Menlo Ventures Fellowship

The Menlo Fellowship is a 12-month flexible program designed for business and technical leaders seeking to launch new companies. Operated by Menlo Ventures, a prominent Silicon Valley venture capital firm, the fellowship creates a private community of experienced entrepreneurs and operators exploring startup opportunities with no requirement to quit existing employment. The program aims to give founders the confidence and resources to take crucial first steps toward company formation through community, mentorship, and structured support—without requiring immediate full-time commitment.

The Menlo Fellowship aims to empower experienced professionals to transition into entrepreneurship by providing a supportive community, mentorship, and resources. It targets individuals with a strong track record in business or technical fields who aspire to launch new ventures while maintaining their current employment.

Interested entrepreneurs should follow Menlo Ventures on LinkedIn and social media for application announcements, check Menlo's website for current opportunities, network in the Silicon Valley startup community, and prepare an executive summary of their business idea or founder background for application.

Ideal candidates are experienced professionals with proven execution track records, individuals with an entrepreneurial itch and aspiration to start companies, leaders seeking a flexible transition from operations to entrepreneurship, and people seeking co-founder partners and peer community.

Applications are periodically opened, and Menlo announces application windows through LinkedIn and community channels. Candidates should prepare an executive summary of their business idea or founder background for application.

Members gain access to a founder network of experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders, co-founder identification opportunities, talent and team building connections, accountability and support from entrepreneurial peers, and leverage of peer expertise across industries and operational domains.

The fellowship lasts up to 12 months, with flexible participation allowing members to explore entrepreneurship without contractual obligations.

Menlo tracks fellowship outcomes including companies launched during or post-fellowship, follow-on funding raised, and product-market fit achieved. Previous cohorts have produced venture-backed companies and founders securing significant funding rounds.