Kauffman Fellows
Fellowship
Discover how to join
Kauffman Fellows
including requirements, application process, and compensation and explore other programs to join!
Fellowship
Founded in 1995 within the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Kauffman Fellows Program pioneered the idea that venture investing can be taught through a structured mix of self‑reflection, peer learning and real–world practice. Each two‑year cohort ( “Class”) enrols 65‑70 investors drawn from venture funds, corporate VC arms, family offices and emerging‑manager GPs around the world. Fellows remain full‑time at their firms but devote ~15 hours per month to the curriculum, which combines six multi‑day in‑person summits on three continents with bi‑weekly virtual salons and small‑group coaching .
The learning arc begins with a deep dive into personal leadership style and EQ, then moves through fund construction, portfolio strategy, governance, term‑sheet mechanics, LP relations and firm scaling. Content is taught by veteran VCs, Nobel‑winning academics and invited founders who have built $10 B+ companies. Every fellow completes a capstone project—often a new fund thesis, internal playbook or sector deep‑dive—that is peer‑reviewed and archived for future classes .
Kauffman’s network effects are its crown jewel. Class 30 (2024‑26) spans 66 investors from 20 countries and six continents, illustrating the program’s increasingly global reach . Across all classes the fellowship now counts 900 alumni who collectively manage more than $1 trillion in AUM and have backed 1 500+ unicorns . The organisation convenes regional Summits—New York, Nairobi, Dubai, São Paulo—to keep knowledge flowing and to surface local founders to the global capital pool .
Unlike many “VC schools,” Kauffman Fellows is tuition‑funded: the current fee is $80 000 over two years, typically paid by the fellow’s firm or sponsors . Need‑based scholarships and diversity grants offset cost for under‑represented investors and emerging managers. Graduates earn lifetime access to the KF network, job board, LP round‑tables and confidential “Capital Calls” where fellows syndicate deals.
Join the Superscout community!
🌍 Meet other scouts globally.
👀 Get first dibs on new scout programs and VC openings.
✨ Get feedback and investor recommendations for your deal memos.
✌️ Learn and grow together as a community!
Applications run on a rolling basis; most candidates apply 6‑9 months before the July kickoff of each class. The process has three stages: a written form capturing deal track‑record, references and motivations; a 45‑minute interview with two alumni; and a partner‑level panel that calibrates cohort diversity across geography, background and asset‑class focus. Historical acceptance rates hover around 6–8 percent, making Kauffman one of the most selective leadership programs in venture.
Kauffman Fellows does not provide stipends, salary or carry. Participants (or their employers) pay the $80 k tuition, which covers summits, faculty, coaching and lifelong network membership. Scholarships from the KF Fund and corporate partners (e.g., Qualcomm Ventures, Microsoft M12) can reduce tuition by up to 50 percent for fellows who broaden cohort diversity.
Total tuition is $80 000 for the two‑year cycle. Payment is split across four installments; early‑payment and scholarship discounts are available. Travel and lodging for summits add an estimated $12 k, though virtual attendance is possible when visas or budgets constrain travel.
A new class kicks off each July.
Axios — “Kauffman Fellows names new CEO; tuition now $80 k”
Forbes — “Inside the Global VC Club Grooming the Next Generation of Investors” (Jan 2024)
TechCrunch — “Kauffman Fellows brings 300 investors to Nairobi for first Africa summit” (Sep 2023)
VentureBeat — “How Kauffman Fellows alumni are shaping AI investing” (Jun 2024)
What is the program length?
Two years, structured around six multi‑day summits and ongoing virtual sessions.
How much does it cost?
$80 000 tuition plus optional travel; scholarships are available.
Is it full‑time?
No. Fellows stay in their roles and dedicate ~15 hours per month.
Do I need to be a GP?
No; associates through junior partners and corporate VC principals are welcome.
Are international applicants eligible?
Yes—recent classes span 65 countries.
Does the program guarantee job placement?
No, but 85 percent of alumni report a promotion or new fund launch within two years.
Can I attend summits virtually?
Yes, hybrid options exist for visa or budget constraints.
What is the acceptance rate?
Roughly 6–8 percent.
Do fellows receive carry on KF investments?
No; the fellowship is strictly educational and network‑based.
How do I apply?
Submit the online form; interviews are scheduled within two weeks of submission.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.
