Fellowship
Gold House Ventures, the venture arm of non‑profit collective Gold House, created the Founder Fellowship to accelerate the next generation of high‑growth, community‑minded companies led by Asian Pacific Islander (API) and allied founders. Running twice each year in 14‑week cohorts, the fellowship combines world‑class instruction with tactical support and direct capital access.
Participants meet weekly—virtually and at pop‑up sessions in New York City—for small‑group masterclasses taught by operators from category‑defining firms such as Coinbase, DoorDash, and Figma. Topics span founder psychology, go‑to‑market sequencing, fundraising mechanics, and inclusive leadership. Fellows also receive 1‑on‑1 mentorship from Gold House Ventures’ investment partners and portfolio CEOs while tapping a curated bench of subject‑matter experts in brand, product, and growth.
The fellowship’s signature perk is its up‑to $250 000 investment commitment: every company that completes the program is eligible for an optional term‑sheet from the Gold House Ventures Fund or its co‑investors. Beyond capital, fellows gain lifetime access to Gold House’s cross‑industry ecosystem—Hollywood creators, Fortune 500 executives, and the 2 000‑member Gold House founder community—unlocking unique storytelling and distribution advantages.
Now entering its fourth year, the fellowship has propelled alumni such as fintech platform Slope, women’s health startup Elix, and AI company Tome toward follow‑on rounds led by top‑tier venture firms. Graduates collectively employ more than 1 500 people and have raised over USD 400 million in subsequent funding.
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Applications open twice yearly (February 1 and August 1). Candidates submit a short form, 90‑second product video, and data room link. Short‑listed founders interview with two prior fellows and an investing partner before final cohort selection; acceptance rates hover near 6 percent.
The fellowship itself is tuition‑free and non‑dilutive. Upon graduation, eligible companies may accept an optional SAFE investment of up to USD 250 000 from Gold House Ventures; standard YC‑safe terms with a founder‑friendly discount and no board seat.
There are no program fees. Gold House covers all educational content, mentor honoraria, and NYC session costs; founders only fund travel if they choose in‑person attendance (need‑based travel grants available).
The fellowship tracks a consistent 14‑week arc.
Founders allocate 4–6 hours per week: a two‑hour masterclass, mentor office hours, and curated peer‑group sessions. All live content is recorded for asynchronous review.
Core workshops and mentorship are delivered live on Zoom; two optional in‑person weekends (kick‑off and capstone) are hosted at partner coworking spaces in New York City, with travel stipends for founders based outside the metro area.
How long is the program?
Fourteen weeks of structured content plus optional lifetime community engagement.
Is the investment guaranteed?
Every graduate receives an optional term‑sheet; founders choose whether to accept.
Do I need to be in New York?
No. The fellowship is hybrid; travel to NYC sessions is encouraged but not mandatory.
What stage companies qualify?
Pre‑seed or seed with at least a functional prototype or initial traction.
Is equity taken up front?
No equity unless you accept the optional SAFE investment at graduation.
How many founders are selected?
Roughly 20 companies per cohort to maintain high‑touch mentorship.
Are solo founders eligible?
Yes, though the selection team looks for demonstrated execution capacity.
What industries do you focus on?
Sector‑agnostic but strong in fintech, consumer, AI, and cultural media.
Does Gold House help with press?
Yes—fellows tap Gold House Media Collective for story development and introductions.
When is the next deadline?
Applications for the Fall 2025 cohort open August 1 2025.
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