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On Deck VC Fellowship

Fellowship

Discover how to join
On Deck VC Fellowship
including requirements, application process, and compensation and explore other programs to join!

Overview

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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Admissions

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.

Price

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.

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Compensation

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.

Overview

Timeline

Fellows follow a consistent arc.

  • Week 1 – Orientation and VC fundamentals
  • Weeks 2‑4 – Sourcing frameworks and market‑mapping labs
  • Week 5 – Mid‑cohort investment committee simulation
  • Weeks 6‑8 – Term‑sheet deep dives and portfolio‑support playbooks
  • Week 9 – LP relations and fund‑raising workshops
  • Week 10 – Capstone memo presentations and graduation

Media

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.

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