On Deck VC Fellowship
Fellowship
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On Deck VC Fellowship
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Fellowship
The On Deck VC Fellowship (ODV) is a cohort‑based, part‑time program that teaches the craft of venture capital while embedding participants in an active community of peers and mentors. Founded in 2020, the fellowship has graduated more than a thousand aspiring and early‑career investors across six continents.
Each cohort spans ten weeks and mixes live masterclasses, small‑group deal labs and fireside chats with leading general partners. The curriculum moves from fund mechanics and LP relations to sourcing, diligence, term‑sheet negotiation and portfolio support, with special breakouts on emerging‑manager fundraising and solo‑GP strategy. Participants complete two core assignments: a market thesis memo and an investment committee simulation based on a live startup.
Programming is delivered entirely online through Zoom, Circle and a dedicated Slack workspace, letting fellows join from any time zone. Fellows spend roughly five hours per week across sessions, peer syndicate meetings and optional office hours. After graduation they receive lifetime access to the On Deck Investor community, which hosts weekly deal‑sharing calls, a private job board and regional meet‑ups.
ODV emphasises diversity. At least 25 percent of seats in every cohort are reserved for women, non‑binary or under‑represented minorities, supported by need‑based tuition scholarships funded by corporate partners and alumni donors.
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Applications open three times per year and stay live for roughly six weeks. Candidates answer questions on investing experience, sector focus and community values, then record a two‑minute Loom introducing themselves. Short‑listed applicants interview with an alumnus before final admission decisions. Cohorts are capped at 120 seats and acceptance rates hover near 8 percent.
The fellowship offers no salary or carry. Value comes from curriculum, network access and post‑program deal‑sharing that can lead to carry‑sharing or scout cheques negotiated directly with partner funds.
Standard tuition is 2 990 USD, discounted to 2 390 USD for early‑bird admits. Need‑based scholarships cover up to 80 percent of the fee for under‑represented applicants. Tuition covers all live sessions, community platform access and post‑program membership.
Fellows follow a consistent arc.
Fellows commit about five hours weekly for ten weeks. A typical week includes a 90‑minute masterclass, a 60‑minute small‑group deal lab, asynchronous readings and optional office hours with program staff or mentor GPs.
The entire fellowship runs online. Optional in‑person dinners are organised by local alumni chapters in major tech hubs.
TechCrunch called On Deck “an essential talent engine for the emerging‑manager boom.” Forbes profiled the VC Fellowship as “an MBA‑lite for tomorrow’s fund managers.” Fast Company highlighted On Deck’s scholarship program as a model for widening access to venture education.
How long is the fellowship?
Ten weeks with about five hours of weekly engagement.
Is the program live or async?
Core sessions are live on Zoom and recorded for later viewing.
Do I need VC experience?
No, but you should demonstrate strong startup exposure or angel activity.
What is the tuition?
2 990 USD standard, 2 390 USD early‑bird, with scholarships for under‑represented talent.
Does On Deck take equity?
No equity is exchanged; tuition funds program operations.
Can I defer admission?
Yes—accepted candidates may defer to the next cohort once.
What tools are provided?
Fellows receive complimentary PitchBook snapshots, Carta cap‑table templates and access to On Deck’s internal deal‑tracking Airtable.
Will I get a job after the program?
Job placement is not guaranteed, but On Deck shares open roles and LP introductions.
Is the fellowship global?
Yes—sessions are scheduled to accommodate Americas, EMEA and APAC time zones.
How large is each cohort?
Cohorts are capped at about 120 fellows to maintain small‑group learning.
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