Skip to content
Superscout

Overview

The Defy Sage program represents a distinctive venture capital model where accomplished CEOs and entrepreneurs actively participate as "Sages" while serving at the fund level. Sages maintain their existing CEO roles while simultaneously serving as hands-on operators, mentors, and board members for Defy portfolio companies, bridging the gap between founder needs and institutional capital.

Defy's Sage model differentiates the firm through a network of current CEOs and serial founders who combine fund-level carry with deep operational engagement. Rather than passive board observers, Sages actively mentor portfolio founders, sit on company boards, facilitate introductions, and sometimes serve in interim leadership roles during critical transitions. This approach leverages Sages' real-time operating experience, domain expertise, and networks to accelerate portfolio company growth and raise follow-on capital.

Investment focus

The Defy Sage program aims to leverage the expertise and networks of accomplished CEOs and entrepreneurs to accelerate the growth of portfolio companies. By actively engaging in mentorship and operational roles, Sages help bridge the gap between founders and institutional capital, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of peer learning and executive access.

Program details

Designed for Founders, Investors. The program is hybrid. Participation is generally unknown.

Who it is for

  • Current CEO or serial founder track record
  • Demonstrated operational expertise and success
  • Network depth within relevant industries
  • Willingness to deeply engage with portfolio companies
  • Interest in venture capital and ecosystem development

Check if you are eligible

Check your eligibility for DEFY VC Sage Program

Admissions and application

Eligibility criteria include being a current CEO or having a serial founder track record, demonstrated operational expertise, and a willingness to engage deeply with portfolio companies.

Benefits

  • Fund-level carry and economic participation
  • Hands-on involvement with promising portfolio companies
  • Access to Defy's portfolio and co-investment opportunities
  • Peer network with other accomplished operators
  • Board membership and advisory roles
  • Opportunity to mentor next-generation founders

What came of it

Portfolio companies have benefited from Sage mentorship and achieved significant follow-on funding rounds, with the Sage network bringing hundreds of millions in follow-on capital to these 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

    This one invites people; you cannot apply cold. The way in is work the program can already point to, and the people its own pages name.

What it pays

Sages receive fund-level carry, allowing them to participate economically in the success of the portfolio companies they mentor.

Questions about this program

Who has historically been described as a Defy Sage?

Defy’s historical descriptions identify repeat operators, seed investors, and current CEOs; a 2021 release described each Sage as a current CEO. These are past participant profiles, not a current published eligibility rule.

Is the Sage program currently accepting applications?

Current recruitment availability is unresolved. Defy’s team page showed a Sages section when inspected on October 2, 2026, but its general contact page is not identified as a Sage application.

What does participation involve?

Historical descriptions include sharing operating experience, domain expertise, and networks; mentoring founders, serving on portfolio company boards, and working on investment opportunities are also described Sage activities.

Does the program offer carry?

A 2019 TechCrunch report attributed to Defy’s Neil Sequeira a description of fund-level carry and carry in individual companies where a Sage is involved. Current terms and amounts are not established by the available evidence.

About defy.vc

defy.vc

Venture Capital

Early Stage Venture Capital to Defy Expectations.

Lists that include this program

From public sources

What the sources say about DEFY VC Sage Program

Similar programs

All programs
General Catalyst VC Fellowship logoFellowship

General Catalyst VC Fellowship

Paused

General Catalyst

Hands-on venture capital experience for aspiring professionals.

Location
San Francisco, CA, United States
Format
Hybrid
Terms
Salary

Superscout Pro

Find faster. Show up verified. Keep your deals private.

$99a year, or $12 a month
Get Pro
  • Search that narrowsInvestors, programs, accelerators, incubators and studios, by stage, sector and place.
  • A verified profileThe people you reach know you are who you say you are.
  • A private deal vaultThe startups you are watching, with your notes and your reasons. Nobody else's eyes.

Is this page right?Reviewed · How the research works

Something's off