DayDream Fellows

DayDream Fellows (formerly known as GenZScouts) is an eight-week startup and venture capital fellowship program designed to empower students with skills and networks for careers as founders, investors, or startup operators. The program recognizes that younger generations often face barriers to venture capital careers without proactive access and education. By providing education, mentorship, and network building, the program democratizes access to venture capital and startup operations knowledge. It leverages student networks to identify and vet startup founders while equipping students with the necessary industry knowledge and relationships needed to launch careers as investors or operators.

DayDream Fellows aims to empower the next generation of venture capitalists and startup operators by providing them with the necessary education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program focuses on breaking down barriers to entry in the venture capital space for students and recent graduates, ensuring they have the skills and connections needed to succeed in their careers.

Designed for Students. The program is remote. Participation is generally part time.

Current college or university student, recent graduate (within 1-2 years post-graduation), demonstrated interest in venture capital, startup operations, or founder paths, application to fellowship.

Applications open each semester and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates complete a short Airtable form covering résumé, LinkedIn and a brief motivation statement. Selection favours intellectual curiosity, evidence of hustle on campus and a commitment to complete all eight weeks. Finalists are notified by email within two weeks of applying. Cohorts are typically 30‑40 fellows.

• Education: Venture capital fundamentals and startup operations knowledge from industry experts.
• Mentorship: Direct access to founders and venture capitalists for guidance.
• Network building: Peer relationships with 250+ students and young professionals across the country.
• Deal sourcing opportunity: Leverage student networks to identify and vet startup founders for accelerators, angels, and VCs.
• Career acceleration: Early exposure to venture capital and startup ecosystem.
• Portfolio building: Demonstrate venture capital knowledge and startup experience.
• Investor relationships: Direct connections to founders, angels, and institutional investors.

The program runs for 8 weeks, with cohorts launching in 2026.

In the first four years as GenZScouts, over 15 students founded venture-backed startups, 30 alumni became full-time venture capital investors, and 70 alumni secured operator/executive roles in high-growth startups.