Alpaca VC MBA Associate Program

Alpaca VC is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in New York City that invests in the people, products, and processes that power commerce in the physical world. The firm's investment thesis centers on technology-driven transformations in commerce, hardware, robotics, IoT, and physical-world infrastructure.

Each summer, Alpaca onboards several MBA Associates to assist with deal flow, due diligence, fundraising, and the firm's flagship Field Studies research program. The Field Study process is a repeatable, thesis-driven approach to investment where the team conducts deep research into specific physical-world sectors, publishes findings, and uses the research to drive investment decisions.

MBA Associates are selected from top programs and work closely with general partners and the investment team, contributing significantly to at least one Field Study during their tenure.

Alpaca VC focuses on technology-driven transformations in commerce, hardware, robotics, IoT, and physical-world infrastructure. The program emphasizes published research as a core component of the investment process, allowing associates to contribute to meaningful insights in these sectors.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in physical-world technology and be prepared to engage deeply with the investment process. Highlighting relevant experiences and a passion for the sectors of focus will strengthen applications.

Current MBA students from top business schools. Interest in physical-world technology, commerce, hardware, robotics, or IoT. No prior VC experience explicitly required.

Current MBA students from top business schools with an interest in physical-world technology, commerce, hardware, robotics, or IoT are eligible to apply. No prior VC experience is explicitly required.

Participants gain summer VC immersion with full team integration, published research through the Field Studies program, deal sourcing and due diligence experience at the seed stage, fundraising exposure, and access to Alpaca's NYC physical-world tech ecosystem.

The program runs during the summer for approximately 10-12 weeks, with cohorts occurring annually.

Alumni include MBA Associates from Wharton and Harvard Business School. Specific post-program outcomes are not publicly disclosed, but the Field Studies publications provide lasting professional visibility.