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Overview

The Contrary Venture Partner Program recruits 20-30 exceptional students per year from top university campuses to identify and source early-stage talent before the rest of the market. This program focuses on founder and team sourcing rather than investment diligence, creating a distributed network of scouts across university campuses. Venture Partners gain exposure to a real investment vehicle and understand venture capital decision-making from the inside.

Investment focus

Contrary's mission is to find and support exceptional people before they are recognized by the broader market. The program emphasizes early-stage identification of founders and technologists, leveraging university campuses as key talent discovery grounds.

Program details

Candidates should demonstrate strong sourcing and networking abilities and have a genuine interest in venture capital.

Who it is for

Ideal candidates are currently enrolled undergraduate students at top-tier universities, able to commit to the role until graduation. They should possess strong networking skills, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine interest in venture capital.

Check if you are eligible

Check your eligibility for Contrary Venture Partner Program

Admissions and application

The program actively recruits at university campuses annually. Applications can be submitted through the Contrary website or via campus recruiters, with rolling recruitment throughout the fall.

Benefits

Participants gain direct exposure to the venture capital process, build relationships with early-stage founders, and develop a strong network within the venture community. They also receive training on founder assessment and investment strategies.

Timeline

The program is focused on the academic year, with active sourcing and networking during this time. Participants are expected to commit approximately 5-10 hours per week.

What came of it

Many alumni have launched venture capital careers, transitioned to full-time roles at Contrary, or founded their own companies.

How to go about it

  1. Read what it asks for

    Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.

  2. Have something to show

    Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.

  3. Apply the way the program asks

    The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.

What it pays

Venture Partners do not receive monetary compensation but gain valuable experience and connections in the venture capital ecosystem.

Questions about this program

What does a Venture Partner do?

Identify promising founders on campus, support them, and funnel top opportunities to Contrary’s investment team.

How time‑intensive is the role?

Expect 5–10 hours per week during the semester for sourcing, events and calls.

Is the program paid?

No. The upside is experiential—network, mentorship and a fast track to future funding.

Do VPs get carry?

Contrary does not grant carry, but alumni who found companies often secure capital from the fund on preferential terms.

Can international students apply?

Yes, provided they are enrolled at a U.S. or Canadian university.

What majors succeed in the program?

Past VPs span CS, business, design, biology and more; the common trait is builder mindset.

How competitive is admission?

Roughly 3 percent of applicants earn an offer each year.

What happens after graduation?

Graduates join the lifelong Contrary community and can stay involved as alumni mentors or future founders.

Does Contrary cover event costs?

Yes—VPs receive discretionary budgets for meet‑ups, demo days and hackathons.

Can first‑year students apply?

Yes, but the team prefers candidates with at least one full academic year remaining.

About Contrary Capital

Contrary Capital

Venture Capital

Investing in exceptional entrepreneurs and their companies.

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What the sources say about Contrary Venture Partner Program

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Location
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Format
Hybrid
Terms
Stipend

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