commitment to Queensland’s innovation ecosystem, analytical rigour, evidence of initiative in tech or startups, and availability to attend all sessions. Cohort size is capped at ten to preserve mentor access; acceptance rate in the inaugural 2024 class was ~20 %.
The fellowship itself is unpaid, but fellows receive extensive non‑cash value—executive coaching, curriculum, retreat costs and curated introductions to VCs statewide.
Crucially, at least one fellow is guaranteed a fully paid 12‑month VC Associate contract with 77 Partners (negotiated market salary plus benefits) upon graduation, and all fellows gain priority consideration for roles at other funds within the VCDF network.
The program charges no tuition or fees. Retreat accommodation, course materials and coaching are subsidised by VCDF sponsorship. Participants cover their own travel to the retreat and any incidental expenses, but need not forgo income from existing employment due to the part‑time structure.
After EOI closes (early Aug), offers are issued mid‑August. Base Camp retreat: first weekend in September. Hybrid workshops: mid‑September – late‑November. Deal sprint presentations: week 10. Final assessments and Associate‑role negotiations: week 12. Alumni induction: December.
Expect ~4 hours per week for 12 weeks (two one‑hour live sessions plus prep) and attendance at a Friday‑to‑Sunday retreat at the program start.
Cohort workshops run virtually; Base Camp is held in‑person at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (Scenic Rim, QLD). Fellows may optionally co‑work from 77 Partners’ Brisbane office.
Is there any cost to participate?
No. The fellowship is fully sponsor‑funded; tuition, materials and coaching are free. Fellows only cover travel to the retreat.
Do I have to quit my job or studies?
No. Sessions are scheduled before work (8‑9 am) and over lunch (12‑1 pm) on Thursdays, allowing participants to maintain full‑time roles or coursework.
What is the Base Camp retreat?
A two‑day off‑site at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (6–8 Sep 2024) where fellows workshop live deals, set personal OKRs and build cohort rapport. Attendance is compulsory.
Who teaches the curriculum?
77 Partners’ investment team leads VC 101 modules; a Silicon Valley executive coach delivers leadership sessions; guest mentors include top female GPs from Australia and the US.
Is the Associate role guaranteed?
At least one fellow—chosen on performance and cultural fit—receives a paid 12‑month VC Associate contract with 77 Partners. Other fellows receive referral support to external funds.
Can non‑MBA candidates apply?
Yes. While the syllabus mirrors Haas Venture Fellows, professional women with tech/startup backgrounds or strong founder networks are equally encouraged.
What deliverables are expected?
Fellows complete two diligence memos, present a sector thesis, and lead a mock investment committee on a live Queensland startup.
How many fellows per cohort?
Cohorts are intentionally small (5‑10) to maximise mentor access and job placement support.
Does the program offer remote participation for the retreat?
No. The immersive nature of Base Camp requires in‑person attendance; travel stipends are available case‑by‑case.
What happens after graduation?
Graduates join the 77 Venture Fellows alumni Slack, gain invitations to 77 Partners demo days, and receive continued coaching for 12 months.
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