GoAhead Ventures positions its Scout initiative as the “front door” for students and recent graduates who want to break into venture capital without waiting for a warm intro or formal résumé screen. Any motivated individual can apply through a short Google Form and, if accepted, is onboarded as a volunteer deal‑finder. Scouts surface startups from their personal networks and the wider tech ecosystem, then pass leads straight to GoAhead’s three managing partners. The fund’s trademark video‑pitch funnel means every qualified referral is reviewed within three days and can progress from partner call to term sheet in under a week, giving scouts a rapid feedback loop on the calibre of companies they flag.  

Instead of classroom sessions, learning happens by shadowing the full investment process: screening, partner debate, diligence and post‑investor support. Weekly virtual office hours with the partners and ad‑hoc peer meet‑ups provide additional mentorship. GoAhead emphasises that the program is “volunteer‑based”—there are no cash or carry payouts—but top performers are shortlisted for the firm’s more selective Venture Partner track, a paid role that includes economics on future deals.  

Because GoAhead invests across all sectors and geographies, scouts are free to pursue any thesis from AI tooling to climate to fintech. The firm’s “people over business plans” mantra encourages referrals even at conception stage, as long as the founders exhibit grit and insight.    GoAhead’s fast‑turnaround reputation—averaging one offer per week and wiring funds within 24 hours of acceptance—gives scouts a realistic shot at seeing their leads funded quickly, bolstering their credibility with entrepreneurs.  

GoAhead Ventures is a Silicon Valley-based early-stage venture capital firm. They are seeking ways to innovate and break the Venture Capital mold. They consider themselves a people-first fund, thus we want to travel widely and meet exceptional founders from all around the world. Every proposal is reviewed by all three of their managing partners, and following a partner pitch, they offer founders a decision the next day. They've started deploying from their new fund, and are currently leading about 40 projects every year.

Do scouts get paid?

No—this is a volunteer program with no cash or carry compensation.  

How long is the commitment?

Flexible; scouts can participate indefinitely as long as they remain active.  

Is there a minimum deal quota?

No formal quota, but active scouts typically aim for at least one qualified referral per quarter.  

What sectors can I scout?

All—GoAhead invests across every technology vertical and geography.  

Can non‑students apply?

Yes, but priority is given to current students and recent grads.  

Will GoAhead share feedback on declined leads?

Yes, partners provide brief notes so scouts can refine future referrals.  

Does GoAhead reimburse travel to events?

Occasionally; virtual participation is the norm, with limited stipends for major gatherings.  

Can scouts co‑invest personally?

Only with explicit approval from GoAhead and the startup.  

What GDPR/NDAs apply?

Scouts sign a confidentiality clause covering all deal information.  

How fast will my referral be evaluated?

Initial screening happens within 72 hours; final funding decisions can occur in under a week.  

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